Air cadets flying high after donation from Persimmon Homes Suffolk

Our Suffolk business has donated £2,000 to air cadets in Thurston.

The 863 (Thurston) Squadron Air Training Corps, who meet within the grounds of Thurston Community College, applied for a Community Champions grant from Persimmon Homes Suffolk to help fund their work with young people from the village.

The uniformed youth group offers cadets the chance to learn camp skills, field craft, and rifle shooting, as well as giving them the opportunity to fly at local RAF bases.

The squadron also runs a successful Duke of Edinburgh Award unit for members, which fosters teamwork skills.

Open to young people aged from 12 to 20, the squadron currently has 60 cadets and meets twice weekly.

Flying Officer James Miles said: “Thank you to Persimmon for the funding, this will be used to pay for additional resources and activities including camps for our cadets.

“Many come to us as they have aspirations of joining the RAF, while for others this is a chance to learn new skills and gives them a focus outside of school.”

Ian Hamilton, Managing Director of Persimmon Homes Suffolk, handed over a cheque for £2,000 last week and said: “It is a pleasure to meet the cadets and see their enthusiasm for the squadron.

“At Persimmon Homes we want to build communities and we would encourage other local organisations to apply to the Community Champions scheme so we can continue to support good causes in Suffolk.”