Mark, who has two Air Training Corps (ATC) Squadrons in his constituency, 1474 Squadron (Wickford) and 1476 Squadron (Rayleigh), is a keen supporter of the work of the Air Cadets. As such he was delighted to attend the presentation, along with Ford British Trust representative, Stephen Buttifant, Flight Lieutenant Martin Worrall and members of the Rayleigh Air Cadets to mark the £400 donation to the 1476 Squadron, which was subsequently spent on a generator and gazebo to be used for events and shows held by the Cadets.
The Essex Air Training Corps are part of the RAF’s cadet force, who nationally have over 40,000 members aged between 13 and 20 years and who are divided into six regions, 36 wings and more than 900 squadrons across the UK. The aim of the Air Cadets is to promote and encourage among young people a practical interest in aviation and the Royal Air Force, as well as to provide training which will be useful in the Services, as well as civilian life.
Commenting on the event, Mark Francois said:
“I was delighted to be invited to the presentation evening for the Rayleigh Air Training Corps to celebrate the donation by Ford. I am a great supporter of the Air Cadets and their work with young adults, which encourages young people from different backgrounds to come together, improve teamwork and leadership skills, as well as building personal confidence, all of which will stand them in good stead for the future. I am always impressed by the cadets, who appear to be a highly dedicated and motivated group of young people, and this occasion was no exception.”