Hitchin MP Bim Afolami got to grips to a flight simulator when he dropped in to visit the town’s Air and Sea Cadet units.
Mr Afolami visited the Cadets on a drill night and enjoyed a first aid demonstration, a flag-raising ceremony and more before answering a series of questions from the youngsters.
He missed out on meeting the town’s Army Cadets, who share the base off Bedford Road, as they had gone out on an excursion.
Addressing the teenagers and their instructors in the Sea Cadets’ building, the inside of which resembles a ship, Mr Afolami said he was greatly impressed with what he had seen.
“You guys don’t realise how much you learn,” he said.
“You’re very lucky. You’ll get to a certain age and realise how far ahead you are of your peers.”
The 32-year-old MP said he had become aware of Hitchin’s Cadets when he saw some of them in the town’s Waitrose supermarket, and now hoped to lend his support.
“Hopefully I can be a help for you guys and be a part of it, because I think this is really important,” he said.
“Life is about people getting together and doing enjoyable things, and it’s so important Hitchin keeps things like the Cadets. The things you get out of it will stay with you your whole lives, and that’s great.”
The Cadets are set to play a big role in Hitchin’s Armistice Day service this November 11, which will be held in the morning to mark exactly a century since the end of the First World War – with a 10am parade and the Last Post at the poignant hour of 11am.
Mr Afolami’s visit was well received by the Cadets and staff.
“It was good to give the Cadets the chance to introduce their local MP to the world of the Cadet forces,” said Air Cadet warrant officer Simon Raven.
Sea Cadet petty officer Kyran Tibbles said: “The cadets were pleased to be able to show off their knowledge, and to receive positive feedback on how smart and professional they are – also, to see what a positive impact we are having on the local youth.”
Air Cadet James Colville, 15 – who guided Mr Afolami through his simulated ascent and landing – said: “I really enjoyed showing Bim how the flight simulator worked, and he is welcome to come back for more practice.”
To find out more about the Cadet forces in Hitchin, call the Air Cadets on 01462 450785, the Sea Cadets on 01462 440027 or the Army Cadet unit on 01462 422840.
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