Sixteen young army cadets and their four adult instructors have just taken up residence in a new detachment building at Dogsthorpe in Peterborough.

The re-opening of Peterborough’s 'Talavera' Detachment of Cambridgeshire Army Cadet Force took place on Wednesday 8th April 2009 at the community centre in Bluebell Avenue, when Cambridgeshire’s Cadet Commandant, Colonel Roger Herriot officially declared the detachment open and presented a brand new standard emblazoned with the Army Cadet Force logo to mark the occasion. The cadets’ new home is a modern local resource centre which already offers activities during the week to local residents including craft and needlework, bingo, and indoor bowls. Present to welcome the cadets were Michael Wright and Joan Bains, Chairman and Secretary of the Over 60’s club. “We are delighted to have these young people at the centre to carry on their cadet training”, said Joan. “They will be very welcome each Wednesday and will be a welcome addition to the range of interests taking place here.”

Colonel Herriot inspects the cadets

The cadets had been at the Charteris Centre in Redmile Walk since 1996, but unfortunately the Elliot buildings – originally provided by grants from Peterborough City Council - had to be protected over the years by fencing and barred windows to deter escalating vandalism and anti social behaviour. Regular damage occurred leading to police attendance on several occasions.

For the past six years local cadet commander, Major Tom Denton from Whittlesey, has been pushing to re-house the detachment so that the young people can parade and socialise without the nuisance of interference from anti-social behaviour. “We are delighted that a new home has been found at the Bluebell Avenue Community Centre”, he said. “The cadets and their adult instructors will now be able to train and take part in the community free from the distraction from others unwilling to do something constructive with their lives”.

Detachment commander for the past 3 years, Steve Downing (47), was promoted to Staff Sergeant Instructor on the same evening and is very pleased to be offering an essential service to youth in the city. In his working life he is a mechanic with Cambridgeshire Fire & Rescue Service and said at the event, “We welcome any young people aged 12 to 18 who wish to take part in challenging and exciting activities”, he said. “We also have places for adult helpers too, so no one needs to be left out”

What a team!  -  Members of Talavera Detachment