Money Re-Invested From Criminals Helps Penrith Air Cadets to Take Flight

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Peter McCall will control radio communications and ‘take off’ in the new Flight Simulator at the Cadets Centre, Penrith on 20 January 7.30pm thanks to funding from the Property Fund.

Recently, the Commissioner has awarded £61, 930 to local community groups from the Community Fund and Property Fund, aimed at supporting projects in local areas. The public are invited to apply for up to £10,000 from the Community Fund and £2,500 from the Property Fund to help support projects that engage in community initiatives and interventions to reduce crime.

Cumbria’s Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall comments: “I am pleased that we’ve been able to provide funding through the Property Fund which re-invests money seized from criminals.  We are able to channel some of this cash back into the community to help  provide opportunities and support for local groups, charities and voluntary groups.

“The Property Fund, together with support from other donors, will help to provide the cadets at Penrith 1247 Squadron with the opportunity to ‘fly’ using the simulator. This is such a valuable experience for the cadets prior to them going on actual training flights.

“Carlisle, Appleby and Whitehaven Air Cadets will also benefit from the use of the flight simulator and this state of the art equipment will hopefully encourage more young people to attend and join in with the various activities taking place at Air Cadets across the county.

“It is so important that our young people get the opportunity to broaden their horizons, explore new skills and develop their own confidence, which helps them to develop and take control of their own future.  It also helps those who might be tempted into anti-social and even criminal behavior, to choose the right course. 

“All of our uniformed (and others) youth organisations are extremely good at this.  They help develop teamwork, a sense of belonging and a culture of learning and self-confidence as well as real practical skills and experience, I’m sure this simulator will help to achieve these aims.

Colin Davies, Chair of Civcom for Penrith Air Cadets comments: “The Staff and Cadets of 1247 Squadron at Penrith are absolutely delighted with the support they have received from The Police and Crime Commissioner and other sponsors to purchase a purpose built Flight Simulator. It provides a great opportunity for Cadets to understand the principles of flight and aviation prior to experiencing real flights with the RAF.

“We are at present able to welcome more young people to join the squadron and details can be found at http://www.penrithaircadets.co.uk/. “