Cadets from 1070(Diss) Squadron Air Training Corps turned out in force to pack bags for Diss shoppers on over the weekend and they raised a staggering £750 for their efforts!

TESCO’s very kindly agreed to allow the Diss air cadets to pack bags for their customers as they began stocking up early this year on their Christmas provisions.

No less than twenty cadets and three staff and member of the civilian committee turned up for duty on the Saturday morning before Remembrance, allowing a steady rotation of cadets to man the checkouts throughout the day.

The cadets immediately struck up an easy rapport with TESCO staff and shoppers, and they were treated to many stories from customers with previous experience in the Diss air cadets, with several shoppers turning out to be previous air cadets from both Diss and other squadron around the country!

The proceeds of the bag pack will allow the Squadron to purchase much needed equipment for the both the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and Fieldcraft. 

While the primary purpose was fund raising, the exercise also reinforced the Squadron’s bond with the local community, building on relationships formed while attending local parades and collecting for the Wings and Poppy appeals. Diss has an excellent community spirit, and 1070 Squadron is already well regarded within the town. 

Flight Lieutenant Emma Dixon, the commanding officer of 1070 Squadron said “The day exceeded my expectations, considering this was a relatively quiet shopping day. The fact that so many cadets and staff chose to give up their Saturday says a lot about their commitment to the Squadron, and it was good to receive so many compliments on their behalf. We are very grateful to TESCOs for making us feel so welcome, and for their kind comments about the cadets.

Diss Air Cadets parade every Tuesday and Thursday, at the Drill Hall, Sunnyside, Diss from 7pm till 9.30pm and welcomes all young people aged between 13 and 18 years. They are currently recruiting.