THE Swanage Air Cadets unit closed earlier this month with demolition of the World War 1 hut which had been its home for nearly 20 years.

The 2185 (Swanage) DF unit was established on January 1, 2000 and is the latest of three Air Training Corps units, to be established in the town since 1941.

During the past 23 years, hundreds of young people have been members of 2185DF.

They have supported many local events, including providing radio communications to Swanage Folk Festival; parking over 2,500 cars on the overflow car park for the Carnival Procession; supporting the Poppy Appeal and Remembrance Parade.

The decision not to re-open 2185 (Swanage) DF was taken during the Covid pandemic.

Spokesperson Mary Brennan said: “At local level, we could not prevent this happening, so instead we looked at ways to make the opportunities offered by membership of the Air Cadets more widely available to all young people, by re-organising the unit currently meeting in Wareham, as 2185 (Isle of Purbeck) Sqn.

“The development of the Flight Simulator; the interactive media equipment and the new indoor range, are providing more opportunities.

“The group meet in St Martin’s Lane Wareham, on a Monday evening 7-9pm, for young people in school Year 8 up to age 20.

“If anyone is interested in joining the 2185 (Isle of Purbeck) Sqn, as either a cadet, or a member of staff, please contact the incoming OC of 2185 (Isle of Purbeck) Sqn at oc.2185@rafac.mod.gov.uk for further information.”