ROMSEY Squadron Air Training Corps has relocated to a new building after its building lease with The Romsey School came to an end.

The Air Cadets have been using the facilities since the early 1960s when a Detached Flight of 424 (City of Southampton) Squadron was established.

Daily Echo: The Romsey Air Cadets at their last meeting at Romsey SchoolThe Romsey Air Cadets at their last meeting at Romsey School (Image: Romsey Air Cadets)This unit became part of 1105 (City of Winchester) Squadron in the late 1970s before regaining its own Squadron status in 1991 and resurrecting the 1391 number that the unit held when it was originally formed during the Second World War.

Shortly after the unit’s formation, the Ministry of Defence negotiated for a purpose-built Headquarters on the school site when the then Headmaster Dr Skinner, a former air cadet himself, backed the plan.

The squadron has now moved its meetings into the new Montfort Hall headquarters. The air cadets' old building has been turned over to The Romsey School, who will repurpose it in the coming months.

Daily Echo: Romsey Air CadetsRomsey Air Cadets (Image: Romsey Air Cadets)The Squadron Commander Flight Lieutenant Bertie Green said “It was disappointing to have to leave The Romsey school site because it gave us so many excellent facilities however, staying there was not possible. 

“We are now moving into Montfort Hall and all the staff and cadets are excited about the new opportunities this gives us.  We are able to refresh the way we do things and add some new activities.”

Since its founding, the Romsey Air Cadets have had hundreds of members, with local teenagers benefiting from its training programme which includes flying and gliding, STEM and aviation-related subjects as well as the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme and adventure training type activities including hiking, climbing and paddle sports.