OKEHAMPTON Air Cadets will hold a special open evening next month to welcome back former staff and cadets — and bid farewell to commanding officer Andy Oliver.

The squadron HQ is hosting the event on October 1 to reflect on the history of Okehampton 2443 squadron and celebrate its achievements.

The evening will also give the squadron a chance to say farewell to Andy Oliver, who is retiring from the air cadets on October 1 after almost 30 years of service.

‘2443 has been at the forefront of the community long before I took command in 2013 and I know from the many that I speak to that there are a lot of ex-cadets out there who got so much of enjoyment and were given a “stepping stone” from which to develop and flourish in later life,’ Andy said.

‘Some of my most recent shining examples are CWO Matt Stoner who left us this month to start his long period of training with Easyjet as a pilot and FS Alex Armstrong who this weekend achieved his Silver Gliding wings and went solo at just 17.’

Anyone wishing to attend is being asked to bring along any old photos and memorabilia to share — with a plan to make a copy for the 2443 squadron to keep for their records. In particular the squadron is interested in any previous award winners.

The event starts at 7pm.