THE 372 (Barry) Squadron, Air Training Corps; recently experienced the thrills, fun and excitement of Dragon Boat Racing, swapping the air for the waves to raise money for children’s charity Bobath.

Bobath is a registered charity that provides specialist therapies to children throughout Wales who have cerebral palsy and they need to raise over £1million each year. At Bobath the charity focuses on the ability and not the disability of the child; providing life changing specialist therapies and equipment.

Dragon boat racing is just one of the many fundraising events which the air cadets have enjoyed participating in with Bobath during the year. The racing took place at Atlantic wharf in Cardiff against seven other teams. The air cadet team nicknamed “The Barry Flyers” comprised 10 paddlers and one drummer. The racing took place over one day with the cadets participating in three races over the 250 metre stretch of water. The three fastest teams went through to the Grand Final. Despite Ellie Poulakis banging the drum and shouting encouragement; the air cadets just missed out on the final by four seconds! But the cadets did come in a creditable fifth place improving their times with each race.

Cadet Alex Cheeseley said “although I got cold and wet, dragon boat racing was really funny. All the cadets were laughing at the end of each race. I can’t wait for next year’s event”.

Flight Lieutenant John Greenow, Chairman of 372 Squadron and a volunteer with Bobath said “yet again the cadets have worked hard and played hard during the day; the cadets had a great time and I am immensely proud of each and every cadet for their fundraising efforts”.

The cadets who participated were: Jon Spragg, Jake Paterson, Rachel Carbis, Thomas Browning, Dominic Bushell, Kieren Bushell, Alex Cheeseley, Rhys Lewis, Gethin Lodge, Ellie Poulakis and Zena Poulakis.

The Cadets now return to an action packed training programme of flying, gliding, shooting, team building exercises, sport, adventurous training, trips, airshows and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

If you have a spirit for adventure, 372 (Barry) Squadron has vacancies for boys and girls between 12-18 years old. The Squadron parade on Mondays and Wednesdays from 7 - 9.30pm, behind Adams Funeral Parlour or phone the Squadron on 01446 747734, email oc.372@aircadets.org or visit www.372squadron.org for more information about joining the Squadron.