Schools and seniors set to get sneak peek

Kent will battle the Germans all over again when Headcorn Aerodrome hosts the two-day Aero Legends Battle of Britain Air Show on Saturday, June 30, and Sunday, July 1.

But some lucky people will be able to get a free sneak preview the day before - Friday, June 29.

Aero Legends and the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum at Headcorn are hosting a schools and seniors day, giving visitors the chance to view the aircraft on the ground and chat to the pilots.

Activities will include a tour of the Lashenden Air Warfare Museum and airfield. They will also have the chance to get up close to the iconic Aero Legends Supermarine Spitfires on the ground as well as watch them in the air. There will also be re-enactors on have to relive what life was like.

Young visitors will be given a kit to make their own model Spitfire at the event and because of National Lottery backing, transport will be provided to schools who cannot afford travel costs.

The aim of the event is to bring the community together and to create a lasting memory of the aircraft and people involved.

Tckets for the main show, which will feature 1940s performers, Spitfires and Hurricanes from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a funfair, air displays and flights, are now on sale. This year is the 78th anniversary of the Battle of Britain and the 100th since the RAF was formed. Prices start from £12 for one day, £15 for both, with concessions available.

Inquiries to 0845 652 6263. Kent Army Cadet Force (ACF) has a new commanding officer in charge of D Company.

He is Captain Ian Packer, from Maidstone, who now heads up the Boxley Road, Cranbrook, Ditton, Mascalls, Moncktons, Sevenoaks, Snodland, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells and Wrotham detachments.

This gives him supervision over 46 Cadet Force Adult Volunteers and 264 Cadets.

Captain Packer has previously served in the Army himself and been a police officer. He has been a member of Kent ACF for 12 years.

The 35-year-old is the father of four children, including one son who is a Cadet Lance Corporal at Ditton.

Captain Packer currently works as a compliance manager for Maidstone Borough Council where he is responsible for health and safety, environmental management and the vehicle workshops.

He said: “The Army Cadet Force has enabled me to expand my management skills both within and outside of the organisation as well as allowing me to provide great opportunities for young adults within society.

“I’ve seen shy young people join and blossom into confident young adults with leadership qualities and skills for life that they can then pass onto the younger cadets and also use in their personal and work lives.

“I have made many great friends for life through the ACF, the kind of friends that you can really rely on when you need them. I am really proud to be the Officer Commanding of my company.”

To find out more about Army Cadets visit www.kentarmycadets.com