A lot can change in four decades.

Forty years ago Air Training Corps (Air Cadets) No. 50 (Alexandra) Squadron completed all paperwork on carbon paper - in triplicate and by hand - and it was sent by post to headquarters in Wellington. 

Today everything is digital, standardised and compliance mandatory for documentation and there is no discrepancy between different air cadets units.

“Back then each unit was individual to a certain extent, in how they did things,” unit commander squadron leader Jill Checketts said.

Another change was females being able to join the air cadets - that happened in 1984.

50 Squadron has seven girls, in line with the national figure of 25 per cent female.

“Training is not gender specific . . . not every male wants to go flying and camping. We accommodate those who want to, regardless [of gender],” Jill said.

A photo from the early days of 50 Squadron. Pictured in the middle is Jim Ovenhill. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

When Jill first joined the Air Training Corps they had to fundraise to cover the cost of uniforms. 

Nowadays all uniforms are paid for by the New Zealand Defence Force. 

“Fundraising is still a big thing, and we are so thankful for our fantastic parent support committee.”

Jill instigated a policy to ensure no cadets missed out on flying opportunities, so the squadron fundraised to get every one of its cadets to the annual November flying camp.

The place the squadron has called home has also changed over the years. 

Initially they used the Alexandra Army Hall at the corner of Ngapara and Chicago Streets, then a coal bunker at Hinton Estate for six months, before settling into the Clyde Memorial Hall in 1999.

“We’re lucky as we can go up to the flying club at Alexandra Airport if we need to,” Jill said. 

50 Squadron today. PHOTO: SUPPLIED

Technology has enabled communication and engagement during challenging times with cadets.

“When Covid-19 hit, we kept in contact with Zoom and kept everyone engaged through that time. We didn’t lose anyone.”

Jill joined as an officer in 1997 and has been unit commander squadron leader since 2000. 

Jill’s brother Russell Anderson, presented her with her Clasp to the Cadet Forces Medal in July 2018 recognising her 20 years of service to the air cadets. PHOTO: Supplied 

She said it had been a privilege to be able to be a part of the lives of Central Lakes young people and help them on their life journeys for the past 27 years.

Cadets travel weekly - and occasionally during weekends - from Hawea, Wānaka, Queenstown, Cromwell and Alexandra to the unit base in Clyde, to train in aviation, bushcraft, navigation, first aid, target shooting, and citizenship training.

Jill said there were many opportunities for cadets, including leadership training funded by the New Zealand Defence Force, trips to Burnham military camp and even participating in a drone operators course.

“We [have] a survival camp in the middle of winter, they build a shelter and have a 24 hour ration pack.”

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No. 50 Squadron’s 40 year anniversary is next month, coinciding with the 160th anniversary of the Cadet Forces in New Zealand.

Both significant occasions, and Remembrance Day, will be commemorated at a series of ticketed events during the weekend of November 8-10. 

The weekend consists of an informal meet and greet at Clyde Hall on Friday, November 8, with a formal dinner and dance (restricted to people aged 13 and over) with country singer Jody Direen on the Saturday night.

The weekend wraps up with a Remembrance Service and barbecue lunch on November 10.

For more information email [email protected]