Plans to provide a new cadet centre in the Island have received a boost thanks to generous support from the North West of England and Isle of Man Reserve Forces and Cadet Association (NW RFCA). Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK accepted two cheques totalling ?20,000 on Saturday (December 4) from Colonel Gerry Wells-Cole OBE DL, Chief Executive of NW RFCA. During his visit to the Island, Colonel Wells-Cole learned how the contribution will help to fund a replacement for the MacFadyen Cadet Centre at Tromode. The building has acted as a training facility for the Island’s thriving cadet scene in recent years, but has now reached the end of its useful life. The Department of Home Affairs, which provides annual funding to assist the running of the Island’s four cadet organisations, their buildings and vehicles, is currently progressing plans for a new purpose built facility. Mr Earnshaw said: ‘The Department is extremely grateful to NW RFCA and Colonel Wells-Cole for this welcome offer of support. The cadet movement in the Isle of Man provides excellent opportunities for our young people to take part in adventurous activities and develops powers of leadership, responsibility, self-reliance and resourcefulness. I’m sure that when the new centre is completed it will be put to good use for many years to come.’ More than 220 cadets and a number of volunteer officers are active in the Island’s cadet organisations – the Combined Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps, Army Cadet Force and Air Training Corps. The proposed new centre at Tromode will be available to all four organisations and will replace the existing facility – the former fire safety building originally gifted to the cadet forces by the then Chief Fire Officer Godfrey Cain. Colonel Wells-Cole, a former Royal Marine, said: ‘It is extremely encouraging to see such a strong and active cadet movement in the Isle of Man. The North West of England and Isle of Man Reserve Forces and Cadet Association is delighted to join forces with the Department of Home Affairs to fund the provision of a building that will be used by current and future generations of cadets in the Island.’ The cheque presentation was attended by officials and members of the Island’s cadet forces, together with Alan Crowe MLC, Member of the Department of Home Affairs, and Quintin Gill MHK, Tynwald’s representative to NW RFCA. Ends