Lord Lieutenant Paul Sabapathy opens new base for Birmingham air cadets

Oct 13 2008 Submitted by Mark Kenny

THE Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands and other important dignitaries officially opened the new home of the 2030 Squadron (Elmdon and Yardley) at Sheldon TA Centre in Birmingham.

Paul Sabapathy of the West Midlands inspected the cadets and said he was honoured to see the youngsters giving a good image to the youth of today.

After the formal inspection of the cadets, despite the wet weather he then officially opened The Robert Taylor Building.

Sir Robert Taylor, who died aged 75, masterminded the transformation in the 1980s of the regional airport at Elmdon into Birmingham International Airport.

Sir Robert served in the RAF as a pilot before electing, in 1973, to take early retirement. He was appointed director at Birmingham Airport in 1976, when its future was uncertain. He was in charge of the successful transfer of the terminal from Elmdon to the rapidly expanding site of today.

He was also 2030 SQN Squadron President.

Paul Sabapathy said: "He was honoured to open the building and extremely happy and proud that his predecessors name will live on at 2030 squadron.", a glass of wine or Champagne to truly celebrate the opening of the building. The Commanding Officer Flt Lt Mark Allwood said the night went fantastic and he thanked staff and cadets for the evening and gave special thanks to the dignitaries on the evening.