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The Thrower family name in Hull is synonymous with Air Cadet Training in Hull. Mandy's family members have been immersed in the activities of the 152 City of Hull Squadron ATC squadron and Mandy has become part of the fabric of the squadron as a commissioned officer and adjutant. As adjutant, Mandy is responsible for dealing with much of the administration of the squadron under the command of Flight
Lieutenant Dave Waters.

As her first job Mandy spent nine years in the banking world but after the birth of her first child she left that career and took up a number of unrewarding part-time jobs. Having decided to do something more with her life, she went to university with a view to becoming a nurse which she did and is now a senior nurse in the accident and emergency department of Hull Royal infirmary. A job which is both demanding and yet rewarding. Mandy comments during her interview on how much the role has changed over the years and how nurses have much more responsibility than ever before, often taking on some of the duties previously the preserve ofΜύ junior doctors.

Six years ago Mandy's son joined the Air Training Cadets and she was encouraged to go along and become a member of the committee. Shortly after she became a CI (civilian instructor) teaching first aid skills but decided to follow the path of becoming a commissioned officer. An ambition which was realised in June of 2007.

The picture on this page is of the squadron of young people at the Great Elvington Air Show in 2007 standing in front of a Victor, which is known as 'The Rolling Thunder'. Although incapable of flight the aircraft does move along the runway under its own power and provides quite a display for crowds as it deploys its parachutes at the end of the runway. The cadets are involved in the upkeep and maintenance of the aircraft.

Mandy says that young people who join the squadron enjoy the regimentation, discipline and fun that it provides. Youngsters are encouraged to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh award schemes, they're encouraged to study for technical qualifications that can help them gain relevant posts in the country's armed forces should they so wish.

The cadets who can join from the age of thirteen, have opportunities to travel, learn new skills at training bases and camps. They're encouraged to fund raise and Mandy says it's very important that no matter the background of cadets they are all afforded the opportunity to take advantage of what the squadron has to offer.

Mandy says her life is spent wearing uniform. After a twelve hour shift at the hospital, she swaps her nurses uniform for that of a commissioned officer and will go straight out to be with the squadron as working with young people offers great rewards for the trainers and their trainees.