Area news: Spring 2026

Find out what cadets have been doing across the country, including two New Year Honours for volunteers and a unit’s fundraising success for new equipment. Share news from your area by emailing SCmag@ms-sc.org

Northern

Fraserburgh Unit had a fantastic end to 2025, with local communities showing incredible support for their Santa Sleigh Tour. With a sleigh donated by the Rotary Club of Edinburgh, cadets and volunteers brought festive cheer to dozens of neighbourhoods. By raising awareness of the unit’s work, the tour inspired residents to show amazing generosity – with over £5,200 donated to create more opportunities for young people. There was yet more good news at their 2025 Annual Awards Ceremony, where the special guest – Fraserburgh Harbour Master, Captain Shane Wood – was announced as the unit’s new Honorary President.

North West

We congratulated Sefton Unit’s Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr (SCC) Fay Taylor RNR, on her award of an MBE in The King’s New Year Honours. The MBE recognises over 30 years of her voluntary service as a driving force behind Sefton Sea Cadets, which overcame pandemic and flooding challenges to win the Stephenson Trophy for best unit in North West Area in 2022 and 2023. At a national level, Fay has helped lead the growth of the charity’s Royal Marines Cadets section and spent 22 successful years as Executive Officer for the National Trafalgar Day Parade.

Sefton Unit’s Commanding Officer Fay Taylor MBE post-nominal

South West

BZ to the enterprising Birmingham Vernon Unit cadets who showed great initiative in raising over £800 for new equipment in November. The team of royal marines cadets challenged themselves to a sponsored walk over the Malvern Hills – impressing volunteers with their professionalism and maturity. New webbing and day sacks have been bought, meaning more cadets can take part in outdoor activities and adventure training. BZ also to Birmingham Sherbourne’s Able Cadet Luke, who was presented with his pace stick and whistle in December on becoming the youngest Cadet Drill Instructor in South West Area!

Eastern

Market Harborough Unit enjoyed an early Christmas present when their Senior Boys and Juniors teams both won their tournaments at the West District five-a-side football competition. Every cadet – including a junior from Hinckley Unit who kindly helped out – represented TS Fernie with pride. At the start of 2026 the unit earnt its second successive Captain’s Commendation (a rare honour) from the outgoing Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Neil Downing RN. Despite relocating during the year, the unit were judged to have delivered an outstanding performance in terms of boating hours, qualifications, standards of drill and community engagement.

London

The New Year Honours also brought news of a British Empire Medal (BEM) for CPO (SCC) Chris Gunton of our Greenwich Unit. A volunteer since 2012, Chris has supported countless opportunities for young people. The skills and experience gained during his Royal Navy career have helped the unit to make a leading contribution to the London Area Coronation Parade in 2023 and achieve a Burgee Award for excellence in 2024. Chris has also been instrumental in creating a parent and supporters group, refurbishing the premises, securing a boating hub and setting up a Royal Marines Cadets detachment.

Greenwich Unit’s Chief Petty Officer Chris Gunton BEM post-nominal

Southern

A German State Visit in December saw two Southern Area volunteers join Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla at a showcase for volunteering at Windsor Castle. S/Lt (SCC) Fliss Rundle RNR, Officer in Charge of Bognor Regis Unit, and S/Lt (SCC) Jordyn Bond RNR, Commanding Officer of Salisbury Unit, were excellent ambassadors for the Sea Cadet Corps. The event was attended by the President of Germany, who has been inspired to launch a German version of The Big Help Out initiative, which has helped many Sea Cadets units attract new volunteers.