Area news autumn 2021

See what’s been happening across the UK. Share news from your area by emailing SCmag@ms-sc.org

Northern

Cadets in Aberdeen helped to clean up their local park along with local TV celebrity Joyce Falconer, who plays Roisin, a character on BBC Scotland soap River City. Cadets joined in the whole day of community work and fun activities, which was organised to save the park.

Photo of actor Joyce Falconer with cadets — Local TV celebrity Joyce Falconer and cadets joined in to clean up the park

North West

A cadet has raised money for his unit by completing an epic challenge to scale England’s tallest peak. Cadet Craig, from Whitehaven Unit, climbed to the summit of Scafell Pike, 978m above sea level, to help raise funds for a new HQ. After setting an initial goal of £200, he set up an online page. In less than two weeks, he raised an impressive £1,000.

A photo of Cadet Craig at the summit of Scafell Pike — Cadet Craig at the summit of Scafell Pike

South West

In August, cadets from Exmouth, Torbay and Dartmouth helped to welcome our new Captain Sea Cadets at the supersession event. As Captain Phil Russell RN stepped down, the ceremonial handover to Captain Neil Downing RN took place on board TS Royalist at Dartmouth’s Town Quay. It was attended by our new President, Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, GCB, OBE, ADC, DL, Captain Roger Readwin, head of Britannia Royal Naval College, Commodore Phil Waterhouse and Sea Cadets CEO Martin Coles.

Cadets and dignitaries at the welcoming of the new Captain Sea Cadets — Cadets and dignitaries attended the supersession of our new Captain Sea Cadets

Eastern

Cadets from Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket and Mildenhall took part in celebrations to mark the 40th anniversary of enjoying watersports on Lackford Lake. It started life as a flooded gravel pit and has become a hub for many local organisations, including Sea Cadets.

Oliver Townsend, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) RNR and CO of Bury St Edmunds Sea Cadets, said: “Sea cadets have been boating at Lackford for many years now, and I even learned to sail here as a cadet. Cadets have gained thousands of boating hours and hundreds of sailing, rowing, and powerboating qualifications over this time. Lackford has proven especially valuable as a boating venue since the Covid-19 pandemic began, as we were able to get our cadets back to face-to-face training in an engaging but safe manner.”

Three boats on the water helmed by cadets — Enjoying watersports on Lackford Lake

London

A brave sea cadet from Clacton Unit has saved a young boy from the sea. Charlie, 13, was praised as a hero for rescuing a boy off the shore of Frinton Beach. The boy, around eight years old, got into difficulty against strong waves, when Charlie noticed him while he was out swimming.

“The waves were strong and they pushed him back onto the rail, smashing his head,” said Charlie. “He was losing his grip and was crying and choking. I managed to grab him and waited for my mum to help me get him safely ashore.”

After Clacton Unit posted about the heroic rescue on Facebook, Charlie received hundreds of comments praising him for his courage.

Photo of Charlie and his CO — Charlie and CO of Clacton Unit

Southern

Cadets from Maidenhead took part in the town’s historic Duck Derby in September, with 3,400 plastic yellow ducks drifting down the Thames, below Boulters Lock. Cadets released their ducks, then went to catch the winning duck and the ‘runners up’. The unit has been supporting the annual Lions Club of Maidenhead Duck Derby for the past 40 years.

LC Tasha who took part said: “The Duck Derby is one of my favourite events in the Sea Cadets calendar. We have so much fun chasing and rescuing the ducks from our kayaks.” After the event, the ducks are all collected up and stored ready for the next year.