Area news: autumn 2023

See what cadets across the UK have been getting up to, from cleaning up rivers to doing some DIY with the Prime Minister. Share news from your area by emailing SCmag@ms-sc.org

Northern

About 40 footballs, 25 tyres, 21 traffic cones, eight shopping trollies, five big bits of plastic pipe, two wheelie bins, a mattress, a suitcase and a chair. These were among the items collected by Irvine Sea Cadets when they joined forces with the Clean Up Crew, Rubbish Paddlers and Scottish Maritime Museum in September, to clear the litter along a stretch of the River Irvine. The team collected a total of 258 big bags of rubbish! Cadet Joe (13), who took part, said: “It’s amazing how much rubbish was collected. I can’t believe people treat our country like this. There’s literally thousands of bins about.”

North West

Carlisle Sea Cadets got a fantastic opportunity to do some training with Cumbria Fire and Rescue over the summer to help save lives on the water. During the session, members from Carlisle East and West Fire Stations taught cadets how to help someone in difficulty when swimming in the river. The cadets practised saving the firefighters by hurling throw lines to help them safely out of the water in the River Eden by Stoneyholme. The firefighters also taught the cadets vital skills such as techniques if they got into difficulty. Cadet Levi (12) said, “I really enjoyed the session, it was interesting to find out what they do in emergency situations and what we should do.”

South West

Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Sea Cadets have received £1,500 from Barratt Homes to support their work with young people and to boost inclusivity. The money will help the unit continue welcoming new cadets who want to join but whose parents or carers can’t afford it. CO Lt (SCC) RNR Dom Gregory said, “This donation could help up to 10 families access Sea Cadets by supporting 50% of the monthly membership fee for a year, so this means a lot. The gift shines a light on the cadets’ commitment and success; on the difference we make to them, and that they make to others. They set such a positive example, and that has a real ripple effect.”

Eastern

LCdt Beth (17) from Huntingdon Unit was recently awarded the prestigious title of Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet, chosen from hundreds of other cadets. Beth was nominated by her unit, with the Army Cadets panel judging her to be a cut above the rest. One of the highest recognised achievements for a cadet, the title allows the young person chosen to accompany the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire, Mrs Julie Spence, on a number of high-profile functions and events, including royal visits.

London

Cadet Adam (12) from Beckenham and Penge Unit took part in this year’s Dock2Dock event, held on 9 September at London’s Canary Wharf. Adam swam in the 1.5km open swim to raise funds for Sea Cadets, after spending much of his summer training hard for the event, and smashed his £250 target. “I wanted to fundraise for Sea Cadets because, thanks to them, I have had many adventures and lots of fun,“ Adam said. “I was lucky to have a lake near my grandparents’ house to train in. After the event, I felt really good and proud of myself. Thanks so much to everyone who supported my fundraising efforts.”

Southern

Excitement was in the air at Dartford & Crayford Sea Cadets when they received a surprise visit in July from Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. The visit was well-timed, as the unit was celebrating its 80th anniversary with a variety of community activities and events. It’s not often that an organisation can say they’ve enlisted a serving Prime Minister as a volunteer, but Mr Sunak got stuck in and lent a helping hand with the painting work going on at the unit. He also spent plenty of time talking to the cadets, volunteers and staff members.