Area news: Autumn 2025

Find out what cadets have been doing across the country, from winning the most improved unit to commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Share news from your area by emailing SCmag@ms-sc.org

Northern

Stonehaven Unit was thrilled to receive the TS Indefatigable Cup in the Sea Cadets national awards in June. The honour goes to the most improved unit in the country and follows their efforts to offer even more activities since moving into their new premises. Stonehaven was one of nine units in Northern Area to receive a Commendation from Captain Sea Cadets, and was also awarded a special Gold Burgee reflecting its commitment to growth. A memorable week also saw Stonehaven’s hospitality enjoyed by the whole of Grampian District at their rowing regatta, with the hosts winning five gold medals!

Stonehaven Unit winning medals at their rowing regatta

North West

Congratulations to Warrington Unit on winning the Canada Trophy as the most efficient unit in the Corps. Volunteers excelled in making training as engaging as possible and the unit more welcoming. This inspired cadets to stretch themselves, with achievements including national silver medals for their piping team (below). This confidence means the unit is now a major asset in their community, through charity fundraising and immaculate drill at events such as the town’s Anzac Parade. Thanks to their new Junior section, even more young people are enjoying the exceptional experience the unit provides.

South West

After six months of training, three teams of cadets from across the area completed the formidable Ten Tors Challenge in May, giving them an incredible sense of achievement. Navigating a 35- or 45-mile route over part of Dartmoor, the cadets had to visit the tors in under two days while carrying supplies and camping equipment. All were hugely grateful to the volunteer team who prepared them so well, led by the late and much-missed CPO (SCC) Phil Connock – whose enthusiasm made training and competing so enjoyable for every cadet.

Eastern

Sheffield Unit’s cadets and volunteers were once again delighted to show their support for the city’s Armed Forces Day event in June. As well as meeting serving personnel and veterans, they chatted with the city’s new Lord Mayor, Cllr Safiya Saeed, and Deputy Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Lt Col Robert McPherson MBE (below). The unit has been recognised for its community engagement with Sea Cadets’ national Colditz Award – with other recent activities including camping to raise funds for Royal British Legion Industries and manning water stations at the Sheffield Half Marathon.

London

London Area played a major role in commemorating the 80th anniversary of VE Day in May. Rickmansworth & Watford Unit proudly represented Sea Cadets at the Westminster Abbey service of thanksgiving, where they had the huge honour of meeting World War II veterans (below). Meanwhile, City of London Unit cadets and volunteers were interviewed about VE Day by BBC London News onboard the unit’s HMS Belfast home. Having also graced a number of high-profile anniversary events, the unit truly deserved its trip to the VE Day concert in Horseguards Parade.

Rickmansworth & Watford Area cadets with World War II veterans at Westminster Abbey

Southern

East Kent District gave the Dunkirk Little Ships a fantastic send-off on 18 May by leading a parade around Ramsgate – the departure point for the 85th anniversary recreation of their mission to rescue Allied troops from France. Ahead of the celebrations, TS Bulldog, our appropriately named Ramsgate & Broadstairs Unit, even had the honour of hosting HM Royal Marines Band and a large contingent of Royal Navy ratings from HMS Collingwood. The unit was then hugely proud to provide standard bearers and a band for the parade, alongside impeccably turned-out cadets and volunteers from across the district.