Area news: Spring 2024

See what cadets have been getting up to, from winning sailing competitions to celebrating 50 years with Sea Cadets. Share news from your area by emailing SCmag@ms-sc.org

Northern

Happy Sea Cadets anniversary to the CO of Greenock and District Sea Cadets! Lieutenant Commander (SCC) RNR Jim Hearl joined as a sea cadet 50 years ago. Now he leads his own unit and even welcomes the sons and daughters of his former fellow cadets. His family members have also followed in his footsteps – both his children were sea cadets and his son, James, is now a First Lieutenant. Both of Jim’s grandchildren are cadets, and his grandaughter was recently awarded a Certificate of Meritorious Service. “From the minute you walk through the door, you are part of the Sea Cadets family,” Jim says.

North West

Maryport & Solway Sea Cadets Unit has been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award possible for a local voluntary group. Volunteers at the unit will receive the award crystal from the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Mr Alexander Scott, this summer. Two of the lucky volunteers will also attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May and June 2024. “I am excited and honoured that our work has been recognised,” said Maryport & Solway Unit’s Chair, Mark Dawson. “This prestigious award is also thanks to the fantastic support of the entire community for their local Sea Cadets unit over many years.”

South West

Finley, 12, from Burnham-on-Sea & Highbridge Sea Cadets, is making waves after qualifying for the Topper World Championships. When he joined Sea Cadets, Finley enjoyed sailing so much that he saved up for his own dinghy. The experience and confidence gained as a cadet gave him the determination to take the next step. Within six months of owning his own boat, and winning a haul of trophies, Finley secured third place for the South West Toppers and first place in the South West Autumn series. He is one of 25 sailors to be chosen for the ITCA (GBR) 4.2 squad this year, and qualified for invitational top coaching to develop his skills.

Eastern

BZ to New Entry Cadet Logan from Long Eaton Unit for helping to protect the planet! Not only has he completed the Earthshot Challenge and been awarded the Green Blue Peter badge, he has also written to His Majesty King Charles III to tell him about how his experience in the Earthshot Challenge developed his passion for protecting the environment. The King replied to Logan through his correspondence secretary, congratulating him on his efforts. When Logan isn’t championing recycling, he loves boating and other waterborne activities.

London

Whizzing across from Tower Bridge to Buckingham Palace and then on to St Paul’s Cathedral, junior cadets from London Western District held their residential weekend in February, and for the first time since the pandemic it included the ‘real-life’ Monopoly challenge. Supported by senior cadets and volunteers and along with their game packs, 42 juniors set off in teams, rolling the dice to determine each destination and working with other juniors from across the district.

Southern

Dartford & Crayford cadets and volunteers played a key role in the commemoration of the ill-fated 1845 Arctic expedition led by Rear Admiral Sir John Franklin, in which two Royal Navy ships were trapped in ice and never returned. Actor, writer and presenter Sir Michael Palin, who wrote a book about the voyage, unveiled a commemorative plaque at the banks of the River Thames in Greenhithe, Kent, where the expedition set sail. Sir Michael said: “I’ve become so attached to the story of Erebus and the people on board, I feel the sort of emotions they must have felt – great hope and some doubt. The spirit of this place is quite important.”