Area news: summer 2023

See how cadets across the UK marked the King's Coronation in this special edition of Area News. Share news from your area by emailing SCmag@ms-sc.org

Northern

Aberdeen Sea Cadets took part in a flag-raising ceremony to mark the Coronation, joining with the Port of Aberdeen to commemorate the start of the King’s Coronation weekend. Members of the unit joined Port of Aberdeen’s CEO, Cdre Bob Sanguinetti RN and senior members of the board as a service was conducted to mark the occasion.

Cadet Helen had the honour of ‘Piping the Still’ to bring the parade to attention before Cadet Tyler hoisted the Union Flag. “It was great to be part of such a fantastic event, I really feel privileged to be able to play my part in the Coronation celebrations,” said cadet Tyler.

North West

Cadets from Merseyside East and West Districts took part in the official commemoration service at Liverpool Cathedral on Sunday 7 May. The cadets lined the route for civic dignitaries, politicians, armed forces, public services, faith leaders and other youth and community organisations who attended the historic service at the iconic cathedral on St James’s Mount, in partnership with the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside.

The maritime city rolled out the red carpet, with dozens of street parties and a live broadcast of the Coronation on a big screen in the Eurovision Fan Village at the Pier Head. The Town Hall was lit up in red, white and blue.

South West

LC Maisie from Fishguard Sea Cadets was one of only 30 cadets invited to attend the Coronation, which she describes as an experience she will never forget. She watched the parade from a special area for cadet forces at Admiralty Arch, before leading the public down The Mall towards Buckingham Palace.

“I was fortunate to have a front row seat as the gold state coach made its way past Admiralty Arch on the way to Westminster Abbey,” Maisie says, adding that after the coronation, she had “a fantastic view” of the royal family as they waved to the crowds from the balcony.

Eastern

Volunteers from Market Harborough Sea Cadets led over 25 cadets down the Grand Union Canal as part of The Big Help Out to celebrate the Coronation. The flotilla of stand-up paddle boards, kayaks and a ‘mega’ stand-up paddle board travelled six miles from Harborough’s Union Wharf basin to Foxton Locks, the site of the longest and steepest staircase flight of locks in Britain.

Parents walked the distance along the canal towpath to cheer the cadets on. Undeterred by rain showers and grey skies, the cadets celebrated their arrival with homemade, Coronation-themed cakes.

London

Cadets from London Area were joined by those from Southern Area as well as guest platoons from RAF Air Cadets, Army Cadet Force, Police Cadets, Fire Brigade Cadets, St John’s Ambulance Cadets and Scouts at the Old Royal Naval College, Greenwich. Held on the Bank Holiday Monday, the colourful event marked the final day of celebrations and the launch of The Big Help Out, inspiring everyone to get involved in volunteering.

Southern

AC Sara from Southampton Sea Cadets says it felt “surreal” to be selected to represent her unit at The King’s Coronation. Sara had the honour of marching from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey as a standard bearer, as part of the military procession.

She was handpicked from thousands of other young people to be part of it. Sara also said she’s proud to be breaking stereotypes by representing the Asian community. “This is something I would have never thought I’d be a part of. It is a tremendous honour to represent Sea Cadets and my community.”