Area news: Summer 2026

Northern

Airdrie & Coatbridge Sea Cadets are celebrating being named as Most Improved Unit in the UK – a reward for the cadets and volunteers who helped it recover from the brink of closure just 18 months ago. The Most Improved RMC Detachment Trophy also came north to Bridge of Don Unit, while Fraserburgh’s Unit Management Team were proud to be named the best in the area. The award recognised their work to secure a site for a fantastic new boat station at Cairnbulg Harbour, where cadets enjoyed their first boating sessions – and gave their thumbs up to the location (below) – in mid-May.

North West

Late April saw Stafford & Rugeley Unit host local councillors and MPs for a demonstration of their STEM skills. This had a big impact on Leigh Ingham MP, who said she “loved” meeting the cadets and “was so impressed by their STEM activities”. Early May then brought a surprise visit from Captain John Cromie RN, the Commanding Officer of HMS Collingwood, who stopped by at Manor Park Sailing Club to see the unit in action! After congratulating the cadets on their turnout and drill at the previous day’s Mayor’s Parade, Capt Cromie was delighted to see they were equally confident on the water. 

South West

A cold March night saw committed Taunton Unit cadets raise an incredible £1,700 to support homeless veterans, by taking part in the Great Tommy Sleep Out – the initiative which funds accommodation for struggling former servicemen and women. Towards the end of spring, the area’s cadets showed their mettle once again, with three Sea Cadets teams taking on the Ten Tors Challenge across Dartmoor. Having been in training since November, each team completed the epic challenge (which includes a night of wild camping), with the 35-mile team finishing fifth out of 15 teams in a Sea Cadets-record time!

Eastern

Leicester Sea Cadets were one of several units from across the UK who were thrilled to attend a very special Buckingham Palace Garden Party in May. The event celebrated both the 70th anniversary of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the excellence of this year’s Gold recipients – including 32 cadets and young volunteers from Sea Cadets. Among them were Leicester’s OC Prarthana and POC Roksana, who even got to meet HRH The Duke of Edinburgh himself! 

London

London Area cadets joined colleagues from Southern Area and the Volunteer Cadet Corps for the Army v Navy rugby final at Twickenham in May. As flag bearers of the giant White Ensign unfurled during the pre-match ceremonies, the team needed to show great discipline, stamina and coordination during a very long day of training and rehearsals. But a fantastic reception from the crowd made all the hard work worthwhile – as did the chance to cheer on the Royal Navy’s first back-to-back victory in 52 years!

Southern

A Medway Victory Unit team showed great determination in the National Junior Indoor Rowing Competition at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in March. Inspired by the Copper Box Arena, CFC Oliver finished in the top 15 of Year 7 boys while Cadet Evie ranked among the top 20 girls! Early May then saw a committed Southern Area team (supported by London Area) reach the Plate 1 Final of the Junior Leaders Field Gun Competition at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich. Eight more sea cadets joined new friends from the VCC in a combined team which won the Inter-Service Cadets Shield!

Photos: Sea Cadets