Autumn 2020 news

A surprisingly active summer

Cadets were getting back on the water across the UK with the easing of lockdown restrictions – and how good that was!

More than 2,000 cadets from 150 units got away from their homes and screens in August at 17 venues nationwide for our Summer Active programme.

Paddlesports, rowing, kayaking and sailing sessions were all available, as cadets showed just how much they had been missing their chance to do what Sea Cadets does best.

Once you’re in, you’re in

Sea Cadets is soon to launch a new scheme for parents, former cadets and volunteers to support the charity in return for a taste of adventure

How would you like to remain a part of Sea Cadets even after you leave? Or maybe you’re a parent or guardian and a little jealous of everything your cadet gets to do? 

Well the answer is just around the corner… We heard it loud and clear from our alumni; we heard it from
ex-volunteers – a way to support Sea Cadets and get to experience more of what makes it so great.

Leading up to Christmas, announcements will be made and invitations sent out – it means a real, lasting connection to the Corps, no matter where or when!

A year of commemorations draws to a close

Just as with VE Day, sea cadets were proud to mark the 75th anniversary of VJ Day, the day which marked the conclusion of hostilities in the Far East, bringing victory over Japanese forces and the formal end of World War II.

Many units paused to give the salute on 15 August in memory of those lost in the conflict. Pictured here is 1st Cadet Luke from Scunthorpe Sea Cadets, who took part. 

Right on Target

A sea cadet from Surrey is being tipped for big things after encouraging performances at one of the country’s top target-shooting events.

Cadet Lance Corporal James, from Guildford, competed at the National Rifle Association’s Imperial Meeting at Bisley. He came third in Her Majesty the Queen’s Prize (1st Stage), which also saw him earn a special Chairman’s Prize as recognition for his efforts competing in the country’s most coveted shooting competition.

James was competing against more than 1,000 adults – he can consider himself among the top 150 shots in the country, going through a further stage to compete in the final, which bodes well for future success.

Cadet’s artwork will honour submariners

Cadets were well represented among the winners of a national competition to inspire a memorial for submariners, to be installed at the National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire.

Cadet Zoe from Gosforth Sea Cadets was the winner in the 11–18 age category. Zoe said: “I’m really happy I got picked because I’m part of Sea Cadets and my grandad was in the Royal Navy. I feel really proud.” 

The overall winner and over-18 category winner were the Groves family, four members of which have either served or are serving as submariners.

The prizes included £100 for the category winners and £1,000 for the overall winner. All category winners will attend the unveiling
in 2022, led by Prince William. 

Back to boating

Sea Cadets has now got the keys to its exciting new facilities at Port Edgar Boat Station, after the final touches were made to the building’s electrical systems in early October

While cadets may have to wait a bit longer to use the indoor facilities at their new Port Edgar Boat Station due to COVID-19,  they have already been getting out on the water, with the use of safe temporary facilities. 

Meanwhile, the new Midlands Boat Station is up and running in Birmingham, albeit also in temporary circumstances. Interim facilities which meet COVID-19 restrictions and allow cadets to get out on the water and stay safe have been installed for
the short term.

Subject to funding, it’ll soon be possible to see to see permanent buildings going up in Ladywood as well. But even when completed, it remains unclear when residential facilities will be available to use in the expanded site. While it is operational for cadets across the heart of England earlier than expected, we hope cadets will see the site looking even better in 2021.

Get involved in #SCRAPPLASTIC2020

Our #ScrapPlastic challenge will work a little bit differently this year, but you can still take part in helping the environment

While cadets had a chance to return to parade in person at the end of the summer, the restrictions on some public gatherings means it’s not possible for cadets to gather to collect litter and plastic from public areas, as we have done in previous years.

Classroom-based lessons have been updated and we hope units can still get into the spirit of the campaign. Keep an eye on our social media channels for more information on how to get involved virtually in #ScrapPlastic.