The Sea Cadet Spring 2020 - Low Res

Inspiring women Meet a cadet who’s planning on a career in engineering and the volunteer who inspired her

Career opportunities A submariner on working beneath the waves, and how Sea Cadets can get you there

Why volunteer?

A magazine for parents, volunteers and cadets Spring 2020 | sea-cadets.org

From making friends to helping young people, volunteers share why they do it

WHERE WILL SEA CADETS TAKE YOU? In response to our LegaSea campaign, former cadets share their memories and reflect on how Sea Cadets shaped their lives and future careers

PLUS: HOW TO MASTER THE PERFECT ROWING STROKE

CONTENTS

WELCOME! Welcome to the spring issue of The Sea Cadet. With all activity cancelled due to Coronavirus, we’ve had to scrap our usual favourite feature of this issue: coverage of the Gibraltar Cup competition. Instead, we bring you stories of former cadets and the impact Sea Cadets has had on their lives; we celebrate how we can empower more young women to take up engineering; and retrace the historic voyage of the Mayflower to America, which took place 400 years ago.

On the cover: Sea Cadets can have a lasting legacy on the career aspirations and lives of young people

We’ve still got all the latest news and we’ve expanded this to give you a whole page of news just from your area. Plus, check out our new puzzles page: the perfect remedy for lockdown afternoons! We love hearing from you, so please email us at SCmag@ms-sc.org with your news or comments about the new changes, or anything else.

Stay safe, Communications Team

202 Lambeth Road, London SE1 7JW Tel: 020 7654 7000 sea-cadets.org SCmag@ms-sc.org The Sea Cadet magazine is edited and designed by

Eagle House, Colston Avenue, Bristol BS1 4ST Tel: 0117 927 9009 immediatecontent.co.uk Managing Editors: Chris Egerton, Edward Meens (MSSC) Editor: Rachael Stiles Content Creator: Rebecca Ewing Art Editor: Elaine Knight-Roberts Account Manager: Katy Hewett Director of Branded Content: Julie Williams

In this issue NEWS AND EVENTS 03 Corps news Competition winners, epic rowing, and recognition for some of our volunteers.

06 A rea news: around the UK Read what cadets have been getting up to across the UK. 07 A rea news: your area Check out our new page of updates from your own area.

FEATURES 08 Voyage to America We mark 400 years since the Mayflower crossing by retracing the Pilgrims’ voyage.

Printed in the UK on FSC® certified stock. All rights reserved. Material contained in this publication may not be reproduced, in whole or in part, without prior permission of MSSC and Immediate Media Company Limited.

Views expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of MSSC or Immediate Media Company Limited, which accept no responsibility for them.

Marine Society and Sea Cadets is a registered charity.

England and Wales 313013 Scotland SCO37808 © Copyright MSSC 2020

2

ADVICE 15 Careers: so you want to be a submariner?

Atlantic rower and submariner Lt Hugo Mitchell-Heggs tells us what it’s like having a career under the waves.

FUN 18 Photos: International Women’s Day Cadets shared images showcasing the experience of being a girl in Sea Cadets.

Here are our favourites.

16 The Sea Cadets guide to the perfect rowing stroke Catch. Drive. Extraction.

Recovery. Discover how to perfect your rowing with our illustrated guide.

19 P uzzles Have a go at our new puzzles page: try the rowing-themed wordsearch, test your knot knowledge and get top tips from the First Sea Lord Cadets.

17 F ocus on: sea kayaking Find out how this activity can bring travel, exploration and adventure to paddlesport.

10 Our LegaSea Former cadets talk about the impact Sea Cadets has had on their lives and careers.

12 Building bright futures Meet a cadet who wants a career in engineering and the volunteer who inspires her.

14 M eet the volunteers Volunteers share why they give up their time for Sea Cadets.

SEA-CADETS.ORG / SPRING 2020

Fancy a career underwater? Get the lowdown from a submariner

This issue went to print in April.

Please check government guidance for the latest advice on Coronavirus and stay safe.

NATIONAL NEWS

NEWS

Catch up with the Corps and see what cadets have been getting involved in. Send your news to SCmag@ms-sc.org

Sea Cadets Portal: not just for cadets As we roll out our brand-new Sea Cadets Portal, there are lots of reasons for parents to get involved in it as well

Volunteer Mark (left) and Cadet Rufus (right) both took part in the annual challenge to cover 26 miles in January

My Mighty Marathon: lots of miles build up to one huge achievement Cadets and volunteers across the UK have run, walked, biked or scooted 26 miles to raise funds for Sea Cadets Sea Cadets’ yearly January campaign My Mighty Marathon was once again a great success, both for the charity and those who took part.

Throughout the month of January over a hundred supporters took on the sporting challenge to get active after the Christmas break.

The concept is simple: cover a mile a day for 26 days in January – totalling a marathon distance in one month.

Those who took part were seen cycling,

walking, swimming and scootering to reach their goals, and have raised almost £2,000 so far for Sea Cadets.

One participant, Cadet Rufus, from Long Eaton Sea Cadets, said: “I hope I have done my Sea Cadets unit proud.

I have walked, scootered and cycled my 26 miles. It has given me a great start to the new year – I wanted to start 2020 achieving something good, promoting Sea Cadets and personally aiming high.”

As you know, the Sea Cadets Portal will be launching this year, giving cadets the ability to browse courses, check their progression, catch up on the latest news and so much more.

However, it doesn’t end there. Sea Cadets is now opening up the platform to parents of cadets, too!

As a parent you’ll be able to see the courses your child has booked on and view any relevant information about preparing for that course, from travel arrangements to kit lists.

The portal will allow you to be much more tuned into what your child is doing at Sea Cadets. Parents will also get access to all the latest updates from Sea Cadets on both a local and national level, and will receive reminders on upcoming events and courses.

Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Phil Russell RN, says: “Expanding the portal to parents is a really exciting opportunity for the charity.

In speaking to many parents and carers, I’ve heard that they’d like to be more involved with their child’s time at Sea Cadets, as they recognise the skills they pick up with us are so beneficial in their development.

“When the portal is launched, I really hope the majority of parents and carers get involved with their child’s Sea Cadets journey and encourage them to progress and take up more courses.”

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

3

Generous donation for Sea Cadets

The 2020 First Sea Lord Cadets at their investiture

Meet the new First Sea Lord Cadets The new First Sea Lord Cadets for 2020 have been sworn in for duty. Their roles will include representing the First Sea Lord Adm Tony Radakin and attending events.

The latest cadets to take up their roles are: Cdt Cpl Laurelle, Waltham Forest Unit (London Area), LC Emma, Inverness Unit (Northern Area), POC John, Connah’s Quay Unit (North West Area), POC Jonathan, Worksop Unit (Eastern Area), POC Poppy, Southampton Unit (Southern Area) and POC Ellie from Malvern Unit (South West Area). BZ to all, and we hope you get a chance to carry out your duties soon.

Highest honours for our amazing volunteers The recognition of our volunteers remains one of the highlights of the Honours List, including three receiving British Empire Medals (BEM).

Jan Spicer (top) received an MBE for fundraising in Hull.

Jan joined when girls were first admitted in the 1960s; 21 members of her family have now joined.

Emma Walton BEM (middle), from Grimsby, was honoured for supporting her local unit, including helping to raise £70,000 to secure its future.

Lieutenant Commander (SCC) George Wilson (bottom), London Region HQSO, and Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Stefen Wells, from Shirley, received BEMs for sterling work in their communities.

Marine Society and Sea Cadets (MSSC) Trustee John May DL has become an OBE for services to young people, while former trustee and current Vice-President Patrick Stewart MBE received a CVO for his work as Lord Lieutenant of Argyll and Bute.

4

SEA-CADETS.ORG / SPRING 2020

Cadets are set to benefit from a gift of £74,451 from the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve’s (RNVR) Youth Sailing Trust. This will go toward bursaries to help cadets have life-changing experiences with Sea Cadets, like realising their dreams of making that much-anticipated voyage on TS Royalist or any of our offshore fleet.

Sea Cadets Chief Executive Martin Coles expressed his thanks: “This will ensure many young people get the opportunity of a lifetime, that would otherwise have been inaccessible to them.”

Celebrating 70 years of service!

Weston Sea Cadets has recently marked a huge milestone for one of its members, Grace Monk, who has spent an amazing 70 years at the unit. Volunteers and lifelong friends marked Grace’s incredible service to the charity with a party.

Grace, aged 87, says she has had a “wonderful life” helping cadets over the years, and celebrated her milestone achievement at the unit’s headquarters in December with a cake and a buffet. “I joined Weston Sea Cadets in 1949 and that was also where I met my husband,” Grace says. “I’ve had such a wonderful life with the group – we have had the best time of our lives.”

Unsung heroes Two volunteers have been recognised for their amazing contribution to Sea Cadets with a British Citizen Award. Bevan Johns, 80, is a Royal Navy veteran who has supported more than 3,000 young people during his 40 years as a volunteer at Islington Sea Cadets. Another veteran, Paul Townsend, from Orpington, was awarded for his contribution as CO of City of London Sea Cadets. He has been responsible for training more than 300 sea cadets in seamanship, navigation and engineering on board their HQ, HMS Belfast, for 30 years.

“I’m excited to receive this award,” said Mr Johns. “Between us, me, my wife and our two children have 100 years of service.” Mr Johns was instrumental in keeping the unit going. He helped raise £17,000 to renovate a disused electricity substation so they could have their own HQ. It was renovated in the design of a ship, and when they ran out of money, Mr Johns taught the cadets carpentry and bricklaying to get it finished.

“I got an awful lot from Sea Cadets,” he says. “I went on seamanship courses with the Royal Navy. They taught me everything about engineering. Young people should still get their hands dirty and look at the mechanical or electrical sides of things. Sea Cadets offers them that chance.”

The award, presented at The House of Lords, recognises the unsung heroes who have had a considerable impact on their local communities.

NATIONAL NEWS

Get your motor running!

Cadets from Penarth will be able to get more hands-on engineering experience thanks to a donation from Ford: a fully assembled diesel engine. The gift will enable young people interested in gaining Marine Engineering (ME) qualifications a chance to explore all aspects of the engine, as it’s mounted on a special carriage.

The donation came about after UMC member Andy Price heard about the cadets’ desire to gain experience with boat engines and asked Ford for help. CO, Midshipman Joshua Biundo (SCC) RNR, thanked Ford for their generosity and Mr Price for securing such a valuable asset.

HMS Oardacious challenged cadets to match their Atlantic row of 3,000 miles

Battling the elements Units across England and Wales have been keeping their heads above water following flooding With three storms in quick succession – Ciara, Dennis and Jorge – units have been prepared and taken extra precautions with severe weather and flood warnings in place.

But others have just been unlucky.

Despite raising funds to update their building by the River Wye, including six-foot stilts, water levels rose high enough to flood Hereford Sea Cadets.

A £10,000 emergency grant from Hereford City Council will go towards fixing the damaged facilities. Help with the clean-up came from Hereford Rotary Club and nearby units, including Tewkesbury.

Worcester and Ross & Monmouth units were also among others that suffered flooding, while Burton Sea Cadets were flooded out for the second time in five months.

Hereford unit was one of those badly affected by the flooding this winter

Cadets smash their ‘Oardacious’ rowing target Sea Cadets across the country took on the challenge to collectively row 3,000 miles, and managed to surpass it Cadets enjoyed privileged access on board HMS Prince of Wales this spring.

Thousands of people went to see the giant aircraft carrier on a week-long visit to Liverpool, but dozens of cadets got an even better look.

Cadets from North West Area who were competing in the ROW 3,000 challenge were invited to row inside the ship’s cavernous hangar.

The test for Sea Cadets from here and other venues across the country was to match the 3,000 miles rowed across the Atlantic by a team of Navy submariners, HMS Oardacious.

In all, 46 units entered and helped complete 5,628 miles, nearly double the target, and they were able to follow their progress on a live tracker, matching HMS Oardacious’ route.

Beccles Unit completed the most miles (562), with Altrincham, Sale and Stretford (458) in second, narrowly ahead of Morecambe & Heysham (455) and Fishguard (424).

Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Phil

Russell RN, was present in Liverpool for the weekend: “This has been a unique event for many young people and it’s been wonderful to see the friendship and cooperation between groups, plus a touch of friendly competition,” he said. “Many thanks go to the Royal Navy and the crew of HMS Prince of Wales for hosting us.

Only being part of Sea Cadets can offer this sort of experience.”

‘It’s been wonderful to see the friendship and cooperation between groups, plus a touch of friendly competition’ SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

5

AREA ROUND-UP

AREA NEWS Northern

© Fleetwood Today

Ballymena Sea Cadets will be able to take part in the Duke Of Edinburgh's Award scheme this year, after funding provided them with much-needed equipment including roll mats, sleeping bags and all-weather jackets.

The unit was among the first applicants to receive funding from local company the Donnelly Group.

Ruth Verner, Chair of Ballymena Sea Cadets, said: “The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is a superb opportunity for young people but due to the cost of equipment, it is inaccessible for many.

The funding has allowed us to give more young people this opportunity.”

Eastern Wisbech Sea Cadets have become the first in the country to be affiliated with the Royal Society of St George. The society’s national and international chairman, Joanna Cadman, attended a presentation evening, which also highlighted the cadets’ hard work over the last 12 months. Sub Lt (SCC) Jade Merson, Officer in Charge, said: “It makes me super proud to celebrate all their hard work. They succeeded in many things over 2019, and I look forward to many more years to come.” © Bury Free Press

See what’s been happening across the UK. Share your news by emailing SCmag@ms-sc.org

London Volunteers and cadets at Sunbury & Walton are showing how patience can be rewarded, after resuming work on their new building. Their fitfor-purpose waterborne centre, which will include an engineering centre and boat storage area, is intended to last for 70 years, but a flood in 2014 kept them out of the building for two years, forcing them to close temporarily, and fundraising has been a challenge. But, despite a flooding near-miss this winter, construction is finally under way.

North West Former cadets and volunteers from Fleetwood Sea Cadets came from around the country and Europe to attend a reception in honour of their leaders of many years. Chief among them is Lt Cdr (SCC) Derek Scrivener (pictured) who was at the centre of the celebrations. Ninety-two years young and a crucial part of Fleetwood Sea Cadets for decades, he was joined by cadets who travelled to Lancashire from across the UK and also from Spain and Cyprus.

South West Redditch and Bromsgrove Sea Cadets have received a £1,000 cash boost from Persimmon Homes South Midlands. The grant was awarded as part of the firm’s Community Champion scheme and will help buy equipment and extras to train cadets in catering and engineering. Lieutenant (SCC) James Sanders, who applied for the grant on behalf of Sea Cadets, said: “Our aim is to provide cadets with the best head start in life. We help young people gain skills in sailing, water sports, adventure training, engineering and much more.”

6

SEA-CADETS.ORG / SPRING 2020

Southern Gosport Sea Cadets are looking forward to a new building, after cutting turf at Fort Blockhouse.

After being moved from their building in Old Clarence Yard when it was sold for redevelopment, the unit is set for a new lease of life following a £400,000 grant from the Ministry of Defence. The new facility will include a large boat stowage building, a workshop and a purpose-built block with classroom, shower and changing facilities.

YOUR AREA

EASTERN AREA Find out what’s been happening in your area and share your own stories to see them here next issue

HMS Vengeance crew celebrate Freedom of the Borough with Bury St Edmunds cadets Bury St Edmunds Sea Cadets and submariners from HMS Vengeance came together to mark the 20th year of their affiliation. The special link between the two was marked with a service and parade, led by Bury St Edmunds Sea Cadets band and crew from HMS Vengeance, including its Commanding Officer, Commander Darren Mason RN. HMS Vengeance’s relationship with Bury St Edmunds Sea Cadets began in the early 1980s, and in 2017 the submarine was awarded the Freedom of West Suffolk. © Bury Free Press

All aboard HMS Biter King’s Lynn Sea Cadets got a special tour of a Royal Navy patrol boat as it docked into the Norfolk town. HMS Biter is one of 14 units which form the First Patrol Boat Squadron. Cadets were shown around by HMS Biter Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Matthew Smith.

First Sea Lord Cadets 2019 As we welcome six new First Sea Lord Cadets, it’s only right that we pay tribute to our outgoing First Sea Lord Cadets for 2019. Special Eastern Area thanks goes to Petty Officer Cadet Megan from Flitwick & Ampthill Sea Cadets, pictured here (top left) with her fellow First Sea Lord Cadets on her investiture in January 2019.

Chesterfield RMC is first local Civic Cadet Chesterfield Royal Marines Cadet John has become North East Derbyshire District Council’s first Civic Cadet. John signed pledges to support the Council Chair and Armed Forces Member Champion to carry out their duties and to be an ambassador for the Armed Forces Community and Cadet Detachments. BZ, John!

Share your stories!

Following your feedback, we’re changing the way The Sea Cadet looks to include more of your stories.

We want to highlight every part of Eastern Area, its successes, achievements and, above all, YOU. If you want to see your unit featured in Area News, please email us your story and a photo to SCmag@ms-sc.org

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

7

YOUR AREA

LONDON AREA Find out what’s been happening in your area and share your own stories to see them here next issue Celebrating your achievements Cheshunt cadets coming home Cheshunt Sea Cadets has completed an 11-year journey to return to the Hertfordshire town and use its own building. Now based at Flamstead End Hall, it’s a big change from when they were forced to move into a temporary base 20 minutes’ drive away, which proved to be the spark to find new accommodation back in Cheshunt. Now, Flamstead End Hall is going to create special memories for cadets as well as PO Matthew Tregonning and his team of volunteers.

London Sea Cadets have held their annual National Awards Dinner to celebrate those who received nationally recognised awards in 2019. Guest of honour at the event, held at the Royal College of Defence Studies, was Rear Admiral John Kingwell CBE, a former sea cadet himself. Winners included Orpington, Finchley and three recipients of the British Citizens Award.

London Southern District won the Navy League District Trophy and Tooting & Balham Royal Marines Cadets won the SRMO Trophy for most improved detachment. Among the cadet winners were Cdt Sgt Jake, from Chelmsford, Leading Cadet Beth, from Walton on the Naze, and SLt (SCC) Tony Peers RNR. Huge congratulations to all!

Share your stories!

First Sea Lord Cadets 2019 As we welcome our six new First Sea Lord Cadets, it’s only right that we pay tribute to our outgoing First Sea Lord Cadets for 2019. Special London Area thanks goes to Leading Cadet Madeleine from Walton-on-the-Naze, pictured here (middle, smiling) with her fellow First Sea Lord Cadets on her investiture in January 2019.

Following your feedback, we’re changing the way The Sea Cadet looks to include more of your stories.

We want to highlight every part of London Area, its successes, achievements and, above all, YOU. If you want to see your unit featured in Area News, please send your story and a photo to SCmag@ms-sc.org

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

7

YOUR AREA

NORTH WEST AREA Find out what’s been happening in your area and share your own stories to see them here next issue Well done to Newton-leWillows RMCs

Whitehaven cadet lives out his Royal Navy dream

BZ to all those who took part in the Spean Bridge Challenge, before the Coronavirus outbreak forced units to isolate.

Congratulations to Newton-le-Willows detachment (below) on being the winning team.

A former sea cadet from Cumbria is living out his dream and has joined the Royal Navy, after completing his basic training.

Finn, 16, spent nearly two years at Whitehaven Sea Cadets before joining the senior service in November. “Before I joined, I was in Whitehaven Sea Cadets for a year and eight months, so a lot of my knowledge is thanks to all the volunteers at TS Bee,” he said. Finn is now with HMS Sultan for engineering training ahead of specialising as a marine engineer.

Share your stories!

First Sea Lord Cadets 2019 As we welcome six new First Sea Lord Cadets, it’s only right that we pay tribute to our outgoing First Sea Lord Cadets for 2019. Special North West Area thanks goes to Leading Cadet Daniel from Kendal Sea Cadets, pictured here (far left) with his fellow First Sea Lord Cadets on his investiture in January 2019.

Following your feedback, we’re changing the way The Sea Cadet looks to include more of your stories.

We want to highlight every part of North West Area, its successes, achievements and, above all, YOU. If you want to see your unit featured in Area News, please send your story and a photo to SCmag@ms-sc.org

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

7

YOUR AREA

NORTHERN AREA Find out what’s been happening in your area and share your own stories to see them here next issue Happy 20th birthday to Bridge of Don Volunteers and cadets from the Bridge of Don Sea Cadets in Aberdeen attended a civic reception held to mark the 20th anniversary of its founding. Set up on 28 February 2000, Bridge of Don has expanded since then, with cadets as young as 10 staying with them through to adulthood. A host of former cadets, staff and volunteers were in attendance at a celebration at the Town House to mark the occasion.

First Sea Lord Cadets 2019 As we welcome six new First Sea Lord Cadets, it’s only right that we pay tribute to our outgoing First Sea Lord Cadets for 2019. Special Northern Area thanks goes to Leading Cadet Heather from Greenock Sea Cadets (pictured, top right) here with her fellow First Sea Lord Cadets on her investiture in January 2019.

Share your stories!

Recognition for Queensferry CO A commanding officer in Edinburgh has been nominated for two awards thanks to his service within Sea Cadets. The work of Colin Butcher and his team from Queensferry Sea Cadets has been recognised at the Scottish Veterans Awards, which is to be held in April at Edinburgh Castle. Colin was listed in the Volunteer of the Year and Community of the Year categories.

BZ, Colin! Keep up the good work.

Following your feedback, we’re changing the way The Sea Cadet looks to include more of your stories. We want to highlight every part of Northern Area, its successes, achievements and, above all, YOU. If you want to see your unit featured in Area News, please send your story and a photo to SCmag@ms-sc.org Getty

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

7

YOUR AREA

SOUTH WEST AREA Find out what’s been happening in your area and share your own stories to see them here next issue

BZ to west Wales cadets

First Sea Lord Cadets 2019 As we welcome six new First Sea Lord Cadets, it’s only right that we pay tribute to our outgoing First Sea Lord Cadets for 2019. Special South West Area thanks goes to Petty Officer Cadet Zeta from Rugby Sea Cadets, pictured here (bottom) with her fellow First Sea Lord Cadets on her investiture in January 2019.

Two sea cadets from west Wales have been named as Lord Lieutenant’s Cadets for the Vale of Glamorgan. They’ll aid the Queen’s representative for the area over the year of 2020. Able Cadet Joshua, from Barry, progressed from Cadet to Able Cadet within two years and was hoping to take part in the International Tall Ships Race in July, but this has sadly been cancelled. Able Cadet Lilimai’s passion is for the catering branch.

She has completed a Class 3 Catering course and aspires to achieve the pinnacle qualification of Cadet Catering Instructor.

Share your stories!

Following your feedback, we’re changing the way The Sea Cadet looks to include more of your stories. We want to highlight every part of South West Area, its successes, achievements and, above all, YOU. If you want to see your unit featured, please send your story and a photo to SCmag@ms-sc.org

All aboard HMS Prince of Wales All nine Sea Cadets units within Warwickshire District were represented on a visit to HMS Prince of Wales, the Royal Navy’s newest aircraft carrier. The trip was organised as part of the carrier’s weekend in Liverpool. Twenty-four cadets and four volunteers were invited and many thanks go to those within the Royal Navy who made this visit possible.

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

7

YOUR AREA

SOUTHERN AREA Find out what’s been happening in your area and share your own stories to see them here next issue

New facilities for RMC

First Sea Lord Cadets 2019 As we welcome six new First Sea Lord Cadets, it’s only right that we pay tribute to our outgoing First Sea Lord Cadets for 2019. Special South West Area thanks goes to Petty Officer Cadet Jemima from Staines & Egham Sea Cadets, pictured here (middle, right) with her fellow First Sea Lord Cadets on her investiture in January 2019.

Royal Marines Cadets in East Sussex and across the UK are set to benefit later this year from new facilities in Crowborough.

Work is now complete on a new National Training Centre on the MoD site at Crowborough, which will also be the HQ for Zulu Company. Five classrooms – four indoors and one outdoors – will be used, along with a transit store and a multifunctional galley, which can be used as an extra instructional area, a meeting space or as a rest area for instructors or cadets.

Share your stories!

Following your feedback, we’re changing the way The Sea Cadet looks to include more of your stories. We want to highlight every part of Southern Area, its successes, achievements and, above all, YOU. If you want to see your unit featured, please send your story and a photo to SCmag@ms-sc.org

West Sussex cadets treated to a visit on board HMS Exploit Three lucky units from West Sussex were able to see at close quarters the work of the Royal Navy during a visit to HMS Exploit. Cadets from Bognor Regis, Littlehampton and Chichester got to experience the P2000 patrol vessel on a specially arranged visit. Thanks go to CO Lieutenant James Silcock and his crew for this opportunity.

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

7

THE MAYFLOWER

VOYAGE TO AMERICA

k, th Roc Plymouchusetts a Mass

th, Plymoud Englan

400 years ago, a group of English pilgrims set off on board the Mayflower to find a new life in America.

We retrace their treacherous voyage across the Atlantic and discover why it’s remembered as such an iconic journey

A group of English people, who disagreed with how King James I was running the Church of England, set up secret churches. To avoid imprisonment, they moved to the Netherlands, where they could practise religion how they wanted. Later known as the Pilgrim Fathers, they fled across the North Sea to the town of Leyden.

1608

12 years in exile The pilgrims lived in the Netherlands for 12 years but they worried that their children were growing used to the Dutch way of life and losing their English traditions.

They decided to establish a new life on the east coast of America, where there were already European settlers.

After gaining permission to start a new settlement, they bought a sailing ship, Speedwell, and sailed from Delfshaven to Southampton Water, where they met up with a chartered cargo ship: the Mayflower. This ship was loaded with supplies and more people, recruited to help establish a successful society. The two ships left for Virginia in August.

1620

8

SEA-CADETS.ORG / SPRING 2020

THE MAYFLOWER

A rough start Speedwell soon started leaking and both ships changed course to Dartmouth for extensive repairs. But Speedwell started taking on water again 300 miles off Land’s End. Back in Plymouth, they abandoned Speedwell and transferred cargo and passengers to the Mayflower.

Land ho!

Cape Cod was in sight. This was too far north, but bad weather prevented them from moving . They didn’t have permission to settle here, so the 41 adult male passengers signed the Mayflower Compact and agreed to make a government: the first of its kind in America.

After five weeks of exploring, they settled in what would become Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The Mayflower remained at anchor as a base for the passengers, until they could support themselves. Sadly, only half survived the winter.

The Mayflower set sail for home in April 1621.

Setting sail The Mayflower finally left Plymouth in September with 102 passengers and about 30 crew, under the command of Captain Christopher Jones. The delay forced them to sail into a run of winter storms. Passengers suffered cold, damp, dark, cramped conditions and seasickness for 66 days. Several times, storms forced the crew to strike the sails and allow the ship to drift, adding to the misery and terror.

Making a home The remaining settlers thrived and celebrated their first harvest with a three-day festival of thanksgiving. They were joined by members of the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans, who helped the settlers survive by teaching them to hunt, fish and grow crops. America still celebrates this historic occasion with an annual Thanksgiving holiday.

Conflict Unfortunately, the initial mood of teamwork didn’t last, as more and more European settlers arrived.

The Wampanoag tribe was almost wiped out by violence between the communities and diseases such as smallpox.

Historic legacy Although nobody knows what happened to the Mayflower after its return to England, its voyage forged a long-lasting link between the UK, the Netherlands and America. To mark the 400th anniversary, events are planned across the UK, Holland and USA. Find out more and get the latest updates at mayflower400uk.org.

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

9

IMPACT

HOW SEA CADETS CHANGED MY LIFE Through our My LegaSea campaign we’ve been reconnecting with former cadets from around the world to explore the impact that Sea Cadets has had on its alumni – and inspire the next generation of cadets to create their own legacy

W

hen Sea Cadets launched a campaign to reconnect with the people who’d once been cadets, we couldn’t have imagined the response. From Olympians and award-winning musicians to dancers, civil servants and military vets, former cadets from every walk of life have got in touch to recall their time with the corps. Here, five former cadets tell us in their own words how Sea Cadets inspired the paths they took and influenced their futures.

“Every skill I learned as a cadet gave me a head start” Andrew Le Seelleur MBE Innovative and inspirational charity founder My father was a cadet in the 1950s and gave my brother and I no choice but to join. I started at the age of 12 and stayed right up until the week before I joined the Royal Navy at 17.

I loved everything about it: the sailing, pulling, guard display teams. It was definitely the biggest influence on my decision to join the Royal Navy as soon as I could.

Every skill I learned as a cadet gave me a head start when I joined up. I’d been on residentials to HMS Raleigh so was familiar with life there; the leadership and communication skills I’d developed were hugely useful – as was the ability to iron my uniform and polish my shoes!

I left the Royal Navy after nine years and returned to Jersey where I fell into the finance industry. Having seen what real teamwork and workplace pride looked like, I could see this was missing from the corporate sector, so I spent the next 14 years developing incredibly challenging but fun fundraising events.

I always say that the greatest attributes I took from Sea Cadets were leadership – the ability to not only stand in front of a group of people but also be decisive – and teamwork, which has always been a huge asset to me and the skill I cherish the most.

Life is short, so live it to the full and experience as much as you can: Sea Cadets is most definitely the place to fulfil this outlook.

10

SEA-CADETS.ORG / SPRING 2020

Former cadet Andy was awarded an MBE for his services to the community

IMPACT

“It pushed me out of my comfort zone” Caitlin Vinicombe Aspiring photojournalist and water sports instructor Caroline says she got her ‘get-up-and-go’ attitude from her days as a sea cadet

“My mum always says that Sea Cadets gave me confidence” Caroline Parkhouse Pioneering and determined Assistant Head Teacher I’m very much opportunity driven. If I see something that interests me, I think: ‘Yeah, I’ll try that!’ That’s how I ended up at Sea Cadets.

My parents and I saw an advert and we thought I should just give it a go. It was love at first sight! I remember going in and thinking: ‘Yes, this is where I belong!’ I didn’t really enjoy school or fit in there, but at Sea Cadets I found a roomful of people who were just like me.

My mum always says that Sea Cadets gave me confidence. Perhaps too much! I definitely have a can-do attitude that has pushed me to travel on my own across Australia and Asia, gain loads of coaching qualifications and, ultimately, find my calling teaching post-16 students with complex additional needs.

Colleagues will tell you I am very ‘get-up-and-go’ and positive in the classroom, and this has come from my time with Sea Cadets.

I didn’t think twice about getting on a train to Plymouth in my teens or spending weeks away at Sea Cadets summer camps. This resilience has stayed with me and is something I want to pass on to my students: if someone says they can’t do something, we’ll find them new opportunities elsewhere.

“It taught me that girls can do whatever boys can do!”

Lt (SCC) Jan Spicer MBE RNR Long-serving and inspirational volunteer I joined Hull Unit as a cadet in July 1968 when I was 13 years old. The unit was only 200 yards from my house so as soon as girls could join, I did.

It’s been such a major influence on my life and choices. I know, through my own experiences, that Sea Cadets is a great way to meet people that will become friends for life and I want to pass on that gift to other young people. It also taught me that girls can do whatever boys can do… and we did!

There are many reasons to join Sea Cadets but the confidence it instils has to be one of the most useful… That, and the fact that you can drive a boat before you can drive a car!

Jan has been with Sea Cadets since 1968 and says it’s been a major influence

Without Sea Cadets I wouldn’t have had the skills or confidence to go to university and embark on my new career in photojournalism. But I think the influence runs deeper than that: I mean, I live on a houseboat and teach windsurfing in my spare time! If I’m not ‘living my best life’, Sea Cadets has definitely set me up for a pretty good one.

I started Sea Cadets a few days after my 10th birthday and carried on as a volunteer when I turned 18. The people I met have definitely changed my outlook on what’s possible – I was the first cadet to become an intermediate windsurfing instructor. It’s really cool to be able to give back to the cadets and inspire young people now I’m a volunteer.

People would probably describe me as bubbly and outgoing and Sea Cadets helped to draw out that inner confidence.

It pushed me out of my comfort zone, built my character and helped me to develop people skills.

It’s also kept me so busy that I didn’t have time to get into trouble, even if I’d Above: Caitlin as a young cadet (right), holding the Olympic torch in 2012 wanted to!

Left: Ray as a young sailor in the Royal Navy Above: Making memories and life-long friends

“The most important thing I learnt was how to work as a team” Ray Bullock Retired Royal Navy and unstoppable 90-year-old I’m 90 years old and I still cook for myself, clean the house, fix my own socks, keep everything tidy. These are the skills I learned as a young cadet and then later in the navy, and I’m still using them today.

I joined Sea Cadets during World War II. I’d just left school and it was the middle of the blackouts. I didn’t have much money, wasn’t allowed into the pub, could hardly read by the light of a 60-watt bulb and our battery-controlled radio was so expensive to run we only listened to the news once a day. We got a bit bored during that winter, so when I first went to Sea Cadets, I thought: ‘This is great!’

A local business owner donated a boat to the unit and our CO asked me and two other cadets to look after it. That was the start of our friendship and we’re still friends today. We had some fantastic times on that boat, like collecting cockles that were as fat as your finger.

Without Sea Cadets, I probably wouldn’t have joined the navy.

The most important thing I learned was how to work as a team.

It may sound silly, but it also helped me to make a success of my married life. My wife and I were both in the navy and carried the teamwork spirit into our marriage.

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

11

BUILDING A BRIGHT FUTURE Sea Cadets provides a space for young women to develop interests and skills that can help them get into traditionally male-dominated careers. In time for International Women In Engineering Day on 23 June, we spoke to Cadet Evie and the inspirational volunteer who has helped to spark her passion for engineering

12

I

t’s still mostly men that work in engineering jobs, but it seems changing attitudes are slowly but surely closing the gender gap.

After years of trying to encourage take-up, the number of female students sitting A-levels in sciences exceeded that of male students for the first time last year. Add to that the rising number of women graduating with degrees in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and maths), and there are more than a few reasons to be optimistic.

Inspiring change

This girl can Stephanie’s words have certainly had an effect on Cadet Evie. “I’d never considered an engineering career before I joined Sea Cadets,” Evie says. “I joined just over a year ago knowing no one and PO Smith helped me settle in from the start. She made it clear that Sea Cadets gives equal opportunities to both girls and boys and inspired me to try engineering. The more engineering courses I’ve done, the more it’s opened my eyes to how many different careers there are in the sector.”

“Sea Cadets encourages everyone – regardless of gender – to have a go at something new,” says A multi-billion-pound industry Petty Officer (SCC) Stephanie Smith, volunteer In fact, it’s difficult to find a sector that doesn’t at Whitehaven Sea Cadets and all-round require the precision skills and efficient thinking engineering inspiration. of engineers. From energy to the environment, “Young women aren’t typically encouraged defence, design, medicine and maritime, to take part in things like engineering, so it’s our engineers work in a variety of roles in all sorts of job as volunteers to inspire them to think outside the box and try something they wouldn’t ordinarily do at home or at school.”

While Stephanie acknowledges that engineering is still seen as more of a “male thing”, she says that attitudes are changing, “so it’s up to us to encourage our young women to have a go at courses in Stephanie (left) has inspired Cadet Evie to pursue engineering these subjects”.

SEA-CADETS.ORG / SPRING 2020

EMPOWERING WOMEN

Above: Cadet Evie receiving the runner-up Cadet of the Year Award from PO (SCC) J Mitchell Right: PO (SCC) Stephanie Smith

industries. You can find them in high-rise offices, state-of-the-art labs, isolated oil rigs, colossal ships… even out in space. The work they do is hugely important to the UK too, contributing an estimated £127bn to our economy!

Practical magic The moment engineering clicked for Evie was following a District engineering competition.

“Two of our team had no qualifications in engineering but we came third after a sudden death question,” she explains. “On the way home, I realised how proud I was of our little team.”

This proved to be the springboard for Evie’s ambitions and she will soon be embarking on her Intermediate Engineering qualification.

After that, her sights are firmly set on a career in the Royal Navy.

“The thing I love most about engineering is how hands-on and practical it is, how you can see how all the parts move and work,” she explains. “My hopes are that I can use these skills and go into the navy. I would never have considered that before I joined Sea Cadets.”

For fellow female cadets who may not think engineering is for them, Evie has some very simple advice: “Just try it! Learning with Sea Cadets is 10 times better than school because it’s more practical and you get to study less traditional subjects that you have an interest in. Just work hard, give it a go and, you never know, you might like it.”

WOMEN IN ENGINEERING IN NUMBERS

42%

Girls

80%

22%

80%

98%

of girls aged 16 to 18 would consider a career in engineering

of students starting A-level physics in 2018 were female

outperform boys in all STEM A-levels except chemistry

of female engineering students get a first or upper second degree

of female engineers are happy or extremely happy with their career choice

of female engineers find their job rewarding

All statistics are taken from study carried out by Engineering UK and interpreted by the Women’s Engineering Society

Career paths There are loads of jobs in engineering: try some of these these on for size ROYAL NAVY APPRENTICE RN apprenticeships combine practical, on-the-job training with study. You earn as you learn, gain job-specific skills and are guaranteed a job at the end of it. For more info visit royalnavy.mod.uk/careers.

AEROSPACE ENGINEER Fancy building space shuttles, working on satellites or testing prototypes? Aerospace engineers do all these things and more in this highly diverse field. Specialist roles include aerodynamics, space technology or air accident investigation.

ROBOTICS ENGINEER Robotics engineers are the ingenious inventors responsible for driverless cars, automated hoovers and deep sea drones. To make your way into the world of Wall-Es and BB-8s, try joining a robotics engineering group or enter design competitions to hone your skills.

CHEMICAL ENGINEER You know that super-clever fabric that wicks sweat away from your body as you exercise? That was likely developed by a chemical engineer.

These clever people study and explore processes to help transform raw materials into useful items, from sportswear fabrics to food flavouring.

A bachelor’s degree will be your first step into the industry, although internships are available.

CIVIL ENGINEER Just think about where we’d be without our trusty civil engineers.

They make sure our towns and cities run like clockwork, focusing on roads, water supplies, bridges and buildings.

You’ll likely need a degree for this one.

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

images: Getty

”PO Smith made me realise girls can do engineering too. It has opened my eyes to how many different careers there are in the sector”

13

MEET OUR VOLUNTEERS

Why we volunteer There are so many options when it comes to volunteering with Sea Cadets.

Whatever your experience or skills, and however much time you can give, there really is something to suit everyone. We asked four volunteers from Kingston Unit to tell us about their roles and what they love about volunteering Petty Officer (SCC) Olivia, In charge of junior cadets division “There are so many opportunities as a volunteer – you can do the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (if you’re in the age bracket), and there are loads of BTEC outdoor qualifications for your CV. I’ve also made some really good friends and met people from all over the country. But the best part of being a volunteer is seeing the cadets come through the door the first week and you think, “Will we see them again?”, then they come a second week. Then six months later, they’re standing at the front, living their best life, absolutely loving every minute of it. Every volunteer feels they played their part in making that cadet who they turned out to be. It doesn’t matter if you have no experience, the other volunteers will support you. I think that’s really what makes a family unit.”

Petty Officer (SCC) Nicola, Commanding Officer “I’m responsible for the day-to-day running of the unit, but I couldn’t do it without the other volunteers. We see young people grow as individuals, and you get a lot of reward from that. When they think they can’t do it and you’re like, ‘I’m absolutely sure you can do that…’ and they go out there and smash it and come back with the biggest grin on their face. There are also things I’d always wanted to have a go at, like kayaking, that Sea Cadets has enabled me to do, and as an adult you don’t usually get those opportunities.”

14

Carina, Chair for the parents and supporters association “My background is in communications and marketing, so I help co-ordinate fundraising and getting support from parents/carers and supporters. My biggest motivation for volunteering is giving something back – with their uniform on, they suddenly look so much more self-assured and confident. Particularly when they go on some of the voyages, seeing that confidence build is really rewarding. Every volunteer has different skills to offer and we all pull together as a team. I think people are scared sometimes – that if they sign up to be a volunteer it’s going to be a huge amount of work. But even if you can only spare 10 minutes or half an hour a week, it doesn’t matter: any time is welcome.”

SEA-CADETS.ORG / SPRING 2020

Keith, Unit Assistant “I help out within the unit, during parades and at other times. It’s really friendly, there’s good camaraderie, you’re working as part of a team to help young people. For me, it’s also about getting out of the house, having something to do at weekends other than the mundane stuff. It’s a degree of excitement, doing different things, meeting different people… I find it very rewarding. It’s a good atmosphere, and there’s a big sense of achievement.

You can do a lot as a volunteer – it’s not just for the kids, it’s for adults as well.”

Nominate a volunteer! Email

SCmag@ms-sc.org and tell us who it is and why they deserve it

CAREERS

So you want to be...

How to get there

A SUBMARINER

Whether you start as an officer or work your way up, here are some routes into the Submarine Service

Travel the world, work with cutting-edge technology, forge friendships… and row the Atlantic! Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs tells us why a career beneath the waves offers opportunities and a few surprises

ROUTE 1: OFFICER

1

To be an officer you need at least A-level qualifications or above and be aged

between 17 and 39 (depending on which

“Sea cadets will already have many of the skills needed.

They understand the importance of teamwork, self-discipline and rank.

They already know half the language and are trained in seamanship”

career you choose).

2

Some of the more technical roles in

3

The Royal Navy can help fund university.

the Submarine Service will require a

degree in an appropriate subject.

Go to royalnavy.mod.uk/careers/

joining/funding-and-scholarships.

ROUTE 2: RATINGS If university isn’t for you, there are still plenty of other career opportunities available to you.

See the world Hugo always wanted a career in the military, attracted by the travel and adventurous training. First he went to university to study engineering, then got a master’s degree. He didn’t think of the Royal Navy until a careers advisor gave him the lowdown. “Joining the navy let me do an exciting engineering job, but

also live an extraordinary life, challenge myself and see the world,” Hugo says. “And working with a nuclear reactor sounded pretty amazing!”

1

Warfare: using some of the most advanced systems in the world, you are

the eyes and ears of the submarine, listening out for other navies’ ships and subs and

Get life skills and lifelong friends The transition from student to military was a smooth one, and Hugo relished his basic training at Britannia Royal College, Dartmouth.

“It was like 18 months of Sea Cadets, but as an adult,” he says. “We learnt life skills, like how to iron our uniform, polish our boots and get up early. It built our confidence as leaders and I made some great friends.” Time in the classroom and at sea followed before Hugo earned his ‘Dolphins’ – the mark of a qualified submariner.

“This is a challenging process but the reward is incredibly special,” he says. “Getting your Dolphins means you’ve joined a professional elite; a unique family with 100 years of history.”

Prerequisites and personalities Hugo admits that being a submariner is not for everyone, but if you can be a good team player, take in information and communicate, you’re on your way. “Cadets will already have many of the skills needed,” he says. “They understand the importance of teamwork, self-discipline and rank.

They already know half the language and are trained in seamanship. This really does help in the early stages and prepares you for basic training.”

identifying them by sound alone.

2

Logistics: cook for the ship’s company or visiting VIPs on board by joining

the catering services.

Get started Visit royalnavy.mod.uk/careers to read about all the different roles and qualifications available across the Royal Navy.

Amazing opportunities and Atlantic voyages Cadets looking for adventure won’t be disappointed. Annual Adventurous Training weeks include climbing, kayaking, diving and mountain biking to develop physical and mental strength. Open-minded thinking is encouraged, as is tailoring your own challenges. Just like Hugo and his crew, who took part in the Atlantic Challenge – a 3,000-mile unsupported row from the Canaries to Antigua – to raise money for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity.

They were the fastest-ever serving military team to do it, in 37 days, six hours, 40 minutes.

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

15

Photography: HMS Oardacious

S

ubmarines aren’t what they used to be. Banish those images of cramped, sweaty rooms jam-packed with cogs, dials and flashing lights.

“I’m 6’4” and people always ask how I fit,” laughs Lieutenant Hugo Mitchell-Heggs from his office when he’s on land, at MOD Abbey Wood, Bristol. “The technology has advanced a lot. I work on a Vanguard-class submarine, which is 150m long, 12.8m wide and has four decks, so they’re significantly bigger than people expect.” There’s even room for a fitness suite, but it is in the same area as the missiles!

ADVICE

The Sea Cadets guide to...

A PERFECT ROWING STROKE Ready for getting back out on the water, and inspired by HMS Oardacious and ROW 3000, we thought we’d go over the basic principles of how to conduct an efficient rowing stroke in a Trinity 500. Follow these four simple steps to master the technique

1 THE CATCH

2THE DRIVE

3 THE EXTRACTION

4THE RECOVERY

In the final part of the stroke you remove the blade cleanly from the water. Push down on the grip of the oar to lift the blade out of the water – this is a smooth movement as your hands move down towards your lap.

Take care to finish the drive completely before trying to remove the blade from the water – this will result in ‘snatching the oar’ (when it is not at a right-angle to the water, so it doesn’t come out cleanly).

TOP TIP

This is the most powerful part of the stroke. Push with the legs first, starting to open up the body by leaning back, but keep both arms straight, before bringing the arms into the body at the end of the drive. Keep the blade straight throughout and remember the following sequence of movements: legs, body, arms.

This is effectively a reversal of the drive. The body movement should be smooth and controlled throughout. Keeping the arms straight, the hands lead the body forward while your legs and feet provide balance and stability. Remember this movement sequence: arms, body, legs. You are now ready to lower the blade for the next catch. The recovery is slower than the drive, allowing the boat to travel.

Oar depth

A bad habit to develop is to dig too deep with the blade. This creates more pressure on the oar (and the rower) and can lead to poor rowing technique. A simple way of showing the correct depth of the blade is to ask each crew member to let go of their oars whilst the oar is sitting in the rowlock and let the blade float in the water. The level that it naturally sinks to is the depth that should be used while rowing. You could mark the blade with tape.

16

SEA-CADETS.ORG / SPRING 2020

Illustration: Geraldine Sy

At the start of the catch you should be sat symmetrically and comfortably, with your head up looking towards the back of the boat.

Your back is slightly over your pelvis, arms outstretched and hands over your feet. Grip the oar and lift your hands to lower the blade into the water.

Once the blade is in place, just below the water, the catch is taken and leads into the next part of the stroke.

COURSES AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Focus on:

SEA KAYAKING AND TOURING

val term BZ is a na ’. ‘well done s n a e m t tha m the o fr s e m It co utical d Zulu na Bravo an g in e b gs signal fla er. th e g to n flow

IN TA

'S

BZ

P CA

The first visit of the year: @TSAcornSCC

Sea kayaking and touring bring travel, exploration and adventure to paddlesport! Offering confidence and new skills, they provide a unique kind of challenge, whether it’s a short trip or a multi-day expedition What can cadets expect from the courses?

Sea kayaking is about planning and undertaking journeys on the sea. Touring is carried out in long kayak touring boats or open canoes, paddled tandem (two people) or solo. Both awards provide lessons in manoeuvring, how to rescue someone if they capsize, and learning about the environment around you. And it’s not just about being on water; cadets who have done sea kayaking and tours also loved camping, one of the great attractions to the course.

Salisbury won the Canada Trophy, awarded to the unit considered to have attained the highest standard of all-round efficiency in that year.

Salisbury has excelled at boating, averaging 145 hours per cadet!

What skills and qualifications do you get?

British Canoeing Sea Kayak Award or the British Canoeing Touring Award are available, depending on which course you take. You’re also sure to make friends, build on your paddling skills and learn something new about yourself!

Learn new skills on a canoeing tour To qualify the students, a Coach Award or Leader (Sea or Touring) needs to award the qualification.

What are the highlights of the courses?

All of the above! Planning and making journeys, learning how to pack a boat for camping, rescue skills, boathandling skills, and seeing and experiencing new places to paddle. If it’s part of a multi-day expedition you may also be camping out overnight so you need to ensure you’re prepared and have everything you need to keep you going.

Who can sign up for the courses?

Cadets (usually over 14 years old) and volunteers who have already completed their British Canoeing Explore Award (or previous scheme BC 2 Star/PaddlePower Discover) can get involved.

Once they’ve completed the course, what can cadets do with it?

Use your planning and preparation skills on expeditions, follow canoe trails or use paddling as part of your Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Or, if you want to take the skills further, you can enrol in Coach Award Core Training, or move onto the Coastal Sea Kayak Award or Open Water Touring Award and start your journey to becoming a pro!

Where do I sign up?

Check out your Area Paddlesport Calendar or speak to your unit’s Training Officer. Sea Kayaking is also run as a national course at SCTC Weymouth.

What do unit instructors need to do to run this course?

Any Paddlesport Instructor or Coach Level 1 who has suitable skills and experience can deliver the basics.

Don’t take our word for it. Here’s what cadets have said about the course:

“Throughout the week I have gone from wet to dry, hot to cold, from tired to energetic; but overall I have had an amazing time! Trying something new has helped me develop skills and do things I thought I’d never experience.”

CADET DANI

Have fun and make new friends

“I have been a cadet for six years, but I have never been on an expedition before. Afterwards, I wished I had done this a lot sooner as it was one of the best experiences I have ever had!”

CADET CASEY

The Commander Brown Trophy was awarded to POC Daniel from Weymouth, for outstanding achievement, excelling at Sea Cadets, gaining multiple qualifications and his Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Captain Rodie Casement Sword went to Lt (SCC) William Elliott RNR from Milford Haven. William embodies the Sea Cadets values and his drive to inspire them in cadets is infectious and his commitment is endless.

Five-a-side football winners A massive well done to all who took part, especially those going away with medals and trophies. The skill, dedication and sportsmanship was brilliant to see!

BZ to the FSL cadets who are leaving after an amazing year: POC Madeleine, POC Heather, POC Zeta, POC Megan, POC Jemima and POC Daniel.

Cadet to run a marathon!

Cadet Lauren is fundraising for her unit. Support her here: gofundme.com/f/26-milestowards-an-amazing-unit “I want to help those who may be future cadets,” says Lauren.

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

17

YOUR PHOTOS

THE WOMEN OF SEA CADETS We asked you to share your pictures of some of the inspiring women in your life to celebrate International Women’s Day back in March.

Here are some of our favourites from the best ones you shared with us on social media. Thanks to everyone who took part!

18

SEA-CADETS.ORG / SPRING 2020

Follow us on social media @SeaCadetsUK

FUN

CADETS’ MESS Take a break to see if you can beat our nautical-themed wordsearch, test your knot know-how and get a word of advice from the First Sea Lord Cadets. This issue, we bring you top tips from the FSL cadets for Eastern and London Areas on how to get the most out of training and courses

W A T E R E C E C A R A X S O C R T C R S T R E C T E A M S T H C M T S R T E S T P I C A R T O A R O B N V R K I I Y T E L R C K

R O B O A F R U S S R O D O R R W E A L O V E R Y W R S R T L E G R I O O B B L C S T E I K W S X B O F L O A R I N I T W A V E S

“Don’t be scared to travel around the country to Area or National Training Centres to try new activities and gain new qualifications, such as paddlesport or aviation.

Ask your Unit Training Officer or senior cadets what opportunities are available.”

POC JONATHAN, FIRST SEA LORD CADET FOR EASTERN AREA

C T R A R B T I A C R L H V A B X N S A Y S

E D R I

C E D E

T V P Y E T O L H

Know your knots!

Use this step-by-step to learn how to tie a reef knot, and then see if you can answer our brain teaser about where you would use one

Wordsearch: rowing Now you’ve learnt the perfect rowing stroke, heard from someone who’s rowed the Atlantic and been inspired by our ROW 3000 campaign, can you find all these words on rowing?

1. Row 2. Oar 3. Stroke 4. Blade 5. Drive 6. Extraction 7. Recovery

8. Catch 9. Water 10. Trinity 11. Grip 12. Float 13. Balance 14. Stability

15. Depth 16. Waves 17. Surface 18. Crew 19. Team 20. Rowlock

“The more dedication you put into Sea Cadets, the more opportunities come your way. Attend as many parade nights as you can, as you’ll hear about more courses, where you’ll meet new cadets and volunteers and form new connections. Progress can only be made possible through the time that you put into your cadet career at the start.”

CADET CPL LAURELLE, FIRST SEA LORD CADET FOR LONDON AREA

Brain teaser: what is a reef knot used for? a) Joining two ends together b) Tying up to a post or c) Towing a dinghy Know your knots answer: a

SPRING 2020 / SEA-CADETS.ORG

19

100 MILE CHALLENGE! Experience the 2012 Olympic cycle route with Sea Cadets and Prudential Ride London

Achieve a personal triumph by completing the pinnacle of all cycling events in the world’s greatest festival of cycling. Ride the world-famous 2012 Olympic route on 100 miles of closed roads through the capital and across the spectacular Surrey countryside.

Get involved!

sea-cadets.org/get-started/prudential-ride-london Sunday 16 August 2020 You must be 18 or over on the day 100 miles £45 entry fee and £500 fundraising minimum

Scan this e code with th ur o y camera on to e smartphon and re o m find out d! get involve

a Cadets cycling jersey ing pack, Se s i a r d n u f ive a an amazing When you join our team, you’ll rece vent and provide e e h t o t p leading u finishers’ medal! other goodies. We’ll support you mited edition li a t e g ll ’ inish you team on the day. When you f