Sea Cadets have been highlighted for their work in local communities across the country with at least two more volunteers being celebrated. Their efforts during the Coronavirus pandemic made a difference to cadets and volunteers during a time of need for many.

After eight volunteers and two cadets received recognition in the Birthday Honours list this autumn, two more volunteers are to receive MBEs in the New Year Honours:

Carol Tiley MBE, Forest of Dean.
Carol Tiley has seen the effect being a cadet has on young people after her two boys joined Sea Cadets. Now, after 15 years of service supporting Sea Cadets and other charities across the South West, she is to be honoured by Her Majesty The Queen.

“It was a big surprise I must admit,” she said. “I was bit misty-eyed butmy boys were thrilled - it was an interesting Zoom call when they found out. ”

Carol now supports volunteers on the ground from Birmingham to Land’s End in her role as South West Area Chair, which she took up in 2012. In addition, she has stepped in as acting chair to four units across Gloucestershire and South Wales on a temporary basis.

She and her husband John used to run a successful signage company but with a background in financial services, she has acted as Treasurer for a number of local groups, including Cinderford & District Swimming Club and Forest of Dean Contact-A-Family.

“I’ve seen the very positive effect Sea Cadets can have on young people and while it’s made a difference to my own sons’ lives, it’s made even more of a difference to others. I’ve seen lives turned around and confidence given to those who when they become Sea Cadets, couldn’t lift their eyes off the floor.”

“It’s helped keep them out of trouble and later helped them get jobs they wouldn’t have dreamed of before.”

Lt Cdr (SCC) David Collins MBE RNR, Merseyside West.
David Collins, from Bromborough, Wirral, is to receive an MBE for his Sea Cadets work across Merseyside which has seen him change lives for the better.

A trained naval architect, he and his wife Maureen celebrated their golden anniversary this year. They have three daughters, Maria, Therasa, Jeanette and between them, have eight grandchildren.

“I was just astounded,” he said. “I’d already received the Sea Cadet Medal and was quite content to continue what I doing. There are many people who were also deserving of recognition.”

“I’m a facilitator. I couldn’t have achieved all I have  without the support of people of like mind. My job is to encourage fellow volunteers to join in with the tasks and its with their help and leaderships that it all works.”

Having become a Sea Cadet in his native Newcastle, he’s remained committed to the passion for sailing and to the ethos of Sea Cadets. “I enjoy working with youngsters, especially in the offshore sailing environment. There is no greater satisfaction in building a group of novices into a working crew who do not want to leave the boat at the end of the week,” he said.

“Some young people might be challenging when they start, but when they join Sea Cadets they become self-confident. When years later you see a young man proudly approach with his wife and family with a broad smile and the greeting “Hello, sir” - that’s an amazing thrill. His pride, respect and interaction with his family make you understand the value of Sea Cadets.”

Among David’s achievements has been to work with others to simplify Sea Cadets’ national training system, as part of his work on the Sea Cadets National Advisory Council.

“It is important to have good training that is attractive to cadets. One difficulty, at the time, had been that young people were being encouraged to undertake leadership roles before they had the maturity to accept them. But by nurturing their talents, we build their confidence and they motivate themselves.”

Captain Phil Russell RN, Captain Sea Cadets, said “Carol and David exemplify the dedication and commitment of our Sea Cadets volunteers and I’m delighted they are to receive their MBEs. For many years, they have been devoted to supporting Sea Cadets in helping to change lives.”

“They’re representative of 9,000 volunteers and 15,000 cadets, all of whom are dedicated to supporting their communities. They all represent the unique Sea Cadets values and ethos which have helped make a difference to so many young lives.”