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Eight men will cycle 1,200 miles from John O’Groats to Land’s End in aid of Chelmsford Sea Cadets and other good causes.

The group, who will set off from the Scottish village on Wednesday 17 May, are aiming to raise £2,000, and a further £4,000 for homelessness charities No Second Night Out and Whitechapel Mission.

Nigel Bunton, a former Commanding Officer at Chelmsford Sea Cadets, said: “For me, Sea Cadets gives children of all backgrounds equal opportunities.

“If someone wants to go on a course or earn a qualification, the funding can be provided. You wouldn’t find that anywhere else. Everyone is treated the same.

“It would be great if more people could volunteer, as it really does make a difference to young people. It’s a cause very close to my heart.”

Nigel will be joined on the 11-day cycle by Chris Watson, Chris Bagshaw, Mike Fitzgibbon, David Hamer, Sean Dunn, Dave Chitty and Stephen Butterworth. Keith Chapman will accompany the group as a driver.

Speaking about the challenge ahead, Nigel said: “The group are different levels – we have three club cyclists, some novices, and everything in-between, so it will be interesting to see how it goes.

“We’re all looking forward to the challenge and to raising as much money for our chosen charities as possible.”

Follow the group and sponsor their efforts at: http://cyclingknights.uk/. 

On the last weekend of April, cadets battled it out once again at the annual Drill and Piping Competition. The best units and detachments were selected from their areas to compete amongst each other to win ‘The National Boxing Cup’ – the trophy given to the best performing area. This year the competition was held at HMS Raleigh in Cornwall and Southern Area were crowned champions after performing exceptionally well in ‘unarmed squad’ classifications.
 
Area Officer for Southern Area, Cdr Trevor Price RN, said: “The military precision, timing and elegance of the displays was inspiring. Certainly the best I have seen during a 30 year career. I am exceptionally proud that Southern Area won the overall competition. I am also very grateful for the time and tremendous effort both cadets and volunteers have all taken to prepare for and attend the competition”.
 
The full results of each category are below:
 

Overall winning area
The National Boxing cup (overall winners) -  SOUTHERN AREA
 

Unarmed squad trophies
Best arena display squad - Southern Area - PORTSMOUTH UNIT
Best Sea Cadets squad commander - Southern Area - PORTSMOUTH UNIT
Best Sea Cadets unarmed squad - Sothern Area - PORTSMOUTH UNIT
 

Sea Cadets armed guard trophies
Best arena display (guard) - South West Area - WESTON-SUPER-MARE UNIT
Best Sea Cadets Guard Commander – North West Area - CITY OF LIVERPOOL UNIT
Best Sea Cadets armed guard – South West Area - WESTON-SUPER-MARE UNIT
 

Royal Marines Cadets armed guard trophies
Best arena display – Eastern Area - HULL RMCD
Best RMC Guard Commander – Eastern Area - HULL RMCD
BEST RMC guard – Eastern Area - HULL RMCD
 

Piping Trophies                
Best individual piping -   Eastern Area - FLITWICK & AMPTHILL UNIT
Best piping team - Eastern Area - FLITWICK & AMPTHILL UNIT
Best Sea Cadets colour party – Southern Area - PORTSMOUTH UNIT

Two Teign Valley Sea Cadets are making their way to Portugal by water after securing places on the first leg of the transatlantic Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta.

Able Cadet Jake and Able Cadet Lewis are heading to Sines on board Jolie Brise and are expected to arrive at their destination this weekend. The 17-year-olds are representing Teignmouth on the voyage and have joined crew on one of the world’s most famous tall ships – but for one of them, there was little time to prepare.

Lewis, who has been a cadet for about four years, was asked if he wanted to join the ship just hours before it left Torbay after one young person dropped out and, later that afternoon, he was at the harbour ready to leave.

His dad, Matthew, said: “He was a bit shell-shocked when we got the call. He just put some clothes in a bag and then headed down. The short notice was probably a good thing, in a way, as he had no time to think about it or get nervous.”

Jake and Lewis are being sponsored by Teignmouth Town Council on the first leg of the voyage, with Jake having joined the tall ship in London, where it was berthed for Greenwich Tall Ships Festival.

His mum, Sue, said: “When he found out that he had been selected for Jolie Brise, he was amazed, but very, very happy. He's in sixth-form, and he had to stay on after school for three or four weeks, and had to go in over the Easter holidays, to put in the extra time he will miss. He's also got homework to do while he's away, if he can get on to the internet. He's very dedicated.”

Teignmouth’s Mayor, Councillor Terry Falcão, said: “What is wonderful is the generosity of both Dauntsey’s for offering the places and Wetherspoon by offering to raise funds towards the cost of the fees, which might otherwise have been an obstacle to some candidates. I am looking forward to hearing about the trip upon their return.”

A dad who has lost more than seven stone after being told his health was seriously at risk ran the London Marathon to raise money for Wandsworth, Chelsea and Fulham Sea Cadets.

Tom Burgess, 36, completed the 26.2-mile course in four hours and 37 minutes. In March last year, he weighed 23 stone and had dangerously high blood pressure, but lost weight after a trip to his GP.

“I’m happy to be raising money for Sea Cadets, as it will help children towards a brighter future," said Tom. "I know the money raised for the unit will make a real difference to the young people and volunteers. It’s an amazing cause.

“The benefits of running are amazing. Mentally, I feel better. The adrenaline rush after is great. And the change when you look in the mirror, and when people start noticing, pushes you. I absolutely love it.”

Speaking about the race, he added: "It was an incredible experience. The atmosphere was amazing, and running the last kilometre with everyone shouting my name is something I will never forget.

"It was tough, and it was made harder because it was so busy and I was dodging people – I actually ran 27 miles instead of the 26.2 – but I have already decided I want to do it again next year."

To donate to Tom, visit: https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/thomasburgess1. You can also follow his weight-loss journey on Instagram via: https://www.instagram.com/burgessking1/

Marine Society and Sea Cadets would like to wish our patron, Her Majesty the Queen, a very happy birthday.

The monarch celebrates her 91st birthday today and is expected to mark the occasion privately. This is in contrast to her 90th last year, which was celebrated across the country, with many - including Sea Cadets - lighting beacons in her honour.

Marine Society and Sea Cadets' royal association goes back many years. In 1899, Sea Cadets received royal recognition when Queen Victoria presented the Windsor unit with £10 for uniforms. Cadets also took part in the Thames Pageant for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and have greeted the Queen on royal visits.

Marine Society, meanwhile, dates back to 1756 and was founded when Britain was on the brink of war with Europe. The 250^th anniversary of the charity on HMS Albion in Greenwich was attended by Queen Elizabeth II.