News

After the hiatus caused by the Covid pandemic, staff and cadets splashed back into action in June 2021 with plenty of action on the river.

With a refreshed look to the unit, training plans to progress the cadets as quickly as possible to positions of responsibility in the newly-reunited ship's company, and adult volunteers with new qualifications and skills to deliver the training, not to mention a new boat, everything was set for a great summer.

Commanding Officer, Lt(SCC) Tim West RNR, expressed his excitement at the recent re-launch of face-to-face training:

"It's so great to get the cadets back together in person.  Obviously we all remained in touch and kept up our theoretical knowledge with regular virtual sessions, but it isn't the same as meeting up, getting active on the water, and building those friendships and practical skills that make being a Sea Cadet or one of our volunteers such a great experience.  It's great to be back in operation again."

There are more exciting plans for the next few months, with cadets getting out and about in the local area, taking part in District training weekends and competitions with other sea cadet units.  It will be an exciting time for anyone looking to joing the newly re-invigorated unit

After an eventful year getting back to business in our newly re-opened unit building, it was time for the cadets to let their hair down with Christmas approaching.

In long-standing Naval tradition, the ever-hardworking staff served the cadets their three-course Christmas dinner, mirroring the Navy's custom of Officers serving their sailors on Christmas day.  The maindeck had been lavishly decorated with festive trimmings and created a genuine "wow-factor" as the cadets arrived.

It was a great opportunity to team up with staff and cadets from Trowbridge Sea Cadet unit, who have collaborated with Bath unit several times in the past year.  Many historic customs were observed at the event, including the giving of speeches and toasting the Queen.  As well as being a great team-building evening, this also offered an insight into the historic traditions of the Royal Navy. The event was enjoyed by all concerned.  As one parent commented:

"Thank you so much for the cadets' mess dinner they loved it!"

After the dinner, the cadets participated in a number of games, offered a vote of thansk, and elft, eagerly anticipating the excitement of another year ahead in as members of City of Bath Sea Cadets

The Ship's Companies of TS AVON, City of Bath Sea Cadet Corps, and TS Achilles, Trowbridge Sea Cadets, joined other Cadet Forces, veterans, and Regular and Reserve forces personnel in the annual remembrance parade in the city to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Armistice in 1918.

Around 30 staff and cadets from both units joined the march past, which takes place each year.  However, this year was rather special, marking as it did the momentous anniversary of teh end of the First World War.  Lt (SCC) Tim West RNR, a former Royal Navy submariner himself spoke proudly of the event:

"It was inspiring to see so many young people honouring our heritage, and marking the debt of gratitude we owe those who played a part in what was then known as the Great War.  My own grandfather served in the Royal Naval Air Service in WWI, as a 19-year-old mechanic repairing wood and canvas aircraft damaged over the Western Front.  It is hard to convey to young people today just what a sacrifice was made by their ancestors, but hopefully today's parade helped to tell this important story."

Shiny shoes, Number One Uniform and poppies were put away for another year, but the memories of the parade, the church service in the Abbey, and those who gave their lives 100 years ago will live on.

While Bath's Sea Cadet building in St John's Road was out of action while being rebuilt it had been difficult to keep training interesting, but now that things are getting back on track, this week a visit to Bath Fire Station was a hit!

The staff arranged the visit to that the cadets could learn a bit about fire prevention (an important part of the Royal Navy's core skills for life aboard ship) and also find out about the work of the emergency services in our local area.

Cadets were able to have a close-up look at the pumps and the equipment on board, try on breathing apparatus and firefighting clothing, and also have a go operating some of the hose reels, practicing the different techniques used by firefighters.

Even the staff had a chance to join in!

It was a great insight into the Fire and Rescue Service, so huge thanks were passed on to them for being such supportive neighbours.

After years of hard work, we've now moved into our newly-rebuilt premises in St John's Road!

We're loving being in our new buliding, recently opened by Sir David Hempleman-Adams, the renowned polar adventurer and mountaineer. Massive thanks to Jon Moore, a Sea Cadet volunteer for keeping the project on track. After 30 years as a volunteer he is finally getting a new building! Long standing supporter, Roy, a former cadet and committee member says:

"Fabulous!! It’s like a dream that has come true."

Think you could help us too? Our committee meets every 6 weeks to help us manage the unit and give young people the best possible head start in life. Do you want to give something back using the skills you've acquired? Get in touch!