News

The 2017 Northern Ireland Conference was held in Carrickfergus Marina in March. This conference saw Belfast Eagle's CO, LT(SCC) C Stephenson and XO PO(SCC) A Stephenson being presented with a burgee following a successful unit review. The Shamrock on the Burgee denotes that Belfast Eagle is the top unit in Northern Ireland. This Burgee was presented by the Captain of Northern Area Sea Cadets CPT P Adams.

This success is a result of all of the hard work from our Staff, Cadets, Parents and Supporters. We would like to thank each and everyone involved in helping our unit as this wouldn't be possible without you all.

Heres to another year of hard work, fun and adventure!

On Monday 8^th December 2014, Eagle held a prize ceremony. The purpose of this ceremony is to award those cadets that have been exceptional throughout the year. It is also used to help encourage other cadets to do well and to get involved in as much as they can during their time at cadets. This event occurs every other year, in between the larger inspections which the Area Officer is in charge. At this event, the District Officer, Lt CDR C Burns presented the awards to the various cadets.

The awards and the winners are as follows:

• Best Division: Cunningham
• Best Cadet: L/C P Bingham
• Caulfield Cup (endeavour): O/C J Smith
• Best Cadet Nelson: L/C K Gray
• Best Cadet Cunningham: CDT R Hammond

Well done to all that won an award. This year has been very busy for both cadets and staff. The staff at Eagle would like to thank everyone involved in the organisation of this ceremony and wish everyone good luck for next year. 

Between Friday 28^th November and Sunday 30^th November 2014, cadets from Eagle attended a 3^rd class navigation course. The purpose of this course is provide cadets with a basic understanding of the rules of the road at sea, what different markings mean, how to set up a good sailing course and much more.

The course was led by Caption Wilson and Leading Cadet Patrick Bingham; both of which are from Eagle. This was the first time that Eagle members ran this type of course. This was especially a challenge for Leading Cadet Bingham as he has never had to help instruct a course yet. This was good experience for him and will help him successfully run other courses.

By the end of the course, all cadets that attended passed; three of which were also from Eagle.

On Sunday 9^th November 2014, Belfast City Hall held its annual Remembrance ceremony to remember those that fought during the World Wars and other conflicts. On the day, Belfast Eagle took part in this event alongside cadets from the Army and RAF. To help support Eagle, Marine cadets from all over the province attended.

Belfast Eagle would like to thank Belfast City Hall for inviting us to participant in this event. Everyone who attended enjoyed the day.

Belfast Eagle made an appearance at the Spectrum Centre for their annual Remembrance Night on Thursday 6^th November 2014. On the night, Belfast eagle was joined by cadets from the RAF and the Army. At the end of the night, cadets were given the chance to meet local politicians Nigel Dodds MP and William Humphrey MLA.

The night began with all cadets marching into the hall while a brass band played. Once in hall, there was an inspection which involved an officer going around all cadets inspecting their uniforms and talking to them. Cadets then took up their positions behind the audience for the main show. The brass band played for half an hour playing several songs. After they finished their performance, the cadets re-marched into the hall to allow for a traditional remembrance ceremony to occur with poppies falling from the ceiling and a cadet playing the bugle.

This is an event that Eagle is invited to annually and is one that we ensure that we can fit into our busy training programme. The importance that the unit places on this event can be seen with the attendance from both staff and cadets. This was a highly enjoyable night and Belfast Eagle would like to thank the organiser of the event and the Spectrum Centre for inviting us.