News

Divisions at Training Ship Vernon

This year we restarted our Divisional system, with two of our uniformed volunteers heading up each Division.

Probationary Petty Officer (SCC) T Harding is Divisional Officer for DRYAD and Probationary Petty Officer (SCC) S Hollywood is Divisional Officer for DARING.

The aim of Divisions is to inspire friendly competition as all cadets, Junior Senior and Royal Marines work together in thier respective Division. We wish to reward positive acts and behaviours and to drive our cadets to get their Divisions name on the Norman Cup!

Commanding Officers Award 2024 : Cadet Lauren

Each year at our Awards evening, we recognise the hard work and achievements of our Cadets and Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs). The Commanding Officers Award is hand-picked by our CO, and goes to which ever Cadet our CO feels has pushed themselves and made positive decisions over the last twelve months. Showing growth, determination and has embraced the Sea Cadet Corps values. For the year 2024 this has been awarded to Cadet Lauren.

On top of taking part in community activities and helping others, Cadet Lauren took on extra training to get a young team of rowers ready for the Mercia District competition, pushed herself and moved far out of her comfort zone.

Our CO said "Cadet Lauren really stood out this year as I and the CFAV's noticed she attended almost every parade and really committed herself to achieving her qualifications in rowing. She pushed herself to be more vocal, giving those rowing orders loud and clear! Unfortunately, the rowing competition could not go ahead due to adverse weather, but her hard work and preparation for it right up to the last minute has been recognised and rewarded, congratulations Cadet Lauren”.

On the 29th October 2024 the Lord Mayor of Birmingham attended Birmingham Vernon to Officially present Lance Corporal (L/Cpl) Elliot with his Badge, to proudly wear on his uniform as the first Lord Mayor of Birmingham Cadet!

A fantastic evening was had by all with tea and cake served to parents, guardians, and our cadets. The evening included an inspection of a Royal Marines Guard by the Lord Mayor. and Lance Corporal Elliot’s citation read out by Deputy District Officer Lieutenant (SCC) David Burley RNR. 

With more tea and cake flowing, L/Cpl presented the Lord Mayor with an engraved boatswain's call commissioned by TS Vernon to mark the occasion. The Lord Mayor also presented PO (SCC) L Smith with the award from Mercia District for the 'Best Junior Division' - a reflection of all her hard work. 

A fantastic evening, one to remember for years to come

Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets from Training Ship Vernon once again took part in the act of Remembrance in Birmingham City centre.

Lance Corporal Elliot escorted the Lord Mayor of Birmingham to the Dias, our Cadets and adult volunteers fell in to pay their respects as part of the parade, and our Commanding Officer placed a wreath to honour those who we remember.

"When you go home and tell them of us and say, for your tomorrow, we gave our today"

We will remember them

Armed with their custom made 'Jersey 2024' hoodies, Sea and Royal Marines Cadets from Birmingham Vernon flew away this summer to Jersey in the Channel Islands for a Unit summer camp! This amazing opportunity was the result of hard work and fund raising from our volunteers, cadets and topped up with a grant from the Ulysses trust. 

Cadets took part in a huge training plan, including sea sailing, mountain biking, catamaran sailing, kayaking and much much more! They also enjoyed local site seeing and spent a day learning about the history of the Island during World War 2. 

As part of their grant, cadets took part in a litter pick along the beach, to help maintain the environment which our Sea and Royal Marine cadets get so much learning and enjoyment from. They then watched the sun set before having a BBQ! An amazing experience.

Birmingham Vernon supported our Cadets as much as possible in raising funds directly and ensuring that Cadets from all backgrounds had equal opportunity to attend this camp and obtain lifelong experiences.

We also paraded with TS Jersey, the only Sea Cadet unit in Jersey and hope to maintain this connection in the future.