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** CHANGE OF COMMAND AT BIRMINGHAM VERNON ** 

Thanks are in order for the recognition of the outstanding leadership, achievements and contributions made by our outgoing Lt (SCC) O Chambers MBE RNR during his tenure as Commanding Officer over the last 6 years.

Oliver now passes on the Command to the newly appointed Officer in Charge, Sub Lt (SCC) Richard Keyte RNR

During his time as Commanding Officer, Oliver has continuously improved the standards of the cadet experience. Our results in the last assessment being the highest score that Birmingham Vernon has ever had. This is true testament to the strong leadership and commitment shown by him. The last 6 years has really highlighted the success that Oliver’s involvement has had within Birmingham Vernon, such as 3 Captains Commendation for recognition of the additional projects undertaken from Birmingham Vernon, the willingness to take part in a partnership to realise the Midlands Boat Station Project, the Cadet Expansion Programme with Wodensborough Ormiston Academies Trust, that saw introduction of a brand new Royal Marines Cadets Detachment within the Sandwell Community and the transition of Sea Cadets within the Brasshouse Community Centre in Sandwell. Oliver has also played his part in terms of enabling Birmingham Vernon to win the Social Action Award for the South West Area in recognition of our community work across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Sir is a true example of the core values of our organisations and an excellent role model for our young people and certainly does give young people the best possible head start in life through nautical adventure and fun. He is equally a great mentor to not just our Adult Volunteer team, but the wider community at large.

We are thrilled that Oliver remains within the unit to continue his much valued support.

On behalf of the Ships Company, please join me in congratulating them both

If you're looking for a real challenge, this could be for you....

We are having a recruitment evening on Tuesday 13th December 2022 between 7.00pm and 9.00pm at the Brasshouse Community Centre, Brasshouse Lane, Smethwick, West Midlands B66 1BA (Sat Nav Directions B66 1BQ)

On the evening you will hear about how them being part of the Sea Cadets family, Royal Marines Cadets enjoy all the exciting activities on water that Sea Cadets do, as well as branching off into serious adventure training too. Specialising in orienteering, field craft and weapons handling is what makes Royal Marines Cadets unique and you can join from the age of 13 to 18.

Test yourself

As you hone your skills, you can compete at the Gibraltar Cup at the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre in Devon, testing yourself on the famous assault course. It’s an incredible and unforgettable experience.

Across the UK

There are 127 Royal Marines Cadets Detachments within Sea Cadets units across the UK, all led by the Captain Sea Cadets, a serving Royal Navy Captain. The Captain Sea Cadets is supported by our Staff Royal Marines Officer, a serving Colour Sergeant in the Royal Marines, both are on secondment from the Royal Navy to Sea Cadets.

While you're doing this

Orienteering across Dartmoor, travelling abroad, rock-climbing, rowing, ceremonial drill and parading with a band, first aid, engineering, even weather-forecasting and power-boating….  and getting badges to prove it, perhaps taking part in national competitions…

…You’ll get all this

You’ll become confident in new situations. Feel more in charge of yourself and know how to make a good impression.

You’ll find you want to listen to others with more experience in life than you because you’ll quickly see how it gets you to where you want to go.

In turn, you’ll learn how to support people who are less experienced than you, which you can use to captain a sports team and stand out in interviews.

And think how it would feel to be able to walk into a room and feel at ease speaking with anyone!

You’ll gain positive habits and thinking that will last a lifetime.

I don’t give up’ will become just how you think!

And skills and qualifications

You’ll get all the support you need to show what you’re made of, whether or not you shine at school.

WITH ROYAL MARINES CADETS YOU GAIN QUALIFICATIONS:

Duke of Edinburgh's Award

Royal Yachting Association qualifications

BTEC’s in Marine Engineering, Public Service & Citizenship and Music

British Canoeing Union qualifications

At school

Most cadets find that what they learn at Sea Cadets makes it easier to listen and focus at school, and be organised. This can make keeping up with schoolwork less stressful, and gives you more time for other things.

Standing up in front of other people to give a presentation will usually become less scary too. You might even come to enjoy it! And you won’t be afraid of putting your hand up in class and joining in.

Getting a job

You’ll know how to present yourself well, so people will welcome and remember you. And supporting workmates to be the best they can be will be something you’re used to and really valuable to an employer.

Using your initiative will be second nature. And listening to instruction and accepting feedback without being offended will help you do well once you’ve got that job!

When can you join?

You can join as a Junior Cadet when you are 10, and enjoy summer camps and making new friends as you head towards becoming a Royal Marines Cadet at 13.

Ready?

Head to our Unit Finder and put your postcode in to find the Sea Cadets units and Royal Marines Cadets detachments nearest to you. You can then contact them directly to arrange a visit and discuss joining up. They'll be delighted to welcome you!

** QUEENS BIRTHDAYS HONOURS 2020 AWARDED TO OUR COMMANDING OFFICER - LIEUTENANT (SCC) OLIVER CHAMBERS MBE RNR **

Congratulations are in order for the recognition of the outstanding achievements and contributions made by our Commanding Officer within the Sea Cadets and wider communities of Birmingham, Sandwell and beyond.

As Chair of Birmingham Vernon I am immensely proud that the recognition of a MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) has been duly awarded to our Commanding Officer by Her Majesty The Queen. It gives me great pleasure to know that the qualities, characteristics and commitments made by Oliver across a number of charitable causes over a long period of time has been honoured in this way.

Oliver’s journey with Sea Cadets started in the early 1990’s as a new cadet recruit with Birmingham Vernon Sea Cadets. He progress through the ranks to Cadet Corporal in the Royal Marines Cadets. After that he joined the team as an Adult Volunteer, a role held for over 18 years. During his time Oliver has held additional volunteering positions from unit level right up to National Level to further develop young people and adults alike. Such positions are National Rowing Coach, Assistant District Officer, Area Staff Officer Rowing and now Commanding Officer a role held for the last 4 years.

During his time as Commanding Officer, Oliver has continuously improved the standards of the cadet experience. Our results in the last assessment being the highest score that Birmingham Vernon has ever had. This is true testament to the strong leadership and commitment shown by him. The last 18 months has really highlighted the success that Oliver’s involvement has had within Birmingham Vernon, such as a Captains Commendation for recognition of the additional projects undertaken from Birmingham Vernon, the willingness to take part in a partnership to realise the Midlands Boat Station Project, the Cadet Expansion Programme with Wodensborough Ormiston Academies Trust, that is seeing the introduction of a brand new Royal Marines Cadets Detachment within the Sandwell Community and the start up of the new Junior Sea Cadets Programme within the Brasshouse Community Centre in Sandwell. Last year we also went on to win the Social Action Award for the South West Area in recognition of our community work across Birmingham and Sandwell.

Never to rest on his laurels, during the Covid19 Crisis Oliver become a Community Hero and also volunteered as one of our NHS Volunteers. This saw him delivering prescriptions to patients, making calls and delivering food parcels to vulnerable people in the community. Alongside this he also volunteered over 500 hours for North Smethwick Development Trust a charity based in Smethwick, Sandwell, where our Junior Sea Cadets programme is based. Here he cooked and delivered over 1500 meals to the homeless community, vulnerable families and individuals and helped with a number of maintenance jobs within the community centre. He also helped pack over 350 food parcels and delivered them to people’s homes and helped the development of a membership based Food Pantry Service at Brasshouse Community Centre in Smethwick.

Sir is a true example of the core values of our organisations and an excellent role model for our young people and certainly does give young people the best possible head start in life through nautical adventure and fun. He is equally a great mentor to not just our Adult Volunteer team, but the wider community at large.

Please join me in congratulating our incredible Commanding Officer Lt (SCC) Oliver Chambers MBE RNR

Jenn Harrison BEM

Chairperson Birmingham Vernon Sea Cadets