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The Unit played an active part in the London International Shipping week, with cadets and staff attending the service at Westminster Abbey on the 7^th, on the following day cadets and our Treasurer, Chloe Andrews-Jones, attended the Reception at Lancaster House with the Princess Royal in attendance.

A group of five cadets did a three day practice Silver Duke of Edinburgh expedition canoeing on the Medway, the following week they completed their qualifying expedition on the Thames.

The month ended sadly, with the funeral of LtCdr Allan Phillips MBE. Alan and his widow Pam devoted a large chunk of their lives to the Sea Cadets, in particular to the City of London Unit. Farewell Allan.

Photo: Amanda, Zak and Dawid on the Thames 

The started with a bang- literally. On Saturday 1^st August Cadets were aboard Belfast for the tercentennial Doggett’s Coat and Badge (a rowing race)- one of Belfast’s guns was fired.

A large group of staff and cadets attended the “Summer Rock” week, organised by the London Area Sea Cadet Adventure Training Team. This comprised a week in Cornwall with activities as diverse as archery, surfing and rock climbing.

The month ended with three cadets passing their qualifying Bronze Duke of Edinburgh expeditions in the New Forest with A to Z Expeditions.

Photo: Amanda at Summer Rock

The highlight of the month was undoubtedly our Unit Review and Royal Navy Inspection. The Unit received a glowing report.

“The closest Sea Cadet unit to my desk in Lambeth remains one of our best! This is a very pleasing report indeed and reflects, I'm sure, the dedication and abilities of your committee, staff and of course your cadets. The very best of luck to those who are leaving to join maritime employment - come back to us when you can, you are exactly the calibre of adult we need!

I'm delighted to confirm a very well deserved burgee. BZ.”

Capt Philip RUSSELL RN, Captain, Sea Cadets

Photo: Able Cadet Teddy is presented with his Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award by Mary Cosgrove, Community Life Champion, ASDA, Isle of Dogs

The Unit was honoured to be invited to send a small party of non-exam year Cadets to the gala dinner at the 2^nd International Cargo Insurance Conference on Monday 8^th June in deepest Oxfordshire. Cadets India, Imogen and Zak formed the party and were a credit to themselves and Unit. Our vice chair Graham Smith represented the Trustees. A big thank you is due to Deborah Finch of the International Underwriters Association for looking after the cadets so lavishly and also a big thank you to the generosity of the delegates.

Together with Southwark Unit, cadets and staff had a fascinating visit to the RNLI School in Poole on Saturday, 13^th. This was followed by a bit of windy fun on the beach.

During the month nine adult training modules were passed. Also two staff and three cadets achieved their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Photo: RNLI School   

Able Cadet Zak passed his Seamanship (Ropework and Rigging) Advanced during May.

On the 26^th May a group of seven cadets and three adults had a fascinating trip out of Gosport on the lovingly restored Second World War Motor Launch HMS Medusa.

The 29^th May saw our annual Flag Day- a street and station collection on our home turf- the City of London. This was, again, a great success with a good turnout from the Unit. It was especially pleasing to see a substantial Parents’ and Supporters’ Association (PASA) presence.

We are one of the charities in the Marylebone Waitrose “Green Token” scheme for the month of June.

Photo- Flag Day