Dunstable Sea Cadet Royal Navy Parade on the 4th July 2011 received a Burgee
Annually, units are assessed, and then compared against Sea Cadet Units across the whole of the UK, which ranges at roughly 450 units. These awards are made in three basic categories: 1. no award, indicating that the unit is below acceptable standards; 2. Pennant, indicating that the unit is operating effectively; and 3. Burgee, which is awarded to the top achievers nationally.
It has been 25 years since TS Lionel Preston has received this prestigious award and also, this is only the third time in the 70 years in which Dunstable has been part of the Sea Cadets.
The Inspecting Officer was the Area Officer for Eastern Area, who has jurisdiction over some 60 plus units ranging from Hertfordshire to Yorkshire, Commander E. Langley RN. The inspection itself was the first time in which the Commander had visited the unit and in report to the evening commented; “In sum, this has been a superb year in which everyone has pulled together to deliver a much improved experience for the Cadets. The Staff are highly motivated, well led and capable and I have no hesitation is recommending you for a Burgee - which after No Award last year is a great achievement. Very well done.”
The evening began with a guard of honour for the inspecting Officer, and the opening parade, known as colours. The commander then received a tour of the Unit from one of the cadets, Petty Officer Cadet Whitten. During this time the cadets setup for their evolution, which is a display of the skills the cadets have learnt over the past year, with added humour and fun.
We were joined by
High Sheriff of Bedfordshire A M Slack Esq.
Councillor Mr. Robin Hines, Mrs. Hines,
EX Commanding Officer of Dunstable Unit Lt Commander (SCC) J Webb,
Mrs. Webb,
Dunstable Police Station. Inspector. Bill Abram,
Dunstable Fire Station. Station Commander Ade Yule,
Trustee of Dunstable Sea Cadets Mr. Ray Shrimpton, Mr Jim Hunt
Mrs. Shrimpton, Mrs. Hunt
Dunstable Army Cadets Lt Paul Zimelis, Sgt John Mangan
Dunstable Collage Martin Rewels
Principle of All Saints Tom Waterford
Royal British Legion Mrs. G Pullen and Guest
And supporters and parents
Officer in Charge, PO (SCC) Carl Worker, commented that
“We are delighted to have been awarded Burgee efficiency. It is a fair reflection of the hard work and commitment of the whole T.S. Lionel Preston, Staff and its Cadets. I would like to say massive thanks to the Unit Management Committee, A fantastic team effort!”