News

Congratulations to Sam Mason on passing Petty Officer Cadet Board

Dunstable Bosun returns to the water after many hours spent replacing the wood and a re-spray. Many thanks to all for put in their time and skills.

Drill

When I was a cadet, I trained for drill. We never really knew what we were getting ourselves into. We just did our best, and do you know what…

…We won.

I cannot begin to describe how that felt! Do you want that feeling? Then come down and train with us to WIN. Let’s get Dunstable’s name on that map again.

Training starts this Saturday, the 17^th and a full list of dates will follow, keep an eye on the events calendar, on the web, dates and times will be listed here. I can’t wait to work with you all, I’m so excited and proud of each and everyone of you.

Don’t fancy being in the guard? Not sure if your good enough? Well come to the training anyway, you could better your skills, which will assist you in your promotions and I’m pretty sure you have skills better than you even know yourself. Why don’t you come and see?

See you there J

APO Worker C

PO (SCC) Gary Sewell

On the 17^th August 2011, Gary was presented with Cadet Forces Medal for 12 years volunteer service to Dunstable Sea Cadet Unit.

Gary has been involved in many positions within the unit over years he started as a member of the unit management committee, and then went into uniform, to raise to the Officer in charge for 3 years.

Dunstable Sea Cadet Royal Navy Parade on the 4^th 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!”