News

Sea cadets from Harrogate Unit have returned from the adventure of a lifetime on board TS John Jerwood, one of national youth charity Sea Cadets’ offshore vessels.

12 Cadets aged 12-15, enjoyed working together on a ship in a fun and supervised environment and learnt to steer the ship, navigate and plot the progress on a chart, get involved in mooring the ship, visit 5 different seaside towns and have time ashore in all of them. They also saw HMS Queen Elizabeth and even enjoyed helping out with the catering and washing up! They travelled from Harrogate  to Portsmouth , spending five days at sea between 25 March and 1^st April and had the unique experience of being the only cadets on board which allowed for greater teamwork and getting to know other cadets in the unit. Working together as a team allowed them to see how much serious fun can be had even in a supervised environment and opens up to them new ideas about careers in any of the armed, maritime or emergency services.

Meet top fundraiser Lorraine! She’s taking on the Nidderdale way, a massive 60 miles in total, in 2 days. That’s the equivalent of 2 marathons in 2 days!

Inspired to help Sea Cadets stay open, she’s raising funds for Sea Cadets’ Emergency Appeal.

In Lorraine’s words:

“I have decided to walk/run the Nidderdale way. It is a 53 mile circular walk through Nidderdale and starts 3.5 miles from where I live so that makes a lovely round 60 miles. It is recommended to allow 3-5 days to walk it so I am going to attempt to do it in 2!

We have been involved with Sea Cadets through our son for the past 3+ years. They are an amazing organisation who offer young people from the age of 10, no matter who they are or what their background, a massive array of opportunities. From sailing and rowing in the summer and on and off short residential courses to the weekly parades and band practices. Sea Cadets learn the importance of discipline and respect whilst having fun and have the opportunity to learn a wide range of skills valuable in adult life as well as gaining leadership skills and independence and making new friends.

Due to Covid-19 the units have lost 6 months of fundraising to keep the units going whilst still providing the cadets with support though virtual meetings, challenges and sailing. All the positions are volunteers who give up so much of their time, energy and knowledge. I wanted to set a challenge for myself to do something to give back to those volunteers and cadets to help raise the lost income to keep the units running.”

Support Lorraine via JustGiving.

Could August be the month you get moving for Sea Cadets? Get involved! 

This is a picture of the members of the Unit marching back to the headquarters of Harrogate and District Sea Cadets in Springfield Mews Harrogate. In the band you will see young cadets  and older ones, some adults in the band and others enthusiastically following alongside. Behind the band you will see cadets who today are marching behind but tomorrow or next month may be sailing or rowing, taking command of a squad of other cadets or doing a weeks course at a naval base learning engineering or power boating or first Aid. There is something for everyone in Harrogate and District Sea Cadets, whatever your abilities, age or interests. We have great volunteers to instruct and encourage you backed up by a team of Trustees who make sure you are safe, have plenty of resources and the Charity is well run. Whether you want to join us as a cadet or an adult volunteer get in touch with us at the unit (see contact details) and we will make you very welcome.

The idea for a new boat is suggested and then approved by the management team and instructors. The management team apply for match funding and the cadets raise the rest through a 24 sail that took place in August. The team make sure that all paperwork and logistics are effective. The boat is ready at the makers, tbe boat is collected, assembled and checked. This all takes place during the "off season" so as soon as the cadets start boating again in May 2019 it is all ready for them. Well done all, particularly the cadets who did the hard work and this is the reward.

Everyone loves a good jumble sale and Harrogate Sea Cadets has their annual one on Saturday 2nd March from 1030 -1200. Make sure you come along to pick up some real bargains or pre loved items that deserve a new home. It's at the Methodist Church in Starbeck. Get in touch with us on the contact page if you have a load of jumble/bric a brac that you would like us to pick up.