News

Thank you to all our cake bakers for providing some really yummy cakes. We are pleased to advise we raised £33.57 in aid of Red Nose Day 2015

Well done to all cadets taking part in Sussex District Sea Cadets 'Simply the Best' Drill and Piping Competition. We won best squad commander, best squad and best team piping and second place individual piping. Bz all now off to Southern Area Sea Cadets drill and piping competition 22-mar-15.

TS Hastings Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets would like to thank Asda, St Leonards and our local community for supporting us in the Asda Green Token Charity Appeal. After some great support the cadets and adults were very pleased to be presented with a £200 cheque from Asda for winning the support of their shoppers. TS Hastings Sea Cadets is currently holding the Stephenson Trophy 2014 for being the Best Sea Cadet Unit in the South East of England. Working with local company Mckimmie Builders the Unit is set to have an amazing future ahead of them with the building of the New bespoke Main Deck with outdoor climb wall and observation deck out to Sea. Sea Cadets is the UK’s largest maritime youth charity. 9000 volunteers support 14,000 young people (between 10 and 18) in 400 towns across the UK. Our aim is: “To give young people the best possible head start in life through nautical adventure and fun. Through nautical adventure they learn vital life skills like leadership, communication and team working and can earn extra qualifications which help boost confidence to give them a head start in life. Further information can be found at our Facebook pagehttps://www.facebook.com/SeaCadetsHastings

Dear Cadets, Parents, Officers, Volunteers, Donors, Sponsors, Friends of TS Hastings and Members of TS Hastings Association,

Welcome to our first newsletter of “ Bosun’s Call”, the newsletter of TS Hastings. We hope to issue this twice a year, to update you on what is happening in the life of our ship, as well as a way to keep everyone informed regarding special events at the Unit. Please pass this to anyone you know has a connection with the ship, past or present. If you would like to be kept up to date, please email your address to rosemarybarry@talktalk.net.  If you need a hardcopy please contact 01424 852200.

A FEW WORDS FROM OUR PRESIDENT

It is a great pleasure, both as Unit President and a serving Naval Officer, to be able to write a few words introducing this inaugural copy of the new TS HASTINGS newsletter.  As many of you will know I have been a supporter of TS HASTINGS since the mid 1980s when as a Midshipman I used to instruct at the unit.  Since then the unit has gone from strength to strength - building on what was already a fine history, supported by generations of staff and supporters who have trained countless cadets over the years. As for the cadets - some have joined the Services, some have returned to support the unit but all benefitted from, and enjoyed their time at, one of the best units in the country.  And 2015 promises to be a pivotal key in the unit's continuing success - with the commissioning of what can only be described as a fantastic new building that will make HASTINGS one of the best equipped units in the Sea Cadet Corps.  So the future is, I am sure bright, but as a unit we cannot rest on our laurels and our future, like our past, will depend upon the continued help of our supporters and friends which underpin the unit's funding and activity.  By definition if you are reading this you are already a supporter of the unit - and can I take this opportunity to thank you for your continued interest and help.  Can I also ask you to contact any ex cadets that you know and invite them to get in touch with the unit - both to enjoy the unit's on-going success and to explore how they might support its activities.  We will make them most welcome, once Sea Cadets always Sea Cadets.  In the meantime enjoy this newsletter and I wish TS HASINGS every success for the future

J M L KINGWELL

Rear Admiral

Unit President

Rear Admiral J M L Kingwell (John)

Director Development Concepts and Doctrine Centre 

Rear Admiral John Kingwell joined the Royal Navy in 1984.  He has had 4 commands, including as Commander United Kingdom Task Group, the Task Group deployed off Libya in 2011.  Other appointments have included being the adviser to the newly appointed Head of the Iraqi Navy (2005) and a range of policy appointments in the Ministry of Defence.  As Director Development, Concepts and Doctrine Centre, he is responsible for the production of horizon-scanning strategic trends, concepts and doctrine – underpinned by thorough research and experimentation – to help inform decisions in Defence strategy, capability development and operations, and to provide the foundation for joint education, both now and into the future.

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CHAIRMAN

I welcome the birth of this new newsletter and hope it will flourish. It is good that all the people involved in TS Hastings, in whatever capacity, can now be kept informed of what is going on at the unit and future plans.

I would like to thank all the staff and cadets who have struggled on during the period of the new main deck build. I know it has not been easy yet the unit has maintained its high standards of training, sporting activities and turn out, which was reflected in the award of the Stevenson Trophy (again) last autumn. This is a reflection of the levels of commitment by all involved. I would also like to thank all the sponsors who have contributed funds for the build which is now nearing completion and, once in use, will be unique to any cadet unit in this country and we hope will be an inspiration to all future cadets and staff as well as contributing our part to the Hastings regeneration -so badly needed in our area.

Finally a word about the TS Hastings Association. The UMC see the Association as an integral part of the unit and ways are being investigated whereby we can expand membership to many other ex-cadets and unit members.

So good luck to the 'Bosun's call', 2015 should be landmark year in the unit's history.

Best wishes to all

David Wallis

Chairman TS Hastings UMC

A REPORT FROM THE COMMANDING OFFICER - LT (SCC) Alison Brennan-Wright RNR

2013-2014 has been another successful year for all at TS Hastings SCC, with a great ships company of Cadets and Adults we are very proud to have once again been awarded the Stephenson Trophy 2014 for being the best Sea Cadet Unit in Southern Area Sea Cadets. First won in 1958 along with the Canada Trophy for being the best Sea Cadet Unit in the Country, followed by 1980, 1985 and then in 2010 when we also won the Captains Cup for although not winning the Canada Trophy, we gave the best impression to the Captain of the Sea Cadet Corps.

Even though struggling with the lack of training areas whilst our new building is under construction, our team of 20 adults have strived to continue to deliver the highest possible level of instruction, giving our cadets the best possible head start in life through nautical adventure and fun. Our numbers are consistent with over 50 cadets, which in Todays Sea Cadet experience is a high number of cadets, with Junior Sea Cadet and Royal Marine Cadet Detachments.

Waterborne training continues to be a priority during the summer months and we can be regularly seen on the sea opposite unit headquarters, supported by Sally our Safety Boat with our now two safety boat drivers increasing safety cover for our cadets.  We have also been working alongside Hastings Canoe Club and Hastings Sailing Centre giving our cadets more opportunities to go afloat. Our cadets are also gaining a great deal of training in land based training, where we can offer the cadets training in all SCC and RMCD Module training we can also offer Marine Engineering, Seamanship, St Johns First Aid, Weapon Handling and Drill & piping. Mountain Biking and Wall climbing are now also offered in the Sea Cadets Corps which are our two new subjects we are aiming to offer our cadets this year, with the completion of the climb wall and staff training.

We have once again entered a very good level of competitions, totalling 12 over the year. These include Football, Swimming, Rowing, Kayaking and for the First time, First Aid.   Lc Ellie Whittaker had great results in the Dinghy Sailing, coming 2nd at Southern Area, and competing (although not placed) at National Level. This is the first cadet I am aware of, to have done so from Hastings since the 1980’s.  The Drill Team was sadly pipped at the post in the Southern Area Competition coming 2nd, and the Piping Team did exceedingly well having to change their team at the very last minute. And most recently our Junior Girls came second at the Southern Area Football competition missing out on going to Nationals only by penalty points.

I would like to finish by thanking everyone who has given their support, time and efforts, not forgetting our Wednesday boys and girls who endlessly complete required maintenance work each Wednesday morning, and our Instructors who give their time for free allowing us to continue as a great and much loved Sea Cadet Unit.

TS HASTINGS ASSOCIATION

As many of you are aware David Spicer, Chairman, and Sylvia Spicer, Secretary, resigned from the Committee. We thank them for their hard work, over a number of years.  As we were unable to find replacements, John Chinn, Treasurer, has stepped into the breach and he will be running the Association, with the help of the Trustees, until a new committee can be formed.  If you are able to help or know of someone who can, please contact a member of the Trustees, Commanding Officer Lt (SCC) A. Brennan Wright RNR or Lt Cdr (SCC) John Chinn RNR.

PARENTS AND FRIEND TS HASTINGS

T.S HASTINGS is in the fortunate position of having our own Parents & Friends Association who are happy to help out informally on Cadet nights, as well as at specific events and activities. Their assistance to the unit management committee in fund raising is always welcome. A recently re-formed committee headed by Mrs Debbie Heneke have taken on these duties and we will be asking Mrs Heneke to explain more of her role in a future edition of “Bosun’s Call”.

TROPHY NIGHT

On Friday 5th December 2014 the Unit held its annual Trophy Night when the Cadets who have worked hard receiveawards. There were 46 awards covering a wide range of subjects presented by Rear Admiral John Kingwell Royal Navy Director Development Concepts & Doctrine Centre, TS Hastings SCC Unit President in front of Special Guests, UMC Trustees, Parents, Friends, Cadets, Officers and Volunteers.

In addition the Stevenson Trophy was presented to Rear Admiral Kingwell who accepted it on behalf of the Unit.

LANCE TYLER MAIN DECK

It is well over a year since we started the project to replace our old Main Deck, which we received second hand from the RAF in 1948.  We were very fortunate to receive a legacy from a Former Commanding Officer Lt Cdr (SCC) Lance Tyler RNR and the Unit Management Committee, Officers and Cadets felt that we would use the money to build a brand new, bespoke Main Deck. Unfortunately due to the very wet and windy weather of the 13/14 winter the builders, Mckimmie Construction, could not start until April of 2014.                     

It is finally coming together and should be ready by Spring 2015.  The Observation Deck is nearly complete. The inside is being fitted out and already the 6 Classrooms, disabled bathroom, Cloakroom and bridge area can now be identified. The Wednesday Maintenance Team of Jim, Alex, Rosemary and Neil, Gary Sims, UMC members, Officers, Parents and Support staff are painting walls and ceilings ready for the additional electrics, fire alarm and computer cabling work to be completed.  The floor covering is being fitted on 9^th February 2015 and hopefully we will be able to fit the 24 bunks soon afterwards. In addition the stairs to the roof, ramps, bathroom fittings and windows should soon follow.

When this building is finished we will be able to offer our Cadets and Staff some of the best residential and training facilities.  Also we will be able to offer some facilities for other Sea Cadet Units, the disabled and local community.  This will put Hastings and St Leonards in the forefront of inspiring young people to achieve.

We would like to thank The Lodge of St Michael, No 4426, The Lodge of St George, No 6054 (in memory of Worshipful Brother Tony Birmingham RN), The Round Table, Hastings Lions, TS Hastings PFA, TS Hastings Association and Tyco Electronics for sponsoring a classroom, and providing bunk beds and smart TVs.

In addition we would like to thank following donors who contributed towards the new building. 

N. W. & R.K. Barry, Mr Graham Hall, Mrs Eve Martin, Lt SCC M Spears RNR deceased, Lt (SCC) A Brennan Wright RNR, Sgt (SCC) N. Bowie, PO (SCC) A Harrison, PO (SCC) Darren Mitchell, Mrs Huggett, Mrs Debbie Heneke, Mr Alan Barry, Rotary Club of Hastings, Magdalen and Lasher, Mr Stewart Hutchins JP, Old Town Carnival Association, Muffin Club, Roy Hudson Trust, Nautical Heritage Assoc, SC King                   Hadrian Lodge No 2483, S. Terry, Mr N. Burrows, Mr & Mrs Renel & Family, Mr & Mrs Parodi   & Family, Mr & Mrs Whittaker & Family, Mr & Mrs Setters & Family, Mrs R Nyemezy, Senlac Rotary Club, Joint Action Group, Blanchard Foundation, Bexhill Royal Naval Assoc., Jerwood Foundation, Mr Peter Crabtree, Mr Ian Mather, Mr James Rudd, Mr Ian Pickup, Mr Steve Hill, Trades Paints

We would also like to thank the local Department of Work and Pensions team for putting up the frame work for the bunks, J. Sims, G. Sims, R. Barry, A. Young, Neil Williams, PO P. Huggett and Miss Utting,  PCI A. Day and her two sons, PO A. Harrison, Lt A. Brennan-Wright and all those who gave up their Saturdays to paint the inside of the new building. 

OUTDOOR CLIMBING WALL

Unfortunately at the present time we are unable to complete this part of the building due to building overrun costs on the Lance Tyler Main Deck, and the fact that we will have to pay VAT as this feature cannot be included in the new buildings VAT exemption. The whole project comes to approximately £30,000 and we have only collected £2,000.00.  If anyone would like to donate specifically to this project, please contact Mrs R. Barry, Treasurer of UMC at rosemarybarry@talktalk.net or 01424 852200 for more information. 

FOOTBALL

We had some excellent results in the District 5-a-side football competition in December, Juniors came 1st out of 5, Junior Girls came 1st out of 3 and Junior Boys came 2nd out of 5.  The Junior Girls represented Sussex District at the Area 5-a-side football competition at the beginning of February 2015, and we are pleased to announce they came 2^nd and took away silver medals. Congratulations too to Cdt.1st Class Jacobs who won female player of the competition. Congratulations to all of them.

ROYAL MARINES CADETS

RMCD had a busy 2014, both cadets and staff attended the following high profile events - (the 1st 3 being part of the Royal Marines 350th birthday celebrations); “RM350” Foundation parade of Her Majesties Royal Marines cadets, which included marching into Buckingham Palace and parading in front of Prince Philip. City of London Privilege march. “Commando 999” speed march, which was part of the Lord Mayors show. The National Trafalgar Day parade in Trafalgar Square, London.       BUPA “Great South Run”.          

REPORT FROM A LOCAL SCHOOL NEWSLETTER                                                                                         

Eleanor Whittaker – Sea Cadet Hastings Sea Cadets has made a huge difference to my life, it has inspired me, given me new interests, it has shown me new part of England. I travelled to Weymouth and took part in the annual aviation course, before attending the course I had to survive a rigorous selection process narrowing it down from 350 to 12 lucky cadets, after an evening’s meal we started our team studies that ended at 11.30pm! We were woken at 6.30am and ended each evening with team tasks; our lessons covered all the aspects of flying. We had a visit to Yeovilton, the home of the Navy Flying School, for a hands on experience and a flight in a Grob tutor, unfortunately the weather was so bad the flight was cancelled but we were promised another opportunity to fly later in the year. Thursday evening was exam night and we had a very rigorous exam-90 minutes long. On Friday, I got the good news that I had passed and was presented with my Bronze wings by the Captain of the Sea Cadets. We said our goodbyes at lunchtime and headed home across a flooded Britain taking 6 hours to get home! When I’m older I aim to become an aviation-engineering officer in the Royal Navy and now as I’m embarking on my GCSE’s I need to start taking steps toward reaching that goal.

AND FINALLY

Please make sure that we have your email address as we would like to arrange keep everyone up to date with what is going on in the Unit, important dates and also to arrange a reunion of past cadets, officers, volunteers and supporters later in 2015 once our new building is open.

Keep up to date on a regular basis and check out our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/SeaCadetsHastings

Well done to all the cadets and adults who helped raise money for Save the Children tonight, wearing Christmas Jumpers. We are really pleased to advise we have raised £106 for this cause.

BZ all and a Merry Christmas