Latest News

At T.S Venomous, we take immense pride in celebrating the achievements of our cadets, and today, we are thrilled to highlight the outstanding success of AC Charlie! Charlie has made an impressive milestone by becoming our second known candidate to embark on the Sea Cadet Navy Wings program, an elite and prestigious opportunity for those pursuing a future in naval aviation.

This program is designed to challenge cadets, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for a career in aviation. Charlie has successfully passed the initial phase and has now earned an invitation to progress to the next stage – Silver Wings. This achievement speaks volumes about Charlie’s dedication, perseverance, and passion for aviation.

The journey through the Navy Wings program is no small feat. It demands commitment, discipline, and the ability to adapt to complex and high-pressure situations. Charlie’s success in this phase is a testament to their hard work and determination, and we couldn’t be more proud.

This milestone is not just a personal achievement for Charlie but also an inspiration for fellow cadets who aspire to follow in these footsteps. It highlights the incredible opportunities available through the Sea Cadet program and reinforces the importance of hard work and ambition in achieving one’s goals.

Congratulations once again to AC Charlie! We are all excited to see what the future holds as you take this next step towards a promising career in naval aviation. Well done! ✈️⚓

#SeaCadets #NavyWings #FuturePilot #FlyingHigh

Last Tuesday, cadets and staff from across the District had an incredible opportunity to visit HMS Sherwood in Nottingham. This visit gave them a valuable insight into life in the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) and a chance to experience hands-on training with real-world applications.

Hands-On Training and Immersive Experiences

From the moment they arrived, the cadets were fully engaged in a variety of exciting activities. They participated in hands-on drills with the SA80 rifle and had the opportunity to handle the GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) under strict supervision. These exercises provided invaluable exposure to weapon handling skills, which are taught as part of a structured and supervised training programme focused on safety and responsibility.

One of the most thrilling experiences of the evening was the RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) simulator, which featured full motion and virtual reality technology. Cadets put their boat-handling skills to the test in an immersive and dynamic training environment, giving them a taste of the challenges faced at sea.

In addition to the technical training, cadets also participated in fire drills, where they donned full firefighting gear and learned essential fire safety procedures. Team-building exercises using construction kits encouraged collaboration and problem-solving, reinforcing the importance of working together in high-pressure situations.

Recognition and Inspiration

A highlight of the evening was when Commander Sacha Brooks, the Commanding Officer of HMS Sherwood, presented a select group of cadets with the highly sought-after HMS Sherwood mugs. These were awarded as a token of recognition for their outstanding efforts and enthusiasm throughout the event.

A member of HMS Sherwood expressed their appreciation for the collaboration between the RNR and the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), stating:

“These evenings have always been very positive for both the RNR and SCC. They show cadets—especially those nearing the end of their time with the SCC—that they can stay connected to the Naval world without necessarily joining the Royal Navy full-time. Thank you for your engagement and enthusiasm, it’s always a pleasure!”

Strengthening Our Ties with HMS Sherwood

This visit was not only an educational experience but also a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our bond with HMS Sherwood and the Royal Naval Reserve. Events like these inspire our cadets to explore future opportunities within the naval world, whether through the RNR or other maritime-related careers.

We extend a huge thank you to HMS Sherwood for hosting us and providing such an insightful and engaging experience. We look forward to continuing our association and creating even more opportunities for our cadets to learn, grow, and develop essential skills for the future.

(Cadets are taught weapon handling skills as part of a structured programme of supervised training that emphasises safe and responsible use.)

The position of Leading Cadet (LC) stands out as a remarkable achievement. A Leading Cadet embodies excellence, having demonstrated exceptional dedication, skills, and leadership qualities. They serve as role models for younger cadets, guiding and inspiring others while taking on greater responsibilities within the unit.

To earn the rank of Leading Cadet, individuals must pass rigorous assessments that test their knowledge of nautical skills, leadership abilities, and overall proficiency in the SCC training syllabus. It is not just a rank—it is a badge of honour that signifies hard work, determination, and the trust of peers and officers alike.

A Historic Milestone for T.S. Venomous, Loughborough

At T.S. Venomous in Loughborough, the journey toward nurturing future leaders has always been a priority. However, achieving the rank of Leading Cadet is no small feat, and the unit had not seen a cadet rise to this prestigious rank since 2018. This gap highlights the rarity and difficulty of attaining this position, underscoring the dedication required to succeed.

The wait for another Leading Cadet has been long, but it has been worth it. We are thrilled to announce that LC Issy has broken this streak, becoming T.S. Venomous's first Leading Cadet in six years. Her journey exemplifies resilience, hard work, and a commitment to embodying the Sea Cadet Corps' values of courage, commitment, and integrity.

Celebrating LC Issy's Achievement

LC Issy’s achievement is a source of immense pride for the entire T.S. Venomous community. Her path to this milestone has been marked by consistent effort, leadership, and an unwavering determination to succeed. As a Leading Cadet, Issy now serves as a shining example for her peers, showcasing what is possible with dedication and perseverance.

Throughout her time in the Sea Cadet Corps, Issy has demonstrated her ability to take on responsibilities, mentor younger cadets, and lead by example. These qualities make her not only a role model but also an integral part of the unit's future success. She has earned the respect of her fellow cadets and the admiration of the staff, who have supported her journey every step of the way.

This accomplishment reflects not only Issy’s individual efforts but also the strength and resilience of the entire T.S. Venomous unit. It is a testament to the hard work of the officers, volunteers, and cadets who continually strive to uphold the values of the SCC.

A Bright Future Ahead

The reintroduction of a Leading Cadet to T.S. Venomous signals a promising future for the unit. LC Issy’s achievement will undoubtedly inspire others to aim high, knowing that the rank of Leading Cadet is attainable through dedication and hard work. Her leadership will help guide the next generation of cadets, fostering an environment of growth and achievement.

To LC Issy: we are so proud of your accomplishment and excited to see the positive impact you will continue to have on T.S. Venomous. Thank you for your hard work and for leading the way toward a bright and promising future for all.

BZ

On Sunday, November 10, 2024, Loughborough once again united for its annual Remembrance Day Parade, a deeply significant occasion dedicated to honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the nation. Held in the heart of the town, the parade began at the Market Place and proceeded to Queen’s Park, culminating at the Carillon Tower War Memorial. This year’s event carried added weight as it featured the active participation of T.S. Venomous, whose members showcased exceptional dedication to the occasion.

T.S. Venomous, representing the town’s Sea Cadets, played a key role in this year’s parade. Their meticulous preparation and flawless performance demonstrated their commitment to upholding the solemnity of Remembrance Day. Marching alongside other uniformed groups, their presence added an inspiring nautical element to the commemoration. The cadets and staff of T.S. Venomous embodied the values of discipline, respect, and community service, making their involvement a source of immense pride for the town.

Beyond the parade, T.S. Venomous spearheaded a remarkable fundraising effort in support of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal. Their campaign raised an impressive £2,856.50, a testament to the collective generosity of the community and the dedication of the cadets to honoring the memory of those who served. The funds will contribute to the Legion's vital work, supporting veterans and their families.

The service at the Carillon Tower, led by The Reverend Elizabeth York and The Right Reverend Saju Muthalaly, reflected the gravity and gratitude of the day. The poignant two-minute silence and the laying of wreaths reminded attendees of the lives lost and the enduring impact of their sacrifice. The setting was further enhanced by a stunning poppy display featuring 6,500 handmade flowers, crafted by volunteers from across Loughborough, including local schools and community groups.

This year’s observance emphasized the importance of passing the torch of remembrance to younger generations. By actively involving organizations like T.S. Venomous, Loughborough demonstrated its commitment to educating the youth about the sacrifices of the past and the values of peace and unity.

The community’s response to this year’s event was overwhelming, with residents lining the streets in silent respect and gratitude. The parade and fundraising efforts underscored the enduring spirit of Loughborough—a town that cherishes its history while fostering hope for the future.

As we reflect on the day, the involvement of groups like T.S. Venomous and the successful Poppy Appeal highlight the powerful ways in which communities can honor their past while making tangible contributions to the present. Through remembrance, education, and collective action, Loughborough continues to embody the ethos of "Lest We Forget."

Loughborough cadet at Labour Party Conference

This year saw our very own cadet OC Megan Heath attend the National Labour Party Conference!

Megan had to give a talk to the ministers and members of the party, along with an intense Q&A session which she delivered with passion and professionalism.

The unit received a fantastic letter of commendation from National staff regarding her conduct, and what a brilliant ambassador she was. Jane Winfield (Young People Support Manager at MS-SC) wrote: "She was articulate, professional, confident and passionate in her approach, and the feedback we had from MPs, Ministers, Policy Makers and Representatives from other charities and NGOs was overwhelmingly positive and they were all hugely impressed".

Well done Megan!