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The recent Eastern Area Drill Competition showcased the exceptional skills and dedication of maritime cadets, with T.S Venomous from Loughborough emerging as a standout team. Securing the third-place position is no small feat, and these young cadets have proven themselves to be a formidable force in competitive military drilling.

The competition is far more than just a display of precision and synchronization. It represents a comprehensive test of a cadet's abilities, encompassing team-building exercises, rigorous physical training, intricate close-order military drill techniques, and practical hands-on instruction. Each element requires discipline, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.

For the T.S Venomous cadets, this achievement is the result of countless hours of practice, dedication, and mutual support. Their third-place finish is a testament to their hard work and the quality of training they receive. It's not just about the medal or the ranking, but about the personal growth, leadership skills, and team spirit developed through such challenging experiences.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations not only to the T.S Venomous team but to all participants of the Eastern Area Drill Competition. Each cadet who stepped onto that competition floor demonstrated remarkable skill, discipline, and passion. The true victory lies in the journey of improvement, teamwork, and personal development.

To the T.S Venomous cadets, your performance is a source of immense pride. You have represented your unit, your community, and yourselves with distinction. This achievement is just the beginning of what promises to be an impressive journey of personal and collective excellence.

A special mention must be made to the instructors and support staff who have guided these cadets, shaping them into the skilled and disciplined individuals we see today. Your mentorship and dedication are the cornerstone of their success.

As we celebrate this remarkable achievement, we look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of the T.S Venomous cadets in future competitions and their ongoing maritime training journey.

A Historic Celebration in Nottingham

This weekend marked a significant milestone for the Royal Naval Reserve in the East Midlands as HMS Sherwood hosted a special celebration commemorating 75 years of dedicated service in our region. The event, held at the prestigious Nottingham Council House, brought together service members, civic leaders, and the next generation of naval enthusiasts.

The evening's distinguished guest, Lord Lieutenant Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, was welcomed with full naval honors. As reservists formed an impressive honor guard, Commander Sacha Brooks, HMS Sherwood's commanding officer, alongside the Lord Mayor of Nottingham, Councillor Carole McCulloch, greeted the Lord Lieutenant at the entrance to the Council House.

75 Years of Proud Naval Tradition

The Royal Naval Reserve has maintained a strong and vital presence in the East Midlands since 1949, when the first unit of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve was established in Nottingham's historic Lace Quarter. Over three-quarters of a century, this tradition of service has continued unbroken, with HMS Sherwood standing as a beacon of naval excellence in our inland region.

While the RNR75 celebration commemorates this specific milestone, the event served a broader purpose—highlighting and strengthening the relationships between the Naval Service and the many organizations and individuals across the East Midlands who support its mission.

TS Venomous Cadets Step Up

In a particularly proud moment for our local community, cadets from TS Venomous (Loughborough Sea Cadets) played an active and visible role in the celebrations. As part of the Central District Sea Cadets contingent, these young people participated in special ceremonial and parade training at HMS Sherwood in preparation for their duties during the RNR75 event.

Three cadets from TS Venomous—LC Evans, AC Lester, and OC Elliott—represented our local unit with distinction. Their participation symbolizes the strong bonds between the Sea Cadets organisation and the Royal Naval Reserve, connections reinforced by the fact that several reservists also serve as staff members and instructors with TS Venomous.

Building Future Naval Leaders

This crossover between the reserves and cadet units exemplifies the dedication to naval tradition and service that RNR75 celebrates. It also highlights the important role that organizations like the Sea Cadets play in introducing young people to naval customs, skills, and potential career paths.

The weekend's events offered these cadets a unique opportunity to witness naval ceremony firsthand while actively participating in a historic celebration. For many, this experience may spark a lifelong connection to naval service.

Looking Ahead

As we look toward the future, the involvement of TS Venomous and other Sea Cadet units in the RNR75 celebration serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing legacy of naval service in the East Midlands.

The relationships formed and strengthened during events like these ensure that the proud tradition established in Nottingham's Lace Quarter 75 years ago will continue for generations to come.

A remarkable achievement for one of our own as she prepares to compete on the global stage

Loughborough Sea Cadets is immensely proud to announce that Holly, one of our dedicated cadets, has been selected for the Great Britain Under-18 Dragon Boating Squad! She will be representing Team GB at the World Championships in Brandenburg, Germany, in July 2025—an incredible achievement that highlights her exceptional talent and commitment to the sport.

A Journey of Determination

Holly's path to selection has been characterized by unwavering determination, remarkable resilience, and consistent hard work. Dragon boating is not for the faint-hearted—it demands extraordinary physical strength, cardiovascular endurance, and seamless teamwork. Holly has demonstrated these qualities time and again throughout her training regimen and competitive performances.

The selection process for Team GB is notably rigorous, requiring athletes to showcase not only technical proficiency but also mental fortitude and the ability to perform under pressure. Holly's success in securing her position speaks volumes about her capabilities and dedication to excellence in this challenging sport.

In Her Own Words

Reflecting on this significant milestone, Holly shared:

"I'm very excited to have qualified for the Great Britain under-18s and am looking forward to the next few months of training. Everybody in the squad has worked incredibly hard. I really appreciate everybody who has supported me on this journey, especially my coaches, and I am very thankful for all their help."

Her humble acknowledgment of those who have supported her journey demonstrates the maturity and gratitude that make Holly not just an exceptional athlete but also an outstanding representative of our cadet unit.

The Road Ahead

Over the coming months, Holly will immerse herself in an intensive training program designed to prepare her for the world championship competition. This preparation will involve rigorous physical conditioning, technical refinement, and strategic team coordination—all essential components for success at the international level.

Training alongside the country's most talented young dragon boaters will further elevate Holly's skills as she adapts to the heightened demands of international competition. The experience gained during this preparation period will be invaluable, regardless of the championship outcomes.

An Inspiration to All

Holly's selection for Team GB transcends personal achievement—it serves as a powerful inspiration to all cadets in our unit and beyond. Her success demonstrates that with dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to push beyond comfort zones, extraordinary goals are within reach.

As a cadet unit committed to developing young people's potential, we see Holly's accomplishment as a testament to the values we aim to instill: discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Her journey exemplifies how these principles can translate into remarkable achievements.

Supporting Our Champion

As a unit, we are incredibly proud to see one of our own representing Great Britain on the world stage. From all of us at Loughborough Sea Cadets, we wish Holly and the GB squad the very best for their journey to the championships. We look forward to following her progress and can't wait to see her in action in Brandenburg this July!

For those interested in learning more about the championships or dragon boating in general, visit:

• World Dragon Boat Championships 2025
• Soaring Dragons UK

Last night, the T.S. Venomous family came together to bid farewell to two remarkable individuals: Lt (SCC) Wilson-Kean and Sgt Wilson-Kean. After years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment, they are moving on to embrace an exciting new opportunity—establishing a new unit at Thrapston. This venture represents a fantastic chance to grow the Sea Cadets community, and we couldn't be more proud of them.

Throughout their time with us, Lt (SCC) Wilson-Kean and Sgt Wilson-Kean have made a significant impact on the lives of our cadets and staff. Their leadership, guidance, and support have been invaluable, helping to shape the experiences of countless young people in our unit. From organizing events to mentoring cadets, their contributions have left an indelible mark on T.S. Venomous.

As we said our goodbyes, it was clear that their departure is not just a farewell, but a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of the positive influence they’ve had on our community. While we will certainly miss their presence, we know that this isn’t goodbye for good. We look forward to welcoming them back as regular visitors and continued supporters of T.S. Venomous.

To Lt (SCC) Wilson-Kean and Sgt Wilson-Kean: fair winds and following seas! Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. You will be greatly missed, but we are excited to see what the future holds for you both in this new chapter.

Here’s to new beginnings and the lasting friendships we have built along the way! 💙⚓️

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