News

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!

The Loughborough Sea Cadets held their bi-annual Royal Navy Parade (RNP) at TS Venomous, marking a significant milestone with the formal opening of a newly constructed jetty. This event, which drew esteemed guests and community members alike, celebrated the unit’s achievements and its commitment to nurturing local youth.

The Parade saw the inspection of 28 cadets and staff by distinguished guests, including Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire Colonel Martin, Lieutenant Colonel (SCC) Prollins (Senior Staff Officer), the Deputy Mayor, and the Member of Parliament for Loughborough. Families and friends of the cadets also attended to witness the proceedings. The inspection not only highlighted the unit's dedication to upholding the values and discipline of the Royal Navy but also showcased the personal development of the cadets, aged between 10 and 18.

Following the formal parade, the official opening of the new jetty took place. The jetty, a critical addition to the unit’s waterfront facilities, was made possible through the generous support of local businesses and donors. 

Notable contributors include: 

• Sandwork, for their expertise in building the structure. 

• Tarmac, for providing the foundational stone for the jetty. 

• Travis Perkins Ltd, who supplied cement supports, ensuring strength and durability. 

• Mick George Ltd, who offered discounted cement, allowing the project to maximize its resources. 

• George Walker Ltd, for their essential donation of timber. 

• The Martin Trust & Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, for their vital financial contributions.

• Mr Hutchinson who kayaked from London to Loughborough, and Mrs Elliot who conducted a sponsored swim.

• William Davis Homes, for providing the final donation enabling us to purchase the cement to complete the construction. 

This collective community support allowed the Sea Cadets to enhance their training facilities and ensure that cadets continue to benefit from hands-on, practical experience. 

After the jetty opening, visitors toured TS Venomous' classrooms, where cadets demonstrated a variety of skills, including STEM activities, knot-tying, and shared personal stories about the impact of Sea Cadet training. These demonstrations reflected the core mission of the Loughborough Sea Cadets: to empower young people with the confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills that prepare them for their futures.

Commanding Officer of TS Venomous Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Paul Browning RNR, said, “This jetty symbolizes the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of the Loughborough community. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and this new facility will provide invaluable opportunities for our cadets to continue growing and developing.”

As part of their broader commitment to youth development, the Loughborough Sea Cadets provide a wide range of nautical and adventurous activities designed to build discipline, resilience, and leadership. Through their involvement in the cadets, young people from the local community are given a unique opportunity to embrace the values of the Royal Navy and prepare for their future in a supportive, structured environment, enabling them to thrive and prepare them for the world ahead.

In a ceremony marked by tradition and camaraderie, the Loughborough Sea Cadets bid farewell to one leader and welcomed another as the torch of command was passed from Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Kyle Wilson-Kean RNR to Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Paul Browning RNR. The change of command ceremony, held amidst family and friends, signified a pivotal moment in the unit's history.

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Wilson-Kean, who has steered the ship of TS Venomous with dedication and passion, reflected on his time as the commanding officer. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the commanding officer of TS Venomous. The dedication and commitment of our cadets and staff have been truly inspiring," he remarked.

As Wilson-Kean steps down from his role, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a strong foundation upon which TS Venomous can continue to thrive.

Stepping into the role with enthusiasm and determination, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Browning expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. "I am immensely proud to be entrusted with command of TS Venomous. This unit has grown in my short time here, and I am so proud of the amazing staff and cadets that make the cadet experience possible," said Browning.

With a commitment to fostering leadership, teamwork, and personal development among its members, TS Venomous looks forward to a bright future under the guidance of its new commanding officer.

The change of command ceremony serves as a reminder of the continuity and resilience of the Sea Cadets, embodying the values of service, honor, and leadership that are central to their mission. As TS Venomous charts its course forward, it does so with gratitude for the past and optimism for the journey ahead.