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12th October 2012
This week, L/Cpl J. Matthews spent his second week aboard T.S. Royalist, the flagship of the Sea Cadet Corps’ offshore fleet. Building on the skills he developed last time, L/Cpl Matthews progressed to his Advance Offshore award. His voyage took him out of Falmouth in Cornwall on 7th October right out into the English Channel and then docking back into Gosport on 12th October. The voyage was relatively lucky given the weather, but as anyone who has been offshore will tell you, half of the run is the rocking sea.

The Royalist along with the powered fleet, T.S. John Jerwood and T.S. Jack Petchley offer cadets offshore opportunities during the summer and any cadet interested should speak to their Divisional Officer in the first instance. There are also bursaries available to help out with the cost of a berth.

7th October 2012
Each year, every Royal Marines Cadet Detachment is assessed by the Staff Royal Marines Officer (SRMO) and his team at the SRMO Field Inspection. Each detachment fields a section of eight cadets. Upon arrival, the section commander (senior cadet) is given a scenario, from which they must build a model of the area, extract a full set of orders, conduct a full Orders Group with the section and then complete the Advance to Contact (Section Attack) they have just planned. The inspection tests leadership, tactical knowledge, camouflage and concealment, weapons handling, field skills and team work.

Being a young detachment, this was the first time Luton detachment had actually been assessed, so the team were very nervous going into the Inspection, especially since they were a man short. The Section Commander, Corporal K. Ayers, produced a fantastic set of orders that was described by the assessor, Major Poke as “hoofin’”. After being loaded with blank ammunition, the section progressed to the practical assessment and completed the advance to contact. Aside from one cadet misjudging a marshy patch and getting a bit wet, the attack was described by Major Poke as “textbook” and a phenomenal first effort. The detachment scored a “Very Good” rating, the second highest on the scale. BZ to Cpl Ayers for leading the Section and to A/Sgt(SCC) J. Morgan for training them.

15th September 2012
Tonight was the first of what we hope to be a long run of social events that allow the staff, committee and parents to meet more formally and socialise. The Quiz night was an informal evening of entertainment organised by A/PO (SCC) S. Dennehy, PCI J. Stevens and A/Sgt J. Morgan. The quiz nights were once a popular event at Luton Sea Cadets, but had faded into nothing over the last few years. Now, thanks to our two young and enthusiastic members of staff, they are back in full flow.

The night consisted of a Quiz, a raffle and even an inverse raffle, the proceeds from which went to the unit training fund. A huge thank you to all the parents and friends who attended, and to those who generously donated to the raffle prize fund. Congratulations to MC2 M. Perry who won the Inverse Raffle and the team of Mr & Mrs Ellis, Mr & Mrs Matthews and Lt (SCC) J. Lancaster RMR, who won the Quiz.

Following on from the success of this event, Luton Sea Cadets aims to hold more similar events in the future. Furthermore, we are looking into the possibility of starting a Parents & Supporters Association, for those who wish to help out on the odd occasion, but don’t have time to commit to being staff or joining the committee. If you are interested, please contact the UMC Chairman via LutonSeaCadets@gmail.com

15th-16th September 2012
Luton Sea Cadets often take part in events within the local community. Putterbridge Bury played host this weekend to the 2012 Classic Corvette Club national final, and our unit was asked to provide cadets to assist with the car parking. Eight Cadets helped out on each of the days, marshalling the cars in and out, sorting them by generation and guiding them to their allots spaces. This is one of several events throughout the year that Luton cadets do within the community.

Luton Sea Cadets can help with marshalling for similar events such as shows/fairs or races (fun runs and triathlons). Enquiries should be made to the Commanding Officer or UMC Chairman via LutonSeaCadets@gmail.com.

18th August 2012
X-Ray Company Summer Camp 2012 was unique in that not only did it include the usual PT, Fieldcraft, shooting and navigation, it also including the presentation of the new Company Colours. Seven Cadets from Luton took part in the camp, five forming the Rifle Troops, two completing the basic cadre. Additionally all cadets took part in the drill training for the colours parade on the Friday.

Cadets were formed up into five guards, four of which were armed. The parade was inspected by a whole host of VIPs including Colonel Paul Cautley, the Commandant Royal Marines Cadets, Major (SCC) D. Poke RMR, the RMC Staff Officer, WO1 (SCC) G. Robinson RMR, the Cadet RSM, Cdr E. Langley RN, the Area Officer and Cdr S Watt RN Rtd, the Deputy Area Officer. After the inspection, the old colours presented in the nineties were laid up and the new colour presented by Colonel Cautley. Luton’s Detachment Commander, Lt (SCC) J. Lancaster RMR, as the newest officer in the company was given the task of carrying the new Colours, an humbling if somewhat terrifying experience.