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Lt Burton stood down at the end of March 2018 but he promptly went away to sea for 4 weeks delaying the traditional Dine Out Dinner to mark the occasion. On his return, at the beginning of May, we were able go ahead and 9 Cadets assisted under the charge of Able Cadet Emma who planned and arranged the entire day.

The Chef's were first on board and started preparing the meal, much fun was had and what an amazing job AC Emma did coaching and mentoring them through their tasks and ensuring everything was on track. The Stewards came on board mid afternoon and started to prepare the table under the supervision from Mrs P.

6.50pm, we were ready and the guests had all arrived. The guest of honour had no idea the dinner was taking place and had been dragged off to IKEA for the day so he wouldn't happen across the Unit and start asking questions about what was happening. Lt Burton arrived promptly at 7pm and the evening got under way.

After the meal, came the speeches and the gift presentation. We had asked all cadets assisting to say something to Lt Burton by way of thanks to him for being their CO for the past 4 years. After dinner the guests retired to the Ward Room where they enjoyed the remainder of the evening chatting amongst themselves, the cadets ate the leftover food and the washing and tidying up began.

Thank you to everyone involved in the dinner, it was a fantastic evening. Particular thanks to AC Emma who was truly amazing throughout the day. Thank you to everyone who contributed towards the leaving present collection, we bought Martyn 2 large storm lamps and a Haskins Garden Centre Voucher (with which Martyn has bought a new water feature for his garden)

Training was going well for our RNP on the 1st March but due to the recent wintery weather, we had to cancel and re arrange. Luckily, we were able to get it re-scheduled for the 8th March, only a week later.

We got the juniors that were able to join us on the Tuesday parade night to have a final run through just to keep it fresh in everyone’s mind.

Thursday night came and everyone was full of anticipation, would the cadets remember what they had to do, would I remember what I had to say and when. The Area Officer, Commander Trevor Price RN arrived just before 6.40 to get changed into his uniform. The Mayor arrived at 6.45 and was met by the Chair Fiona Dodds. The AO made his official arrival at 7.00 where he inspected the Guard who were well turned out. We then went on to do colours before the AO inspected and chatted to all cadets on parade, he even went down on one knee to chat to one of the juniors.

Once he had inspected each squad, we had a stand easy (refreshments) and the AO was able to get around and speak to the guests and parents before watching the cadet’s presentation.

First the juniors did a chip shop challenge where they went and visited a couple of chip shops bringing back 2 portions of chips to taste and decided which were the best. The senior cadets did a demonstration of stewarding which involved setting places for meals and napkin folding, they got a couple of parents out to try their hand as well. Another group did a demonstration of navigation using large models of buoys and markers.

AC Charlie then gave a short speech on how cadets has changed his life for the better, followed by a powerpoint show of some of the activities the unit has been involved with over the past year.

After evening colours, the AO gave out some awards and promotions. He then gave a short speech on how we had done and what the cadets need to do for next year before announcing that we will be awarded a Burgee for this year.

Since the RNP, I have received an email from the AO asking if AC Charlie would give his speech at the Area conference at the end of the year, as he was so impressed by it. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone involved in the unit for making this year’s RNP such a great success. BZ

Lt Martyn Burton

As it is nearly time for the RNP, it can only mean one thing... time to have a unit clear out!

Today we have spent the day going through cupboards, cleaning out classrooms, the food store and the boat shed.

We have had a little gardening team, who has been weeding the front to give the unit a nice, tidy appearance. The weather hasn't been good to us, but this hasn't stopped them from doing a good job.

The cadets that have come to help have been really good, getting stuck in with any job that they have been given.

Thank you to everyone who has come to help today!!

This weekend, the unit held its first training weekend of 2018.

The cadets had the choice of 4 specialisations to choose from. Catering, First Aid, Navigation and Seamanship.

Catering - all 3 cadets on this course gained their qualifaction. They provided the lunch on Saturday which consisted of homemade vegetable soup with crusty bread and a selection of different fillings for baguettes. One cadet made a cake on the Saturday evening and brought it in on Sunday for everybody to have after their lunch of baked potatoes and mixed fillings.

Navigation - all 4 cadets gained the relevant qualification needed. They learnt how to plan a passage so that they can do a days sail from one location to another. They also can tell you if you are able to boat by the weather and tides.

First Aid - the 2 cadets taking this course have gained their qualification. They can now perform CPR if the situation ever arises. They will also be able to dress different wounds when required.

Seamanship - 4 cadets have now completed their basic seamanship and can now tie a selection of knots. They also learnt the different types of ropes, how to cheese, coil, flake rope to keep it safe and smart. 

Hello, my name is PO Hain.

I joined Parkstone Sea Cadets in 2012 after speaking to a friend, who was also in the unit. I went along one parade night and thoroughly enjoyed myself. I have made loads of friends who I have shared many great life experiences with, for example: courses and trips to Jersey.

When I turned 18, I became a member of staff. This has given me a great sense of pride and I love helping all the cadets achieve their ambitions, through nautical based adventure and fun. Parkstone Unit are like my second family and I have a great amount of respect for everyone within the organisation.