News

The Poole Unit of the Sea Cadets Corps is proudly recognising International Women’s Day which is being celebrated on the 8th March.  

This year’s theme is, “Gender equality today for a sustainable tomorrow”, which addresses several of our Unit’s ongoing agendas.

There is a misconception that the Sea Cadet Corps is a male dominated organisation. Not so.

Sea Cadets is an inclusive charity that helps young people to achieve their potential by offering a range of social and educational opportunities. Nearly half of our cadets in Poole are girls aged between 10 and 18 and many of our volunteer instructors are women.

The charity is committed to equality of opportunity for young people and adults alike and treats all persons fairly and equally. We recognise diversity within our membership and regard it as one of our greatest strengths.

International Women’s Day this year recognizes the contribution of both women and girls around the world who are addressing climate change and building a more sustainable future. Poole Sea Cadets is doing just that with its “Liquid Sun” project and is in an advanced stage of planning to minimise the carbon footprint of our headquarters.

Photo Caption: Leading Cadet Abbie, as Poole Sea Cadet’s drum major, leads the large Remembrance Day Parade in Poole Park last November - from the front.

Roberto Rocca

Chair of Poole Unit’s Management Committee (UMC)

Roberto possesses a degree in Political Science and Communications Science as well as a Masters in Corporate Public Relations.

He moved to Bournemouth in 2013 and subsequently Joined the Rotary Club three years later.

In January 2017 Roberto’s involvement with the Sea Cadets started when he became Chair of the Romsey Unit. Two years later he moved to our Poole Unit taking on the role of Chair of our UMC.

Since joining the Sea Cadets Roberto has had the opportunity to gain his Powerboat L2 and Safety Boat certificates for which he spent many weekends aboard HMS Bristol.

Roberto is a Councillor for BCP and works in the financial sector.

Outside work he loves boating, golf and cycling.

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Reece Oliver RNR

SLt Oliver joined Bournemouth Sea Cadets at the age of 12 as a new entry. Once an Able Cadet he transferred to Poole unit to pursue more sailing. SLt Oliver reached the rank of Petty Officer Cadet and was also a Navy Board Cadet. Leaving the Sea Cadets aged 17 to join the Merchant Navy as an Engineering Officer.

In 2017 he returned to Poole Sea Cadet unit to support marine engineering and boating as a Civilian instructor. He was then asked to go into uniform to become the Executive Officer. In 2019 he was appointed the Commanding Officer of Poole Sea Cadets which is a role he still holds today. He still enjoys delivering Engineering at all levels and can often be found delivering RYA courses on the water.

SLt Oliver has an exciting day job in the engineering sector, when not working or being involved with Sea Cadets he enjoys sailing, rock climbing and hill walking.His favourite SCC memory is spending the day as Navy Board cadet with the 2nd Sea Lord and splicing the main brace onboard HMS Victory.

Bruce joined as a Trustee just over a year ago and as part of the Unit’s Management Committee has been addressing the responsibility for marketing and communication.

Many will have noticed him surfacing at various events with his trusty cameras.

Bruce was a Sea Cadet in his youth and rose to the rank of Petty Officer Instructor in his school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

Whilst a career in the Royal Navy eluded him he has always had an interest in the sea having been a member of a number of Poole’s yacht clubs over the years, including the Royal Motor Yacht Club, and the East Dorset Sailing Club.

He attributes his love of the sea to his early experiences with the Sea Cadets on Poole Harbour.

Outside of the SCC Bruce is a Senior Academic at Bournemouth University specialising in Sports Marketing. He has been active in various roles in motor sport since the 1970s and is a member of the national Council of the British Automobile Racing Club. He is a keen photographer, author and researcher. He was Mayor of Poole in 1993.

Poole Sea Cadets are once again celebrating being awarded a 2021 Burgee, which is the highest form of recognition that can be awarded to a Sea Cadet Corps Unit.

It recognises the hard work of the Volunteers, Cadets, and the Unit’s Management Team. 

Sea Cadet Units are inspected annually and are graded from needing improvement, to exceeding the levels expected, the very good Units receive a “Pennant” award whilst the Units judged to be among the best are awarded a “Burgee”.

Officer in Charge, SLt (SCC) Reece Oliver RNR, proudly commented, “It’s great that Poole is recognised again as a high performing Unit with a 2021 Burgee.”

“It’s down to the efforts of the unit Volunteers enabling the best Cadet Experience possible and the cadets that so eagerly take the opportunities.”