News

Dorset’s contribution to the 2023 British Legion Poppy Appeal was launched on Saturday 28th October in Ferndown.

Poole Sea Cadets as well as a contingent from Parkstone Sea Cadets, were as usual pleased to support the Dorset-wide launch of such a vital charity appeal.

Led by the Bournemouth Marching Band the onlookers were addressed by amongst others Krissy Stamp - Mayor of Ferndown, and The Reverend Dom Meering – Rector of St Mary’s parish church.

The event was punctuated by some sharp showers, but was a poignant reminder of the importance of recognising the sacrifice and contribution of the armed forces to our lives.

Don’t forget the forthcoming Remembrance Parade in Poole Park on 12th November.  

A huge well done to the Cadets and Volunteer staff who represented Poole Sea Cadets in the Trafalgar Day Parade in Trafalgar Square London, which comprised more than four hundred members of the Corps.

A spectacular performance was given by all.

Four of our cadets and one member of our volunteer staff were in the Guard, six cadets and two staff played in the Massed Bands and POC Kori was the Drum Major for the Guard band.

BZ to everyone involved.

Last night we were honoured to host a brace of admirals at TS Drax during our Annual General Meeting and Prize Giving.

The Mayor  and Admiral of the Port of Poole, Cllr Jo Clements and Rear Admiral Nick Lambert (Rtd), respectively our Patron and President, both kindly presented prizes to a large number of cadets in front of their family members.

For the unit it has been a busy year and whilst the finances continue to be in good order with revenue being ahead of expenditure there has been a frustration with the delay in progressing the wish for a new HQ building. This requires further discussion with BPC Council's planning department.

Amongst many accolades seven cadets passed their promotion boards demonstrating excellent leadership skills. Cadets also made up the best drill squad in the country led by the joint best drill commander.

The unit clocked  up more than 2000 boating hours, achieved 443 qualifications while sending 19 cadets offshore in the Sea Cadet's larger vessels such as TS Royalist.

A highlight for many on the evening was an inspiring talk by PO Kori Williams Morgan about his experiences as a Sea Cadet. This was not only humorous but very informative.

All cadets, parents, guardians and friends of the unit are invited to attend.

We value all of your support and attendance, not only as the AGM is a significant event for charity compliance but it is also a great opportunity to celebrate the success of Poole Sea Cadets over the last 12 months.

The AGM will commence at 1900 so please arrive no later than 1850.

It will be held at Poole Sea Cadets, Sterte Avenue West, Poole, Dorset, BH15 2AR.

There will be light refreshments between the AGM and the Prize Giving.

We are delighted that we will be joined by our Patron the Mayor of Poole and our President RAdm (Rtd) Nick Lambert RN as well as valued guests.

Councillor Jo Clements is the current Mayor of Poole and Admiral of the Port and has become Patron of Poole Sea Cadets during her Mayoral year. She serves as a Councillor for the Penn Hill Ward in Poole and has a strong personal commitment amongst many other things to education and environmental issues (Photo courtesy of BCP Council). 

Rear Admiral Lambert spent much of his time at sea aboard HM ships Birmingham, Ark Royal and Cardiff before commanding HMS Brazen and HMS Newcastle. He went on to become captain of the ice patrol ship Endurance before being appointed the UK National Hydrographer.

As a master mariner Rear Admiral Lambert possesses a particular interest in training and education in the maritime sector, hence his personal enthusiasm in being President of Poole Sea Cadets.

Poole Sea Cadet’s annual Summer Camp successfully concluded after a weekend under the stars on the glorious Isle of Purbeck.

In the beautiful Dorset countryside, so vividly described in the books of Enid Blyton, the cadets sang songs around their campfire having honed their cooking skills to yield a diet of both hot dogs and marshmallows washed down with hot chocolate. On arrival and after dusk the friends watched an enjoyable movie night.

On the day that Strictly Come Dancing had returned to the TV screens the cadets appropriately visited Dancing Ledge. They learned to abseil on the imposing Jurassic Coast cliffs and to put any thoughts of vertigo firmly behind them.  Although there was some initial trepidation this soon evaporated thanks to the capable instructors.

Later the same day the cadets returned to the more familiar sea level aboard paddle boards and kayaks in Studland Bay in the lee of Old Harry Rocks.

The ambition of the Sea Cadets is to impart useful life skills whilst having fun and the broad grins throughout the weekend revealed that this had again been successfully achieved.

Thank you to our accompanying volunteers and to Alex for the excellent photographs.