June 2012 - Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, conferred on T.S. DUKE OF YORK, Portrush Sea Cadets, The Queen's Golden Jubilee Award - The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the MBE for volunteer groups, recognising and rewarding excellence in voluntary activities carried out by groups in the community, the Award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement by groups of two or more people in the United Kingdom, Channel Islands and Isle of Man who volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the quality of life and opportunity for individuals or other groups in the community.
Some of the 'crew' - Portrush Sea Cadets, T.S. DUKE OF YORK: L-R Mrs.Ida McIntyre (Unit Management Committee Member), Area Officer Captain Peter Adams, Royal Navy, Petty Officer (SCC) Debbie Brogan, Mayor of Coleraine - Councillor Samuel Cole, Chairman Portrush Sea Cadets, T.S. DUKE OF YORK Mr. A. F. Ian McCullough, Mrs. Pamela McLean (Unit Management Committee Member), Councillor David Barbour, Sandy Gilkinson (Unit Management Committee Member), Mrs. Helen Heaney (Unit Management Committee Member)
March 2013 - Coleraine Borough Council presented Portrush Sea Cadets with their 2013 Community Endeavour Award - Youth Activity Category, and - a cheque for £300 . 00 to put towards challenges and training during 2013.
Portrush Sea Cadets aim to provide challenging and enjoyable activities for young people, to better prepare them for their role in the community. Not only do Portrush Sea Cadets have the opportunity to learn new skills and engage in adventurous activities in a disciplined and well-structured organisation, they may also gain BTEC qualifications based on their achievements. These qualifications equate to 4 GCSEs and may help them in their future education and career.
Ten cadets achieved BTEC Diplomas, allowing two university places – reading law and engineering, one cadet gaining a place Prince's Trust, furthering himself, assisting finding jobs Adults who volunteer to help with the cadets also have the opportunity to receive useful training and gain recognised qualifications.
Portrush Sea Cadets aims to give young people the best possible head start in life through fun and adventurous nautical activity.
Organising and hosting outreach multi-activity programme, it gives great pride as a community partner to be part of this exciting venture for young people and their instructor adult volunteers. The Unit is always looking forward to the positive benefits it will bring to the Borough of Coleraine. Every year, training and assisting young people of Coleraine Borough attend the International Maritime Confederation (IMC) – Sail Training and Cultural Programme, with the young people of the eight Nations of the IMC; Belgium, France, Netherlands, Austria, Germany, United Kingdom, Italy and Croatia Awarded.
As a Corps, one of sixty organisations honoured with The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Award for Volunteering 2012, the dedication and generosity of extraordinary committed people, each of whom has devoted their time and energy to the simple aim of making their communities - and their country - a better place.
Day after day, week after week, year after year, volunteers making a contribution to every aspect of our society - supporting young people and reaching out to those in need. Official involvement supporting Her Majesty's Diamond Jubilee Celebrations throughout the Borough
Undertaking training for youth in the Borough via Networks Involving Communities in Health Improvement (NICHI), orienteering mountain skills, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, rowing, sailing, power-boating, camp craft skills, archery and much, much more. Hosting on behalf of Coleraine Borough – the mini olympics on the East Strand, attracting youth from the Borough and other Council areas. During 2012, with the valuable assistance of Coleraine Borough Council, hosting a full day of sports sail-training, canoeing, kayaking, power-boating at Coleraine Marina.
Looking for adventure, seeking fun, aged between 12 and 18, (Also, adult volunteers have great enjoyment) do come along and join Portrush Sea Cadets, open every Monday and Thursday evening from 19:00 to 21:30, nearly every weekend - in Portrush, throughout the Province, also . . . . . . . Scotland, Wales and England and further afield.
