Preston Sea Cadets (T.S. Galloway) celebrated our centenary and the unveiling of our new (and first) Ship’s Badge with a pair of events on Armed Forces Day (Saturday 29 June 2024).
A cadet-friendly celebratory lunch party to celebrate 100 years of youth development was hosted by the Mayor of Preston, Cllr Philip Crowe, at the Mayor’s Parlour – where the unit’s Officer in Charge, Colour Sergeant (SCC) Keith Dowd cut the commemorative cake.
The two staff and 13 cadets heard all about the historic connection between Preston and the sea. They were then invited to sit in the Council Chambers to understand how the council operates – with the Mayor encouraging cadets to ask questions, using the mics to role-play being council members.
The cadets also saw the grand unveiling of Preston Unit’s first official Ship’s Crest by the Mayor, who said it was right that they should be the first people to see it. As a special souvenir of the experience, every cadet was then given a brand-new unit polo shirt embroidered with the new badge.
Credit: Wayne Goodman www.instagram.com/WayneGoodmanPhoto
The second event of the day was a celebration black tie dinner and charity raffle held in the Invincibles Lounge at Preston North End FC. The unit was delighted to welcome the Mayor and Deputy Lord-Lieutenant for Lancashire, Mr Andrew Wilson MVO DL, along with cadets, staff and members of the local military and veteran communities who were delighted to mark this historic day.
Guest speaker, Captain Sea Cadets and Director of Operations at the Sea Cadet Corps, Captain Neil Downing RD RN said: “It is a privilege to be here in Preston to present the new Ship’s Badge to T.S. Galloway as I served on HMS Ribble some years ago. A Ship’s identity is important, and the history of the Ship’s Badge is that it is unique and displays the emblems or symbols relevant to it; in this case the Preston Lamb and the River Ribble”.
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Preston Sea Cadets’ C/Sgt (SCC) Keith Dowd RMC proudly receives the new (and first) Unit Badge from Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Neil Downing RN. Credit: Wayne Goodman
The £3,200 raised at the dinner will be used to enable the Preston cadets to attend events and competitions, regionally, nationally and locally. OC Pippa Rielly RNR, dinner organiser and T.S. Galloway volunteer said: “The support this dinner has received from companies, friends and families is testament to the generosity of the people of Preston”.
The events were sponsored by two local companies, led by Barkers Commercial Consultancy showing their commitment to grassroots social value and dedication to supporting local causes. David Wilson Homes also contributed as part of their ongoing encouragement for charities through funding and volunteering.
Lt Adam Lappin RN, T.S Galloway volunteer, said: “These events show the Preston Sea Cadets’ desire to remain active in the community, and rekindle relationships between the cadet unit, veteran groups and local businesses. Developing mutual collaborations is the key to this success”.
Jenny Draper, Managing Director of Barkers, spoke about this latest partnership: “As a growing Lancashire-based business, forming close partnerships with local charities and good causes is a vital part of our future focus. We're excited to have started this partnership with the Preston Sea Cadets; their commitment to developing young people in the community aligns perfectly with our own values of fostering responsibility, leadership, and teamwork. And there’s no better time to get involved than their 100th anniversary!"
Claire Jarvis, Managing Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes North West, said: “As a leading developer, donating to organisations and charities in the areas in which we build is vital, and Preston Sea Cadets is carrying out incredible work”.
