News

This week, Commodores Broad Pennants have been presented to five qualifying Junior Sea Cadets. This is the highest accolade that a Junior Cadet can achieve and it is amazing that we have so many of our Junior cadets who have achieved this coveted award.

Huge congratulations to all, and an enormous thank you to the Junior Sea Cadet training team for the hard work and dedication you have given to enable the cadets to fulfil the training requirements. Being a Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer (CFAV) can make such a positive impact on our young people,

This weekend saw the Warwickshire District Combined Regatta, hosted by Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, held in Sutton Park. It has been a super weekend and a chance for cadets to meet up with old friends, make new acquaintances and take part in some wonderful waterborne events.

Thank you to the volunteers who trained and supported them and to the families and friends who came and cheered them along to victory.

We are very proud to announce that on Saturday, the following was achieved:

• Junior Boys Team - Gold Medal Winners for Fixed Seat Race Rowing – they will now go on to represent the Warwickshire District at the South West Area Combined Regatta on 22nd July in Bristol. Cadets, parents and guardians are welcome to come along, spectate and support the team.
• Junior Sea Cadets – Silver Medal Winners for Fixed Seat Race Rowing

On Sunday, the following was achieved:

• Kayak Flat Water Single Sprint – Silver Medal Winner
• Kayak Flat Water Double Sprint – Bronze Medal Winners

A fantastice weekend for TS Kingfisher!

During May half term holiday our Junior Cadets travelled to the Lake District with financial support from the Gosling Foundation. Great fun was had by all with exciting pursuits such as paddle boarding, frisbee golf, raft building, water rockets and photography. These activities and others helped the cadets to complete 23 modules from the Junior Cadet Training Plan, a huge step forward for many of the cadets attending.

It's not only the cadets that benefit, some of our adult volunteers gave up a week of their holiday and supported the trip. On their return, one of the team from Redditch & Bromsgrove commented ‘I have never done anything so exhausting, but so rewarding in my life!’

But why are residential camps so important?  What is it that they offer, above and beyond what we already offer every week here in Redditch and Bromsgrove? 

Residential stays have a huge positive impact on our cadets which include: 

• Increased independence being away from home 
• Development of resilience in a safe environment 
• Enhancing teamworking skills through new experiences. 
• Improved social development resulting from friendships with other cadets. 
• Improved Self Esteem  
• Increased confidence to overcome challenges 
• Breaking down of barriers between young people and their instructors, as well as between the young people and their peers 
• Increased engagement between the young people and their instructors. 
• Creation of life-long memories 

The experience is priceless, those that have taken part have returned home, inspired to do more. This is why we encourage as many cadets as possible to go away on camps and courses. 

We are immensely proud to be an inclusive organisation, with opportunities for all cadets, regardless of their financial circumstances. Your business can help us to continue providing these valuable experiences to the young people in our area.  

Congratulations to our new Petty Officer Cadet and Leading Cadets!!

PO Cadet Keiren

Leading Cadet Ethan

Leading Cadet Hannah

An outstanding achievement for our cadets who have successfully demonstrated the criteria required for advancement to senior cadet positions at the South West Area Promotion Boards this weekend.

25th April 2023

Cadets and supporters from TS Kingfisher had a fantastic weekend at HMS Raleigh.  Even the weather and torrential rain didn’t dampen our spirits as we competed in the National Drill competition.

Our Unarmed Drill Team, already Warwickshire District and South West Area Champions have worked tirelessly over the past months to perfect their drill skills to compete in this competition.

Already a huge accomplishment for the Unit, it has been some 19 years since we have qualified for this competition, which shows the level of commitment and achievement the team have realised.

The SW Area Officer, Cdr G Mills RN, took time to address the team prior to the competition and expressed how proud he was of their commitment.

The drill display was executed exceptionally well and the cadets, individually, and as a team should take pride in their performance.

The President of the Sea Cadets, Captain Sea Cadets and HMS Raleigh, Commander Training RN presented the medals to the winning teams and I am most proud to announce we were only one point away from the medal positions.

Placed 4th in the competition, and therefore the 4th best unarmed drill team of over 400 units in the UK, is absolutely amazing and certainly puts TS Kingfisher on the National Map as a Unit held in high regard.

Thanks must be given to the the participating cadets for taking parts with such enthusiams and committment.  Special thanks to the Drill Instructors, especially Lt(SCC) D Dargie MBE RNR for coaching the team and the supporting staff who have transported, supervised and offered pastoral care to the cadets during the weekend.

Without our super volunteers, the cadet experience just wouldn’t exist!  Thank you also to the parents/ supporters who made the very long journey to Torpoint to cheer on our cadets. The drill shed was exceptionally cold, but your warm welcome and cheers were just what the cadets needed to boost their confidence.  

It has been a marvellous experience for all!