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The unit stood and marched with honour at the 2 remembrance service in Southampton. We saw the Lord Mayors Cadet POC Phoebe read the poem In Flanders Field along with the standard bearer AC Sara on the cenotaph. 

The afternoon saw us attend The Friends of Southampton Old Cemetary for their Remembrance Sunday Ceremony. The Lord Mayor of Southampton was also in attendance.

With the year 2023 coming to an end, lets have a recap on what Southampton Sea Cadets got up to.

We started of the year with some of our cadets from band, piping and continuity having the privilege to visit and entertain members of the Portswood CAMEO. We also had the Junior Cadets showcase activites such as impresive Geodesic Domes being built.

The first DMACT course of 2023 was held which was running seamanship, marine engineering, drill etc.

Juniors had a weekend at Weymouth on a junior module day.

The unit was also proud to be part of the dedication of thr new Districy Colour, kindly donated by the familt of one of the former District Officers Lt Cdr Edward "EDDIR Franklin MBE who gave so much to the organisation during hit time in post during the 1970s/90s.

POC David was selected for Stage 2 of the CVQO Westminster Award.

OC Eleanor was appointed as a National Cadet VOice Representative.

We had Wessex District Sea Cadets MAct where 12 of out cadets were on. They held Basic Seamanship, Basic Aviation, Intermediate First Aid and Air Rifle Shooting. There were also boating which had 1 cadet on Power Level 2, 2 cadets on Supervised Coxsain, 1 cadet on Level 1 intermediate boating and 4 cadets on level 1 power boating at WIBS. We also had 7 cadets that went for a vist at Oyster Yachts for a tour and to see what apprentices do. We also had 1 cadet away on Southern Area Sea Cadets Mact for Advanced Peer Ed and 1 adult volunteer on Sea Kayaking at Weymouth National Boat Centre.

We had the Wessex District Sea Cadets Drill and Piping Competitions. We came 1st Team Piping, 1st Jnr Piping team, 1st and 2nd Individual Piping 1st Continuity and 2nd Colour Party.

AC Phoebe went on her LC board where she passed and became LC Phoebe.

Southern Area Drill and Piping Competition was held in Portsmouth. The results are 1st Continuity, 1st Team Piping, 1st Jnr Piping team, 1st and 2nd individual Piping.

National Drill and Piping was held and the results are 1st Team Piping, POC David coming 1st and LC Phoebe coming 2nd in Individual Piping and continuity coming 4th.

The senior and junior piping team were able to take part in the filming for the NSC at the historic Dock yard

AC Sara was selected to take part in the Kings Coronation Parade as the standard bearer for the Sea Cadet Corps. She was only a handful of Cadets from across the country to be invited to take part.

POC David was successful and was a finalist for the prestigious CVQO WESTMINSTER AWARD. He took part in a selection weekend in Somerset and was one of the 15 Cadets from across the Cadet forces and 1 of only 3 Sea Cadets to be selected to go to Cornwall for the finals.

OC Eleanor was part of the band at the London Area Parade to celebrate the coronation. She was joined with around 400 Cadets from across London and Southern Area.

Juniors attended Weymouth National Boat Centre for a Junior Weekend.

LC Luca left the junior weekend early to attend his duties as Lord Mayors Cadet at the Rogation service for the blessing of the waves.

The CO was honoured to attend the 801st Mayor Making Ceremony for the City of Southampton. The event marks the changing of the City's Lord Mayor, the CO joined in welcoming the New Lord Mayor Valerie Laurent. We were also extra special as the unit became one of the Lord Mayors Charities.

LC Phoebe and AC Iara worked hard at district guard selection day for the National Trafalgar parade in London.

Cadets supported the Southampton Veterans centre, Southampton Veterans' Trust charity no.1196088 annual summer ball. We put on a welcome guard and two of out pippers ,piped the dinner call.

District paddlesport competition at Salisbury Sea Cadets. 1st place for POC David and LC Levana.

We took part in the Southampton Shipping Festival Service held at St Micheal's Church, by The Cachalots Southampton Master Mariner's club.

We held the Hamtum Quest Rowing Race at the unit to help raise funds for the unit. Pleased to be joined by 2 team from the MAIB who were sure they would take the victory. However the unit staff team were also very optimistic of there chances with the Chief even celebrating before the race has started. However the Cadet team put them in their place and stole the victory. We also had the official opening of the New Pontoons. Grateful thanks go to the Connaugth Trust, MSSC, Terry Dyer and Sally Preston MBE for their support in getting the project finished. Finished the evening with a delicious Hog Roast provided with grateful thanks by the Southampton Shipowners association.

Power and sailing handling competition occured. Sail team caem 3rd and pwer tream came 2nd by 1 point.

Wessex District Sea Cadets rowing regatta at HMS Excellent. Open girls 2nd place, Junior girls 2nd place, Junior boys 2nd place, Young juniors 2nd place and Open boys 3rd place.

Commanding Officer, training officer, umc and 6 cadets were delighted to attend the Lord Mayors courtesy call.

Southern Area Band at Farnham unit. We were joined with Borough of Poole Sea Cadets to compete in Southern Area Band Competition. We got Best Championship band, Best Dressed band, Best Musical band, Best Solo Buglar, 2nd Solo Buglar, 2nd Drum Major and 3rd Solo Drummer.

We were a carpet guard for the Southampton Shipowners Association summer Ball. The band put on a small performance and OC Eleanor sounded the dinner call.

7 of our seniors along with the Commanding Officer, training officer and the Deputy District Officer attended the Lord Mayors Chairty Lawn Bowls event.

We had Area Paddlesport Competition. The results were 1st boys kayak, 1st boys canoe, 2nd mixed canoe, 2nd girls kayak and 3rd open boys 500m sprint.

Earlcoate Construction & Plant Hire Ltd and DP World redone out slipway. This transformed the Cadets on water experience allowing them to safely launch and recover a range of small craft.

POC David spent some time on an expedition in Cornwall helping local causes as part of the CVQO Westminster award selection process of which he is top 15 in the country from across all the cadet forces. Each cadet is fundraising for 3 chosen charities. He set off from the unit for a 14 mile kayak followed by a bike ride completing 35 km in total.

Some cadets had the opportunity to go onboard the Blue Swan learning new skills and completing 25 miles.

POC David got National Champion for Cross Stream. He won gold in Open Boys Kayak and Open Boys Canoe and was part of the team that won the Cross Stream Trophy for Southern Area Sea Cadets.

The unit attended the Merchant Navy Parade at Holyrood Church in the centre of Southampton. All cadets did themselves and the unit proud with LC Luca and LC Phoebe stepping in to read at the last minute. OC Eleanor along with OC Charlie from Borough of Poole Sea Cadets unit played the last post.

The CO was honoured to be visitin the House of Lords with POC David for the finals of the Westminster Award.

The CO accompanied by cadets attended the Lord Mayors Fashion Show at John Lewis. 2 cadets took part and tried some new styles to become models for the show.

We had the Captain of the Sea Cadets Neil Downing at the unit. After inspections and a quick stand easy the band showcased their skills and encouraged a new member on the symbols. The end of the evening saw the presentations of badges, certifications and promotions. There was well over 130 qualification for the cadets and adult volunteers. The Lord Mayor of Southampton was also with us to say goodbye to her current Lord Mayors Cadet LC Willis. But a big welcome to the new Lord Mayors Cadet LC Phoebe.

 We had a capet guard alongside a piper and Lord Mayor escort for the Master Mariners Trafalgar night dinner in aid of the unit. 

There was also the National Trafalagr Parade in London. Ac Eleanor formed part of the massed bands display band, Ac Evan formed part of the guard band, AC Iara and LC Phoebe joined the guard, CFC Jess joined the PT display team, the juniors Rowan, Opeyemi, Albie, Joseph, Lawrence and Noah joined the other juniors as part of the junior display team and the CO had the honour of being the Colour Officer carrying the Sea Cadet Colour and the 1st Lt was chosen as the Warrant to the Colour.

LC Luca and LC Phoebe went on their POC Board. We now have 2 POC's. POC Luca and POC Phoebe.

Cadets were out supporting the ROYAL BRITISH LEGION at Royal Victoria Country Park for the RBL poppy walk. The cadets were marshaling the course, giving out medals and of course drinking hot chocolate. We also had several groups selling poppies in the city centre

At Southern Area Sea Cadets Conference we won the Bennett Cup. The is for the greatest number of boatwork qualifications per Cadet. We were also put forward as the nominationfor the national MCBEATH TROPHY awarded to the unit which has put up a particularly meritorious perfmoance during the year and is worthy of special recognition.

We had the privileged to host a visit from MSSC President Admiral Sir Philip Jones GCB DL. Band showcased their musical skills, the cadets had time to share what they want ot accomplish in 2024 and the juniors were making some "knot your usual calanders" all while chatting about life as a junior. The end of the night culminated with Enrollements for 9 of New ship mates, alongside promotions and badges for so many of the ships comapny including promotions for 2 of adults and a certificate of recognition for 12 years service for our Chair Capt Andrew Moll.

27 cadets supported the Port Carol Service in aid of The Mission to Seafarers and Young Lives vs Cancer. POC Phoebe escorted the Sheriff of Southampton in her role as Lord Mayor's Cadet, AC Joseph did a brilliant reading and AC Eleanor was amazing as part of Southampton Youth Brass Band.

If you wish to see the 1000s of photos taken throughout the year you can see them on our facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/seacadetssouthampton

The ships company took part in the remembrance parade held in the City Centre. We had OC Kieran holding the ensign. We had some ACs being the some of the VIPs reef holders and AC Luca reading In Flanders Field.

The afternoon saw us attend The Friends of Southampton Old Cemetery for their Remembrance Sunday Ceremony. OC Kieran held the ensign. The Lord Mayor of Southampton was also in attendance.

With an another eventful year coming to an end, we achieved alot ranging from qualifications to competitions and events held.

At the start of the year one of our cadets POC Sophia got donations and fundraised money for the unit to get us new windies.

We also started of the year with drill and piping competitions which we had enetered a continuity, colour party, junior piping, senior piping and individual piping. 

At the Wessex district drill and piping competition we came first in all the teams we had entered being piping team 1st, junior piping team 1st, individual piping 1st and 2nd, colour party 1st, continuity 1st. So we then headed of to area competition.

With Area drill and piping competition being successful and winning yet again all the teams we entered being team piping 1st, individual piping 1st and 2nd, junior piping 1st, colour party 1st and continuity 1st. So we head to nationals.

With National drill and piping competition being successful and winning 2 out of the 4 teams we entered being contunuity 4th, individual piper 2nd, colour party 1st and team piping 1st.

The CO attended the Mayor Making Ceremony today at the Guildhall welcoming the 800th Mayor of Southampton.

9 cadets were privileged to take part in the Queens Platinum Jubilee parade by the young people in Hampshire.

We attended events such as the Southamtpon Shipping Festival supporting the Southampton Master Mariners where LC David escorted the Lord Mayor of Southampton. We also formed a guard of honour with shipping companies flags for the Lord Lt and carried the Royal Navy Ensign.

LC David had the honour of attending the Falklands 40 commemorative Service in Southampton in his role as the Lord Mayor's Cadet.

We had the District Rowing Regatta where we placed 2nd Jnr Girls, 2nd Open Girls, 2nd Young Jnrs, 2nd Yole Girls Open, 2nd Yole Boys Open and 3rd Open Boys.

5 cadets from the unit along with cadets from across the area joined Falklands 40 parade and freedom of the city in Southsea.

The unit supported the Queens Baton Relay as Geoff Holt carried it onto the hovercraft and onwards to Portsmouth. The Lord Mayor of Southampton was also in attendance. 

PO Daniel passed his Drill Instructors course.

LC David also passed his Cadet Drill Instructors.

We also had the oportunity to had a day onboard the Blue Swan learning new skills such as navigation and steering the vessel.

We raised money for our unit in Ocean Hall at the boatshow. The money is for the unit to buy new equipment and facilities to allow the cadets to do more.

On one of the parade nights was the units RNSV were we paraded with a guard, full inspection, buglar, band performance, boating, seamanship, first aid, marine engineering, catering and juniors showing off their STEM knowledge. The event was attended by the Area Officer, Lord Mayor of Southampton and other VIPs plus families and cadets.

We had cadets turning up to support the Admiral of Port Trafalgar Dinner in aid of the unit. The pier were fantastic announcing dinner with the dinner call, and it was the first event for the new Lord's Mayor Cadet AC Luca was carried the Admirals flag to her table.

We had three cadets that went on their promotion boards. LC David who promoted ti POC David, AC Luca who promoted to LC Luca and AC Levana who promoted to LC Luca.

We held poppy selling in Southampton City Centre Asda and Marlands.

We had a weekend down at Weymouth National Boat Centre were we had 10 juniors from our unit plus others totalling 40 juniors from across the district for some Junior activity with POC David assisting with the 4 members of staff. Whilst this was happening LC Luca was on his rowing instructors course.

POC David who was at the Southern Area Conference was awarded the Executive Warrent Officer Trophy for the highest Cadet Promotion Boards in Southern Area.

The CO was very pleasef to accept the Diversity Award on behalf of the unit at the Southern Area Conference.

We held a divisions and welcomed LT Cdr (SCC) Grinter RNR the District Officer for Wessex District Sea Cadets who presented the Cadets with their badegs. 42 cadets gaining 73 qualifications, 27 promotion and 2 very special trophies awarded.

We also had many DofE bronze and silvers held throughout the year that the cadets took part in.

We of course ended the year with a christmas party ready to begin the next year.

If you wish to see the 1000s of photos taken throughout the year you can see them on our facebook.

https://www.facebook.com/seacadetssouthampton

We are extremely grateful to Earlocate Construction and Plant hire Ltd and DP world for our amazing new slipway. This will transform the cadets on water experince allowing them to safely launch and recover a range of small craft, this along with the newly extended pontoons means Southampton sea cadets can now offer a wider boating experience for more cadets across the local area and beyond.