News

Bank Holiday Monday boating out on the river, what a difference not having to trudge backwards and forwards to the boat yard makes.

For nearly 18 years they have wanted a pontoon so they can launch their boats.

Now after waiting so long Southampton Sea Cadets have their very own, which will mean the youngsters can enjoy more time on the water.

The pontoon is at the Organisations Headquarters in Vespasian Road and was launched by British Powerboat Champion Shelley Jory-Leigh and Southampton Mayor Ivan White.

Chairman of the Trustee’s Andrew Moll, said: “This is a fantastic boost to our facilities and it can really improve the quality of training they are given. I am delighted.”

The pontoon became a reality thanks to Deacon’s Boatyard in Hamble, Walcon Marine Services Southampton and Lymington Technical Marine Services.

Southampton Sea Cadets also received grants from Crown Estates and the Connaught Drill Hall Trust to help pay for it.

Saturday 12th April 2014

Monday 7^th April 2014

Nine cadets accompanied by the Commanding Officer boarded the P & O Cruise Ship Azura, along with the Chief Executive and Captain Sea Cadet Corps to meet David Dingle – Chief Executive Carnival UK and Captain Azura – Captain David Pembridge.

Carnival UK have donated £380,000 to the Flagship replacement appeal, the cadets were given a tour of all of the ship’s public areas including the Bridge. Then once the photo call and interviews complete the Cadets were treated to a three course lunch in the Ship’s restaurant before departing back to the Unit.

During April we featured in the Southampton Daily Echo no less than 4 times for the following reasons,

Monday 7th April the Echo ran a report announcing that Power Boat Champion Shelley Jory Leigh would alongside the Mayor of Southampton Councillor Ivan White would be opening the New Unit Pontoons on Saturday 12th April.

Tuesday 8th April the Echo ran a large report on the Donation made by Carnival UK to the Sea Cadets replacement Flagship Appeal, our cadets feature in all of the photographs and enjoyed a lovely lunch on-board Azura.

Saturday 12th April the Echo ran an article in the Community News section reporting on the Foreshore Clearance that we carried out as part of the Pontoon Installation project.

Monday 14th April the Echo ran a report with a large photograph following the Unit Pontoon Opening Day.

The final media coverage we received in April was a slot on the BBC Solent H2O radio show which Shelley Jory Leigh is co-presenter with Sir Robin Knox-Johnson, using cadet and staff interviews that she recorded at the Pontoon Opening Day.

The item can be found on BBC iPlayer using the following link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p01y5x8l

The Unit will be open to any young person between the ages of 10 - 18 years old or any other interested person of any age wishing to volunteer with us, to come on down and see what we are about.

The Unit will open to interested persons at 1200 midday and close at 1500 hrs.

For further information contact us by telephone 023 8022 9050

                                                      E-Mail      southamptonscc@yahoo.co.uk

Or just call in and see us at               41 Vespasian Road

                                                      Bitterne Manor

                                                      Southampton

                                                      SO18 1AY