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The venue for this year's National Combined Regatta (NCR) was the ExCeL Centre in London. Southwark were represented in the competition for the first time for over 10 years with canoeist, LC Ben Wood, and our Power Boat Handling team: PO Cdt Cadet Callum Malone, AC Sian Cummins, and OC Alfie Button. Good weather, good food, good accommodation and good competition all helped to create an enjoyable event. Hopefully we will be back next year for another successful event, competing with the best sea cadets from around the country.

At the end of August we said a fond farewell to Petty Officer (SCC) George Whitfield, First Lieutenant, who has been with Southwark Sea Cadet Unit since 2003. Off to join the circus (sorry, to take up a cadetship with the Merchant Navy) he entered Warsash Maritime Academy at the beginning of September 2012. PO (SCC) Whitfield will be fondly remembered for his whistle, big stick, PT Badge, sideboards, noisy boots and passion for tarmac. His favourite cadet, AC Joshua McBride, presented a card and cufflinks before his departure.

We all wish him well for the future.

During August 2012, Cdt Alex Smith enjoyed a week at the London Area Summer Camp. Luxurious accommodation was provided at Napier Barracks Folkestone where the food, courtesey of the British Army, was also first class. Activities were many and varied but included full-bore shooting, sports, canoeing and even a trip to Euro Disney.

For PO Cdt Callum Malone, preparations for his Gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award qualifying expedition came to a head when he took the train from Paddington to Newton Abbot. A challenging week lay ahead with 4 days and 3 nights spent as part of a group of six on Dartmoor. Of course, the expedition is only one out of five disciplines as PO Cdt Malone has already completed his residential project and is well on the way to completing the skills, service and physical sections. Hopefully he will be off to St James Palace in the near future to collect his award.

While many are away on holiday, Dartmoor DofE Gold Expedition and London Area Summer camp, there are still activities for those not so lucky. On Sunday, it was off to Greenwich for a tour of HMS Ocean, which is almost a permanent feature for the Olympics and Paralympics.

HMS Ocean of the Royal Navy is an amphibious assault ship (or landing platform helicopter) and is the sole member of her class. She is designed to support amphibious landing operations and to support the staff of Commander UK Amphibious Force and Commander UK Landing Force.