News

Harvest festival brings the Costomonger pearly kings and queens, with their fruits of the season to their church St Mary Le Bow in the city of London; acompanied by several dozen mayors, enlivened by some hearty traditional entertainment and a wonderful day was had by all. Once again these events were supported by Southwark Sea Cadets who gained a glimpse into that curious world of those pearly Londoners in their very own designs, whistles and flutes with daisy roots all a glitter with pearly buttons galore, charitable folk celebrating their big day of the year. Bands, Morris Dancing, Maypole, Donkeys and much more was followed by a March Past and parade to the church.

For Leading Cadet Callum Malone it was off to HMS Caledonia near Rosyth to complete an Activity First Aid qualifying course. A long way to go but such externally recognised qualifications are of value to the Unit and additionally help when applying for jobs. First aid training and qualifications are important in all walks of life and all cadets over the age of 16 are encouraged to attend this course and use their acquired skills on cadet activities.

Petty Officer George Whitfield together with Benjamin Wood and Joshua McBride represented the Sea Cadet Corps at the 40th anniversary event of the Nautical Institute held at HMS President.

The Nautical Institute is an international representative body for maritime professionals involved in the control of sea-going ships providing a wide range of services to enhance the professional standing and knowledge of members who are drawn from all sectors of the maritime world.

Southwark cadets were out again on the evening of Monday 12 September to cheer David Walliams as he left the water alongside London's County Hall. A much publicised fund raiser for Comic Relief saw the comedian swim 140 miles down the River Thames finishing at South Bank next to the London Eye. Being the local Unit it was appropriate for TS Cossack to represent the Corps as David completed his arduous challenge. Petty Officer Davenport arranged the party comprising of Ben Wood, Lewis Szmidt and Thomas Wood.

Southwark Sea Cadets took part in the RNA Biennial Parade in September. The parade formed up in Whitehall Place and was led by the Llanelli Royal British Legion Band down Whitehall to the Cenotaph. Once in position TS Cossack cadets marched out from King Charles Street taking their position as wreath bearers. Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope, GCB, OBE, First Sea Lord, together with Vice Admiral John Henry Stuart McAnally CB, LVO, President of the Royal Naval Association, laid the wreaths and took the salute on the March Past on the way back to Whitehall Place.