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Cdt Kayleigh Parrott isn't just a Sea Cadet. She also competes in Canix, an unusual sport that involves cross-country running with a dog.  This year Kayleigh has done incredible well and has become the National Champion.  Well done Cdt Parrott!

On Saturday 17th June TS Gurkha's rowing teams took part in the District Rowing Regatta.  Congratulations to Cdts Wheeler & Parrott for winning bronze medals in Junior Double Yole. 

Stratford Sea Cadets, which trains boys and girls aged ten to 18 years in the ways of the Royal Navy and how to be a good citizen, has received the donation from the Persimmon Homes Community Champions scheme.

Deborah Carvill from the group said: “We were all ecstatic to learn that we had been given this gift from Persimmon. Since last year all of our cadets have put their efforts into fundraising to buy a yole or rowing boat as it is more commonly known, through activities such as a ferret racing evening and bag packing at a local supermarket on Christmas Eve. This latest donation means we finally have enough money to purchase the yole and offer our cadets the chance to gain rowing qualifications with our instructors.”

Carol Selway, Head of Sales for Persimmon Homes South Midlands said: “It’s exciting to be able to support this unique cause, helping young people build not only everyday skills, but also enjoy activities that are both fun and a little different. Persimmon is dedicated to supporting the communities it builds in and this is what our scheme is all about, supporting grass roots causes to grow and continue to enrich the lives of those who take part in them. I really would encourage any charities and groups looking for funding to apply to the scheme for their chance to receive up to £1000 match-funding for their own cause.”

Sea Cadets from TS Gurkha, Stratford Sea Cadets are celebrating after success at the Warwickshire District Paddle Sports Competition at Sutton Coldfield.   Competing in single and double kayaks the cadets demonstrated great determination to cope with wind – something that they do not normally experience when paddling on the Avon in Stratford.

First Class Cadet Love took bronze in the Junior Girls Time Trial and Silver in the Junior Girls Sprint with Cadets Parrott and Agar receiving bronze in both double events, a fantastic result for their first competition for TS Gurkha.  

The Junior Boys Doubles exceeded the Junior Girls performance with Cadets D Paine and Brazier taking silver in both sprint and time trial.

The senior teams matched the junior cadets with Cadet First Class Moss achieving bronze in Girls Time Trial and Silver in Sprint and Cadet First Class J Paine bronze in Boys Sprint.  In the Senior Doubles Ordinary Cadet Drinkwater and Cadet First Class Edmunds took silver in both Sprint and Time Trial events.

OC Floyd deserves a mention,  putting in a gritty performance but missing out on a medal.

Overall the boys were placed fourth and the girls first in Warwickshire.

Team Manager Petty Officer Sarah Jayne Brazier was delighted with the results  ‘The cadets were extremely committed individuals forming a strong team.  They performed amazingly and I’m incredibly proud of them all.  Bravo Zulu TS Gurkha we are the best!’ 

Two Sea Cadets from TS Gurkha, Stratford-upon-Avon experienced the ultimate Tall Ship adventure when, at the start of their voyage on the Sea Cadet flagship, TS Royalist, they participated in the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta and Parade of Sail along the Thames.

Cadet First Class Beth Moss and Ordinary Cadet Charlotte Drinkwater joined 22 other Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets from Aylesbury, Brighton, Newcastle and Avonmouth on the week-long trip on the square rigged brig.

After initial training at Woolwich on day one, the cadets were thrown in at the deep end when they sailed up the Thames to Tower Bridge where they formed up with the other Tall Ships taking part in the Parade of Sail.  CFC Moss was sent up the rigging with the rest of the cadet crew so that she could wave at the public gathered along the banks from the City to Woolwich.  OC Drinkwater was at the helm.

‘It was so exciting up in the rigging with the other cadets’ said Beth Moss ‘It’s so high up, but I could see the other ships in front of us and so many people on the bank.’

‘I can’t believe I steered the TS Royalist all the way’ added Charlotte Drinkwater ‘I’m so proud that I did it – I had to concentrate so hard and listen to the Captain. I even steered through the Thames Barrier, which was so cool!’

After leaving the Thames the TS Royalist made her way around the coast to Poole and then back to Gosport.   At one point she broke her speed record travelling over 18 knots under sail.

Not everything about the trip was easy for the two girls. ‘There were times when we had to work with and live with people we might not normally like but we learnt to adapt’ said Charlotte and the most challenging day was when she had bad sea sickness.  ‘I still had to go to my bracing station and sail-handling station even when I thought my dinner was going to come up!’

‘My arms and legs ached from constantly going up and down the rigging’ added Beth ‘But it was great to work with people I had have never met before.’

Although the TS Royalist anchored for most of the nights at different ports there was a 30 hour non-stop sail when the cadets went on watch.    ‘When we were not on watch it was very relaxing as it was a nice day and we were able to sunbathe, chat and sing along to music. It was easy to sleep too as by then the sea sickness wasn't so bad.’ Explained OC Drinkwater ‘but I found it difficult to get up in the middle of the night when it was my watch - but it was good to see what it's like at sea at night time.’

‘It’s a real privilege for our cadets to take part in such a voyage’ said Officer in Charge, Lt Edmunds ‘Not only do the cadets get to experience the thrill of sailing on our flagship but they also make friendships that last a lifetime.  We hope to send more cadets from Stratford upon Avon soon.’