News

Saturday 3^rd of May saw Tewkesbury Sea Cadets hold their very first Quiz Night, and what a brilliant night it was!  We had 6 teams and the atmosphere was great!  Everyone entered into the spirit of the evening and came armed with their own drinks and a whole load of knowledge!

It was great to see several parents as well as staff taking part and everyone joined in with great enthusiasm.

Gloucester made an outstanding effort with 8 people from their unit who split into two teams. No sooner had they arrived, a banquet was unloaded from bags, candles lit and napkins placed on tables. They definitely won the award for best ‘nibbles’!

Thanks go to our fabulous quiz-master, CI Bob Skelt as he devised the questions for us as well as leading the quiz. Thanks also go to Ade Skelt and Chris Bristow for keeping score very professionally.

The evening went so quickly and before we knew it we were on to the final round of 10 and the winners and losers were announced.  We are proud to say that the winning team ‘Terribly Nice But Dim’ was from our own Tewkesbury unit along with guests.   Many congratulations to them.

Our booby prizes went to one of the Gloucester teams, ‘The 909’s ‘ who graciously accepted their lovingly decorated wooden spoons.

I’m sure you will all be pleased to know that the evening raised just over £180 for the unit. This was a great achievement and made all the more wonderful when everyone had such a great evening!

Thank-you to all those who donated raffle prizes as this made a huge difference on the night.   Thanks to everyone who participated as all spent their money and time very generously.

Stella Ashmeade

Having sailed through the first stage of competitions earlier this year, Tewkesbury Sea Cadets Unarmed Drill team stormed the South West Area Drill and Ceremonial Competition 28-30^th March at HMS Raleigh Naval Base, Plymouth, to achieve results which had never previously been achieved in the history of Gloucestershire and Worcestershire’s Sea Cadet Units.

The team, combined of 14 cadets ranging from 12-17 years of age, tirelessly rehearsed for months in preparation for this annual competition, and to reach this area final involved beating the competition from 79 other sea cadet units; some 1800 cadets!

The team scooped a range of awards, including best Unarmed Squad Commander for POC Thea Griffiths, the 3^rd best overall dressed squad, and the 3^rd best overall squad. These accolades have really put Tewkesbury Sea Cadets on the map and a huge congratulations is in order for 14 cadets and trainers for this historic achievement. 

Sub Lt (SCC) Tristan Cooper

Below: POC Thea Griffiths receives Best Squad Commander Cup from Cdr (RN) N Morton with Lt Cdr (SCC) Mike Pritchard

Tewkesbury Sea Cadets drill team are off to HMS Raleigh in March after winning the District Drill and Piping competition in February at St Peters School in Gloucester.  After weeks of training and the odd pizza here and there, the team went off in high spirits with Sub Lt Cooper, who put in many hours getting the cadets up to standard, along with PO Sarah Hardie and help from PPO Macrow.  With a few parents thrown in for good measure, photographs and last minute primping, TS Otter were complete.

Squad Commander POC Thea Griffiths took her squad through the routine, who were absolutely brilliant, and was rewarded not only with Tewkesbury Sea Cadets winning the unarmed drill routine but also achieving the accolade of best squad commander .  Cdt 1st Isabelle Gamble also did brilliantly as part of the Piping competition coming 4th in the individuals.  Well done everyone, now to get ready for HMS Raleigh!

Sarah Griffiths

On the 18^th January, the Padre, Sub Lt Tristan Cooper and Sub Lt Hanlon and I took a trip to Bristol for the Area Conference.  This was my first visit and I found it so useful putting faces to names, liaising with other committee members and being introduced to many other members of the Sea Cadet team.  It was a really informative day and I would definitely go again.  The workshops were particularly informative, outlining how to handle certain scenarios relating to safeguarding, health and safety and working relationships.

Sarah Griffiths

In a bid to get ourselves tidied up and sorted out before the electrics and plumbing could be finished off, Sub Lt Hanlon organised a working party on a cold Saturday in January.  With skip hired and willing hands a massive clear up started, none more so than in our garage as you can see from the photo. J  I only wish I could be as ruthless in my home (don’t tell Stuart I said that!!)

A HUGE thank you to all who helped in giving up their Saturday, also thank you to Stuart Bailey for the chips and Stuart McGhee for the sandwiches!!!

Sarah Griffiths