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Supporting the local community is a major part of training within the Sea Cadets. With this in mind, our senior cadets came up with the idea of helping the local foodbank and set about promoting their idea with letters and posters aimed at parents, friends and staff of the unit. Their efforts were rewarded with a tremendous response from all, culminating at the unit's annual Candlelight Carol Service with not only a huge amount of food donated, but more than £200 in cash as well, which was match funded by Lloyds Bank. The cadets, accompanied by our Padre and Exec. Officer, visited the foodbank's high street shop to personally hand over the results of their efforts and receive the grateful thanks from the foodbank staff. The staff also took the opportunity to show their guests around and explain how the food is allocated.

It was a brilliant effort by the cadets, which resulted in more needy families having a better Christmas.

Congratulations to the unit's amazing Administration Officer, Debbie Bailey, who has been recognised for her tireless work after being named Sea Cadet South West Area's Admin Officer Of The Year!!

Commanding Officer, Sub Lt (SCC) Tristan Cooper RNR, accepted the trophy on Debbie's behalf from the Captain of the Sea Cadets, Captain Phil Russell RN., at the S.W. Area Conference.

Thank you for everything you do, Debbie - we are all incredibly grateful for your hard work and organisation.

One of the highlights in the Tewkesbury Sea Cadets diary is the annual Candlelight Carol Service, held on the very last parade night of the year.  As always, the service was conceived and led by our Padre, Canon Roger Grey, to a packed candlelit main deck of cadets, staff, parents and dignitaries, including our President, Anne Cadbury and the Tewkesbury Town Mayor, Karen Brennan, Severn District Officer, Lt Cdr. Pritchard and other District Staff.

A new crib, beautifully crafted by PO Mercer, was ready at the front to receive the new nativity figures brought forward throughout the service by Junior Cadets.  The congregation filled the room with enthusiastic carol singing, wonderfully accompanied by the Tewkesbury Town Band, conducted by Nigel Morgan.  For their efforts, the gathering were treated to a delicious spread of mince pies, cakes and mulled wine, kindly provided by staff and parents.  At the end of the evening, the unit held a traditional Sunset Ceremony: the lights were darkened and a spotlight lit the colours as they were slowly lowered to the haunting sound of the bugle retreat call.

A food collection was organised by Able Cadet Scott in support of the Tewkesbury Food Bank and a car-load of food was gathered by the end of the evening as well as a donation of £200.

What a lovely way to end a fantastic year for Tewkesbury Sea Cadets!

Photos by kind permission of Jack Boskett http://www.jackboskett.co.uk/

"We remember before you those who you have take out of the storm of war into the peace of your presence and unconquerable love..."

On Remembrance Sunday, the 13th November 2016, the community of Tewkesbury gathered in great numbers in Tewkesbury Abbey and at the town's Memorial Cross to remember those who sacrificed their lives in war. Representatives from the Allied Rapid Reaction Corps, based at Innsworth, joined the local Cadet and other Uniformed Organisation in a march to the Abbey for the Service of Remembrance. The parade was under the command of Lieut. Cdr. (SCC) Jason Kinghorn RNR., a former Commanding Officer of Training Ship Otter. Tewkesbury Sea Cadets, led by Commanding Officer, Sub Lieut. (SCC) Tristan Cooper RNR., made a great impression on the onlookers by the smartness of their bearing and marching. The Abbey was packed for the Service of Remembrance, at which Junior Cadet Alexander was among those who led the prayers with great dignity, and Able Cadet Scott paraded the Sea Cadet Flag with pride.

At the Memorial Cross, where the two minutes silence at 11.00 was observed, the guard was mounted by members of our ship's company, who also assisted by bringing wreaths to the Dignitaries who were to lay them at the Memorial. Among the first to lay a wreath were the Town Mayor, and Colonel Mike Bennett OBE., DL., one of our Unit's Vice Presidents and a Deputy Lieutenant of Gloucestershire.

On Remembrance Sunday we paid our respects in a fitting manner. Now, as Sea Cadets, we must play our part with others in working for a better world.

Roger Grey, Padre, TS Otter

Photos below by kind permission of Jack Boskett, Tewkesbury Photographer: http://www.jackboskett.co.uk/