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In August a small group of cadets and staff visited Bletchley Park where some of the best brains of the day worked in secret to crack the German Naval Enigma Code.

Our guide was our very own CI Bob Skelt, himself a former communications specialist and official guide at Bletchley. We could not have been in better hands, and came away with a much greater appreciation of what we owe to those who worked at Bletchley.  But for their tireless efforts and vital role the outcome of the Second World War might have been very different. The marvel is that the enemy never realised that their messages were being decoded, even though they changed their coding system every day.  Thank you CI Skelt for a very informative and enjoyable tour.

Chaplain Roger Grey

Below: Jnr Cdt Connor McEwan stands on Churchill's Stone

Eight very lucky Sea Cadets from around the country including our very own Able Cadet Jason Johnson set sail for a two week adventure in July to explore the remote island of St Kilda!  St Kilda is the remotest part of the British Isles in the Scottish Outer Hebrides and is a World Heritage Site.

Left: Cadets on St Kilda, Able Cadet Johnson is front
centre

Tewkesbury Cadets and Staff put on a “Try Boating” day for 12 children from Belarus who still suffer from serious health problems as a result of the nuclear disaster at Chernobyl. They are brought over to Britain for a holiday each year and stay with British families for a month.

The Cadets, with a little help from the interpreter, managed to get them crewing sailing dinghies and also to row the 4 man ‘Trinity’ rowing boat, which was quite amazing to see. In fact they were so good we could have entered them in the regatta!! Those who were waiting their turn in the boats were out with staff members in the safety boat shouting encouragement to their friends. 

After a very good lunch provided by the host families the fun really started, with the ‘host parents’ trying their hand at rowing which resulted in lots of splashing with all getting very wet but having lots of fun. 

The day ended with lots of photos for the album and a request for us to do it again next year, to which the cadets said ‘yes please’!! 

The kind cooperation of the Tewkesbury Cruising and Sailing Club was much appreciated for allowing the use of their facilities.  Thanks to PO Cadet. Ashley Macrow, L.Cdt Thea Griffiths, Able Cdts Jack Griffiths & Will Fish. Supported by Lt Ron Matthews, PO Stuart McGhee, PO Jon Cooper, PPO Harry Griffiths, CI Abi Nash, Officer Cadet James McGhee (on leave from BP) & ex CPO Hilary Matthews

Lt Ron Matthews

The Unit was well represented by cadets and staff at the parade and service, which was in itself was a miracle as our annual regatta was also taking place about 3 miles away!!   Our Padre led the service in the Holy Trinity Church and the dedication of the restored Memorial Cross which stands in the centre of Tewkesbury town.  PO Cadet Harry Griffiths read one of the prayers and the salute at the march past was taken jointly by the Borough and Town Mayors.  It was good to be involved in this annual occasion when we remember those currently serving in the Armed Forces and the dedication they bring to their important role.

Chaplain Roger Grey

PO Cadet Harry Griffiths

After joining sea cadets, I was honestly not looking forward to my time on the water, I really didn’t enjoy the idea of being on water in a boat, it scared me to death. When boating season came around, I was dreading it, but from the bottom of my heart I can honestly say that it was the best experiences of my life. After weeks and weeks of training, a love/hate relationship blossomed between me and rowing. We as a team, were entered into the Severn District rowing competition, and were all extremely scared about it, but after constant training and encouragement from PO Bodman, we won all of our races, even the final one which entered us into the south West Area rowing competition.

We only had 2 weeks to prepare for the Area Competition, which didn’t give us long at all! Myself, Isabelle Gamble, Molly and Tess Ashmeade worked our socks off to be the best that we could.  Unfortunately I broke my ankle on the Friday before the rowing competition, so I was unable to compete in the competition.  That was probably one of the biggest disappointments I have had in my life. But when the Saturday came, I was unable to stay at home; I couldn’t let my team down again. I turned up to the rowing competition in Bristol, and I was so proud to see my team there, along with the power boaters. When they finally got to row, I was so proud to see them compete, even if they didn’t win, they still won in my eyes. I would just like to say a massive thank you to Eleanor Godzisz for stepping in for me, without you they wouldn’t have been able to compete at all, and to PO Bodman for encouraging me in everything I managed to achieve in rowing, and for always believing in me. All I can say now is I can’t wait for next year’s rowing competition, bring on District 2014. 

Cadet Phoebe Flattley

Overall results:  District Winners, Girls Junior Rowing Team and the Powerboating Team

Area Results:  Silver Medal: Girls Junior Rowing Team, Bronze Medal: Powerboating Team