News

17^th October 2012

Junior Sea Cadet take time out from their busy training to visit Thames Coastguard Martime Rescue and Co-ordination Centre based in Walton on the Naze.  The Cadets were shown the coastguard emergency vehicle which is equipped for cliff-top, mud rescues and visited the Ops room to see how routine and emergencies calls are handled.

TS Illustrious would like to say thanks you to Thames Coastguard - see you again soon!

Another milestone has been reached this week with the award of the TOP Junior Cadet badge the 'Commodore's Pennant' to Leading Junior Cadet Siobhan George.  LJC George started her Sea Cadet career on the first parade night of the newly formed Junior Section back in January 2011.  LJC George is also looking forward to joining the Senior Cadets in a couple of weeks time.  The Commodore's Pennant is the only badge that can be transferred from the Juniors and can be worn with pride on her best number 1 uniform.  

Well done from all the staff and cadets!

10^th October 2012

LtCdr (SCC) John Fletcher RNR received the Captain's Medal for 50 years service to the Sea Cadet Corps.  Captain Mark Windsor RN presented the award at the Annual Court of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets held at HMS President.

John started his uniformed cadet service in 1962 and was the Commanding Officer of TS Illustrious from 1984 to 1990.

Many congratulations from all staff and cadets.

28^th August 2012

16 Cadets and 12 staff set off at 4 o’clock in the morning to travel down to Portsmouth Naval Base to join their affiliated ship HMS Illustrious.  Following HMS Illustrious 18 months refit and workup into her new role as an helicopter landing platform, Lusty is now at a state of high readiness to go anywhere in the world within 5 day notice.

During the visit the cadets were given a round robin tour of activites laid on by the crew.

These included; 

• Submarine warfare with a talk on the latest torpedo and depth charges. 
• The Royal Marines gave a hands on display of their personal equipment. 
• Physical Training team organised a tug of war (the staff lost against the cadets).  
• Fire Fighting display, Hands on, very wet indeed! 
• Stewarding
• Marine Engineering 
• First Aid
• Damage Control 
• Evacuation into a liferaft 

Thanks has to go to Lt Kennedy for organising a great day!

21^st August 2012

Able Cadet Charlie Rainbird receives his certificate from the Master of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers onboard the Sea Cadet marine engineering training vessel TS Iveston based in Tilbury Docks Essex.

This twice yearly engineering award is presented to the Cadet from London Area for achieving the highest mark in their examinations for Class 2 Marine Engineering.  Able Cadet Rainbird achieved an amazing 98% passmark.

Along with his certificate, Charlie received a cheque for £200 to fund his course fees for Class 1 Marine Engineering / Electrical courses and the purchase of general presentation and teaching material for use within the Unit.

Head of Marine Engineering at TS Iveston LtCdr (SCC) George Wilson RNR Commented, there must be something in the water at Walton on the Naze as this is the second time within a year the award has been presented to a TS Illustrious cadet!  Able Cadet James Goldsmith achieved a 94% passmark at the begining of 2012.

Well done to both Charlie and James!