Sea Cadets riding on the crest of a wave
Members of Campbeltown Sea Cadets have enjoyed a busy few months, from training voyages on board the TS John Jerwood and TS Royalist, to joining the massed band for the Trafalgar Day Parade and attending the National Band Competition at the Tower of London.
The unit currently has a healthy complement, with 16 cadets, three full staff members, three new volunteers and one cadet joining as staff, but volunteers and new cadets are always welcome.
Emily Walker, unit management team secretary, said: ‘Although we are one of the smallest and most remote units in the northern area, we are committed to providing our cadets with all the opportunities available with the Sea Cadets, which inevitably means travelling hundreds of miles to attend courses and training.
‘These national training events offer our cadets the opportunity to experience the wider world, gain valuable life experiences and learn to work as a team with other cadets from around the country, especially on offshore voyages, where cadets must live and work together in confined spaces, sometimes in challenging weather conditions.
‘After a week offshore, cadets gain qualifications, self-confidence and new skills. At the same time, they are having fun and making new friends.’
This year the unit has sent 10 cadets on the Sea Cadets training ships TS John Jerwood, on voyages from Gosport to Weymouth, and six cadets on the TS Royalist, sailing from as far as Milford Haven to Belfast and a little closer to home from Largs.
Cadets also get involved with activities at home.
Every Monday evening cadets learn about seamanship, navigation, drill, meteorology and community involvement.
During the summer, three senior cadets were assistant instructors at the Campbeltown Sailing Club sailing courses, helping Royal Yachting Association instructors throughout the summer.
Officer in Charge PO Walker said: ‘Thanks to staff and volunteers, we achieved a lot this year.
‘I’m also pleased two of our cadets were recommended for the Tall Ships Race next year on the TS Royalist. They will be sailing on the Lisbon to Cadiz leg of the race.
‘Hopefully, we’ll be able to resume rowing on the loch, offer more training opportunities for cadets and partake in more community activities.
‘The highlight of the year was two of our cadets travelling down to London twice for the National Band Competition at the Tower of London and more recently, joining the 80-strong massed band of the Sea Cadets for the Trafalgar Day Parade at Horse Guards Parade.’
See the Campbeltown Sea Cadets Facebook page for more on unit activities.