Derick takes the helm at popular Sea Cadets unit

Lochaber Sea Cadets have appointed a new commanding officer amidst a highly successful spell of online activity, writes Iain Ferguson.

Like many groups and organisations, members of TS St Christophe, Lochaber Sea Cadets have been communicating by electronic means and having virtual meetings for most of lockdown.

This has been very successful with one of their most visible being applause for the NHS, for which they co-ordinated efforts and broadcast them live through the Sea Cadets’ Facebook page.

Their newly appointed commanding officer, Derick Campbell, also used online resources to ‘attend’ several training courses, discussion groups and interviews before being officially appointed.

CO Campbell said: ‘In ‘normal’ times I would have attended a week-long residential command course on a naval base, but as this has not been possible, I have been completing the various parts of the course online, setting aside a few hours in the evening across a period of a few months.’

Derick first joined the Sea Cadets in 1989 for 12 years, returning to the unit around seven years ago in a senior role before taking on the acting command role on the tragic early passing of Commanding Officer Derrick Warner.

‘I am delighted to have been appointed and will continue to work hard to make the unit a success, encouraging young people to join in, have

Derick Campbell is the newly appointed commanding officer at LSC.

fun and learn some interesting new skills,’ added Derick.

While membership of similar organisations have been decreasing, Lochaber Sea Cadets remains in a fairly strong position with around 22 cadets regularly taking part in a range of activities, even during Covid restrictions.

Recently they have also been able to come together for lessons in seamanship, using their training boats of the Caledonian Canal.