Whitehaven Sea Cadets - TS BEE

Old New Quay, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7LY

Telephone: 01946 66093     Email: enquiries@tsbee.org.uk

Registered Charity Number 520384

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This page is an archive of news stories from 2006 - 2008.

Last updated: Mon 14 Jul 08

To read a very brief diary of our group's visit to Canada in 2007, please click here.

 22 Jun 08

 21 May 08

Lt (SCC) Keith Crowe RMR receives his Certificate from the Lord-Lieutenant, Col James Cropper.

The former Commanding Officer of Whitehaven’s Sea Cadet unit received an award from the Lord-Lieutenant of Cumbria, Colonel James Cropper in a ceremony at Cumbria Police Headquarters on Wednesday 30^th April.

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Keith Crowe RNR was in charge at Whitehaven for five years until he handed over command in February this year. Under his leadership the unit grew from a total complement of less than 20 cadets to its present strength of 27 Sea Cadets, 15 Junior Cadets and 8 Marine Cadets.

Speaking after the ceremony, Colonel Cropper said that the annual presentation of Lord-Lieutenant’s Certificates were made on the recommendations of Commanding Officers and then considered on merit by a selection board. “They are not given as routine recognition of long and faithful service. The criterion is that such service should be truly exceptional. There are only three recipients from the whole of Cumbria this year and I congratulate Sub Lieutenant Crowe for his outstanding achievements.”

In 2007, Keith’s hard work and dedication were recognised when he was selected as the Sea Cadet North West Area’s nominee for receipt of the Captain Roddie Casement Sword, awarded annually to the Unit Commanding Officer who has, by example and dedication, contributed most to the aims of the Sea Cadet Corps. At the time, Keith commented that the nomination really belonged to the whole Whitehaven team.

Our Chairman, Chas Tinkler said that it was a fitting tribute marking the end of Keith’s time as CO. “Keith has worked tirelessly on behalf of the unit and this award is very well deserved. Keith’s achievements have set us on a firm foundation on which we can build and move on to even greater successes in the future.”

Keith’s involvement with the Sea Cadet Corps started nearly 30 years ago when he joined as a Whitehaven cadet and the tradition has continued in the Crowe family – his son Scott was also a Whitehaven cadet until he left to join the Royal Navy last year.

Although he has relinquished command Keith is still very much involved with Whitehaven Sea Cadets as a member of the Marine Cadet Detachment staff.

 02 May 08

Peter Lucas MSc

Our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Lucas RNR was recently awarded a Master of Science degree in a ceremony held at the University of Leicester.

Peter, who is employed as Assistant Emergency Planning Officer at Sellafield, was awarded his MSc in Emergency Planning Management following a three-year distance learning course run by the University. Out of an initial intake of around 25 people, Peter was one of only six who successfully completed the course and received their degree.

Unit Chairman, Chas Tinkler said "Peter has put in a lot of hard work and thoroughly deserves his success. We are extremely pleased for him.

18 Mar 08

The formation of a Marine Cadet Detachment within Whitehaven’s Sea Cadet Unit has been formally approved following a visit by Major (SCC) Phil Hadfield RMR.

The Detachment was formed at the end of May last year as a ‘probationary’ unit with just three Cadets. In the past six months, numbers have slowly increased and there are now eight Marine Cadets at the unit. The Marine Detachment will be officially known as Whitehaven Marine Cadet Detachment, Number 1 Troop, Bravo Company.

Major Hadfield, Marine Cadet Staff Officer – North West based at Liverpool said that he had been pleased by the progress made so far. “You are doing extremely well and I am satisfied that the Detachment is being operated efficiently. I am very happy to tell you that you will be formally recognized as a Marine Cadet Detachment of the Sea Cadet Corps with effect from 1^st February 2008”.

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Keith Crowe RNR, Commanding Officer of Whitehaven’s Sea Cadet Unit was quick to praise both the Cadets and Staff. “The Cadets have shown tremendous enthusiasm, as have the Marine Detachment Staff led by our Detachment Commander, Sergeant (SCC) Simon Gray. I am delighted at their progress so far and look forward to their continued success and further growth”.

Sergeant Gray said that he would be pleased to welcome potential recruits. “Membership is open to boys and girls between 13 and 18 years of age. Parade nights are every Monday and Friday between 6:30 and 9:30, and there are plenty of opportunities to take part in training, camps and various sporting events”, adding that there are also opportunities for adults. “Just get in touch by phone on 01946 66093 or email at marines@tsbee.org.uk and we’ll get back to you”.

01 Feb 08

After five years in command, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Keith Crowe RNR has announced his intention to step down as TS BEE’s Commanding Officer with effect from 1st March 2008. Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Lucas RNR has been named as Keith’s replacement and, as part of the handover, will temporarily take over as First Lieutenant.

Although he will be relinquishing command, this is not that last we will be seeing of Keith. “Although I feel that it is time for a change, I intend to continue supportng the unit in any way I can.” he said. “I still have a great interest in Expedition work and hope to concentrate some of my abilities in his area.”

Our Chairman, Chas Tinkler commented that Keith’s announcement had come as a complete surprise. “I knew Keith was planning changes, but this was absolutely the last thing I expected” he said. Thanking Keith for his work on behalf of the unit, Chas added that we owe him a tremendous debt of gratitude. “Although much of Keith’s work has been unseen, without his efforts we would not have the close-knit team that we have now, or the successes we have enjoyed in the past few years.”

14 Jan 08

Sea Cadets from Stoke on Trent and Kendal units joined Whitehaven Cadets last weekend (23rd-25th Nov) for courses at both the unit HQ and in Eskdale.

In Eskdale a group of cadets aged between 12 and 18 years spent the first day of their Expedition Leaders course gaining practical experience of trekking across the fells, practicing map reading, navigation, communications, teamwork and leadership skills. The second day was an assessment during which the cadets had to navigate a circular route passing through designated waypoints. The weekend ended with an unannounced search and rescue exercise to find one of the teams who had become "lost" on the fells.

S/Lt (SCC) Keith Crowe RNR, Whitehaven unit's Commanding Officer and the principal instructor on the course, praised the efforts of all the cadets. "It was an excellent weekend." he said. "The cadets all worked very well together in their teams, and the instructors and I were particularly impressed with some of the younger cadets. Everyone who attended gained a qualification and were presented with a certificate at the end of the course."

The first part of the course, held several weeks ago, had given the cadets classroom-based instruction which included map reading, compass work and basic first aid and ended with a short trek across St Bees Head.

Meanwhile, back at the Whitehaven cadet HQ another group, aged between 10 and 15 years, were taking part in what turned out to be successful weekend courses in Seamanship and Engineering.

Some of the youngest cadets were learning Seamanship skills." said CPO (SCC) Maureen McEuan. "Some found it quite difficult but they worked hard and gained their qualification at the end of the weekend."

The rest of the cadets were successful in completing 3rd Class Engineering and a Royal Yachting Association Diesel Engine course - a new course which Whitehaven Sea Cadet Corps are now able to offer to the general public as well as their own cadets following recent accreditation as a RYA diesel training centre.

Eighteen years’ continuous service as an adult volunteer was recently celebrated when Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Lucas RNR was presented with a clasp to his Long Service Medal by Copeland’s Mayor, Councillor Anne Faichney.

With the Marine Society and Sea Cadet’s flagship TS Royalist as a backdrop, the entire Ships Company of Whitehaven’s Sea Cadet Unit assembled on the quay to witness the presentation to an unsuspecting Lt Lucas.

Speaking after the presentation Cllr Faichney, who had only returned from London an hour earlier, said that she had been delighted to present the award. “The Sea Cadets are a credit to our community but it all depends on the involvement of people such as Peter. It is a pleasure for me to be able to present this award which recognises his dedication and long service to our young people.”

Meanwhile, Peter Lucas had been wondering why everyone was told to attend in full uniform. “I knew the cadets were going for a look around Royalist. We would normally have them in working dress so this was a bit odd.” he said. “But I really had no idea this was happening.”

Peter originally joined TS Bee as a cadet, subsequently returning as a member of staff before taking over as Commanding Officer. During his three years in command Peter saw to it that the cadets spent as much time as possible ‘on the water’ during the summer months and also arranged for a number of enhancements to the Unit HQ to be carried out. Peter is now very much involved with the running of TS Bee’s Junior Section.

The Sea Cadet tradition continues to run in the Lucas family – his wife Kath is a valued member of the Unit Management Committee and their three children are all TS Bee cadets.

Over £600 worth of expedition equipment was stolen during a raid on TS Bee's harbourside HQ during the night of 2nd/3rd May.

"We received a call from the Police on Thursday telling us of the break-in and asking if we could attend" said the unit's Commanding Officer, Keith Crowe. "We spent several hours checking equipment inventories and prepared a list of missing items which includes tents, rucksacks and various other pieces of expedition equipment. It is very new and was only purchased last year with support from the local Neighbourhood Forums."

Unit Chairman Chas Tinkler said that he was saddened by the break-in. "The total value of the stolen items was over £600. In addition, the doors will have to be replaced along with items such as filing cabinets which were forced open. Although the equipment can be replaced, this will take time and the theft has forced us to cancel a number of planned activities."

Whitehaven SCC, like all Sea Cadet units, is a registered charity and receives no direct funding. "Our insurance cover will meet some, but not all, of the cost and we will have to spend a lot of time and effort to raise the difference."

Following our annual Royal Navy Parade (RNP) in May 2006, we are delighted to have been awarded an efficiency Burgee for the second consecutive year. Our CO, S/Lt (SCC) Keith Crowe RNR, commented that it was a fair reflection of the hard work and commitment of the whole TS BEE team.

Awards take so long to be made because units are assessed and then compared against sea cadet units in the whole of the UK. Awards are made in three basic categories: no award, indicating that the unit is below acceptable standards; Pennant, indicating that the unit is operating effectively; and Burgee, awarded to the top 25% of units in each Area. This means that Whitehaven is firmly in the top 100 units nationally.

A ceremony where the new award will be formally presented to Whitehaven unit will take place in a few weeks, when the Burgee is received from HQ.

Our President, Rear Admiral Steve Morgan lays the wreath on behalf of Whitehaven SCC

Whitehaven fell silent on 12th November as old comrades, Civic leaders and all three cadet organisations remembered and honoured those who had fallen in battle - while, unknown to us, in southern Iraq four more British servicemen had been killed.

The ceremony at Whitehaven Cenotaph in Castle Park was attended by Mayor Willis Metherell, Jamie Reed MP and other local dignitaries, along with representatives of the armed forces, Sea, Air and Army Cadets and a crowd of several hundred both young and old. After a Sea Cadet bugler sounded the last post, an unbroken silence settled over the town for two minutes as people paused and remembered while Sea Cadet sentries stood at the four corners of the cenotaph with rifles reversed and heads bowed.

Reveille broke the silence and, led by the Mayor the community then stepped forward to place their wreaths at the foot of the cenotaph. A parade through the streets of Whitehaven then followed, ending at Whitehaven Civic Hall where the Remembrance Sunday service was held.

Readings were given by Cllr Metherell, Rev Judy Evans and Terry Chilcott, Copeland's corporate director. The service was led by Rev John Bannister who, during his sermon, commented on how films and computer games failed to give a true picture of the horror, sorrow and misery of war.

• On Saturday there had been a short ceremony in St Nicholas' Park where the Mayor, Councillor Willis Metherell laid a wreath at the Normandy veterans memorial after observing two minutes' silence on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

Steve Morgan, a retired Rear Admiral in the United States Navy Reserve, has accepted an invitation to become the new President of Whitehaven’s Sea Cadet unit, TS Bee.

Steve was formally ‘welcomed aboard’ as President at a ceremony attended by the town’s Deputy Mayor, Councillor Anne Faichney, members of the local Royal Naval Association, parents and other guests. Before watching a series of displays presented by the cadets, who are aged between 10 and 18 years, Admiral Morgan inspected the Guard and the rest of the ship’s company.

Steve said he had been delighted to have been invited to take on the role of President and that he was looking forward to taking an active part in the unit. “These young people have a commitment and dedication to the Sea Cadet Corps that does them, and everyone involved with the Whitehaven unit, great credit. I have been impressed by what I have seen and am eager to take an active part and get involved in any way I can.”

Steve Morgan’s naval career spans over 30 years, during which time he has been a nuclear submarine deck officer, Deputy Commander of the Naval Inventory Control and most recently Executive Director, Defence Logistics Agency and Head of the Naval Reserves Logistics Program. He has received numerous decorations including the Legion of Merit and the Defence Superior Service Medal. Admiral Morgan is currently British Nuclear Group Sellafield’s Commercial Director.

“Some of our cadets may have been nervous at having an Admiral on deck, but the good news is that they were all smiling at the end of the evening.” said Whitehaven’s Commanding Officer, Keith Crowe. “We are extremely pleased that Steve wishes to be an active member of the team. His knowledge and experience will be a great asset and I am sure that the cadets will respond well to having him around.”

The US Navy colour party march to the harbourside through a guard of honour formed by Whitehaven Sea Cadets

Cadets from TS Bee recently took part in two ceremonies which strengthened the town's historic links with the United States.

Scores of people gathered on the harbourside to commemorate the granting of the Freedom of the Harbour to the American navy. A party of eight from the US Navy's CNAUK (Commander, Naval Activities UK) led by Captain David Dittmer USN made a special trip from London for the ceremony, during which a proclamation was read which forgave the infamous raid on the town by John Paul Jones in 1778 and conferred the Freedom of the Port on the present-day US Navy.

Cadets from TS Bee formed a guard of honour for the American colour party in weather which reflected history - torrential rain! During Jones' raid his sailors attempted to set fire to ships berthed in the harbour but failed, in part due to the heavy rain that fell on that fateful morning.

The ceremony was also filmed by the BBC for use in a piece about John Paul Jones and Whitehaven in a third series of their popular TV programme "Coast", scheduled to be broadcast around May next year.

Later during the afternoon the cadets were also present in the grounds of St Nicholas' Church when Capt Dittmer unveiled a plaque in memory of Mildred Warner Gale, grandmother of George Washington the first President of the United States of America. Born in Virginia, Mildred Gale crossed the Atlantic to Whitehaven where she stayed until her death in 1701. She is buried in the church grounds although the exact location is not known.

Nine cadets from Whitehaven recently traveled to Workington and joined cadets from the County’s other Sea Cadet units. They achieved success in both individual and team competitions and emerged as overall winners.

Petty Officer (SCC) Stuart McCourt, the team's coach said that the Whitehaven cadets had done extremely well. "We fielded one of the smallest teams and came up against some very strong opposition," said Stuart, "but our cadets put in a lot of effort and in a very close competition ended up as overall winners - by just three points."

As well as celebrating success in the District competition, five of the Whitehaven team were also chosen to join the Cumbria District team at the North West Area competition which was held in Liverpool during the following weekend. Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Keith Crowe RNR, Whitehaven unit's CO commented "In the Area competition our cadets formed the major part of Cumbria District's team. Our five cadets came away from Liverpool with 11 individual medals, including five golds. It was a tremendous achievement."

For the first time in over ten years Cumbria District also emerged as the North West Area champions. “It was a superb and well-deserved result for the team. The effort put in by our cadets was a major contribution to the team result and we are extremely proud of them all.” added Keith.

The Deputy Mayor of Copeland, Councillor Anne Faichney and MP Jamie Reed joined Maritime Festival organizer Gerard Richardson, members of the town’s Royal Naval Association and other guests at a reception held on board the Sea Cadet training vessel John Jerwood in Whitehaven Harbour on 1^st September.

Chas Tinkler, Chairman of the Whitehaven unit said that TS John Jerwood’s visit presented a unique opportunity to say “thank you” to some of the individuals and organisations who had supported the Sea Cadets during the past year. “Although we would love to do so, it would be impossible to thank everyone who has helped us during the past months and years. Hopefully, we will be able to hold a similar event next year and say thank you to a few more people” he added.

A number of Whitehaven cadets were also involved in the function by welcoming guests on board, acting as stewards and as guides on tours of the 25-metre long ship. Earlier in the evening our Junior section, the Bumbles visited for a tour round the ship.

During the evening, it was announced that the John Jerwood will be making a return visit to Whitehaven in May 2007, followed in mid-July by a visit from the Sea Cadets’ flagship the sail training vessel TS Royalist. Whitehaven unit’s Commanding Officer, Keith Crowe said that TS John Jerwood’s visit had generated a lot of interest and he was expecting even more in 2007. “Next year’s visit by TS Royalist will be the first time she has visited the town for many years. Although we are getting used to seeing tall ships in the harbour their visits are still something of an event. To see our own flagship sail in will be particularly special for us.”

The evening closed with the guests assembling on the harbourside with the rest of the Whitehaven Sea Cadets as the traditional Evening Colours ceremony was conducted on board John Jerwood.

Our Junior section is one year old!

To celebrate, the juniors spent their normal parade evening having fun by getting out on the water and getting wet! When they had finally dried out, it was hot drinks and a special birthday cake for everyone.

The following weekend the Bumbles 'camped out' at the unit on Friday evening, enjoying more time on the water and, later in the evening, watching a film. The following morning they joined the rest of the unit out and about in Whitehaven, rattling their collection boxes in the town centre as they collected money on our flag day.

Whitehaven commemorated the first national Veteran's Day on Sunday 2nd July with a special firing of the one o'clock gun on the harbour and a service in St James' Church. Whitehaven Sea Cadets attended both events and provided a guard of honour.

Attended by a colour party from TS BEE, the one o'clock gun was fired three times, by Copeland's MP Jamie Reed, Copeland Mayor Cllr Willis Metherell and by Arnhem veteran Bob Lee - a member of the Border Regiment attached to the 1st Airborne Division and one of more than 700 men who went into the Arnhem battle by glider. The firing was followed by a minute's silence, broken by the tall ship Matthew firing its gun.

Our cadets also provided a guard of honour for the veterans and over 400 others who attended the service at St James' Church, which was led by the Rector of Whitehaven, Rev John Bannister. Jamie Reed MP, who played a key role in the campaign to establish a Veterans' Day, addressed the congregation and talked about selflessness, solidarity and public service, values that the veterans represented.

Immediately after the Civic Sunday parade (see below) a group of 14 cadets and four staff set of for Manchester's Salford SCC where they spent the night before joining our affiliated ship, HMS RAMSEY for a day at sea. After being welcomed on board by the Commanding Officer, Lt Cdr Martin Mackey RN the cadets were introduced to the ship’s staff and given a very quick tour before the ship left port.

Travelling down the Manchester Ship Canal the cadets were given more detailed instructions before being put to work. Once in open waters, RAMSEY conducted a number of manoeuvres and drills, including “man overboard” – using a dummy! – and made sure that their cadet guests were fully involved in the ships’ operations. For many cadets this was their first time aboard a Naval ship and they were thrilled at being able to spend the day at sea. “I think we saw just about every part of the ship” said Able Cadet Jonathan Herring.

The visit came about as a result of discussions between Lieutenant Commander Mackey and our CO, S/Lt (SCC) Keith Crowe RNR. Lt Cdr Mackey discovered that there had been little contact between the ship and her affiliated cadet unit before he took command and decided to rectify the situation. “I believe that it is important that we should stay in contact with the various groups that we are affiliated with.” he said. “Several of my staff and I were able to visit Whitehaven at the end of last year and spent some time with the cadets. When we learnt we were scheduled to sail from Manchester up to Barrow we felt it was an ideal opportunity to strengthen our links.” Lt Cdr Mackey added that he hoped this would be the start of regular visits to his ship by the cadets.

Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Maureen McEuan said that the cadets had been extremely well behaved and were a credit to themselves and Whitehaven unit. “They clearly enjoyed the day and we are all extremely grateful to Lt Cdr Mackey and the entire ships company for their warm welcome and generous hospitality.”

On 25th June we were proud to join the new Mayor, Cllr Willis Metherell in her 'Civic Sunday' parade which this year took place through the streets of Distington. The procession included local and County Civic Dignitaries, Copeland MP Jamie Reed and representatives from the Church and various local organisations.

Councillor Metherell had chosen to highlight her and her fellow Councillors' commitment to serving others and this was reflected in the service at The Church of the Holy Spirit. The Rev John Bannister, Rector of Whitehaven and Mayor's Chaplain for the year called on everyone present to guard against complacency in dealing with the challenges they undertake in public service.

Commander Alan Brough RN, Sea Cadet North West Area Officer visited a packed Whitehaven unit HQ in mid-May for our annual Royal Navy Parade.

After the inspection, Cdr Brough said that he was impressed by the 100% turnout by cadets and staff and the attendance of parents and other supporters. "This is clearly a measure of the high level of commitment and dedication that now features so strongly at TS BEE." Cdr Brough added that the Static Displays were excellent; well prepared, varied and interesting, giving the RNP Guests exactly the right impression of the Unit.

Whitehaven's CO, S/Lt (SCC) Keith Crowe RNR also paid tribute to the effort that the cadets had put into preparations for the inspection. "They have been brushing up on the various ceremonial aspects of the inspection and have rehearsed the seamanship display - showing how heavy objects can be moved across a gap such as a river - for several weeks. Thay have done well and we are very proud of them"

As well as parents, guests at the inspection included Rear Admiral Tim Chittenden RN and representatives from the Royal British Legion and Normandy Veterans' Association.

Rebecca with Col James Cropper

Petty Officer Cadet Rebecca Gray has been appointed Lord Lieutenant's Cadet for Cumbria.

At the beginning of May Rebecca and her mother, Geraldine Gray along with Whitehaven unit's Chairman, Chas Tinkler and Cumbria District Officer, Lt Cdr (SCC) Tony Holliday RNR attended a ceremony where she was presented with her certificate of appointment and badge of office by Her Majesty's Lord Lieutenant for Cumbria, Colonel James Cropper. The appointment is an honorary one which will allow Rebecca to assist the Lord Lieutenant at service-related events and functions.

In addition to her involvement with TS Bee, Rebecca also helps with fundraising appeals at St Benedict's School, works for Dr Barnardos and assists at a special needs school. Colonel Gerry Wells-Cole, Chief Executive of the North West Reserve Forces and Cadets' Association said that Rebecca was a credit to Whitehaven unit and to the Sea Cadet Corps in general, and that she epitomises all that can be achieved by today's youth in the Sea Cadet Association.