Whitehaven Sea Cadets - TS BEE

Three lucky cadets from our Marine Cadet Detachment recently enjoyed a week on board HMS Ocean with over 100 cadets from across the UK.

The cadets, aged between 14 and 17 joined the ship in Liverpool and then travelled down the east coast, ending up in Portsmouth from where they were brought back home to Whitehaven.

Sergeant (SCC) Simon Gray, our Marine Cadet Detachment Commander said that it had been a tremendous opportunity for them to experience life on board one of the Royal Navy's most powerful warships. "As well as over 20 cadets from the North West Area, there will also be about 100 cadets from across the country. Apart from anything else, it was a tremendous educational opportunity and we are very pleased that they were able to take advantage of it" said Simon.

The 22,500 tonne HMS Ocean is an Amphibious Helicopter Carrier and was commissioned in September 1998. She normally carries a complement of around 1,200 officers and men, and carries Sea Harrier jets and Sea King and Lynx helicopters.

• At the end of the trip, six cadets received awards from the ship reflecting their enthusiasm, commitment and abilities. We are very proud to say that three of the awards went to North West Area cadets, with two of those coming to Whitehaven. Congratulations and well done to all the prizewiners.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland is set to visit Whitehaven at the end of November to perform a fundraising concert in the town’s Civic Hall. The concert is being staged by Whitehaven Sea Cadets with proceeds being split between the Sea Cadets and the local Royal British Legion.

“We have always received tremendous support from the people of Whitehaven and from local organisations such as the Lions Club, Whitehaven Festival Company and Royal Naval Association, which is now sadly decommissioned.” said the unit’s Vice Chairman and concert organiser, David Abbott. “The concert will provide a musical spectacular for the many fans of the Royal Marines Band, and splitting the proceeds with the British Legion will help support their work and benefit local veterans.”

“In a sense, this is one way in which we can say Thank You and give something back to our community.”

Our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Lucas RNR added that this was a unique opportunity to see and hear world-class musicians. “As far as we know, this is the first time that the Royal Marines Band has been to Whitehaven. We are really pleased that they were able to accept our invitation and are looking forward to what should be a superb evening.”

The Band, which is based in Rosyth, will be performing a mixed programme including popular classics, music of the Big Band era and amusing solo features.

Tickets for the concert, which takes place in the Civic Hall on Saturday 28th November, cost £12 (£10 concessions) and are available direct from us (email rmband09@tsbee.org.uk or phone 019467 27350), from local shops including The Flower Basket in Lowther Street, or from the Civic Hall box office.

• Click to download a poster.

Cadets and staff with the crew of RNLI St Bees Lifeboat Station in front of 'Joy Morris MBE'

Cadets and staff recently took part in the naming ceremony for the new lifeboat at St Bees Lifeboat Station.

Our Commanding Office, Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Lucas RNR said he had received a request for support and was pleased that the cadets had been able to support the ceremony. “It was an honour to have been invited and there was never any doubt that we would attend.” said Peter. “The RNLI, which relies entirely on volunteers and voluntary donations, provides a vital service and we were pleased that we were able to give our support.”

The new Atlantic 85 lifeboat was named Joy Morris MBE in honour of the late Mrs Morris, who had supported the St Bees Lifeboat Station for nearly 40 years until her death in June 2007. The lifeboat was named by Joy’s son, Mr John Morris who said that his mother would have been extremely proud, and perhaps a little humbled, by the honour of having it named after her.

Ainsley Harriott and friends 'Salute to Food'

Meeting celebrity chefs, providing tea for a jet ski display team and helping guide visitors on a tall ship – it was all in a weekend’s work for our cadets at the town's Food Festival on the 8th and 9th August.

Visiting tall ships are a regular feature at Whitehaven's festivals and this year was no exception, with three of the magnificent vessels in the harbour and open to visitors. Unfortunately one of them, the Zebu was left short handed for the weekend and was almost forced to close until our cadets stepped in. “We had a call from the Festival Company who explained the problem and asked if we could provide two or three cadets and a member of staff to help with the tours.” said our Chairman, Chas Tinkler. “The cadets were more than happy to lend a hand and we organised a rota to ensure that the ship was properly crewed and able to take visitors."

Another attraction at the Festival this year were demonstrations by several celebrity chefs including Jean Paul Novelli, Nick Martin and Ainsley Harriott. Two of the cadets went along hoping to show Nick a Marine Cadet ration pack and watch his show… only to end up on stage with him, cooking chicken chilli with rice – from the ‘rat pack’ – and seafood risotto from fresh ingredients. Meanwhile, in another part of the harbour cadets were keeping the Xtreme JetSki display team supplied with warming flasks of hot tea.

Petty Officer (SCC) Stuart McCourt, our First Lieutenant said that it had been a busy but very enjoyable weekend. “Most of our cadets and staff were away on annual camp at TS Palatine and this left us with only half a dozen or so cadets. But, when they weren’t cooking or sampling the food, they have had a go at archery, been riding on Segways and tried on deep-sea diving equipment."

And to round off the weekend, Ainsley Harriott took time to make a special visit to the Sea Cadets’ stall, where he spent about a quarter of an hour looking at the display, chatting to cadets, signing autographs and having his photograph taken. And what did the cadets think of Ainsley? “He’s really nice and very friendly” said one cadet, “and much taller than he looks on TV.”

• A selection of photos from the Food Festival are now on our Photo Gallery.
• Click here for a short video clip... make sure you have the sound on!

On 28th June we were proud to join the new Mayor and Mayoress of Copeland, Councillor Henry Wormstrup and Ms Lee Hodgson in the annual 'Civic Sunday' parade, which this year took place through the streets of Whitehaven. The procession was led by our CO, Lt Peter Lucas RNR who had been asked to act as Parade Marshall.

Various local and County Civic Dignitaries, Copeland MP Jamie Reed and representatives from the Church and various local organisations as well as ourselves and a contingent from the Whitehaven Air Training Corps attended the Civic Service in St James' Church before parading through the streets to the Civic Hall.

On its way, the parade paused for a few moments at St Nicholas' Church to remember the fallen and lower the flag which had been flown to mark Armed Forces Day on the 27th June. Once lowered, it was folded and presented to 95 year old Burma Star veteran Major John Munro for safe keeping.

The Whitehaven and District Branch of the Royal Naval Association has proudly flown its Standard for the last time.

At an emotional ceremony held in our harbourside headquarters, the remaining members of Whitehaven RNA sadly drew to a close its 24-year history and association with the town and handed their Standard to us for safe keeping.

In front of members from Millom Branch of the RNA and the entire TS BEE Ship’s Company, the Standard was marched on to the deck by Marine Cadet Ben Abbott flanked by Whitehaven RNA’s Secretary, Mrs Lily Robbs and their Chairman, Jim Park.

After saying a few words about the Association, Mrs Robbs called forward Leading Cadet Amber Cartmell. On behalf of Whitehaven Sea Cadets, Amber accepted the duty placed on her by Mrs Robbs “to guard and keep safely the Standard in the hope that it may in the future be handed back to others who may come forward to re-form a Royal Naval Association in the town.” LC Cartmell then received the Standard from MC Abbott and marched it off the deck ‘at rest’.

After the ceremony our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Lucas RNR spoke to the cadets and explained the significance of what they had just witnessed. “This is a small piece of history and the end of an era. Although sad that the RNA no longer has a presence in the town, we are honoured that their Standard has been given into our hands for safe keeping.” he said. “It will not gather dust in a dark and forgotten corner but will be displayed proudly in our unit for all to see, and to remember.”

Peter added that Whitehaven RNA’s first Standard Bearer had been a former Royal Marine and he felt it was fitting that the last Standard Bearer was a Royal Marine Cadet.

09 Feb 09

Some of the prizewinners at our annual Presentations Evening on 12th December.

Cadets, families and friends gathered at Whitehaven Rugby League Football Ground for our annual Presentations Evening last Friday, 12th December.

“Although we try to reward achievement such as sporting success and rank advancement at various times during the year, this is when we come together to recognise, reward and celebrate sustained effort and special achievement.” said our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Lucas RNR. “In some cases the decision is easy because it is measurable – the cadet who is best at shooting, for example. But some of the awards are for things that simply can’t be measured such as attitude, community spirit or dedication to the unit. Those decisions are really difficult and I am only sorry that we cannot give all of you an award.”

Looking back at 2008 the Vice Chairman, David Abbott said that it had been a busy and unforgettable year, with cadets taking part in events ranging from Whitehaven Carnival and the Copeland Homes Fun Day, to the solemnity of the Remembrance Sunday parades, and the splendour of the Queen’s visit. “Apart from being applauded, hugged, photographed and interviewed, we have also been rewarded. During the Carnival we were presented with the trophy for Best Youth Group, and of course there was the magnificent gift of a Laser Pico sailing dinghy from the Whitehaven Festival Company.”

David also noted the dedication of the staff team, and gave special thanks to all those in the background who supported the cadets and staff. “It would not be possible for us to be involved with the Sea Cadets at all without the support of all the parents, aunts, uncles, husbands, wives, girlfriends and so-on. It is you who allow us to do what we enjoy and love, and we thank you most sincerely for your support and patient understanding.” he said.

The evening, which also marked the start of the Christmas break, ended with a pie and pea supper and disco for the cadets. The unit is now closed but will reopen on Friday 9^th January.

Our cadets "Wearing it Pink".

Our cadets recently had a non-uniform night to raise funds for the Breast Cancer Campaign's "Wear it Pink" appeal.

The Breast Cancer campaign have organised a national Wear it Pink day on the 31st October and are hoping to raise several million pounds to help fund cancer research.

Whitehaven's Sea Cadets received high praise and a gift of a Laser Pico sailing boat at a ceremony held in front of a 1000-strong crowd on the harbourside last Friday evening (20^th June), and even received a spontaneous round of applause from members of the public as they marched along the harbourside.

Director and Chief Executive of the Whitehaven Festival Company, Gerard Richardson paid tribute to our cadets in a brief speech. “There is in this town a youth organisation who are always there when you need them, and they are with us here this evening. We have been working with the Sea Cadets ever since the first Maritime Festival nearly ten years ago and they have provided us with everything from Guards of Honour to escorts for VIP guests, often at short notice and in weather ranging from bright sunshine to torrential rain.”

Gerard continued by commenting on our involvement in events as diverse as veteran’s evenings, the Mayor’s parade, local village and school fetes and the annual Remembrance Sunday parade. “In between all of this, the cadets have been slowly raising money toward a new sailing boat. Well, they can spend that money on something else. It is with great pleasure that the Directors of the Whitehaven Festival Company present our town’s Sea Cadets with a new Laser Pico in appreciation of all they have done for us, and the town of Whitehaven.”

Speaking after the presentation our CO, Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Lucas RNR said that the gift was really appreciated and had come as a complete surprise. “We had absolutely no idea at all that we were going to be presented with anything, least of all a new boat. It is always nice when someone says ‘thank you’, but to receive a gift of this nature is really rather overwhelming. We have a few events coming up in the next two or three weeks, but after that we will be able to make the most of the boat by getting our cadets out on the water for a bit of serious fun.”

Our Chairman, Chas Tinkler added his thanks to everyone concerned. “On behalf of all the cadets and staff, I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the Directors of the Whitehaven Festival Company. This gift will benefit not only the cadets we have now, but also those who have yet to join Whitehaven Sea Cadets.”

• Please visit our Photo Gallery to see more photos.

Members of Whitehaven’s Sea Cadet unit are getting ready to meet The Queen and Duke of Edinburgh when they visit the town at the beginning of June.

Her Majesty and His Royal Highness will be carrying out a number of engagements during their visit on 5^th June and we have been asked to provide a Guard of Honour for the Royal couple.

Our Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (SCC) Peter Lucas RNR – who will be acting as Parade Marshall on the big day – said that the cadets were quite naturally going to feel a bit nervous. “We understand that Her Majesty and His Royal Highness may well take time to inspect the Guard and speak with a few of the cadets. We will all be nervous but I am certain that our cadets will, as always, prove themselves up to the challenge.”

“Being invited to carry out a Royal duty is a huge honour.” added the unit’s Chairman, Chas Tinkler. “Few people are given an opportunity to meet The Queen. It will be a unique experience for our cadets that they will remember for the rest of their lives and I hope they enjoy every moment of it.”

• For a report on the visit itself, please click here.

• Please visit our Photo Gallery to see more photos.

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.

• Please visit our Photo Gallery to see more photos.

 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.

• Please visit our Photo Gallery to see more photos.

22 Mar 08

A former Whitehaven cadet who was ambushed by Iraqi insurgents has been praised for his courage under fire.

Eighteen-year-old Kingsman Jordan Cunningham was one of 16 soldiers who came under heavy machine-gun fire in Basra. Working in two teams the soldiers covered each other as they returned fire in an attempt to retreat safely. All escaped unharmed but the incident lasted 40 minutes and saw them forced back two kilometres.

Last Tuesday Jordan. a rifleman with the 1st Battalion the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment received a special coin, one of only 100 handed out to British troops in Iraq over the past few months, by the Brigade Commander, Brigadier Julian Free. The citation commends Kgn Cunningham for “identifying the enemy and providing suppressing fire to allow the patrol to extract from the killing zone’’.

Speaking of the incident after the presentation, Jordan said: “I was walking with the vehicles on foot patrol at Al Qibla when we came across insurgents who were firing at us. This is where my training kicked in and after identifying them, I returned fire. It was scary and this is the first time I have been under fire like that, but the training did help me stay calm. It was only when we got back to safety I realised just how lucky I was."

An army spokesman said it was rare for the unit to come under such an ambush from insurgents. Capt Gilbody, unit press officer for the 1st Battalion, said  “It is really good that the outstanding work of our soldiers is recognised. Kgn Cunningham’s reactions to the enemy contact were first class and testament to the hard training that we undertake."