Latest News

Fantastic to see HMS Cattistock honoured with the Freedom of Poole - a huge accolade for the Royal Navy and our home town. 

Poole Sea Cadets were honoured to be asked to contribute to the main event on Poole Quay and then to march through the Old Town behind the Band of Royal Marines Plymouth.

Lieutenant Jonny Campbell, Commanding Officer of HMS Cattistock, said: "The affiliation between HMS Cattistock and the people of Poole and the village of Cattistock is long established and remains an important link."

He reminded us [as the 80th anniversary of D-Day fast approaches, and in which Poole played a vital part] that, "In 1944 an earlier ship of the same name protected minesweepers in the days and hours before D-Day in Normandy, and now it is us who hunt and clear mines to protect our country."

"We have always been warmly welcomed by Poole and hugely enjoy visiting to see our friends including Poole Sea Cadets, schools and the maritime community.

"I am really pleased that the Ship can visit again and maintain the link between the British people and the Royal Navy. We really enjoy visiting our favourite port".

Last week the Unit Management Committee (UMC) introduced themselves, and explained their roles to the ship's company.

Congratulations to all!! Poole's cadets came first in the "Unarmed Squad" with the "Best Squad Commander" and they shared first in the "Mixed Wessex Guard" competitions. BZ to all.

Cmdr Trevor Price, Southern Area Sea Cadets Area Officer, paid an informal visit to TS Drax recently to see the cadets at work and to reward some of our volunteers.

Cmdr Price's Royal Navy background includes training and education so he was therefore able to cast a professional eye over the activities undertaken by our cadets and volunteers. Indeed, he contributed personally on subjects including the importance of navigation and of understanding RN History.

At the end of the evening he addressed the ship's company and said how impressed he had been.

He then made presentations of Certificates of Recognition and Cadet Forces Medals and Clasps to PO Katherine Steele and Lt Nicole Geraghty both of whom were recognised for their long and loyal service with the Cadet Forces.  Civilian Instructor Oliver Saunders was awarded a well-deserved Certificate of Recognition too.

Finally, on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Cmdr Price presented a Certificate of Commendation to Lt Chris Bonfield. Before coming to Poole Chris was previously active as CO of Twickenham Sea Cadets. Whilst with Poole he both plays in the band and has been the Duke of Edinburgh Award co-ordinator, which is also vital to many Sea Cadet units across the South.

Here are some pictures from our Junior’s adventure at the Wessex District Drill & Piping Competition last weekend at HMS Excellent in Portsmouth.

For most of them it was their first time competing in any sort of a competition and they really did themselves proud.

A special thank you must go out to all the staff volunteers, parents and senior cadets who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure that our Juniors were as prepared as they could possibly be on the day.

We couldn’t have done it without you! BZ.