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To mark his move from the North West Area Sea Cadets to the Eastern Area, Commander Charles Bagot‑Jewitt, Area Officer (Eastern), will undertake a week‑long sponsored cycle ride in support of the Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC).

Commander Bagot‑Jewitt will be joined on the challenge by CI Nick Crane, LC Felix (both from Burton on Trent), LC Hadley (from Accrington), and WO2 Paul Gillespie‑Antal (Staff RMO).

The team will depart on 27 March and cycle between Sea Cadets units across the country, covering hundreds of miles before arriving at MSSC National Support Centre in Lambeth, London, on 2 April.

The route will see the group visit:

• Northampton to Luton (1 April)
• Accrington to Tameside (28 March)
• Tameside to  Sheffield (29 March)
• Sheffield to  Nottingham (30 March)
• Nottingham to Northampton (31 March)
• Luton to MSSC Nafional Support Centre, London (2 April)

The challenge aims to raise over £2000 and awareness for the MSSC, supporting programmes that help young people develop confidence, skills, and a sense of nautical adventure.

Commander Bagot‑Jewitt said: “This ride is a fantastic opportunity to mark my move to the Eastern Area while supporting the organisation that means so much to us all. We’re looking forward to meeting cadets and volunteers along the way and shining a spotlight on the brilliant work happening across our units.”

Donations raised through this challenge (Just Giving - Charles Bagot Jewitt) will go directly toward enabling more young people to experience the life‑changing opportunities Sea Cadets provides.

As Children's Mental Health Week (9-15 February) launches with the theme "This Is My Place", new Sea Cadets data reveals we're that vital space of belonging for thousands of young people.

In a national survey of 1,239 cadets, 76% say Sea Cadets improves their day-to-day wellbeing. Over 70% feel it equips them to handle tough times, building coping skills, confidence and trusted friendships.​

Volunteers and parents agree: 88% of 1,900 volunteers see happier cadets daily, while 74% of 3,000 parents report wellbeing gains since joining.​

Capt Hannah Mackenzie, RNR, Captain Sea Cadets, says: " When young people feel they truly belong, everything changes - their confidence, motivation, and outlook. Sea Cadets offers that sense of belonging through shared adventure, purpose and teamwork. At a time when many young people are struggling with loneliness or uncertainty, we’re proud to be that safe space.” ​

Peregrine Trophy Photo Competition 2025

The Royal Navy’s Peregrine Trophy returns for 2025! This is a fantastic opportunity to showcase creative talent through photography or short film, highlighting the experiences and spirit of cadet life. Entries are open to all cadets and volunteers. 

Entries must feature imagery or video captured between 16 December 2024 and 14 February 2026. Participants may enter either or both categories:

• Category 19 – Cadet/Cadet Instructor Amateur Photographer 2025
  Awarded to the best cadet-themed photograph demonstrating creativity, impact, and technical skill.

• Category 20 – Cadet/Cadet Instructor Amateur Videographer 2025
  Awarded to the best 1–2 minute video capturing the benefits and experiences of cadet life.

Download your entry form and familiarise yourself with the full rules and send your entries and signed entry forms to peregrine@ms-sc.org. The competition closes on 21 February 2026.

Winning photographs and videos will be displayed at the Museum of the Royal Navy, Portsmouth, and may feature in Royal Navy and MSSC publications and digital channels.

As we celebrated the birthday of His Majesty King Charles III on 14 November, we were also proud to congratulate the three outstanding Sea Cadets units who have been named as recipients of the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2025: Greenwich, Deptford & Rotherhithe Unit (TS Dreadnought); Sefton Unit (TS Starling); and Twickenham Unit (TS Saumarez).

The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the UK’s highest form of recognition for community groups and is considered to be the equivalent of an MBE. Their awards are a truly remarkable achievement, given that across the UK only 231 local charities, volunteer groups and social enterprises are receiving this rare honour in 2025.

The incredible volunteers at all three units have worked tirelessly to provide a wide range of activities and learning experiences for their cadets: helping local young people to gain skills, achieve qualifications and improve their confidence and wellbeing. Together, these passionate individuals give thousands of hours each year to enriching young lives and developing the community leaders of the future.

It is a great honour for everyone at MSSC to feature in an awards scheme established as the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2002, to mark the Golden Jubilee of our former patron, Queen Elizabeth II. We are delighted that the awards were continued by His Majesty The King following his accession, and immensely grateful that our volunteer-led units have been rewarded for their selfless dedication to serving local young people. 

Over the coming months, the three units will look forward to the formal presentation of the award crystal and certificate by their Lord-Lieutenant, as the representative of HM King Charles III. Volunteer representatives of each unit will also attend a Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace next summer, in recognition of the efforts of their unit’s trustees, Cadet Force Adult Volunteers, parents/carers and supporters.

BZ to all three units and to everyone who has played a part in this unique achievement!

Sea Cadets is proud to share the exciting news of awards for a national employee and a London Area volunteer in His Majesty The King’s Birthday Honours.

Paul Wilkinson awarded an MBE for services to youth work
We’re delighted to celebrate the announcement that Paul Wilkinson, our Director of Young People, Volunteer & Business Support, has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in recognition of his outstanding service to youth work.

Paul’s decades of tireless volunteering and charity leadership have enhanced the lives of thousands of young people across the UK and beyond. Through his work with both Sea Cadets and the Scouts, Paul has been an inspirational champion of youth development and has pioneered the expansion of activities in marginalised communities.

Reflecting on his achievement, Paul said:

“I am really honoured to have been awarded an MBE for youth work. I know the difference Sea Cadets makes in launching young people for life and I have been passionate about making it available to even more young people across the UK. It is of course a team effort, and I simply couldn’t have achieved this without the support of hundreds of volunteers, colleagues and others over the years.”

Over the years, Paul has:

• Led Sea Cadets’ response to Covid-19, transforming online support and enabling a swift and safe return to face-to-face training.
• Driven the ‘Future Ready’ strategic plan to deliver sustainable growth for Sea Cadets, overseeing the opening of 100 new sections in underserved areas.
• Given over 5,000 young people from disadvantaged communities the opportunity to discover boating and water sports through Sea Cadets’ ‘On the Water’ project.
• Helped sea cadets shape their experience and influence their charity’s direction through the ‘Cadet Voice’ programme.

Paul has also been a volunteer for over 40 years with the Scouts – a charity where he played a major role in growing numbers, developing ‘flexible volunteering’, and leading inclusivity initiatives that have increased access to youth programmes nationwide and internationally.

This well-deserved honour recognises a career – and a calling – dedicated to creating brighter futures for young people. Congratulations, Paul!

Nina Villa awarded a British Empire Medal for her contribution to Cheshunt Unit
We are also thrilled that the unstinting dedication of Sea Cadets volunteer Nina Villa has been rewarded with a British Empire Medal for services to young people. A former cadet who stayed on as a volunteer, Nina rose through the ranks to become Commanding Officer at the former Willesden & St Marylebone Unit before becoming a valued leader at Cheshunt Sea Cadets – where she has had a transformative impact in recent years.

Nina’s honour was in recognition of her achievements since becoming Chair of Cheshunt Unit in 2018. “I came out of uniform and joined the UMT around 2018 to help get Cheshunt back on its feet and am still their Vice Chair, as well as Area Chair for London,” said Nina, who manages her volunteering commitments around her day job as Executive Director of Membership at Royal British Legion.

During her time as Chair, Nina oversaw the stabilisation of the Unit Management Committee and inspired an impressive increase in fundraising. Together with her tireless work to build public and local council support, this funding allowed Nina to secure permanent new premises which have boosted unit morale and created a platform for sustained growth and success. Her inspirational efforts have also allowed further investment in facilities and equipment, giving cadets many more opportunities to gain qualifications and take part in community events and competitions.

The British Empire Medal is a fitting reward for such outstanding leadership and commitment to developing young people. BZ Nina!