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Sea Cadets Trafalgar Day 2021

A Trafalgar Day 2021 with a difference

Trafalgar Day commemoration by Sea Cadets will look a little different this year – instead of hundreds of cadets gathering on London’s Trafalgar Square, units and districts will be holding local parades at the heart of their communities.

Practical restrictions around large-scale events owing to the pandemic has made it difficult to go ahead with one of our biggest national events. However, it presents an exciting opportunity to build stronger links with community members and ensure they can all join in on the fun.

London Sea Cadets will be holding a parade at the Lower Grand Square quadrangle of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich at 12:30 on 21 October. There’s a special link between Trafalgar Day and Greenwich as Admiral Lord Nelson’s body lay in state at the Royal Hospital in Greenwich in 1805. Many of the seamen who served at Trafalgar were also admitted to this hospital.

Wreaths will be laid by the principal guests and a short service and the reading of Nelson’s Prayer will be held before the parade will march off, with the senior VIP taking the salute.

Over 160 cadets and 50 volunteers from across 10 units in East Kent got together to hold a parade for the public at Dover Castle on 17 October. It was followed by a service in the ancient church of St Mary in Castro, on the grounds of the castle.

“It is so important that we try to bring the district calendar back into play, for the wellbeing of all units and the wider Sea Cadets organization,” said the District Officer for East Kent, Lt Cdr (SCC) RNRK. D. Martin. “The cadets learn about the world outside of their own unit and develop those lifelong friendships which are a hallmark of the Sea Cadets movement.”

Manchester District also held their Trafalgar Day parade on 17 October, which included many VIPs such as the Deputy Lieutenant of Greater Manchester, the Mayors and Mayoresses of Stockport and Salford as well as the Mayors of Oldham and Tameside.

Sea Cadets remember their roots and commemorate Lord Nelson’s victory at the Battle of Trafalgar on 21 October 1805. It’s the most important day in the naval calendar, defining British sailing for hundreds of years and highlighting the significance of a strong Royal Navy.

Trafalgar Day is an opportunity for cadets to come together socially and demonstrate their values. It’s also a chance for cadets to present their leadership, self-discipline and teamwork skills during marching, performing and drill, following in the Royal Navy traditions.

Sea Cadets plan to return to the usual national events programme in 2022, restrictions permitting.

  • Follow @SeaCadetsUK social media on Trafalgar Day, 21 October, where local parade celebrations will be spotlighted. Volunteers and cadets can share their photos on social media with the tag #SeaCadetsTrafDay.
  • Units are also invited to look at the ‘Trafalgar Way’ virtual activity which cadets and adults may enjoy following as a physical/learning activity – more information can be found here.
  • Did you know? Sea cadets have marched through London on the closest Sunday to 21 October for 100 years! Take a look at the 1938 Parade here
Sea Cadets Peregrine Trophy Competition 2021

Peregrine trophy photographic competition 2021

The Peregrine trophy photographic competition is back and open to more cadets and volunteers than ever before!

The Royal Navy Photographic Competition is now receiving entries. This year, entries are invited for both cadets aged 13 - 18 and adult volunteers aged 18+. submission form must be completed for each photograph submitted.  

Make sure to get your entries in quick. Your deadline to submit entries is by noon 9 November to SCMag@ms-sc.org  

Here are the rules to enter: 

  • Photographs must have been taken between 1 May 2020 and 9 November 2021 (if you take an image and turn 18 during this period only one category can be applied to). 

  • Consent must be gained by the photographer for any individuals in the photograph. 

  • A maximum of 3 images per person may be submitted. 

In addition to above, please read the full rules below: 

Peregrine Trophy Competition Rules 

Pictured - Last years’ winner Cadet Kayleigh from Bognor Regis photograph of friends taking a break from band duties.

CVQO Westminster Award 2021 sea cadets finalists

CVQO Westminster Award 2021

A huge congratulations to our 5 finalists of the CVQO Westminster award who attended the House of Lords lunch and award ceremony yesterday. 

PPO Shannon – Scarborough  
POC Grace – Leeds 
PSGT Lucia – Flitwick 
PO Apple-Jane BEM – Brentwood 
PPO Natalie – Weymouth 

In addition, PPO Shannon won the 2021 Lingfield Medal which was presented by The Rt Hon the Lord Lingfield. 

They all received their ILM Leadership & Management certificates, which is a great achievement as the usual age group for this award is 25+.  

 All can be proud of their achievements and hold their heads high.  

What is the CVQO Westminster Award? It is an annual competition designed to recognise and reward the most deserving of the BTEC CVQO learners.  

Each year CVQO invites cadet and youth group leaders to come forward and nominate a brilliant young person for something they’ve achieved. Additionally, nominations can now be endorsed by fellow cadets! 

On the water programme success sea cadets

On The Water programme success

This year’s On The Water programme proved highly successful providing 1,114 young people aged 9-14 a chance to try out sailing, paddle sports and much more, free of charge.
 
The On The Water programme was located in London, Birmingham and Liverpool - urban areas where young people would not usually have the chance to do water sports.

DPC Youth Club said:
 
“Just a huge thank you for the opportunity to involve our young people in this project. I’ve seen some very pleasing, positive changes in our group dynamics and the young people’s individual challenges.”

We also received great feedback from parents saying: 
 
“Really lovely to be able to come and do this, great opportunity for kids, thank you. Instructors were great, all included and felt safe, respected kids choice but also really encouraged them in kind a way, thank you!”


 
“My son is autistic and very shy, so it is hard to find things which he is confident enough and willing to engage in. The On The Water project got him out of the house in the fresh air, socialising and exercising.”
 
“Different experience for my children to try and do, especially living in an urban area. They also learnt very useful new skills.”

A special thanks to our funders for On The Water and instructors for making this happen. 

To help us continue our work with young people please consider donating here.

Sea Cadets summer active offshore boating round up get involved

Sea Cadets Summer Round Up

Fantastic news, over the holidays and half term, 2,182 cadets took part in the Holiday Active boating programme! Cadets experienced a range of boating activities and Adventure training, and took home badges and new qualifications while having fun with their peers.

As Covid-19 restrictions continue to lift, we're thrilled that 96% of units have returned to face-to-face activity offering the Sea Cadets Experience to young people and the community.

The offshore Taster Days programme saw the fleet navigate the British Isles: the ships voyaged from the south of the UK to Northern Ireland and some of the furthest reaches of Scotland. The taster days onboard T.S. Royalist, T.S. Jack Petchey and T.S. John Jerwood are free for cadets and some 800 cadets have already taken part with their units.

The programme has been extended into autumn for weekends and school holidays, promising that many more cadets will experience fresh challenges and offshore adventures.

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