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Change of Command at Lisburn Sea Cadets

Change of Command at Lisburn Sea Cadets


Following the recommendation of the Unit Chairperson, Commander (Retired) I Allen RD RNR, and with the approval of the Area Officer, it has been confirmed that Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) J McCullagh RNR will step down as Commanding Officer of Lisburn Sea Cadets after five years of distinguished service.

He will be succeeded in post by Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) C McClelland RNR. The transfer of command is scheduled for the evening of 17 December 2025, two weeks from today, following the Annual General Meeting of Lisburn Sea Cadets, which will also mark the 60th anniversary of TS Ulster.

On the occasion, Cdr (Ret) Allen had this to say:

I have a long connection with the RN family as an officer in the Royal Naval Reserves.   So as a volunteer myself, I can fully appreciate the tremendous commitment, motivation and dedication shown by John, and indeed, all our adult volunteers in the Sea Cadet Corps.  John has been an outstanding exemplar of what it is to be a Sea Cadet Commanding Officer and has often kept the Unit Management Team (UMT) right in our decision-making.   On behalf of the UMT and on a personal note, I would like to thank John for being such a positive influence in making Lisburn Sea Cadets what it is today; one of the best SCC Units in Northern Ireland.


Carol has of course been a rock in Lisburn Sea Cadets and in the District training world for some years.  Her appointment as Commanding Officer is a much-deserved reward for the energy and dedication she has shown to the organisation, and of course the young people in the Sea Cadets.   To have a new Commanding Officer who also served as a Cadet in the Unit is amazing and a testament to Carol‘s motivation and commitment to the Unit and the SCC in general.   The UMT are excited for her in her new role and very much look forward to supporting her once she has her hand firmly on the tiller.


The Notice of the 2025 AGM follows, having been delivered previously via Social Media:

LISBURN SEA CADET UNIT
NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a Virtual Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Lisburn Sea Cadet unit (TS Ulster) will be held at 7p.m. on Wednesday 17th December 2025. The AGM will be held in the Bridge Community Centre, Lisburn, to conduct the following business.
AGENDA
1. Apologies for Absence
2. Opening address or comments by Chairperson
3. Minutes of the last AGM for approval
4. Matters arising from minutes of the last AGM
5. Unit Chairperson’s Report
6. Commanding Officer’s/Officer-in-Charge’s Report
7. Treasurer’s Report and adoption of accounts
8. Election/Re-election of the Unit Management Team (UMT)* trustees
9. Any Other Business**
*Notes:
· Election of the Unit Management Team (UMT) trustees – Individuals who are seeking election to the UMT must have their nomination proposed and seconded.
· Nominations can only be accepted if they are submitted on the official nomination form which can be obtained from the Joinus@tsulster.org.uk email address
· Forms will be available from Thursday 27th November 2025.
· The criteria as to who is eligible to sit on the UMT can be found in the unit’s charity constitution (SCSC). Please contact the above email address for details.
· Any waiving of these criteria is at the discretion of the Volunteer & Business Support Manager (VBSM).
· Only fully completed forms will be accepted.
· Proof of posting is not proof of receipt.
Fully completed nomination forms need to be received by email by 10am on Monday 15 December 2025
All newly elected UMT trustees will be required to complete a disclosure application, complete a P1 form – application to join Sea Cadets which includes a Trustee Declaration indicating that they know of no reason why they cannot become a charity trustee, complete three online e-learning courses within two months and an Induction Day within 6 months of joining.
** Note: Any Other Business – Items of AOB will only be considered if they are proposed and seconded in writing to the joinus@tsulster.org.uk email address at least 24 hours before the meeting
Lisburn RBL Festival of Remembrance

Lisburn RBL Festival of Remembrance

Last Friday, 7th November 2025, Lisburn Sea Cadets attended the Lisburn Branch Royal British Legion's annual Festival of Remembrance.

OC John gave a reading as part of the Act of Remembrance.

This is a very important annual event, it was fantastic to be back for the first time in a few years and we had a full complement attending to show just how important this event is to the unit.

Special thanks to Cadet First Class Hannah who did a fantastic job carrying the RNA Standard.

All of our cadets looked fantastic and they were brilliantly led by SLt McClelland, PO Barr and PO Simpson. 

It was an important event for us and the wider Lisburn community and we hope to be back in future years, with our cadets representing Lisburn Sea Cadets so well.

Image of New Drill Instructors holding their certificates with text congratulating them

Two New Drill Instructors in Lisburn!!

Sea Cadets Lisburn are proud to announce a significant milestone for two of our youngest volunteers. Petty Officer Barr and Petty Officer McCullagh have successfully qualified as Drill Instructors — a prestigious achievement that reflects their dedication, discipline, and commitment to youth development.

This accomplishment is not only a personal triumph for PO Barr and PO McCullagh, but also a testament to the strength of the Sea Cadet programme in Lisburn and across Northern Ireland. Their success highlights the ongoing efforts to deliver high-quality training and opportunities for young people, empowering them with skills for life.

As two of the youngest volunteers in our unit, their journey showcases the impact of investing in volunteer development. Sea Cadets Lisburn continues to prioritise the growth and support of our adult volunteers, ensuring they are equipped to deliver the Sea Cadet Experience both as part of Lisburn Sea Cadets and the Wider Sea Cadet Family.

This achievement reinforces our commitment to providing meaningful experiences for young people in Lisburn and beyond, and we look forward to seeing PO Barr and PO McCullagh inspire the next generation of cadets.

BZ POs!

Image of Cadets on the Shore as the sun sets with the Centre's boats in the background.

Senior Summer Camp 2025

Wow! What a week at Northern Ireland Summer Camp 2025.

Last weekend 57 aspiring adventurers, including 9 cadets and volunteers from Lisburn Sea Cadets, gathered at 0430 in Belfast to make the 16-hour journey to Weymouth National Boating Centre by Coach and Ferry. Travelling the breadth of Great Britain to start Summer Camp 2025.

Day 1️⃣

With the Volunteers receiving their site briefings, the Cadets got stuck in, creating their new Divisional Flags, receiving their swanky NISCC Camp Shirts, getting to know each other and the boats they would spend the next few days on before some late-night arts and crafts and a visit to see Fireworks from the Pier near the centre - a special moment.

Day 2️⃣

The Second Day brought the first day on the water, with sailing cadets enjoying a day sail to nearby Portland (and definitely not getting in the way of any races) where they were met by their paddling colleagues, who’d made the paddle round from a nearby beach. The two groups enjoyed a spot of lunch before making their way back (and getting to see two Quests make a new shape).

Day 3️⃣

A day of well-deserved shore leave as Cadets and adults enjoyed a day at the beach and investigating what Weymouth had to offer, with only one instruction from SLt McClelland – NO DONKEY RIDES. Some of the adults visited the huge galleon, the Nao Santa Maria, a replica of Columbus’ flagship from when he sailed to the new world in 1492, and learned, much to our shock that it wasn’t all real wood, and some of the instructors made some pretty left field hat purchases. Once the day of shore leave ended, it was back to the centre for some evening orienteering around the site, bracelet making, hair braiding, and some light henna (using skills learned from the people of Weymouth that day) topped off with some games.

Day 4️⃣

Another day in the water near Weymouth. Though, if we know anything about NI Sea Cadets, they love to be in the water just as much as they love being on it. Our Cadets took part in some capsize drills and boat-to-boat swimming under the watchful eye of our Dinghy Instructors with some erratic music choices being heard from PO Simpson’s quest (that cowboy hat he’d bought the day before doing some heavy lifting for the Good, the Bad and the Ugly soundtrack that could be heard by all).

The evening came and brought the 2025 edition of the NI Summer Camp Awards: with TS Ulster taking home some big “wins”.

The ‘Water you doing?’ award was presented to Cdt Macey-Rose for her incredible growth over the week and her newfound ability to find her way into the water, whether from a static Rib or a beached Kayak, and she did it all with a smile on her face.

One half of the ‘Ant & Dec’ award went to CFC John for his membership of the new button- and- envelope-pushing double act we hope isn’t coming to a screen near you, that kept the Staff practicing their very best disapproving looks, whilst stifling a laugh.

The winning division this year was the Blue ‘Sharks’ Division, who counted among their members our own Cadet Lucy.

Day 5️⃣

The Journey Home:

One may think that 20 hours return travel wouldn’t be eventful – but that’s not the NISCC Way. With the return journey already tight for time, 7 adults and a Minibus made it even tighter arriving at the Ferry with only 2 minutes to spare before the gates closed (and possibly getting just the slightest bit of airtime) before the GAWA were on the home stretch!

It was a great week full of highs, lows, tears, laughs, stresses, fun and everything in between.

Special thanks goes to our own SLt McClelland who has been planning this Camp since this time last year!

Junior Summer Camp Group Photo Taken on the First Day of Camp

Junior Summer Camp 2025

🌟 Lisburn Junior Cadets Shine at Northern Ireland Junior Summer Camp 2025! 🌟

This weekend, some of our amazing Lisburn Junior Cadets and Volunteers attended the Northern Ireland Junior Summer Camp 2025. Over three action-packed days, Juniors from across Northern Ireland came together for an unforgettable experience filled with fun both on and off the water! 🚣‍♂️⛵

Despite the wind and rain 🌊, nothing could dampen their spirits! Our Juniors had an absolute blast with a variety of activities:

🚣‍♂️ Paddlesports
⛵ Sailing
🏞️ Park adventures
🍦 Ice cream treats
🍔 BBQ feasts
🏅 Divisional Games
🎨 Creative crafts
🎭 Face painting fun
🍰 Baking delights
🏊‍♂️ Pontoon jumping
🍕 Pizza oven magic


The weather was a challenge, making sure our Juniors got the full NI experience, but the dedicated volunteers overcame that challenge to ensure a successful and memorable camp. A special shoutout to our own Junior Cadet Sienna who was part of Port Division, the winning division of Junior Camp 2025, winning the prestigious Billy Bob Bosun Award! 🏆

Thank you to everyone who made this weekend so special, with a special thanks to our own XO SLt McClelland who was Camp OiC and planned much of the weekend's events. Our Juniors had a blast. Here's to more adventures and memories! 🌟

Now, our staff and Senior Cadets are gearing up for Senior Summer Camp at the end of the month.

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