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Loughborough cadet at Labour Party Conference

This year saw our very own cadet OC Megan Heath attend the National Labour Party Conference!

Megan had to give a talk to the ministers and members of the party, along with an intense Q&A session which she delivered with passion and professionalism.

The unit received a fantastic letter of commendation from National staff regarding her conduct, and what a brilliant ambassador she was. Jane Winfield (Young People Support Manager at MS-SC) wrote: "She was articulate, professional, confident and passionate in her approach, and the feedback we had from MPs, Ministers, Policy Makers and Representatives from other charities and NGOs was overwhelmingly positive and they were all hugely impressed".

Well done Megan!

The Loughborough Sea Cadets held their bi-annual Royal Navy Parade (RNP) at TS Venomous, marking a significant milestone with the formal opening of a newly constructed jetty. This event, which drew esteemed guests and community members alike, celebrated the unit’s achievements and its commitment to nurturing local youth.

The Parade saw the inspection of 28 cadets and staff by distinguished guests, including Deputy Lieutenant of Leicestershire Colonel Martin, Lieutenant Colonel (SCC) Prollins (Senior Staff Officer), the Deputy Mayor, and the Member of Parliament for Loughborough. Families and friends of the cadets also attended to witness the proceedings. The inspection not only highlighted the unit's dedication to upholding the values and discipline of the Royal Navy but also showcased the personal development of the cadets, aged between 10 and 18.

Following the formal parade, the official opening of the new jetty took place. The jetty, a critical addition to the unit’s waterfront facilities, was made possible through the generous support of local businesses and donors. 

Notable contributors include: 

• Sandwork, for their expertise in building the structure. 

• Tarmac, for providing the foundational stone for the jetty. 

• Travis Perkins Ltd, who supplied cement supports, ensuring strength and durability. 

• Mick George Ltd, who offered discounted cement, allowing the project to maximize its resources. 

• George Walker Ltd, for their essential donation of timber. 

• The Martin Trust & Leicestershire and Rutland Freemasons, for their vital financial contributions.

• Mr Hutchinson who kayaked from London to Loughborough, and Mrs Elliot who conducted a sponsored swim.

• William Davis Homes, for providing the final donation enabling us to purchase the cement to complete the construction. 

This collective community support allowed the Sea Cadets to enhance their training facilities and ensure that cadets continue to benefit from hands-on, practical experience. 

After the jetty opening, visitors toured TS Venomous' classrooms, where cadets demonstrated a variety of skills, including STEM activities, knot-tying, and shared personal stories about the impact of Sea Cadet training. These demonstrations reflected the core mission of the Loughborough Sea Cadets: to empower young people with the confidence, leadership, and teamwork skills that prepare them for their futures.

Commanding Officer of TS Venomous Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Paul Browning RNR, said, “This jetty symbolizes the dedication of our team and the unwavering support of the Loughborough community. We are incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished together, and this new facility will provide invaluable opportunities for our cadets to continue growing and developing.”

As part of their broader commitment to youth development, the Loughborough Sea Cadets provide a wide range of nautical and adventurous activities designed to build discipline, resilience, and leadership. Through their involvement in the cadets, young people from the local community are given a unique opportunity to embrace the values of the Royal Navy and prepare for their future in a supportive, structured environment, enabling them to thrive and prepare them for the world ahead.

In a ceremony marked by tradition and camaraderie, the Loughborough Sea Cadets bid farewell to one leader and welcomed another as the torch of command was passed from Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Kyle Wilson-Kean RNR to Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Paul Browning RNR. The change of command ceremony, held amidst family and friends, signified a pivotal moment in the unit's history.

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Wilson-Kean, who has steered the ship of TS Venomous with dedication and passion, reflected on his time as the commanding officer. "It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the commanding officer of TS Venomous. The dedication and commitment of our cadets and staff have been truly inspiring," he remarked.

As Wilson-Kean steps down from his role, he leaves behind a legacy of excellence and a strong foundation upon which TS Venomous can continue to thrive.

Stepping into the role with enthusiasm and determination, Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Browning expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity. "I am immensely proud to be entrusted with command of TS Venomous. This unit has grown in my short time here, and I am so proud of the amazing staff and cadets that make the cadet experience possible," said Browning.

With a commitment to fostering leadership, teamwork, and personal development among its members, TS Venomous looks forward to a bright future under the guidance of its new commanding officer.

The change of command ceremony serves as a reminder of the continuity and resilience of the Sea Cadets, embodying the values of service, honor, and leadership that are central to their mission. As TS Venomous charts its course forward, it does so with gratitude for the past and optimism for the journey ahead.

On Sunday, August 4, 2024, St Bartholomew’s United Church in Quorn hosted a heartfelt memorial service to mark the 80th anniversary of the sinking of HMS Quorn. This Hunt-class destroyer, tragically lost on August 3, 1944, while supporting the D-Day landings, was honored in a reflective gathering that underscored the bravery of its crew and their enduring legacy.

The service was enriched by the participation of cadets and staff from local Sea Cadet units, including TS Venomous of Loughborough and TS Tiger of Leicester. They took an active role in the proceedings, delivering readings and leading parts of the event. Their contribution extended to lining the entrance of the church, forming a ceremonial guard of honor that added dignity and poignancy to the occasion.

The congregation included representatives from the Royal British Legion, the Leicester Senior Service Club, members of Quorn Parish Council, and veterans' associations like the Type 42 Destroyer Association. Dennis Marchant delivered a thoughtful address, highlighting the sacrifice of those who served aboard HMS Quorn.

The ceremony was a testament to the community's commitment to remembrance, fostering a shared sense of history and respect. Attendees had the opportunity to reflect together and honor the legacy of the ship and her crew, with refreshments served afterward to continue the spirit of camaraderie.

This annual event at St Bartholomew’s demonstrates the lasting importance of remembering the sacrifices of the past and the unity it inspires within the local and naval communities.

I am delighted to announce that Loughborough Sea Cadets is now able to reopen its doors and welcome back the staff and cadets.

The coming months will see the cadets return to boating activites as well as the chance to attend courses locally.

If you are interested in joining us as a cadet or a member of staff please dont hesitate to contact us using the contact us form on this website. We are always looking for new  additions to our ships company.