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On October 20^th Norwich unit gathered at Norwich Cathedral to commemorate the battle of Trafalgar, the Unit marched round to the front of the cathedral and halted in front of the Lord Nelson memorial, our CO Lt Jannerburgess laid a wreath and our unit chaplain performed a small service. The cadets then marched down to the river and dismissed. The unit then gathered at the church for a small service led by our Chaplain Revd Christopher D Ellis, and of course the traditional bun fight followed the church service. All of the cadets looked very smart and the standard of drill was very good.

Lt Greive also represented the unit at Honingham Church for a service for the battle of Trafalgar attended by many representatives from other organisations.

This year’s annual camp saw one major change, our unit shared the multi million pound facilities with Beccles unit bringing the total number of cadets and staff around the 60 mark! The seniors split themselves between 3 sports; Sailing, windsurfing and power boating where many qualifications were gained. The juniors however participated in a junior multi activity week, which consisted of rowing, rock climbing, team building games, orienteering and even a trip to the local life boat! During the week cadets and staff donned their capes and put their underpants on top of their trousers for a super hero themed party, which was greatly received by all, we even managed to make PO Lumley shine!!! All in all a good week was had , the weather was generous and plenty was achieved on the water, we look forward to next year.

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In November 2012 SGT Horton joined our unit to start a Royal Marine Cadet Detachment, unfortunately SGT Horton had to step down as Detachment Commander due to work commitments. In the early part of 2013 SGT Lee Knowles transferred to us from Beccles Unit to take over the role of Detachment Commander and since then the Detachment has gone from strength to strength passing every inspection tht has been put in front of them.

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The Duke of York arrived at the Norwich Sea Cadet’s base, the TS Lord Nelson near Norwich’s Foundry Bridge, as the sun began to shine and there was a welcome break in the rain.

He was piped aboard by Petty Officer Cadet Steven Parker, 18, and his 14-year-old brother Able Cadet David Parker, both from Foulsham and who said they were very proud to perform the duty.

“We will remember this for the rest of our lives,” they said.

With the Royal Standard flying from the ship, from the upper deck of TS Lord Nelson the duke enjoyed watching sailing, canoeing, rowing and power boating displays by some of the Norwich sea cadets, and also some cadets visiting from TS Brave in Beccles.

Ordinary Cadet Jenerose Nelson, 15 and from Old Catton, was in one of the rowing boats.

“Everyone was really excited and we tried to put out best efforts in,” she said.

Eleven-year-old Junior Sea Cadet Josh Gage, from Norwich, was also in one of the rowing boats, and he said it was really fun and quite exciting taking part in the display.

Leading Cadet Kurt Massen, 16 and from Earlham, drove a power boat in the display.

He said: “I could see the duke as we went past. It was very special. It was once in a lifetime.”

Norwich Sea Cadets Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Mark Janner-Burgess then gave the duke a tour of the ship, and this included the duke observing cadets doing chart work, rope work, marine engineering, and baking.

Cadet Tom Gray, 13 and from Wymondham, showed the duke some rope work.

Tom said: “He asked me about what made me want to join the cadets and I said I was inspired by my great-granddad and my granddad who were both in the Navy.”

Ordinary Cadet Sophie Ralph, 13 and from Norwich, spoke to the duke about some chart work.

“We showed him the route we were planning and he was asking us about the symbols on the chart.

“He asked if we enjoyed the cadets and I said that I did.”

Ordinary Cadet Hollie-Mae Wright, 12 and from Norwich, was among the cadets baking cakes during the royal visit. She said they baked cakes in the shape of an L and an N to stand for Lord Nelson.

After his tour of the ship, the duke unveiled a plaque celebrating the unit’s 100th anniversary and signed the ship’s guest book.

He also presented Chief Petty Officer Michael Massen, 49 and from Norwich, with the first clasp on his Cadet Forces Medal, an award for his long-service with the sea cadets.

Chief Petty Officer Massen said: “It was a complete surprise to me. I did not know anything about the presentation until they called my name.

“The duke asked me how many years the clasp was for and said ‘keep up the good work.’

Commanding Officer Janner-Burgess said: “It was an honour to have the duke visit TS Lord Nelson. He spoke to some of the cadets and he seemed quite impressed with what we have done with TS Lord Nelson since he last visited in 2005.

“We are very lucky he was able to visit us again. All of the cadets are thrilled he has come to see us. It was a big honour for us.”

Simon Macfarlane, president of Norwich Sea Cadets, said: “There was a lot of excitement from the cadets about the duke’s visit. They have been down here every spare minute since they found out about the visit to make sure everything was spick and span for the duke.

“It was a special day for them, and I am so proud of them for what they achieve.”

Thousands of young people have been part of the Norwich Sea Cadets over the past 100 years, and the cadets will celebrate their centenary in June.