News

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Reece Oliver RNR

SLt Oliver joined Bournemouth Sea Cadets at the age of 12 as a new entry. Once an Able Cadet he transferred to Poole unit to pursue more sailing. SLt Oliver reached the rank of Petty Officer Cadet and was also a Navy Board Cadet. Leaving the Sea Cadets aged 17 to join the Merchant Navy as an Engineering Officer.

In 2017 he returned to Poole Sea Cadet unit to support marine engineering and boating as a Civilian instructor. He was then asked to go into uniform to become the Executive Officer. In 2019 he was appointed the Commanding Officer of Poole Sea Cadets which is a role he still holds today. He still enjoys delivering Engineering at all levels and can often be found delivering RYA courses on the water.

SLt Oliver has an exciting day job in the engineering sector, when not working or being involved with Sea Cadets he enjoys sailing, rock climbing and hill walking.His favourite SCC memory is spending the day as Navy Board cadet with the 2nd Sea Lord and splicing the main brace onboard HMS Victory.

Bruce joined as a Trustee just over a year ago and as part of the Unit’s Management Committee has been addressing the responsibility for marketing and communication.

Many will have noticed him surfacing at various events with his trusty cameras.

Bruce was a Sea Cadet in his youth and rose to the rank of Petty Officer Instructor in his school’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF).

Whilst a career in the Royal Navy eluded him he has always had an interest in the sea having been a member of a number of Poole’s yacht clubs over the years, including the Royal Motor Yacht Club, and the East Dorset Sailing Club.

He attributes his love of the sea to his early experiences with the Sea Cadets on Poole Harbour.

Outside of the SCC Bruce is a Senior Academic at Bournemouth University specialising in Sports Marketing. He has been active in various roles in motor sport since the 1970s and is a member of the national Council of the British Automobile Racing Club. He is a keen photographer, author and researcher. He was Mayor of Poole in 1993.

Poole Sea Cadets are once again celebrating being awarded a 2021 Burgee, which is the highest form of recognition that can be awarded to a Sea Cadet Corps Unit.

It recognises the hard work of the Volunteers, Cadets, and the Unit’s Management Team. 

Sea Cadet Units are inspected annually and are graded from needing improvement, to exceeding the levels expected, the very good Units receive a “Pennant” award whilst the Units judged to be among the best are awarded a “Burgee”.

Officer in Charge, SLt (SCC) Reece Oliver RNR, proudly commented, “It’s great that Poole is recognised again as a high performing Unit with a 2021 Burgee.”

“It’s down to the efforts of the unit Volunteers enabling the best Cadet Experience possible and the cadets that so eagerly take the opportunities.”

To all our Cadets, Volunteers and Supporters have a great, safe and happy 2022. 

2021 will be a hard act to follow as we undertook so many activities, both ashore and afloat, and achieved a record number of qualifications. This was despite the obvious but essential hindrance of Covid restrictions.

Our popularity is increasing with our waiting list enlarging all the time, so increasingly you will hear of movements towards a new improved headquarters. This won't be tomorrow and will take time but our sights are set and it will be worth waiting for.

In the meantime TS Drax's carbon footprint is being addressed with some ground breaking technology.

Immediately following their success in Poole Park on Remembrance Sunday morning our young musicians dashed to Ferndown. There, after lunch, they similarly led that Dorset Town's Remembrance Parade. Again they received an ovation from the large number of spectators. BZ