News

Another fabulous weekend for TS Kingfisher as the junior boys rowing team did an amazing job at the National Combined Regatta. 

But first, a little about their journey. 

There are over 400 units within the sea cadets across the UK, with each Unit belonging to one of nine Districts. 

Each District belongs to one of six geographical Areas to enable the next level of management and support by the wider organisation. 

Training and selection, starts at unit level and prepares cadets for the District Regatta/competition , each unit within their District competes to become the District Champion, and to represent their District at the Area Combined Regatta. 

If a team is successful at the Area Competition,  they will then represent their respective Area, competing against other Area champions. 

Still with me? 

In short, the winning team has become the best team in the whole of the UK beating over 400 other units. 

So how did our team do? 

Exceptionally well! 

Not withstanding problems which Mother Nature caused (blue/green algae), hampering our training programme immensely, and even suffering problems on race day with a buoy rope getting tangled around the rudder, the team came back, showed true courage and sportsmanship, and smashed the last race earning Bronze medals for their outstanding effort. 

We could not have been prouder of the team as they behaved impeccably throughout the ‘buoy incident’ and whilst clearly very disappointed that it had happened, they showed true grit and determination. 

We will be celebrating for a while!

This week, Commodores Broad Pennants have been presented to five qualifying Junior Sea Cadets. This is the highest accolade that a Junior Cadet can achieve and it is amazing that we have so many of our Junior cadets who have achieved this coveted award.

Huge congratulations to all, and an enormous thank you to the Junior Sea Cadet training team for the hard work and dedication you have given to enable the cadets to fulfil the training requirements. Being a Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer (CFAV) can make such a positive impact on our young people,

This weekend saw the Warwickshire District Combined Regatta, hosted by Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, held in Sutton Park. It has been a super weekend and a chance for cadets to meet up with old friends, make new acquaintances and take part in some wonderful waterborne events.

Thank you to the volunteers who trained and supported them and to the families and friends who came and cheered them along to victory.

We are very proud to announce that on Saturday, the following was achieved:

• Junior Boys Team - Gold Medal Winners for Fixed Seat Race Rowing – they will now go on to represent the Warwickshire District at the South West Area Combined Regatta on 22nd July in Bristol. Cadets, parents and guardians are welcome to come along, spectate and support the team.
• Junior Sea Cadets – Silver Medal Winners for Fixed Seat Race Rowing

On Sunday, the following was achieved:

• Kayak Flat Water Single Sprint – Silver Medal Winner
• Kayak Flat Water Double Sprint – Bronze Medal Winners

A fantastice weekend for TS Kingfisher!

During May half term holiday our Junior Cadets travelled to the Lake District with financial support from the Gosling Foundation. Great fun was had by all with exciting pursuits such as paddle boarding, frisbee golf, raft building, water rockets and photography. These activities and others helped the cadets to complete 23 modules from the Junior Cadet Training Plan, a huge step forward for many of the cadets attending.

It's not only the cadets that benefit, some of our adult volunteers gave up a week of their holiday and supported the trip. On their return, one of the team from Redditch & Bromsgrove commented ‘I have never done anything so exhausting, but so rewarding in my life!’

But why are residential camps so important?  What is it that they offer, above and beyond what we already offer every week here in Redditch and Bromsgrove? 

Residential stays have a huge positive impact on our cadets which include: 

• Increased independence being away from home 
• Development of resilience in a safe environment 
• Enhancing teamworking skills through new experiences. 
• Improved social development resulting from friendships with other cadets. 
• Improved Self Esteem  
• Increased confidence to overcome challenges 
• Breaking down of barriers between young people and their instructors, as well as between the young people and their peers 
• Increased engagement between the young people and their instructors. 
• Creation of life-long memories 

The experience is priceless, those that have taken part have returned home, inspired to do more. This is why we encourage as many cadets as possible to go away on camps and courses. 

We are immensely proud to be an inclusive organisation, with opportunities for all cadets, regardless of their financial circumstances. Your business can help us to continue providing these valuable experiences to the young people in our area.  

Congratulations to our new Petty Officer Cadet and Leading Cadets!!

PO Cadet Keiren

Leading Cadet Ethan

Leading Cadet Hannah

An outstanding achievement for our cadets who have successfully demonstrated the criteria required for advancement to senior cadet positions at the South West Area Promotion Boards this weekend.