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As we come to the end of another busy and successful quarter, I am incredibly proud to reflect on everything our cadets and volunteers have achieved.

Our cadets have continued to represent the Unit and Warwickshire District with distinction. At the South West Area Combined Regatta, we were delighted that our Rowing Boat Handlers brought the gold home, while cadets also competed across several classes at the South West Area Sailing Regatta.

Training and development have remained at the heart of everything we do. We hosted an in-house Young Leaders Award course for our Junior Sea Cadets, while others attended South West Area Training Week and Alpha Company Summer Training, gaining qualifications, experiences and valuable life skills.

We have seen some fantastic individual achievements with one cadet successfully completing the Physical Training Zero to Hero course, gaining their Intermediate PT qualification, the first Sutton Coldfield cadet to achieve this in at least 17 years.

Closer to home, we supported the Birmingham Triathlon as marshals and had a hugely successful presence at the Sutton Coldfield Community Games. Our staff also enjoyed their summer social, combining some well earned downtime with team-building activities.

A major milestone this quarter was our annual Unit Review, where the Unit performed exceptionally well and achieved a standard that everyone involved should be immensely proud of. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the hard work, commitment and professionalism displayed throughout the Unit. None of these achievements would be possible without our dedicated volunteers, supportive parents and guardians, and our fantastic cadets.

Thank you to everyone who continues to give their time, energy and support, and who makes Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets something we can all be incredibly proud of.

Yours Aye,

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Ryan Richards RNR

Officer in Charge, Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets

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As we come to the end of another busy and successful quarter, I am incredibly proud to reflect on everything our cadets, volunteers, and supporters have achieved.

The month started off with our Royal Marines Cadets attending Easter Camp, developing their fieldcraft, teamwork, resilience, and confidence in a challenging environment, with cadets from around Alpha Company.

This was followed with boating, which has been a major focus this quarter. We have delivered a significant number of boating hours across the unit, helping cadets develop confidence, competence, and recognised qualifications. This was reflected in our excellent regatta results, with a total 44 medals coming back to Sutton Coldfield Unit, accompanied by 14 trophies.

We have also had some very special individual achievements. I am delighted that one of our cadets has been appointed as a Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the West Midlands, and another has been appointed as the Royal Sutton Mayor’s Cadet. These appointments are a huge honour and reflect not only the calibre of the cadets selected, but also the strength and reputation of our unit.

Away from training, we held a successful AGM and supported the local Fun Run, continuing to play an active role in our community. These events remind us that Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets is not only about developing young people, but also about service, citizenship, and making a positive contribution locally.

None of this would be possible without the dedication of our volunteers, the support of parents and carers, and the continued effort of our cadets. Thank you to everyone who has given their time, energy, and enthusiasm this quarter.

As we look ahead to the next quarter, I am excited to see our cadets spend more time afloat, and in the field, gaining qualifications and experiences as we head towards our Unit Review in September.

Yours Aye,

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Ryan Richards RNR

Officer in Charge, Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets

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Read the full newsletter HERE

As we look back on the first quarter of 2026, it’s clear that the year has begun with exceptional momentum,
achievement and enthusiasm across every part of our unit. From promotions and qualifications to
competitions, community engagement and national events, our cadets and adult volunteers have set an
inspiring standard for the months ahead.

January and February saw a remarkable number of promotions across the Junior, Sea Cadet and Royal Marines
Cadet sections, welcoming new faces into the organisation and celebrating the hard work of those
continuing to progress. It has been equally impressive to witness so many cadets gaining qualifications, from
engineering and seamanship to mountain biking, catering and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, demonstrating
the breadth of opportunities available and the dedication our young people bring to each one. Our adult
volunteers have also continued their professional development, strengthening the support we offer across
the board.

Our presence at events and competitions has been equally strong. From the outstanding success at the
Warwickshire District Drill & Piping Competition, representing the District at the Birmingham International
Tattoo, or supporting our local community at Sutton Rose Care Home, the unit continues to live its values
through teamwork, service and pride. The successful AGM and attendance at the South West Area
Conference further highlight the professionalism and commitment of our staff and UMT.

March continued this excellent trajectory, with more promotions across all sections, including several new
Leading and Petty Officer Cadets, and additional qualifications earned by both cadets and adults. Our teams
at the South West Area Drill & Piping Competition once again represented the unit with talent and
determination, bringing home well‐deserved medals.

If the first quarter is anything to go by, 2026 promises to be a year of growth, opportunity and achievement
for everyone involved.

Yours Aye,

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Ryan Richards RNR

Officer in Charge, Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets

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Read the full newsletter HERE

As we move through another busy and rewarding quarter at Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, I want to take a moment to thank every cadet, volunteer, parent and supporter for the commitment you continue to show. The strength of our Unit has always been built on teamwork, young people pushing themselves to improve, adults giving their time and experience, and a community that believes in what we do.

This quarter has been a brilliant example of our values in action. On 9 November 2025, our cadets and staff proudly paraded at the Sutton Coldfield Remembrance Day service, forming part of the wider parade and providing a guard at the cenotaph. It was a moment of real pride to see our cadets represent the Unit with such professionalism, respect, and maturity, honouring those who served and reinforcing the standards we expect of ourselves.

We have also continued to strengthen our links with the local community. On 18 November 2025, two of our cadets attended the Rotary Club Dinner and delivered a presentation on our Unit and our future development plans. Opportunities like this not only showcase what our cadets can achieve, but also help us build the relationships and support that allow the Unit to grow and create even more opportunities for young people.

Finally, I’m delighted to report a fantastic start to the 2026 competition year. On 22 November 2025, our Royal Marines Cadet Detachment achieved our first competition success of the season by bringing home Gold at the 1 Troop Drill Competition. This is a testament to the hard work, discipline and determination shown in training. Well done to every cadet and member of staff involved.

I hope you enjoy this newsletter and feel proud of everything that has been achieved this quarter. As ever, we look ahead with ambition, continuing to deliver nautical adventure, life skills, and leadership development, while representing Sutton Coldfield with the standards and pride our community has come to expect.

Yours Aye,

Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Ryan Richards RNR

Officer in Charge, Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets

For the full newsletter, click HERE

We're pleased to announce some volunteer role changes, effective from September 2025.

Our new First Lieutenant, Lt A.Rose RN, and our new Unit Training Officer, PO(SCC) E.Taylor are looking forward to providing training and advice to our cadets through their new leadership positions.

BZ to you both on your appointments!