Due to little access to the website, we have missed a few years in events! Many things have happened over the past few years, too many to document so we'll recap this year so far...
January
It was time for the footie, as Sutton's cadets took part in the District Football Competition. Coming away with two 4th places, and two 2nd places, we obtained 2nd overall! Another achievement in Sutton Coldfield's book!
February
This was a busy month for the unit, as it began with the presentation evening. It was here that the unit was yet again awarded a burgee for it's achievement, but then managed to beat it again by obtaining the Stephenson Trophy, placing Sutton Coldfield in the top 6 units in the corps! The opening of the new accommodation hubs, thus allowing the unit to run more courses and more events, followed this!
The following weekend was the District Drill Competition, where the unit came away with two 1st, a 2nd and a 4th as well as best squad and guard commanders! Sending two groups of cadets off to the Area Competition, it was another achievement in the book!
March
The Area Drill Competition took place as our cadets went away to represent Warwickshire District, making the unit proud!
April
April saw another one of our 24-hour rows! It is exactly what it says on the tin, with cadets rowing on the lake for a whole 24-hours straight! The cadets sung their way through a cold night on the lake, not letting the weather get their spirits down! A true moment to see what Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets are like!
May
May was our annual District Paddlesport regatta, where we get to see our budding kayakers show their skills in a competition against other units. Gaining two 1st, as well as an array of other positions, gave us the position of 3rd overall! Another triumphant day for T.S. Sutton Coldfield!
June
June was our annual District Rowing Regatta. Attaining high places in all competitions showed that Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets really are the best!
The Area Band Competition swiftly followed this, where the band performed excellently and our solo drummer came 1st! Off to Nationals they went!
July
July was the first time that the District Sailing Regatta returned to Powell’s Pool for a number of years. We finished the competitions with 3 medals, sending 3 of our cadets to the area competition!
Later in this month was the Area Sailing Regatta, where our Quest sailors came an honourable second place!
In the last few days of July, our band was invited to play at the Captain of the Sea Cadets wedding. It was a wonderful event and once again, the band showed that Sutton Coldfield Sea Cadets have some of the best cadets in the country!
August
The National Band Competition came around and saw 6 of Sutton Coldfield’s cadets take part! Each coming back with silver medals, the cadets had done themselves proud!
September
This month we celebrated our 75th Anniversary at T.S. Sutton Coldfield! 75 years strong and only getting stronger! It'll soon be 80!
October
Firstly, we had the band play at Whittington Barracks for a Trafalgar Dinner!
Secondly, we had cadets go off to the National Trafalgar Parade in London and represent the Sea Cadet Corps!
Thirdly, we had members of the band attend the National Band Course, coming away with knowledge and experiences that you couldn't get anywhere else!
Finally, but not the least important by any means, we had 6 cadets partake in the Seamanship Competition. Coming back with a respectable 4th place, our cadets showed that no matter what the competition we will enter and enjoy it!
November
Another busy month, as well as an emotional one, as we saw our Unit Review come around and we wished Bon Voyage to our Commanding Officer Lt. Alan Wright. After 5 years with the unit, it was his time to step down and let someone else hold the mantle. On this cold Friday night, we gave our best wishes to Lt. Wright with his journey onto district as well as welcome our new Officer in Charge Sub Lt. Joshua Walsh! Good luck!
Following this was our annual Poppy Selling, supporting the Royal British Legion, the festival of Rememberance, where our band played, and Remembrance Parade. As our cadets marched through Sutton Coldfield remembering those who gave their lives, we could only feel respect. Lest We Forget.
That's 2017 caught up, keep your eyes here for following news over the next few weekends, as they're a busy few!
