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“Dedicated to all seafarers who lost their lives in the conflicts at sea and for whom there are no known graves save those of the ocean”

On Sunday 3/9/17 at 1300 hrs Swindon Sea cadets hosted the commemoration and flag raising ceremony In the presence of:

Mr  Alan Fletcher              -        Deputy Lieutenant

Councillor Maureen Penny -        Mayor of Swindon Borough Council

John Gilbert                      -        Chief Executive – Swindon Borough Council

Graham Jackson               -        Royal British Legion – Swindon Branch

HRH The Earl of Wessex Message:

‘On this Merchant Navy Day, I very much hope you will support this campaign by Seafarers UK to remember the sacrifices, salute the courage and support the future of the often unsung personnel of our Merchant Navy. Too often they are the forgotten or invisible service, by raising the Red Ensign you will ensure that at least on this day they are remembered. Your act will mean so much to their families and to the retired, but most especially to those at sea.’

SWINDON fell silent on Monday 31.07.17 in memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice at Passchendaele 100 years ago.

Veterans were joined by serving officers, cadets, dignitaries and members of the public as they gathered in Regent Circus for the memorial ceremony organised by the Swindon branch of the Royal British Legion.

Wreaths and crosses were laid at the foot of the cenotaph as the crowd stood still, with heads bowed, to pay their respects to those who died in one of the most bloody and unforgiving engagements of the First World War.

Swindon cadets played a vital part is supporting the service by presenting wreaths to dignitaries and were proud to have been able support the commemoration.

additional pictures from Swindon Advertiser click here  

Swindon Sea Cadets serve up tea and biscuits to decorated veterans at the coffee morning and commemoration event at the Swindon Royal British Legion Pop in Centre

For information about the event and Jutland 100 click here

Three Sea Cadets from Swindon Unit travelled to Salisbury to have the incredible opportunity to row alongside HRH The Earl of Wessex as part of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) Diamond Challenge. The Charity is celebrating its Diamond Anniversary this year, having helped to transform the lives of millions of young people in the UK and across the globe since it was founded in 1956.

The cadets greeted His Royal Highness at Salisbury Sea Cadet Unit before joining him on the River Avon to complete their DofE Diamond Challenge to row the equivalent distance from Salisbury to Windsor of 75 miles on Thursday 28 April.

 Every year 2,000 Sea Cadets take part in the DofE, achieving their Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards. In celebration of its 60^th year, the Charity has launched the DofE Diamond Challenge, a one-off initiative which allows people of all ages to take on a DofE inspired challenge – be that an adventure, a skill or something personal.

PO Clements OiC at Sea Cadets Swindon Unit, says: “We are delighted to be part of the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award anniversary year. Like Sea Cadets, it’s a fantastic organisation that offers young people the chance to challenge themselves through adventurous activities.

“Rowing with the Earl of Wessex is a memory they will never forget and it’s only by being a Sea Cadet that they have had this incredible opportunity.” 

Peter Westgarth, CEO of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award adds: “As we celebrate 60 years of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, it’s clear that the Charity is an integral part of life at Sea Cadets which play an invaluable role in the development of thousands of young people across the UK. It’s fantastic to see the Sea Cadets being recognised for the outstanding work they do and enormous thanks must be given to the volunteers who work tirelessly to ensure that every DofE participant makes the most of this wonderful opportunity.”

On the day Swindon Sea Cadets with other Sea Cadets from across the UK met Deputy Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire, Hon Peter Pleydell-Bouverie, Chairman of Wiltshire Council, Councillor Richard Britton, Mayor of Salisbury, Councillor Andrew Roberts, Assistant Chief Constable of Wiltshire, Mr Mark Cooper and Sea Cadets CEO, Mr Martin Coles.

And to find out more about The DofE Diamond Challenge and get involved visit: www.DofEDiamondChallenge.org