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The unit has in recent years held a strong reputation for drill and ceremonial and winning the district level of the Annual Drill and Piping Competition has been a norm for the team for well over a decade. But this year the unit has made history, as it is the first time ever that they have not only won the district level competition, but also won the area level competition, beating all other Sea Cadet units from across the South West Area.

In light of this win, the team qualified for the National Final in April, which puts the best team from each of the 6 areas of the UK against each other, which really is the highlight of many Sea Cadet’s careers. The team were taken down to the Weston unit on the Friday for a final drill training session, slept over there and then on the Saturday morning were swiftly driven to HMS Raleigh for the big showdown.  The team performed their absolute best and all members of the unit (especially me!) were immensely proud, albeit a little choked up, at watching the climax of their 4 months of hard work and dedication.

We are delighted to announce that the team managed to come away with a well-deserved 4^th place and so for the next 12 months the team can safely say they are, out of over 400 units across the UK, the 4^th best unarmed drill team; what a fantastic achievement!!

I can’t thank enough all the staff, parents and helpers for supporting the team over the 4 months of training. There is no doubt that the drill competition is one of the longest and most time consuming to train for, so the fantastic historical achievement this year has made it well worth it!

Commanding Officer Sub Lt (SCC) T Cooper

We were honoured to have a visit from the current High Sheriff of Gloucestershire, Lt Col Andrew Tabor on February 21st. The High Sheriff thoroughly enjoyed his visit and took a keen interest in all that the cadets are doing.  At evening colours, the High Sheriff gave out the following awards to cadets: 1st place for the Junior Rowing Team in the South West Area Competition, 3rd place for the Junior Rowing Team in the National Competition and 3rd place for the Unit Power Boating Team in the South West Area Competition.  We are fortunate as a unit to have the support and interest of those who serve the county in high office

On the night the Unit held its Candlelight Carol Service, it was privileged to host two other events.  Among the guests at the service was Lt Cdr (SCC) Carol Pritchard RNR, who, until her recent retirement, had served with great distinction as the Training Officer for the South West Area. At the request of the Area Officer, she was presented with the prestigious award of the Second Sea Lord's Commendation for outstanding service to the Sea Cadet Corps. In handing her award, the Padre quoted from the Commendation: "Her long and distinguished service is in the highest and best traditions of the Sea Cadet Corps". The name of Carol Pritchard will long be revered both at Malvern, where she was its first CO, and throughout the South West Area.

On the same night, TS Otter was privileged to host the Commissioning Ceremony for the new District Officer for the Severn District. In leading the Ceremony, the Padre, as the District's Chaplain, paid a warm tribute to the retiring District Officer, Lt Cdr (SCC) Michael Pritchard RNR, who then presented to his successor, Lt Cdr (SCC) Martyn Barber RNR, a ceremonial sword to mark the Office entrusted to him. The Ceremony ended with the Padre leading prayers for the new DO and the Blessing. Every good wish goes to Martyn and the District Team as they seek to support the Units in the Severn District.

On Remembrance Sunday Tewkesbury Sea Cadets, under the command of Sub Lt Tristan Cooper, were privileged to take a full part in the Town's Remembrance Parade and Service in the Abbey. In a packed Abbey, Able Cadet Scott carried the Sea Cadet Standard with his customary dignity and Able Cadet Zoe, with great composure, helped to lead the prayers.

Then we gathered in our hundreds around the Memorial Cross in the Centre of the town, where some of the Sea Cadets provided the guard. The Last Post was sounded at 11.00 am and there followed the two minutes silence - it was as if the whole town was caught up in a profound stillness as a mark of Respect. The laying of wreaths came next led by the Town Mayor. Behind the scene, several of the Unit's staff worked un-obtrusively to ensure that all went well. Tewkesbury "Remembered" - that was for sure.

Photos by kind permission of Jack Boskett  http://www.jackboskett.co.uk