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MC2 Daniel Newman gains his Bronze 'Ginger' Wings

MC2 Daniel Newman gains his Bronze 'Ginger' Wings

28th June 2013
 
Marine Cadet 2nd Class (MC2) Daniel Newman recently completed a Sea Cadet Corps Aviation Course (23rd - 28th June 2013), in Weymouth, Dorset.  in his own words:
 
"I arrived at Weymouth on Sunday 23rd June and I was there for five days learning about planes and pilots.  I thought that this aviation course really helped me to see how I feel about becoming a pilot and flying.  It also helped me to see if I could cope with the knowledge and qualifications needed.
 
This course is one of the best and I am really grateful that I was given the opportunity to complete the course.   I did many great things for example, flying in a Sea King helicopter and experiencing the running of an airport and spending time in a flying simulator learning how to fly.  We were not allowed to fly in a real plane because the training planes have been having problems and it was thought better not to use them.

The main feature of the week was for me to pass this course and get my Bronze Wings (Ginger Wings) and I am really happy that I did."

MC2 Daniel Newman MC2 Daniel Newman, 3rd from left, back row MC2 Daniel Newman, left

We have it on good authority that Daniel's aspirations are to become an Airline Pilot in the future; we wish him the very best of luck with this goal and shall look forward to travelling in an aircraft piloted by him one day.

Well done Daniel!

Walton-on-the-Naze Sea Cadets triumph in the...

Walton-on-the-Naze Sea Cadets triumph in the...

9th June 2013

A team of six, comprising of two Royal Marine and four Sea Cadets, from TS Illustious win the Falklands competition, that took place this weekend in the Cadet Training Centre at Cherry Tree Camp, Colchester.

The team consisted of POC Will Andrews, POC Domonic Jacobs, LC James Goldsmith, LC Charlie Rainbird, MC2 Ashley Brown and MC Henry Overill.  Well done gentlemen for beating both the ACF and the ATC at their own game!

The competition, celebrating its 30th anniversary, is a tri-Service (Navy, Army, Air Force) event that includes a cross-section of military activities, including camp-craft, navigation and First Aid, among other events, and was setup in 1983, shortly after the Falklands War of 1982, by a group of businessmen.

The photograph opposite shows the six winning team members, from TS Illustrious (centre and displaying their winners' plaques), surrounded by their MSSC (Marine Society and Sea Cadets) colleagues who also took part in the competition.  Other photographs of the event can be viewed in the Gallery, under Events.


 

Unit Camp in HMS Raleigh, Cornwall, is a huge...

Unit Camp in HMS Raleigh, Cornwall, is a huge...

26th - 31st May 2013

The Walton-on-the-Naze Sea Cadet Corps annual Unit camp was undertaken last week at HMS Raleigh, the Royal Navy’s modern basic training facility at Torpoint in Cornwall, and was attended by twenty-four cadets and six staff members. The aim of the visit was to provide the cadets with an insight into life within the Royal Navy but with a huge angle on fun.

The week started very early on Sunday, 26th May, at 06:30 and after a short drive to Bristol in the two mini-buses the Unit toured the SS Great Britain, once the longest ocean-going liner of her time but now a museum ship. The journey was undertaken again, via the Clifton Suspension Bridge upon the recommendation/insistence of the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Gary Dodd, but unfortunately the mini-bus and trailer, driven by Petty Officer Jonathan Sexton, was found to be over-weight and had to discharge its cargo of cadets and instructors, who had to walk across, before being allowed to drive across the bridge. The reason for the vehicle being over-weight was later tracked down to a consignment of make-up and cosmetics that was smuggled aboard by both Petty Officer Emma Potts and Civilian Instructor Rosie Hatt! The Unit finally arrived at HMS Raleigh at 17:00, just in time for a well-earned evening meal for all, find their respective messes and unpack.

The Clifton Suspension Bridge

The Monday morning started with everyone dressed in their best uniform (Number 1’s) and the Unit was inspected by the Officer-in-Charge of Vigilant Squadron atHMS Raleigh, before the Unit posed for a group photograph. Then, after a quick change into boots and ‘overalls’, the assault course was tackled with the same vigour and enthusiasm we’ve all become accustomed to from the Walton-on-the-Naze Sea Cadets, which resulted in all those who took part becoming soaked through! A video depicting the event, shot through a camera strapped to a cadet's helmet, can be viewed here.  The soaking theme continued into the afternoon as the only rainfall of the visit put paid to planned activities, but an improvised trip to a fun-fair in Looe maintained the smiles on everyone’s face.
After another well-earned evening meal the cadets, who by this time must’ve thought that they were turning into ducks, had an evening swim in the pool on the base.

Assault Course crew Assault Course crew Assault Course crew in action

Tuesday was welcomed with an early visit to the Eden Project, the world’s largest rain forest in captivity, housed in two huge ‘bio-domes’ and, after a ‘yummy’ packed lunch (that was kindly provided by the Royal Navy), it was off to Wadebridge, where the Unit cycled from the town to Padstow, along the ‘Camel Trail’, and back again, a total distance of 11 miles. The evening activities commenced with a stop-off at HMS Raleigh for the cadets to take on food and drink before ending up in Plymouth for a night at the cinema. Needless to say the duty staff had a very easy shift as all the cadets slept very well that night!

Cycling at Wadebridge The Eden Project

Wednesday started off with lessons and practical sessions with Sea Survival equipment, which meant the cadets were wet again. After lunch, it was off to Devonport in Plymouth to see HM Submarine Courageous, now retired but kept as a museum boat, and in the evening an hour or two of recreational games in the base gymnasium.

 Sea Survival

Thursday,the penultimate day, commenced with lessons in fire safety at sea, which then turned into practical sessions with real fire extinguishers and hoses, oh, and real flames too! After a quick munch on the now infamous Royal Navy packed lunch (with salt and vinegar flavoured crisps again), it was off to damage control stations to put into practice everything they’d learned about blocking holes in ships before too much water gets in. Guess what, they got wet, very wet, again! You can experience some of their exploits, filmed by the camera that was especially nailed to PettyOfficer Emma Potts’ helmet for the event, by clicking here. After a welcome evening meal, it was off swimming again and then time to pack for the long journey home the next day.

Fire-fighting crew Fire-fighting crew in action Damage Control

Friday arrives, kit is stowed in the trailer and thanks and farewells are said to the resident staff at Vigilant Squadron,HMS Raleigh, without whom none of this would’ve been possible. It’s home time but wait, the CO has something else up his sleeve; what about a trip to Yeovilton Fleet Air Arm Museumen route and then, as we’ll be on the road that goes right by it anyway, how about trying to spot Stonehenge afterwards? So, after a really fun-packed week, theUnit arrives back at their base in the town at around 19:30 to waiting parents, relations and friends. Everyone said they had a great time and we hope that there will be some memories that the cadets will take with them and cherish throughout their lives.


 

Cadets get their first sailing qualifications.

Cadets get their first sailing qualifications.

18th - 19th May 2013

With first class instruction from both PO Emma Potts and CI Dave Lightowler, six cadets gain their first sailing qualification over this weekend of fun on the water.

Ordinary Cadets Harry Triffit and Caitlin Wang, Cadet First Class Nathan Sexton, Cadet Aimee Wang and New Entry Cadets Tyler Scott and Tim Porter, gained crew and helm experience in both Laser 2000 and Pico craft, as well as taking the helm of the unit's large RIB, 'Rubber Rosie', when not engaged in sailing.

Of course, no sailing course would be complete without somebody getting wet so all had to take part in capsize-drills, undertaken by CI Dave Lightowler, which ensured everyone got a good dunking!  Not to be outdone, PO Emma Potts also underwent an unplanned dunking too when the cadet she was instructing managed to capsize their craft.


 

Walton Sea Cadets try their hand at event catering

Walton Sea Cadets try their hand at event catering

PO Barton was approached by staff at Clacton Sea Cadet Unit to assist on the catering front for the Tendring Model Railway Exhibition, a yearly event held in Clacton. She invited 6 of her recently qualified cook stewards along to assist. The day consisted of preparing Teas and Coffees, making rolls for the public, ploughmans lunches, helping serve the public, and assist selling the raffle tickets! This was an opportunity to really show off some key skills the cadets learn during their time with the cadets, teamwork, communication, were both key elements in organising the catering for the event.

The Cadets involved were; Stowe, Lomas, Tucker, Young, Newland E and Newland S. All of the cadets worked really hard during the day and the comments received were very good.

As a result of our hard work - we all got to eat plenty of homemade cake!! and the unit will be receiving a donation - more to follow later!
Many thanks and congratulations to you all.


 

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