Previous Events and Successes - 2009
5th July 2009
Caterham cadets turned up to HMS Excellent for the Area Pulling Competition. After lots of practice, they were ready to go far, and indeed, the boys managed to come second in their race. The boys were unfortunately disqualified, but their achievements in coming this far in the competition and improving their pulling skills were rightly recognised by their peers. Congratulations to Coxswains LC Flint and AC Watson, and crew members OC Flint, OC Rose, OC Black, Cdt Fautley and Cdt Milne, and thanks to Mr Milne for driving the bus (leaving the unit at 0630!)
7th June 2009
Caterham entered an Open Boys team at the District Pulling Competition at Hawley Lake. LC Flint, AC Watson, OC Flint, Cdt Fautley and Cdt Milne won their first race, but narrowly lost their second. The boys pulled out all the stops and managed to win their third race in a great display of teamwork and perserverance. They will go on to represent Surrey District at the Area Competition, the first time Caterham Unit has entered a team into an Area Competition since 2003. Many congratulations and good luck!
4th March 2009
The Cadet Working Group(CWG) which was introduced last year has undergone a revamp, with new cadets announced as being successful members for the 2009 group. Under the watchful eye of POC Fearis the CWG was developed into a role which will see the CWG liasing with the Unit Management Team and Commanding Officer on serious issues. It is made up of two cadets from each rank and chaired by a Leading Cadet.
With Cadet 150, the celebration of 150 years of Cadet Forces, approaching in 2010, the CWG will be helping decide how Caterham Unit will be celebrating, and what events will be taking place.They will also have a big say in grant applications, helping decide what money is needed for, and putting together applications themselves under the guidance of POC Fearis and the CO.
7 cadets have been elected, four by the cadets and three by the staff. They are: AC Webster, OC Holman, OC Rose, Cdt Fautley, Cdt Frost and Cdt Piper. The group will be chaired by LC Flint.
6th February 2009
Staff from Caterham Unit who attended the annual Southern Area Conference, were both surprised and overwhelmed when Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Aaron Clarke Royal Naval Reserve was called to accept an award from the Captain of the Corps in front of several hundred delegates.
The Franklyn Plate is presented annually to the Unit that has “done well despite adversity”. TS ZEPHYR was singled out because of the immense challenges it has faced and overcome in the past 18 months, and the passion and dedication of it’s Commanding Officer in ensuring it’s survival and continuing success.
“Not only has the winning Unit undergone a complete restructure of its management team, both Committee and Uniformed Staff, under the leadership of its Commanding Officer, but has done so despite him suffering injuries in a serious car crash” said Major Andy Henderson, Deputy Area Officer.
To applause and cheers, and looking genuinely surprised, Sub Lieutenant Clarke spoke briefly with Captain Jonathan Fry RN, Captain of the Corps, before accepting the award on behalf of the Unit.
Sub Lieutenant Clarke said afterwards “I was very surprised but proud to accept this award. It is a reflection of the hard work that has been put in, not just by me, but everyone. We have kept the Unit running in difficult circumstances, and I look forward to our next award being the Most Improved Unit”.
The annual Conference is open to attendee’s from 70 Units across the Southern Area, with speakers from Headquarters and Area Office giving an insight into progress and the future direction of the Corps on many different matters. This year’s conference was well-attended.
Caterham were represented by the Commanding Officer, Chairman Tony Skilbeck and Petty Officer Graham Tanner. PO Cadet Richard Fearis, who joins the staff team in March, was also invited along to gain an insight into the world of the Adult Volunteer.
[Posted 6 Feb 09 at 2040 hrs]
27th January 2009
After five attempts in four months it seemed as if I would never jump. Yet on the 27th January the day was crisp, and the sky blue, with small pockets of cloud. Finally the weather permitted. Walking over to the plane I started to feel excited yet a little nervous. The needle on the altimeter steadily increased, gaining height. The view out the window was amazing, we climbed above the clouds, looking down on London, and gazing over the channel to France. Within ten minutes we were at 10,000ft and getting ready to jump.
My heart started to race, I glanced out, realising to my horror that the roads and fields were now only millimetres thick. The door opened, and huge gusts of wind immediately whipped at my face. Glancing down the shock hit me again. 12,000ft was not a good place to be. I felt mad, why was I doing this? It didn’t feel safe anymore. As my turn came I began to wish that I wasn’t doing this. My eyes were open in shock, I could see my feet hanging out of the plane. My heart raced even faster. Then my whole body was just dangling there, suspended over the earth at 12,000ft. At this point I felt as if I could fall at any moment and plummet to the ground. This was the scariest bit of all. “…one…” My instructor counted behind me, as we rocked backwards “…two…” I either missed three or he didn’t say it.
Suddenly I was plummeting towards the earth. My mouth opened, I yelled at the top of my voice. I didn’t pay any attention to the ground, hurtling towards me at about 120mph.
I began to relax after about 10 seconds of screaming and started to enjoy it. The force of the wind was greater than I expected, I felt so free. A sharp jolt began to slow us down as the parachute opened above me. Our speed slowed and I gazed upon the beautiful landscape that lay before me. Too soon my feet came into contact with the firm ground. As I recovered, a huge smile formed on my face. The feeling was incredible, had I really just achieved that? The whole experience was definitely worth it.
I would like to thank all those who sponsored me, especially to Ann Summers for my sponsor of £250 and Hamptons International Estate Agents for £150. All your sponsors will be put to much needed good use. 
January 2009:
Caterham Cadets got the opportunity to visit HMS ARK ROYAL in January, with the lucky cadets embarking on a 4-day voyage from Portsmouth to Liverpool.
Laiden with Sea Cadets and CCF from around the UK, including places as far away as Leeds... Able Cadet Haggard, Ordinary Cadet Rose, Cadet Frost and Cadet Flint managed to find their sea legs during the journey, exploring all areas of the ship including its fleet of helicopters.
The cadets were chosen by the CO because of their dedication to the Unit, having participated in the most fundraising events in 2008. Caterham Unit is a charity, dependant entirely on donations, and the contribution of the Cadets is vital in keeping our doors open.
We have it on good authority that, despite the occasional bout of sickness, they fully enjoyed their time at sea.... after all, they are Sea Cadets!
19th January 2009
Caterham Unit provided a full silver-service dinner to its cadets for their Christmas Party for the second year, something which appears to be likely to become a tradition.
The Ships Company's cadets turned to in their best bib and tucker to see the CO and his staff waiting on hand and foot to th
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