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Our History
Although the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) has been around under various names since 1856, Barnsley Unit was opened along with 200 other units during the Second World War. The purpose of this was simple; to promote national propaganda and ultimately raise morale in Britain and secondly to make up for the huge shortfall in recruitment within the Royal Navy, especially in the Communications Branch.
So on that 1st day in September 1942, Barnsley Unit opened its doors for the first time on Summer Lane, with one of the first recruits being a young lad called Bernard Price, carrying with him his medical certificate provided by his doctor.'Bounty Boys' was the title informally given to boys who on reaching 15, volunteered for the RN.
At the end of the war, the RN saw the SCC as a massive asset and offered to manage the Corps throughout. The Sea Cadet Association (SCA) which was in effect the governing body, opted to decline this offer, maintaining its charity status and ultimately keeping themselves in work!
Today we maintain this status as a Registered Charity and as such are regularly required to undertake fundraising events and apply for grants in order to fund our unit, utilities, resources and costs just to stay active. Our Soldier/Air Force counterparts however, accepted the offer from their respective forces and as such receive funding direct from them.
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1944 Barnsley SCC Shooting Comp Winners
Above is the winning team of the Sea Cadets National Shooting Competition in 1944. Today we are still informally known as 'Barnsley Shooting Unit' by our neighbouring units. This is possibly due to the success we have at these events under the excellent guidance of Geoff, our Marine Cadet Instructor.
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Through the Years
It is unattainable to say how many cadets have passed through our doors over the years though it's fair to say we have consistently achieved our Aims, with some ex-cadets reaching high ranking positions within the Royal Navy. Others have proved themselves equally with positions of good standing in other organisations and professions.
One of our closer affiliations is with the Barnsley branch of the Royal Naval Association, with one member being one of our cadets during the war.
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An award by the Mayor of Barnsley of our Burgee in 1985
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Our Headquarters
As mentioned earlier, our original location was Summer Lane and in 1968 we moved to our present location at Racecommon Road. Formally an Engineering College, we currently lease the 2 storey building from Barnsley Council under a peppercorn lease agreement. Over the years however the building has been neglected through lack of funding, leaving it to appear less inviting. One recent success by our Chairman, was the award from the council of a grant to carry out a full rejuvenation on one side of the building making it once again damp proof and in a good state of repair.
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Headquarters Organisation
We are governed by several documents, the main one being Sea Cadet Regulations (SCR's) and the key members of the unit adhere to their respective Terms of Reference.
Uniformed staff have a structured, hierarchical system in place and are headed by the Commanding Officer. We currently have 7 uniform staff and 3 civilian instructors providing the instruction/supervision to the cadets. There are various methods of becoming an instructor but in all cases it requires dedication and commitment. We are always looking for staff that can commit themselves for just such a role. Full training provided!!
The Unit Management Committee (UMC). In order to meet the requirements of both the SCA and the Charity Commission, we are obliged by law to have an elected body, or committee. This committee is headed by our Chairman and like any committee is made up of the usual posts such as treasurer, secretary etc. Their responsibility is to provide & maintain a unit HQ, and ensure that utilities, insurance etc are paid on a regular basis. These guys are the 'unseen' workers who effectively provide the Uniformed Staff with the resources they need. An AGM is held where a report on the units' financial and training year are read, this is also when the chairman is elected. Committee members are always welcome, especially from the local business/commerce sector.
The Parents and Supporters Association (P&SA) is made up of anyone who will help out where they can. Usually they are the parents and carry out such things as small fundraising events like raffles, supply canteen breaks or operate the tuck shop. Again applications to become involved here are always welcome.
If you would like further information for any of the roles mentioned, then please do contact us via the details below.
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Chairman
Mr Robert Ramsay
Mr Ramsay is the elected Chairman and representative of the Unit Management Committee. He is responsible for all finances and insurance and for providing the building & resources required to maintain a Sea Cadet unit within the Barnsley area.
Serving with the Parachute Regiment back in the fifties, he has been retired now for a few years. He is still very busy with a number of other positions of governance in areas such as chairman of the local RBL, Barnsley Parachute Reg Association and as a governor at Barnsley hospital.
As a committee member he has no instructional requirements.
Email the Chairman here
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Commanding Officer
Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Caroline Devonport
Awaiting new picture
CPO Devonport has probably one of the busiest roles in the unit as Commanding Officer. Her role is to ensure all training and activities are carried out safely and in accordance with the relevant instructions and Sea Cadet Orders.
Caroline works full time as a Home Educator to her 9 year old son, Henry.
Specialising in Writer/Stores, she is also the units Pulling Instructor teaching teamwork on the water.
Email the CO here
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Executive Officer/1st Lt
Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Andy Devonport
CPO Devonport's role as Executive Officer is to implement and monitor the discipline, training and day-to-day routines within the unit as laid down by the Officer in Charge and to act as deputy to the OiC in her absence.
After serving in the Royal Navy, he left to join West Yorks Fire Service where he still works today. Specialising in Seamanship, he is also the RYA Powerboat Instructor and Unit Health & Safety Advisor.
Email the XO here
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Detachment Commander
Sergeant (SCC) Gary Clayton
Sgt Clayton is the Detachment Commander and is responsible for running the Marine Cadet section. Formally a Commando in the Royal Marines, Gary now serves with the West Yorks Fire Service.
Expedition Leader level 2 is his main specialisation which qualifies him to take cadets on advanced expeditions.
A more suitable picture to follow...
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Unit Padre
Chaplain (SCC) Father Peter Needham RNR
Father Peter is the Parish Priest at St Luke's Church, Grimethorpe (setting of the drama 'Brassed Off') and has been our unit Padre for 6 months.
Previously a Royal Navy Chaplain, seeing active service in the first Gulf War followed with a spell in Ealing, London. Whilst there, 'FP' was praised for his actions following the Ealing car bomb incident in 2001 Link
He brings to our unit a wealth of RN knowledge supported with a spiritual and pastoral care.
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Instructor
Probationary Petty Officer (SCC) Justine Downing
Justine is our most recent new joiner amongst the staff and is already carrying out key roles. Firstly as the unit Diving Instructor and secondly as a potential First Aid Instructor.
Her 'day job' is as a surgeon in Sheffield.
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Instructor
Probationary Petty Officer (SCC) Laura Frudd
Laura finished her time as a cadet at the start of this year on turning 18. Shortly after, she joined the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as a Deck Officer (pictured) and has returned to the unit as a PPO. Her navigation and seamanship expertise are her key skills that will be useful to the cadets.
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Boats Officer
Civilian Instructor Mick Sides
CI Sides is our Boats Officer. Apart from carrying out all maintenance and repairs of all of our boats, Mick is also our RYA Sailing Instructor. He joined our unit at the same time as his daughter joined as a Junior, 8 years ago.
As a Civilian Instructor, he doesn't wear a uniform and as such doesn't have any other instructional duties as his role is purely sailing.
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Unit Mascot
Unit Mascot - Henry
8 year old Henry, is our Unit Mascot and was nominated for the role by the cadets themselves after seeing him at various external activities. His fundraising abilities characterised by his unique charm are tremendous.
An example of this is the £69.40 he raised single handed during a recent bag-packing activity at a local supermarket.
He can be seen here wearing his 19th century RN Midshipman uniform (as worn at a recent wedding)
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Staff & Cadet organisation
Bluejackets
Bluejacket is the traditional the term for a sailor and identifies them from the Greenjackets, ie Marine Cadet Corps (MCD). We currently have about 20 BJ's though this number is fluid. The age range for a BJ is 12 - 18 and consists of both boys and girls.
Greejackets
Greenjacket are of course Marine Cadets. There are about 6 GJ's presently and their age range is 13 - 18 though we are currently unable to offer girls a place due to the vacancy for a female MCD Instructor/supervisor.(Any takers??)
Juniors
This section consists of our youngest boys and girls, 10 & 11 year olds and currently number around 10 in total. These youngsters are generally kept apart from the older cadets carrying out activities more suitable to their age range.
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Safeguarding
Safeguarding is of the utmost importance from the moment a cadet walks through the door.
The cadets and staff are fully insured against injury.
All staff on application are investigated using the Criminal Records Bureau and the check is 'enhanced'. Following their acceptance, staff are expected to carry out numerous training courses giving them the ability to provide quality instruction in a safe environment. All staff are to maintain a First Aid qualification.
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