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Chiltern visit Malta
During the Half Term 15-20 Feb, 4 Staff & 11 Cadets visited Malta GC unit. A full & busy program was put on for us by their staff.
We visited Mdina (Photo) the original Capital of Malta. We spent a day at the Civil Protection Department firefighting & hose running then getting soaked! Fort Rinella which has the only 100 ton gun in the world. The Maritime Museum, a evening Ten Pin Bowling, some walks & time on the beach. Wednesday 17 was Malta's hottest February day for 50 years, 23 degrees!
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Malta & Chiltern Staff & Cadets
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100 Ton Gun at Fort Rinella
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Civil Protection Department Team
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Area Award
Cadet Petty Officer Zoe Jones was the Southern Area's nomination for the Cdr Brown Award 2009, unfortunatly she was not selected by HQ to receive the award. Well done for being selected out of 70 units from our area & one of six cadets from the UK.
The picture shows the CO collecting the award from Captain Mark Windsor, RN, the Capt of the SCC.
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Cadets Meet CinC Fleet
Cadet Petty Officer Zoe Jones & Able Cadet Emily Jones served Admiral & Lady Sore at Admiralty House, Northwood for the staff Christmas drinks. Admiral Sore chatted to both cadets about the Sea Cadets & what they had done.
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Course Passes
Two Chiltern Cadets passed for 3rd Class Specialisations during a District Training
Weekend, 11-13 December 09.
Cadet McGill Cook/Steward & Cadet Womack-Bushell Seamanship.
Well Done
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Lions Cheque
Berkhamsted Lions presented a cheque for £100 towards an Offshore Bursary. Receiving the cheque is OC Mike Young. Our thanks to the Lions for their continued support.
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Unit Award
The unit was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation by Chesham Royal British Legion for the unit's continued help for Poppy Collecting & offering the use of the unit after the RBL sadly burned down earlier this year. The CO said we were very supprised for the award as we like to help as much as we can in Chesham & support the RBL & RNA.
The picture shows the CO & Cadet PO Jones with the certificate.
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2009 Remembrance Day Parade
The unit attended the Remembrance Day Parade in Chesham on November 8th. The CO lead the squad & the 1st Lt & PO Picton brought up the rear. The day was dry at the last moment but still quite cool. Well done to all who attended.
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Unit P&O Visit
7 cadets & 4 staff visited P&O in Dover for a educational tour of one of their ships, The Pride of Canterbury. A great day was had. We were met onboard by 2nd Officer Alex Wroe & Deck Officer Cadet Craig Nelson who gave us a full tour of the ship including the engine room, galley & bridge where the cadets took the helm for a short while. Lunch was organised by P&O, curry seemed to be the favorite. Thanks to P&O for the visit.
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POC Zoe Jones on the helm watched by the other cadets. The staff were by the life boats praying!
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P&O staff with Chiltern cadets.
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Oxon/Bucks Trafalgar Parade 2009
Chiltern Unit hosted the Oxon/Bucks Trafalgar Day Parade on Sunday 18th October. The parade was a great success. The Inspecting Officer was Captain Ian Turner RN OBE. Fine warm weather made the day. Guests were the Chesham Mayor, Cllr Justine Fulford, our MP Mrs Cheryl Gillan & members of the RNA & RBL.
The service was held at St Mary's Church with the Rev Simon Cansdale.
The CO would like to thank all the Parents & supporters who helped the day along with traffic control & the buffet after the parade.
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Captain Turner RN Inspects the Guard & has a chat. Behind is the Chiltern CO, CPO (SCC) Keith Jones.
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Seamanship Pass
A very well done to Cdt Mike Young who came out top cadet at 2nd Class Seamanship on a District Course held at Chiltern Unit. He was presented a certificate & small prize by the Area Staff Officer (Seamanship), Sub Lt Andy Marlborough on completion of the weekend.
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2009 Pennant
The Area Officer, Cdr Andy Giles RN presented the Commanding Officer with the unit's 2009 Pennant during a visit to the unit on Monday 14th September.
Well done to all the Staff & Cadets who worked for this award.
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Chiltern's Petty Officer Cadet
On a visit to Chiltern Unit the Area Officer promoted L/C Zoe Jones to POC. She passed her PO Board at a District Advancement Board earlier in 2009. She was also presented with her Coxswain's Badge after a pass on TS Royalist to Offshore Seaman.
Well Done.
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Thanks to Barclays
A big thank you was given by the AO & Unit CO for a £500 grant towards Chiltern's Messdeck refurbishment awarded by Chesham & Amersham Barclays Charity. Paint & Prep materials along with a new TV & Vacuum were purchased. Three Barclays staff also helped in the program.
Picture L to R: AO, Cdr Andy Giles RN, Mrs Frances Goode, Barclays Chesham Manager, Mr Lee Sheppard, Chesham Barclays & the CO, CPO (SCC) Keith Jones
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PPO Passes SCIQC
PO Robyn Stephenson passed her Sea Cadet Instructor's Qualifing Course at SCTC Inskip during the week 6-11 September 2009.
Well Done PO, great work.
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Cadets pass Cook/Steward 3rd Class
Cadet's Joseph Cruse & Francasca Womack-Bushell passed their Cook/Steward 3rd Class at a District Weekend held at Chiltern Unit 12-13 September 2009.
Well Done.
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Leading Cadet Offshore Pass
Leading Cadet Zoe Jones passed for Offshore Seaman during her week on Royalist. She joined the ship in Plymouth & sailed up the coast to Brixham in Devon. During the voyage Dan Snow & a film team did some filming for a Royal Navy documentory to be shown early 2010.
Well Done Zoe.
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Refurbishment
Over the Bank Holiday weekend 28-31 August, staff, committee & parent with two cadets worked very hard on the refurbishment of the Messdeck. Materials were supplied by Chesham Barclays bank through a grant.
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CO Passes Board
The Commanding Officer, Keith Jones, passed his Advancement Board to Chief Petty Officer, at SCTC Excellent on 14th August 2009 after a weeks intense course.
Well Done Chief.
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Boatwork Pass
Cadet Kenny Cook passed his Competant Crew at a District Boatwork Weekend held at High Wycombe Unit/Cookham Boat Station 25-26 July 2009
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New Pulling Cox'n
Well done to A/C Emily Jones who passed for Pulling Cox'n during a District Boatwork Weekend at High Wycombe/Cookham on 27-28 June.
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Armed Forces Day
Five cadets & a member of staff attended a Parade of Standards in Lowndes Park, Chesham on June 27th for the Armed Forces Day.
Well done, the CO is proud that some cadets put themselves out for this kind of event.
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District Powerboat Boathandling Winners
On Tuesday 2nd June Chiltern won the District Powerboat Boathandling Competition.
Well done to the Cox'n A/C Emily Jones & her crew L/C Zoe Jones & Cdt Mike Young. Off to Area on Sunday 5th July to do our best.
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District Sailing Competition
Chiltern won the District Sailing Competition at Abingdon on Sunday 31st May. The team led by Cdt Mike Young with A/C Jonny Wise did a great job. Cdt Young will now represent the District at Area on Saturday 4th July.
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Cdt Mike Young & A/C Jonny Wise with the CO & District Sailing Trophy.
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SABS Boatwork Passes
Three cadets attended the Southern Area Boat Station in HMS Excellent, Portsmouth for a weeks boating.
A/C Emily Jones passed her RYA Power Level 2 Displacement Certificate, O/C Duncan Denysschen passed Sailing Level 4 with a module & O/C Joe Cruse passed for Sailing Level 2.
Well done all.
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Staff Boatwork Passes
The C.O & 1st Lt both passed for SCC Pulling Coxswain at a Staff Boatwork weekend on May 15th-17th.
Well done to them both
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ATTI
The Commanding Officer is very pleased to announce that the yearly "Authority To Train Inspection" was very good, a great piece of work by the Command Team. CO, 1st Lt & Admin Officer.
Well Done
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Cadet Awards for 2008
The 2008 Cadet awards were held in the unit on Thursday 19th March. The VIP guest was Chesham Mayor Cllr Alison Pirouet a great supporter of the Sea Cadets.
Winners were: Cadet of the year, A/C Steven Ryan,
Best Points & Best Achiever was A/C Kerrie Stephenson. Well done both.
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District Drill Colour Party
The unit came a impressive 2nd in the District Colour Party Competition. Picture shows L to R: A/C Emily Jones, L/C Zoe Jones, Cdt Duncan Denysschen & in front Cdt Joe Cruse. Well done team.
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Commanding Officer Passes Safetyboat
The C.O passed his RYA Safetyboat course at HMS Raleigh 8th-13th March. Well Done
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Cadet Course Passes
Leading Cadet Zoe Jones was top cadet at the Multi Activity Cadet Training at Browndown Camp in Gosport for 2nd class Navigation & Able Cadet Emily Jones passed her 2nd class Cook/Steward with a great 80%. Well done both.
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Award at Area Conference
Chiltern unit was "Highly Commended" for Seamanship by the Area Officer at the Southern Area Conference in HMS Collingwood on 31st January 2009.
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Cadet Marine Engineering Pass
At a weekend 3rd Class Marine Enigineering course at Milton Keynes Unit, Cadet Joe Cruse passed.
Well Done Joe.
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District Shooting Competition
On Sunday 11th January, Chiltern's Shooting Team came a good 2nd in the District Shooting Competition, only beaten by shooting team that has a lot of experience. This was the first time they had been shooting as a team & had never shot with the .22 rifles before.
Chiltern's team was: LC Zoe Jones, AC Emily Jones, AC Steven Ryan & AC Jonny Wise.
They were supported by the C.O, 1st Lt & Mrs Jones the Treasurer.
Well done
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RNA Dinner
The Commanding Officer & two cadets greeted guests to the annual RNA Dinner on 29th November 2008.
The guest of honour was Captain John Lavery RN, Executive Officer to C in C Fleet.
The CO & two other members of staff attended the dinner in support of the RNA.
Picture L to R: Cadet Joe Cruse, RNA Chairman Mr Brian Brown, Captain Lavery RN, Standard Bearer John Woodstock & Able Cadet Emily Jones (Piper)
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CO with Cadets & Standard bearer
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Seamanship Pass
On a District Training weekend, 22-23 November, Cdt Mike Young passed his 3rd class Seamanship at High Wycombe unit. Cdt Young had the top marks for the weekend.
Well done.
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Chesham Remembrance Parade
Chiltern led the Youth part of the Remembrance Parade in Chesham on Sunday 9th November. The day was cold but dry.
Well done to all staff & cadets who attended, very smart.
Staff & cadets who did Poppy Selling previous to the parade collected over £1000 for the Poppy Appeal.
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Remembrance Parade 2008 March Past
Chiltern Staff & Cadets led by A/C Emily Jones with the Standard, marching past the RBL, Chesham.
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1st Class First Aid Pass
A/C Kerrie Stephenson passed her First Aid RN Level 2 at HMS Raleigh.
Well Done
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Cadets on T.S. John Jerwood
A/C Stephenson & A/C Delderfield completed a voyage on John Jerwood 26th-31st October 2008. A good week was had but it did get a bit rough at times. Places visited, Weymouth & Poole.
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Marine Engineering Pass
Able Cadet Emily Jones passed her 3rd class M.E at a District training weekend in Milton Keynes unit on 25th-26th October 2008.
Well Done.
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L/C on Seafarers parade Portsmouth
The C.O & Leading Cadet Zoe Jones attended Portsmouth Seafarers Sea Sunday on 19 October 2008. The L/C was in the Colour Party for the parade. In this picture she is talking to the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Alan Massey CBE ADC
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Trafalgar Guard Aylesbury 2008
A/C R Delderfield & A/C E Jones
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Trafalgar Parade 2008
Chiltern unit supplied 12 cadets, 3 staff & 2 Committee members for the Trafalgar Parade in Aylesbury on 12th October 2008. The weather was great & a good day was had.
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Area Staff Training
CPO (SCC) Keith Jones & Petty Officer (RN) Keith Picton attended the Area Multi Staff Training at Browndown camp in Gosport on 26-28 Sept.
The CPO Jones was the Principle Instructor of adult intermediate Seamanship & P.O Picton passed his Activity First Aid.
A good Weekend was had.
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Communications 3rd Class Passes
A/C Emily Jones & A/C Rachael Delderfield both passed their 3rd Class Comms at a District Training Weekend at Marlow SCU. Well done both.
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District Course Passes
On a District training weekend at Marlow unit, two cadets passed for the Seamanship 3rd Class & three passed for their Chartwork 3rd Class.
Cadets were: Cdt D Denysschen, Cdt S Delderfield, A/C E Jones, A/C J Wise, A/C R Delderfield.
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O/C Promotion to A/C
Three Ordinary Cadets were promoted to Able Cadets after passing a small assessment. They are, A/C E Jones, A/C J Wise & A/C R Delderfield. Well done.
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Cadets help at CinC's summer reception
The Commanding Officer with three cadets attended Admiral Stanhope's summer reception for the NATO staff at Admiralty House in Northwood. The cadets served food to guests & VIP's at the party. At the end of the evening the cadets lowered the ensign at sunset, the Royal Marine band from Portsmouth supplied the music. In the picture is L to R: O/C Jonny Wise, Admiral Stanhope, O/C Emily Jones & L/C Zoe Jones.
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Cadets at Sunset
Chiltern cadets doing sunset at Admiralty House Northwood with the Royal Marine Band
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District Boatwork Weekend
Over the weekend of 18-20 July three cadets passed for Competent Crew & one passed for Supervised Cox'n.
Well Done to all.
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Area Canoeing Regatta
Three of our cadets supported the District by taking part in the Canoeing Regatta. It was a hot sunny 13th July for all involved. No medals this time, but well done all.
LC Zoe Jones & AC Jess Ryan are in the middle of the picture in Kayak 8
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AC Steven Ryan is in Kayak 8 (Front Seat) with AC Karama from Oxford behind.
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District Pulling Team at Area
Our District Junior Girls came forth in the Area Pulling Competition at SABS on Sunday 6th July. A great effort was put in by the girls, Well Done.
L to R: O/C Stacey Layer, O/C Rachael Delderfield, Cdt Samantha Delderfield, O/C Emily Jones & sitting is their Cox'n, L/C Zoe Jones
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District Pulling Regatta 2008
On Sunday 8th June at Farmoor Reservoir the unit attended our district regatta.
The girls team won their class & the boys came second in their class.
Well done to all cadets who participated.
Cadets L to R: A/C K Stephenson, O/C S Layer, O/C E Jones, A/C J Ryan & seated is their Cox'n L/C Z Jones
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Boys team L to R: Cdt J Cruse, O/C C Layer, O/C J Wise, A/C S Ryan, Cdt J Cannon & seated is their Cox'n L/C Z Jones
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Royal Naval Parade 2008
On Monday 2nd June 2008 it was Chiltern Unit's major bi-annual inspection. Commander Gary Bushell RN our Area Officer came from Portsmouth to do this. Specially invited guests were the Chesham Town Mayor, Alison Pirouet,our MP, Mrs Cheryl Gillan MP & the Area Officer (Desig) Commander Andy Giles RN. There was a small buffet with, tea, coffee & soft drinks on completion. The evening went well with parents attending along with two RNA members. Some parents supplied us with cakes for the buffet which were much appreciated. Well done all concerned.
Picture L to R: Cheryl Gillan MP, Cdr G Bushell, CPO K Jones, Chairman, Mr Chris de Lisle
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Donations for toilet refurbishment
City Plumbing have very generously donated three bathroom suites towards our Toilet/Washroom refurbishment.
Thank You very much City Plumbing, Watford. Part of the Travis Perkins Group One Thousand Projects. Mangers Nick & Darren to also be thanked.
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Topps Tiles have very generously donated 880 15cmx15cm square white tiles towards our toilets/Washroom refurbisment.
Thank You very much Topps Tiles
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BCU 1* Passes
Well done to A/C Steven Ryan, O/C Jonny Wise, O/C Conner Gates & Cdt Josh Cannon for passing their BCU 1* at Milton Keynes unit on 11th May 08.
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Writer/Stores & Cook/Steward Passes
Ordinary Cadet Emily Jones & Cadet Josh Cannon both passed for their 3rd Class Writer/Stores also Cadet Samanatha Delderfield passed for her 3rd Class Cook/Steward at a District Training weekend held at Chiltern Unit, T.S Arrow. Well done to the three cadets.
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Cadet Course Passes
On the Southern Area Multi Activity Cadet Training Weekend, 14th-16th March, L/C Zoe Jones passed her 1st Class Seamanship, A/C Steven Ryan & A/C Kerrie Stephenson got their 2nd Class First Aid certificate. O/C Rachael Delderfield passed 2nd Class Cook/Steward. Well done to all.
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Great Success at District Drill & Piping
Chiltern had a great day at the District Drill & Piping Competition at RAF Halton on Feb 24th. We won Best Colour Party, Best Piping Team & second in the Best Individual Piper. Colour party was lead by Leading Cadet Zoe Jones with Able Cadets Jess Ryan & Steven Ryan & Ordinary Cadets Emily Jones & Stacey Layer.
Piping Party was L/C Zoe Jones, A/C Steven Ryan & Cdt Conner Gates. Indivdual Piper was L/C Zoe Jones.
Fantastic results.
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Cadets Pass Courses
Leading Cadet Zoe Jones passed her 3rd Class Chartwork & Cadet Joe Cruse has passed his 3rd class Seamanship at a District weekend course at T.S Jaguar in High Wycombe on 17th February 2008.
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Pennant Awarded
Chiltern unit won a Pennant for 2007. This was achieved by team work of the Staff & attendance of cadets at the unit & on courses.
The pennant is being presented to the outgoing C.O by Cdr Andy Giles from Northwood HQ, the VIP guest.
Excellent News, Well Done All
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Change Of Command & Cadet Awards
Thursday 31st January Lt (SCC) Delderfield RNR relinquished command of Chiltern Unit & moved sideways to Admin Officer, The O.I.C is now P.O (SCC) Keith Jones.
This year awards were presented by our invited VIP guest Commander Andy Giles RN from Northwood HQ. Chesham Town Mayor, Cllr Merrin Molesworth presented the Best Junior award. Chesham RNA were attending in good numbers. Oxon/Bucks D.O & D.D.O were there for the evening.
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Cdr Giles RN with Award Winners
Pictured (L to R) Best Achiever was O/C J. Wise, Cdr Giles RN, O.I.C P.O (SCC) K. Jones, Cadet of the year & Best Points L/C Zoe Jones.
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Cadets Pass 2nd Class Seamanship
Ordinary Cadets Emily Jones & Jonathon Wise both passed their 2nd class Seamanship at a District course in Marlow unit on Sunday 27th January. They were instructed by the Awesome Oxon/Bucks District Seamanship Team over the last two weekends. Well done.
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Able Cadet Promoted to Leading Cadet
Able Cadet Zoe Jones was promoted to Acting Leading Cadet on Thursday 6th December. She attended the A/C to L/C advancement course at SCTC Excellent in November & passed well. She was presented with her L/C shoulder slides by the Training Officer, P.O (SCC) Keith Jones.
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Cadets Promoted
5 cadets were promoted to Ordinary Cadet on Monday 26th November. They all passed a small assessment on the knowledge of being a O/C. Presentations were made by the Training Officer, Petty Officer Keith Jones. Well done.
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District 5 A Side Football
Oxon/Bucks district 5 a side football took place at The Defence Language School, Wilton Park, Beaconsfield on Sunday 25th November 2007. Chiltern Girls & Boys both took part & although did not win a trophy on this occasion played very well. They were supported by the 1st Lt & Training Officer. Well done all.
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Able Cadet passes Leading Cadet course
A/C Zoe Jones spent a week at SCTC Excellent 19th-23rd November 2007 to do her Leading Cadet course. She was with another 10 cadets from as far away as Ardrossen, which is on the west coast of Scotland & as near as her own District. She had a enjoyable week with a good pass for her Leading Cadet promotion in the near future.
Well done to her from all the staff & cadets.
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A/C on T.S John Jerwood
A/C Jessica Ryan spent the week 17th-23rd November on the John Jerwood. Due to rough weather in the English Channel they spent the week cruising along the South English coast. She had a good week.
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Berkhamstead Lions Cheque
Berkhamstead Lions presented the C.O with a cheque for the cadets of the unit towards Offshore training for 2008. The Lions visited the unit on Monday 19th November '07 & gave the staff & cadets a talk on how they came to choose us as a good cause for the money. Chiltern Unit has 5 cadets going offshore in 2008. Our thanks go to the Berkhamstead Lions.
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C.O gets Lord Lieutenants Award
Lt (SCC) Fred Delderfield RNR was awarded the Lord Lieutenant of Buckinghamshires Award for his service to the Sea Cadet Corps. He has been in the corps for 15 years & has been at the helm of Chiltern Unit since 1999. The presentation took place at Aylesbury on 8th November 2007. Congratulations for a award well deserved.
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Cadets on Marine Engineering
A/C Steven Ryan & Cdt Jonathon Wise attended the Marine Engineering 3rd class district weekend course at Milton Keynes 16th-18 November 07. They both had a good weekend & passed, A/C Ryan with 100%. Well done to both cadets.
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PO (SCC) K Jones Completes Command Course
P.O (SCC) Keith Jones has just completed his Command Course at SCTC Excellent during the week 11th - 16th November 07. He had a good week learning how the command team should be working in the unit. On the wednesday the course had a visit to MSSC HQ with talks on how things work there (or not as the case may be).Well done to him.
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Rememberance Parade 2007
Sunday 11th November was our local town Rememberance Parade. All our cadets & 3 members of staff participated. We mustered at the Royal British Legion at 1015 ready to march off at 1040. We were led by our newley promoted Chief, Mark Stephenson, so new in fact, he has not got his CPO's uniform yet! A good day was had, good weather for the service then back to the RBL for tea & a small but nice buffet. A/C Jess Ryan & Cadet Conner Gates were the reath laying party. Well done to all concerned.
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Well done 1st Lieutenant
A great big well done to Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Mark Stephenson for being promoted to CPO on Friday 9th November. He did his CPO course in September at SCTC Inskip & passed with no problems.
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RNA Trafalgar Dinner
Four cadets greeted guests at the Chesham & Amersham Royal Navy Association Trafalgar dinner on Saturday 20th October. The guest of honour was Lt Cdr Martin Shepherd RN who is based at NATO HQ Northwood he was accompanied by his wife Janette. Two of the cadets who are advanced pipers did the Dinner Call, The Side & Carry On. The RNA Chairman, Mr Brian Brown thanked them for their attendance & help at the dinner.
The picture shows, L to R, Mr Brian Brown, A/C Z Jones, Mrs Janette Shepherd, Lt Cdr Shepherd, Mr John Woodstock with the RNA colour, A/C S Ryan, Cdt E Jones, A/C J Ryan.
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Trafalgar Day Parade 2007
Chiltern Staff & Cadets attended the District Trafalgar parade at Dalton Barracks (formally RAF Abingdon). It was organised by Abingdon Unit.
The Guest of honour was Cdre Alister Halliday who spoke to staff & cadets as he did the inspection. Chiltern Unit had 1 member of staff & 3 cadets in the Guard, the other cadets joined cadets from around the district to made up a District cadet squad.
The day was warm & sunny. On completion of the march past the Cdre addressed all attendees to give them a short talk on the current role of the Royal Navy & his thanks to the attendees with everyone being smart.
Everyone then moved onto Abingdon unit for food & drinks, a good day was had by all.
More pictures in the Picture Gallery.
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Seamanship 3rd Class Weekend
Chiltern Unit hosted a 3rd class Seamanship Weekend at the end of September, 16 cadets attended. They were taught by the District Seamanship team, all 16 passed, six of the cadets were from Chiltern, one of them attaining 100%. Well done to all cadets & staff.
The unit also ran a 3rd class Chartwork & Nav course. Both cadets from Chiltern passed.
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Able Cadet on T.S Royalist
Able Cadet Zoe Jones spent one week on the Royalist in August. She sailed from Brixham to Cherbourg then to Poole & finished the week in Gosport.
She said it was a great opportunity & enjoyed it immensely.
Read Her Diary Here.
25th - 31st August 2007
Brixham – Cherbourg – Poole – Gosport
Saturday, 25th August
When I first saw the Royalist, she looked pretty big, and when I first walked around her I thought about how confusing it all looked. By the end of the week I was wondering why on earth I had those thoughts.
After getting a bunk number and watch, unpacking and changing into shorts and t-shirts because of the blazing sunshine, our very first job was to peel potatoes on the upper deck while we waited for the remaining cadets to arrive. The St. Albans cadets finally appeared on the pontoon and we were given shore leave for half an hour while they got their things sorted and got unpacked. However, we were kept waiting until around 4 o’clock for the last few cadets who had flown in from Guernsey.
Then, as you can most probably imagine, all we had from then on were safety briefs. Briefs about Fire, rules of the ship, where we can and can’t go, briefs about climbing...the list goes on!
That evening before bed however, we were called, by watches, into the mess deck and each one of us got a booklet and a Station card. The booklet had diagrams of sails for us to label and revise from and in the back were a few pages, outlining each of the qualifications that could be achieved and space for staff members to sign off parts of the syllabus for us to achieve our badge. Our Station cards told us our bracing station (what we were doing when the masts had to be turned to help catch the wind better), sail setting station (what we were doing when the sails went up) and our sail lowering station (which, pretty obviously, is what we were doing when the sails were coming down).
After a small amount of leisure time in the mess deck that evening, we slept for our first night on T.S. Royalist.
Sunday, 26th August
Today, we all climbed the masts for the first time. I was a bit apprehensive, but once you get on to the platforms, there’s a great view and you realise that it’s not really all that hard. The Yardsmen in each watch probably had the hardest sail setting station because no matter what was happening, if the sails were tied up, they had to get up the masts and untie the gaskets holding them up. And be quick about it!
The Offshore Commander, Cdr Jerry Bearne RN, and his family as well as some staff from Northampton Sea Cadet unit joined us for a short voyage out in to the bay, and we practiced getting quickly to Bracing Stations. This is essential because if someone goes overboard, the ship needs to be turned quickly and so the masts need to be braced as quickly as possible to minimise the causality’s time in the water.
We anchored in the bay for lunch before returning to the harbour to drop off our visitors in the late afternoon and went out into the bay once more and anchored again. There was a chance for us to go swimming.
That night we sailed on course to Alderney in the Channel Islands. I had watch from 4am-8am and in my opinion it was great because we were steering the ship and we could watch the sunrise too.
Monday, 27th August
Monday was a relatively easy day. We were sailing for Alderney, as I mentioned before, but it turned out that had we gone into the harbour, the wind and tide would be against us coming out and it wasn’t worth the effort really, so we changed course and set sail for Cherbourg. It was scheduled to be our next destination anyway.
There was fantastic weather and we had a lesson on sails and what the different ropes did up on the fore deck.
We arrived in Cherbourg in late afternoon and I helped to put the sails away on the fore deck. We had shore leave in the evening to explore the town.
Tuesday, 28th August
In the morning we had some more shore leave and while we were out the staff had prepared a little surprise for us.
We had been spared of Cook’s cooking (which wasn’t really all that bad) and we arrived back on board to a huge spread of French bread, cheeses, meats and prawns for lunch. It was fantastic and before we set sail again, I climbed the mast to the very top platform. It was amazing from the very top and so much windier.
In late afternoon, we set off for England once again!
Wednesday, 29th August
We arrived in Poole in the early afternoon and there was quite a crowd gathered on the quayside, which made me slightly nervous about having to go up the mast and put all the sails away, but it was much easier up the mast now that we were at anchor and I could go out quite confidently on the yard.
It was announced that we were to go ashore and have a shower, which pleased everyone I think. It was the first we’d had all week and it felt great to be clean again.
After our showers, we returned to Royalist for dinner and had a recap of our lesson earlier in the week and had to answer a question to get ashore.
We explored Poole but then I was on harbour watch from midnight until 2am, and we were told to “watch out for drunk people who were trying to climb aboard or take the mooring lines off the bollards”, which I found quite funny.
Royalist was sailing at 6am and we had to be up at 5:45 to ready her for sailing and so I was extremely tired after my watch.
Thursday, 30th August
After arriving in Gosport, we refuelled T.S. Royalist in preparation for her next voyage and berthed next to the Sea Cadets’ Offshore Powerboat, T.S. John Jerwood. We were allowed to walk around the Jerwood and I hope to go for a voyage on it at some point, as well as another voyage on the Royalist.
Once again, I went up the mast to help put the sails away.
There was no shore leave as we had to pack all of our kit and get our task books signed so that we could achieve our qualifications. As it was my first offshore voyage, I was aiming for my Offshore Hand Grade 1.
Friday, 31st August
We left the ship about 9am on Friday. I thoroughly enjoyed my week on board Royalist and it was a great experience for me and much better than expected. It’s very tiring though and you need to be prepared to work hard! Despite the watches and the early mornings, it teaches you a lot and you make great friends.
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Taster Day
P.O K Jones, A/C Z Jones & Cdt E Jones attended a 'Taster Day' at a local school in June, the idea being for local youth organisations to show the children in the area what they do in the way of activities.
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Poppy Collecting Award
We collected the most money for the RBL in Chesham during 2006. The award was presented by Sir Henry Aubrey-Fletcher, the Lord Lt for Buckinghamshire in February 2007.
Awards recieved by A/C Zoe Jones & A/C Kerrie Stephenson.
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