DISTRICT DRILL AND PIPING COMPETITION

The Norwich Unit certainly showed their skills at the District Drill and Piping Competition held at TS St Edmund, Bury St Edmunds on Sunday 16th November 2008. The team won Best Squad, Best Guard, Best Colour Party and Best Team Piping. LC Madie Frary was named as Best Squad Commander, LC Tom Hunt was Best Guard Commander and LC Tom Hunt and AC Martin Westgate were Runners up in the Individual Pipe competition.

The results are well-deserved recognition for all the hard work and effort that the Cadets and SLt (SCC) Spinks RNR and CPO (SCC) Massen have put into their training in the last few months.

The Norwich unit was Runner Up in the District Cup this year with only 3 points separating us from the winners Ipswich.

Drill and Pipe team members were LC Tom Hunt, LC Georgie Frary, LC Madie Frary, AC Martin Westgate, AC Alex O’Connor, AC Amiee Harvey, AC Alan Middleton, OC Sebastian Harvey, OC Guy Beavan, Cadet Richard Lansdell, Cadet Leanne Parker, Cadet Ryan Yerrell and Cadet Mary Connely. Special mention and thanks to Cadet Josh Hunt who helped out so much on the day and who stepped in at short notice as reserve during training sessions

Lt Blackburn hands over Command of the Unit

On Tuesday 7th October 2008 Lt Alan Blackburn formally handed over the command of TS Lord Nelson to the new Officer in Charge Lt Mark Janner Burgess at a ceremony held on board the Norwich headquarters ship.

Lt Blackburn, who had been OiC/CO of the unit since 1st October 1990, stood down to concentrate on his new role as Assistant District Officer.

Lt Blackburn was piped on board and then inspected the Guard and Divisions. The ceremony, attended by parents, supporters and friends of the unit concluded with Lt Blackburn being presented with gifts by members of the ships company; he then left the ship with the ships company giving him a rousing 3 cheers.

Lt Janner Burgess who was the 1st Lt under Lt Blackburn now takes on the role of Officer in Charge with SLt Sally Spinks as his 1st Lt. Both Mark and Sally were Cadets under Lt Blackburn and their aim is to bring the same level of enthusiasm and fun to the unit as he did in order to continue the units success.

Everyone at T S Lord Nelson wishes Lieutenant Blackburn every success in his new role.

Sea Cadet Fest, Chapelfield Norwich

The weekend of Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th September saw Sea Cadets and Marine Cadets from across the East Anglia region gathered at the Chapelfield shopping centre in Norwich for the first Sea Cadet Fest to be held at the centre. The weekend event, which had been in planning for over a year, focussed on the activities and skills of the Sea Cadets and Marine Cadets and its aim was to promote the Sea Cadet Corps. Static displays inside the centre included Marine Engineering, Heartstart and Seamanship. In the main arena a Sea Cadet band form TS Andromeda entertained the shoppers who also enjoyed watching the Hornpipe and Club Swinging display by Cadets from Great Yarmouth and Colour Party display by Cadets from Cambridge unit. A field kitchen was also set up and shoppers had the opportunity to sample genuine military ration packs with such treats as beef stew and chocolate pudding.

Goodbye to Old Friends

Unit President and Vice Chairman Retire
Captain Robert Moland MBE RN, President of the unit stood down at the AGM on Friday 1st August 2008. Bob has been involved with the unit since 1985 when he joined the Unit Management Committee taking on the role of Chairman before becoming President of the unit. Captain Moland was the driving force behind the trust fund set up to raise the necessary funds to purchase our new headquarters. One of his final duties before he retired was to successfully recruit a new President and we are pleased to announce that Mr Simon Macfarlane has agreed to take on the role.

Also retiring at the AGM was Mr Roy Durrant, who was the Vice Chairman of the Unit Management Committee. A former RN Petty Officer Roy first visited the unit on official duties when he was Lord Mayor of Norwich in 1994 and he and his wife Joyce have been a very active supporters ever since.

A very enjoyable Dining Out evening was held at The Last Wine Bar in Norwich to say goodbye and thank you to both gentlemen.

Goodbye SLt Ian Woodward

Sub Lieutenant Ian Woodward RNR, formerly the unit Training Officer left the Norwich unit on 28th August 2008 to take up employment with mobile communications company Orange in the Bristol region.

He has not left the Corps though and can currently be found at City of Bath unit where he is helping out. We would like to wish Ian all the best for the future.

The Christening of Jack Frederick Janner-Burgess

On Saturday 23rd August 2008 Jack Frederick Janner-Burgess, son of 1st Lt Mark Janner Burgess and Lynsey Watkins was Christened at a ceremony held on board TS Lord Nelson.

The ceremony was conducted by the Revd James Mustard, the former Chaplain of the unit who came back to Norwich especially to carry out the service.

As tradition dictates the ships bell was used as the Font and Jacks name will be added to those already inscribed on the bell.

District Summer Camp 2008 - Bawdsey Quay

Watch this space!

Unit Summer Camp 2008 - TS Palatine

Unit summer camp was held at TS Palatine August 10th – 15th and everyone who attended had a great time. The weather was reasonably kind and the cadets and staff managed to get in lots of sailing.

Highlights of the week included a Cowboy and Indians themed evening, everyone dressing up in ‘traditional’ Cowboy gear with burgers and beans for tea and an evening of ten pin bowling and laser quest.

Lt Cdr Bowman and his staff at TS Palatine were, as usual, very welcoming and we are already looking forward to our return visit in 2009.

Petty Officer (SCC) Sally Spinks becomes Sub Lieutenant (SCC) Sally Spinks RNR

After what seemed like an extremely lengthy wait my 21st birthday arrived on 16th July 2008. This meant that I could finally be promoted to Sub Lieutenant (SCC).

Having become an officer at the age of 21 I am the youngest in the history of the Unit, which I feel is a fantastic achievement.

It was certainly a birthday present to remember and worth the wait. On a personal note I would like to thank those who have played an important role in my Sea Cadet life and have helped me to reach this point in my career.

Eastern Area Regatta 2008

Friday 11th July saw us travel to Nottingham as part of East Anglia District to take part in the Eastern Area Combined Regatta.

We formed the main part of the kayak teams however Cadet Parker L also came along to take part in the Junior Girls Pulling Competition. Thankfully the weather held out during the weekend and we were even graced with some glorious sunshine at points too! All of the cadets competed exceptionally well.

The cadets were also given the chance to try out a new boat which the SCC are trialling, the Yole, a two or one man sculling boat. The cadets made the most of the opportunity and enjoyed this new addition to the Area Regatta programme once the competitions were drawing to a close on the Sunday afternoon.

During the presentations we were awarded our largest haul of medals in recent years and also learnt that we had a large number of cadets chosen to attend National Regatta which is to be held at the ExCel centre in London at the beginning of September.

Bravo Zulu all, a fantastic competition for Norwich Unit and East Anglia District!

Burgee Number 2!

Thursday July 10th marked that ‘thud’ of a package on the doormat of our Commanding Officer. Inside there could be one of three things, nothing but the report, a pennant or what we really wanted; a burgee.

Following our success in 2007 we were hoping for another Burgee as we felt that we had had a fantastic year. Upon the opening of the envelope we were pleased to have been awarded a Burgee for 2008 and we also learnt that we had made an improvement on the previous year’s marks too.

Bravo Zulu everyone, our second Burgee in two years, here's to the treble in 2009!

Heartstart Instructors

Lt (SCC) Alan Blackburn and I travelled to Beccles unit on Saturday 5th July to become Heartstart instructors.

Following some theory and practical work and an assessment both are now qualified to qualify cadets in this proficiency meaning more points and qualifications available within the Unit!

Able Cadet Frary becomes Leading Cadet Frary - Twice!!

Our Royal Naval Parade also marked a landmark promotion for Able Cadets Madie and Georgie Frary. Following a successful District Advancement Board earlier in the year both cadets were promoted to Leading Cadet at the RNP.

Commander Watt stressed the importance of their role as leaders within the Unit and the Corps and we wish them both well in their new Sea Cadet careers as Leading Cadets. Congratulations girls, some more sewing to be done now!

Norwich Unit RNP 2008

Thursday 3rd July 2008 marked the night for our Royal Naval Parade. Our Inspecting Officer this year was Deputy Area Officer (DAO) Commander Stuart Watt RN. The night commenced with ceremonial colours and was followed by inspections and evolutions.

This year we chose evolutions based on a Day in the Life of a Ship where we demonstrated our abilities in Seamanship, Communications, Chartwork and Cook / Steward amongst other sea cadet activities. Our minor evolution was a quiz based on University Challenge, with rounds including TS Lord Nelson and a Random Round.

The night finished with qualifications being handed out by the DAO following Evening Colours as well as promotions (please see the next article) and an announcement of my success on my Officers Selection Board.

Overall a very successful night was had and we await the drop of an envelope onto the Commanding Officers doormat to see how we got on this year, fingers crossed for Burgee number 2!

Success at National Officers Selection Board!

The weekend of 27th – 29th June also saw me travel to SCTC Inskip in Preston to attend the National Officer Selection Board. Having passed my Area Selection Board in May I had been preparing for this weekend since.

After a gruelling weekend of early morning leadership tasks and many other activities which went on long into the night I was informed by Commander Neville Gaunt RN that I had successfully passed and would therefore be promoted to Sub Lieutenant (SCC). This was one of the proudest moments of my Sea Cadet career, and I was proud to share the news with my Parents and Commanding Officer as well as the District at Ipswich Unit following the colour dedication.

I now have to wait for my 21st birthday in July to be promoted, but I am sure it will be worth the wait!

Ipswich Colour Dedication

Norwich Unit travelled down to Ipswich for the weekend of 28th and 29th June 2008 to take part in their Colour Dedication parade.

This parade is a very special one and does not take place very often. After training on the Saturday the cadets took part in the Guard of Honour and Platoons for the parade itself. This was followed by a buffet at the unit.

We received a certificate of appreciation for our participation in the parade which was gratefully received by Lt (SCC) Alan Blackburn RNR.
Well done to all who took part and we look forward to seeing Ipswich Units new colour being paraded soon!

Able Cadet Middleton's Journal of his trip on TS Vigilant

Able Cadet Alan Middleton was lucky enough to sail onboard TS Vigilant for a week following our trip on TS John Jerwood, please read his journal below.

Saturday: We joined the yacht in Lowestoft. When we arrived we renewed friendships and made new ones before “stocking up” on sugary substances for ourselves and did a bit of shopping for the ship before returning for the safety brief, prep talk and reviews of previous experiences and qualifications. We then had our evening meal; spaghetti bolognaise and our first night onboard.

Sunday: we woke up at a reasonable time, after the alarm on the ships phone had gone off (not a happy skipper or crew!), had a leisurely breakfast and showers. Before leaving we had a very long lesson on use of the winches and heard some stories that would make sure we didn’t forget what to do. Once we were in “open water” we had a crash course in raising the mainsail and furling/unfurling the jib while carrying it out. When we arrived in port we all wanted shore leave but we had to have tea first. When we finally got ashore we had a look around but unfortunately T.S. City Liveryman had shore leave while we had tea and visa versa so we didn’t really see each other.

Monday: we left Yarmouth in the afternoon because of the weather which gave us a chance to practice our knot tying and headed back the way we came to Lowestoft only this time we went further in when we got there we had a short time for shore leave before going to bed.

Tuesday: in the morning we had to get up quickly to catch the bridge when it opened but as we had very little time the skipper had to send 2 cadets out to do the shopping before our final stretch and brewer and I got picked we had to go to ASDA and buy rations on a budget of £40 which we managed and on the way back I found out how much there was on the list (both of us found it hard and I think that both of us got our blisters purely from carrying the shopping back). When we got back we were congratulated on our efforts before the food was swiftly packed away and we left for the bridge which was already open when we got to it and headed out on our final trip to Grimsby. We then anchored off Wells before we went to bed which required anchor watches.

Wednesday: we woke up and had a quick breakfast before unblocking the toilet then we raised the anchor and set sail for Grimsby: this was the best sailing part of the trip

Thursday: we arrived at Grimsby at stupid o’clock in the morning where we had to anchor outside the old fish docks until the next high tide which was 2 hours later and so it was decided that we should get some sleep before we had to raise the anchor. When the time finally came I didn’t think that there was anything harder than getting up after two hours of well-needed sleep but we managed and got into harbour and were very relived when we were moored up and the skipper told us to sleep, we didn’t need telling twice. The next thing I remember was waking up to the smell of something nice cooking but I turned over and went back to sleep then I woke up again and we were all awake and getting out of bed for a 1 o’clock breakfast (it was lovely) we then had showers on shore and went on shore leave.

Friday: we woke up at a leisurely time and had the qualifications awarded to us before we left for the train home. Unfortunately we had different trains: the Lowestoft and Felixstowe units caught an earlier train and I caught a train home to Norwich.

Able Cadet Middleton

TS John Jerwood 2008

Our annual trip onboard TS John Jerwood started early on Saturday 29th March 2008. We all met at Norwich Train Station for the trip down to Portsmouth.

Once we had arrived we had the usual welcome talks and introductions, both to the crew and the vessel herself. We were all very excited about the week to come and looked forward to new experiences and challenges.

We sailed throughout the week apart from on Tuesday when we were stuck in Eastbourne due to appalling weather on the South Coast however we were treated to the cinema so we went to see The Spiderwick Chronicles which we all enjoyed.

We visited a number of ports along the way, including Brighton and Eastbourne and a number of us experienced sea sickness too. We didn’t enjoy this bit of our trip but it was a shining example of our ability to work as a team and support one another.

We sailed through the night and day and had a fantastic week and learnt many new skills. We all thoroughly enjoyed our week onboard and came away with qualifications too!! Thanks go to the Chairman and the committee for subsidising the cost of the voyage again this year!

Final congratulations go to Lt (SCC) Alan Blackburn, our Commanding Officer who is now also a qualified relief engineer onboard. We all know how hard you worked during the week Sir, please enjoy a cup of tea and put your feet up!

East Anglia District Boating Competitions 2008

May and June saw a number of District competitions held across the region. First of all we headed to Bury St Edmunds to compete in the District Sailing Competition at Lackford Lake. We entered both a Bosun and Topper crew and all the team sailed well, often with very little wind. We came join first in the Bosun class and second in the Topper class, excellent results!

Following this we travelled to Ipswich to take part in the Pulling and Power Boat Handling competitions. We had some very close pulling races with all of our crews doing us extremely proud and we came away with second places in a number of categories. We also came second in the Power Boat Handling competition, in only our second year in the competition. It was a tough competition for the three man crew, especially when they had to wait to be cut free when the prop was fouled on a piece of line dangling from a buoy but we are very pleased with the second place, here is to even more success in these competitions next year!

Finally and closer to home we all met at Eagles Canoe Centre in Norwich for the District Canoe Regatta. This is a competition that we all look forward to each year, especially because we always have support from our families. After a challenging couple of weekends preparation and qualification for some cadets we competed exceptionally well in all classes of competition. We came away with 1st place trophies for Senior Girls and Senior Boys and 2nd for Junior Boys overall (there were no Junior Girls taking part from the District) through this success we were also presented with the Overall Regatta winner’s trophy, another excellent haul of trophies for Norwich unit.

Bravo Zulu all, now we are off to compete at Eastern Area Regatta in July, to be held in Nottingham.

Dining Out for Lt Cdr (SCC) Wendy Theobald RNR

Following the Anniversary Parade a number of staff and committee members from Norwich Unit joined others from the District for a Dining Out meal for Lt Cdr (SCC) Theobald RNR who was to step down as District Officer after 12 years as the head of East Anglia District.

We all enjoyed the surprise meal at the Cliff Hotel in Gorleston and also presented Lt Cdr Theobald with a personalised clock and a bouquet of flowers.

Thank you Ma’am.

Great Yarmouth Sea Cadets 70th Anniversary Parade

On Sunday 6th April Norwich Sea Cadets travelled to Great Yarmouth to take part in the 70th Anniversary Parade and Celebrations for Great Yarmouth Unit.

Despite the threat of snow which had played a large part in the training weekend the parade wend ahead as planned. The Guard of Honour greeted the VIP's Rear Admiral Niall Kilgour CB RN and Cllr Garrod the Mayor of Gt Yarmouth at a local school and following inspections by the VIP’s the Parade marched through the town centre to St Andrew's Church for a service of thanksgiving and a reception.

All cadets enjoyed the parade and the chance to use the new parade purpose weapons which are to be introduced later this year.

Congratulations Great Yarmouth on reaching your 70th birthday from all at TS Lord Nelson.

Annual Awards Night 2008

So the year started with our annual awards night held at Chapelfield Methodist Church, which was very successful as always with Mr Peter Badcock of Capital Shopping Centres coming to present the awards.

We were also presented with a cheque from Mr Badcock for £500 which was gratefully received by our Chairman, Mrs Irene Spinks. We would also like to thank the Dereham Branch of the RNA for their cheque for £200 which will be put towards offshore training for our cadets.

Congratulations go to all of those who won awards which included Leading Cadet Hunt being awarded Senior Cadet of the Year and Able Cadet Madie Frary being awarded Junior Cadet of the Year.

Norwich Unit Wins a Burgee for 2007

After a year of hard work, Norwich Sea Cadets on the riverside-based Training Ship Lord Nelson have won a Burgee for 2007, which is one of the top awards for excellence.

The Marine Society and Sea Cadets give out awards to Units around the UK who reach the various levels required to receive an award. Norwich has always been up to pennant standard, but has never quite made it to the top award of ‘Burgee’.

The cadets have had a busy year, travelling around East Anglia and Eastern England, winning many shields and cups along the way. “It is the icing on the cake, I am very proud of them,” said Lt Alan Blackburn the Commanding Officer of the Norwich Unit.

But the cadets cannot sit back, now that they are a Burgee unit they have a high standard to maintain and a heavy calendar for the coming year.

Welcome to 2008!

Thanks to all of those who supported us through 2007, there was a lot of hard work put in by everyone, friends, supporters and Ships Company and it was much appreciated! Here is to an even more successful 2008!

2007, a summary...

Well what can be said about 2007? One word springs to mind and that is busy!! We were out and about most weekends of the year and when we weren’t away training or competing in the District and beyond we were painting and organising in preparation for our Commissioning in September.

We have gone from strength to strength this year and despite having all of no free time we have continued to compete well at competitions and the trophy cabinet looks more cramped than ever. The District Cup takes pride of place once again, so maybe 2008 will mark the treble?

We were awarded our first ever Burgee in the history of the Unit this year, a very proud moment for all involved within the unit. I believe we should all take a huge pat on the back for this achievement. We have all played a part in the success and should be justifiably proud!

We have also been offshore again this year, this time travelling up to Scotland which was a fantastic experience for us all! We also headed to TS Palatine again for Summer Camp in August and had a fantastic time and came away with some more qualifications and fantastic memories under our hats.

Sadly Ben Tillett died early in 2007. Ben played a huge part in the last few decades of TS Lord Nelson and will be sadly missed. The Commissioning was really a mile stone in the work which had been done in buying and developing our new headquarters and Ben was on many of our minds during the day, Ben you will be sorely missed.

So last year I said that we were going from strength to strength and I can honestly say that we continue to do so. 2007 is going to be a tough year to follow, but I am sure that we will take the challenge in our stride and continue to make all of those who support us proud.

Thanks to all who have supported us and continue to do so...here’s to 2008!

District Swimming, Drill and Piping Competitions 2007

The weekend of 8th and 9th of December 2007 saw Norwich Unit undertake their first weekend onboard the Training Ship Lord Nelson in order to take part in both the Swimming and Drill and Piping competitions within East Anglia District.

After a busy day of drill training and uniform preparation on Saturday the cadets and staff travelled to Diss to compete in the District Swimming competition. The cadets all swam well and we came away with a number of medals and class trophies so Bravo Zulu to those who took part! We returned to the unit that evening for a little more uniform prep for the following day and our second night onboard.

Early the next day we awoke to prepare for the District Drill and Piping Competition to be held in Bury St Edmunds. We had been preparing for this competition for a number of weeks and travelled to Bury with hopes for a good competition. The day went well with all cadets working to the highest standard we could ask for.

We came away with all but one trophy from the competition, our most successful year in the history of the unit in this competition. Congratulations to all those who were part of the Drill and Piping Teams!

To round off what had been an excellent weekend we were also announced winners of the District Cup for 2007, well ahead of the other units in the District.

Chairman Mrs Irene Spinks said of the weekend “I am immensely proud of the cadet and staffs achievements from 2007 and winning the District Cup is the icing on the cake for what has been a hard year, here is to an exciting 2008!

2006, a summary....

So, the end of 2006 came, and it is now down to me to try and squeeze over 20 articles and 365 days of activity into a couple of paragraphs to sum up what happened at Norwich Unit is 2006.

Well, it was a very successful year with our trophy cabinet full to bursting. At the forefront of all the trophies, the District Cup. This is awarded to the Unit in East Anglia District who have performed the best throughout the year. We are proud to be back on top this year, after what has been a fantastic year!

We competed this year in all of the competitions offered at District level and competing to a good standard in the majority of these. The District Canoeing Competition and the District Drill and Piping Competition saw us really steal the show, taking away the majority of the awards.

We also completed the Bronze Duke of Edinburgh scheme with a number of our cadets. This is a fantastic step in the development of the training we offer.

Not only have we been recognised within the District we have been picking up trophies from Area as well as nationally. Within the Area we took away a rose bowl for the best use of Offshore in 2006 as well as the Paddle trophy for the most canoeing qualifications gained. Nationally we were awarded the Palatine trophy for the best Unit to attend the North West Area Boat-Station during 2006!

As well as all of these awards we have had some very exciting times at the unit, with qualifications and promotions being gained by staff and cadets alike which is fantastic to see. We also helped to celebrate the Wedding of our Commanding Office, Lt (SCC) Alan Blackburn to his now wife, CI Susie Blackburn. It was a day that we all thoroughly enjoyed, and one we would all take part in again!

I also attended an exchange trip to India for 17 days, which was an experience of a lifetime, certainly a highlight of my 2006. And this year I will be taking part in an exchange to Canada as well. The cadets were also well travelled this year, touring over the UK on visits and to competitions. We went to Portsmouth in early 2006 and the cadets and Lt Blackburn and myself also went onboard TS John Jerwood for a week where we certainly made use of our time, going over to France and to lots of places along the South Coast, also sharing some of our time onboard with the Commodore of the Sea Cadets!

The ship has also had a bit of a change, with works being completed all the time. We have a new companionway and escape hatches, which have made the access onto and off the ship much safer for everyone. Within the Ship things are starting to take shape too and hopefully with our commissioning this September the majority, if not all of the works will be completed.

All in all 2006 was a fantastic year for us, and we were once again awarded a pennant for our achievements through the year. Our thanks go to everyone who has helped this year. Norwich Unit is going from strength to strength and we hope this will continue into what is already shaping up to be a very busy 2007!

Petty Officer (SCC) Sally Spinks - News and Events

Foundry Bridge, Riverside, Norwich, NR1 1EE
Tel: 01603 631787  Email: norwichseacadets@hotmail.co.uk

Registered Charity Number: 292882