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A remarkable achievement for one of our own as she prepares to compete on the global stage

Loughborough Sea Cadets is immensely proud to announce that Holly, one of our dedicated cadets, has been selected for the Great Britain Under-18 Dragon Boating Squad! She will be representing Team GB at the World Championships in Brandenburg, Germany, in July 2025—an incredible achievement that highlights her exceptional talent and commitment to the sport.

A Journey of Determination

Holly's path to selection has been characterized by unwavering determination, remarkable resilience, and consistent hard work. Dragon boating is not for the faint-hearted—it demands extraordinary physical strength, cardiovascular endurance, and seamless teamwork. Holly has demonstrated these qualities time and again throughout her training regimen and competitive performances.

The selection process for Team GB is notably rigorous, requiring athletes to showcase not only technical proficiency but also mental fortitude and the ability to perform under pressure. Holly's success in securing her position speaks volumes about her capabilities and dedication to excellence in this challenging sport.

In Her Own Words

Reflecting on this significant milestone, Holly shared:

"I'm very excited to have qualified for the Great Britain under-18s and am looking forward to the next few months of training. Everybody in the squad has worked incredibly hard. I really appreciate everybody who has supported me on this journey, especially my coaches, and I am very thankful for all their help."

Her humble acknowledgment of those who have supported her journey demonstrates the maturity and gratitude that make Holly not just an exceptional athlete but also an outstanding representative of our cadet unit.

The Road Ahead

Over the coming months, Holly will immerse herself in an intensive training program designed to prepare her for the world championship competition. This preparation will involve rigorous physical conditioning, technical refinement, and strategic team coordination—all essential components for success at the international level.

Training alongside the country's most talented young dragon boaters will further elevate Holly's skills as she adapts to the heightened demands of international competition. The experience gained during this preparation period will be invaluable, regardless of the championship outcomes.

An Inspiration to All

Holly's selection for Team GB transcends personal achievement—it serves as a powerful inspiration to all cadets in our unit and beyond. Her success demonstrates that with dedication, perseverance, and a willingness to push beyond comfort zones, extraordinary goals are within reach.

As a cadet unit committed to developing young people's potential, we see Holly's accomplishment as a testament to the values we aim to instill: discipline, teamwork, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. Her journey exemplifies how these principles can translate into remarkable achievements.

Supporting Our Champion

As a unit, we are incredibly proud to see one of our own representing Great Britain on the world stage. From all of us at Loughborough Sea Cadets, we wish Holly and the GB squad the very best for their journey to the championships. We look forward to following her progress and can't wait to see her in action in Brandenburg this July!

For those interested in learning more about the championships or dragon boating in general, visit:

• World Dragon Boat Championships 2025
• Soaring Dragons UK

Last night, the T.S. Venomous family came together to bid farewell to two remarkable individuals: Lt (SCC) Wilson-Kean and Sgt Wilson-Kean. After years of dedicated service and unwavering commitment, they are moving on to embrace an exciting new opportunity—establishing a new unit at Thrapston. This venture represents a fantastic chance to grow the Sea Cadets community, and we couldn't be more proud of them.

Throughout their time with us, Lt (SCC) Wilson-Kean and Sgt Wilson-Kean have made a significant impact on the lives of our cadets and staff. Their leadership, guidance, and support have been invaluable, helping to shape the experiences of countless young people in our unit. From organizing events to mentoring cadets, their contributions have left an indelible mark on T.S. Venomous.

As we said our goodbyes, it was clear that their departure is not just a farewell, but a celebration of their achievements and a recognition of the positive influence they’ve had on our community. While we will certainly miss their presence, we know that this isn’t goodbye for good. We look forward to welcoming them back as regular visitors and continued supporters of T.S. Venomous.

To Lt (SCC) Wilson-Kean and Sgt Wilson-Kean: fair winds and following seas! Thank you for everything you’ve done for us. You will be greatly missed, but we are excited to see what the future holds for you both in this new chapter.

Here’s to new beginnings and the lasting friendships we have built along the way! 💙⚓️

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Feel free to share your memories or well wishes for Lt (SCC) Wilson-Kean and Sgt Wilson-Kean on our Facebook post! 

At T.S Venomous, we take immense pride in celebrating the achievements of our cadets, and today, we are thrilled to highlight the outstanding success of AC Charlie! Charlie has made an impressive milestone by becoming our second known candidate to embark on the Sea Cadet Navy Wings program, an elite and prestigious opportunity for those pursuing a future in naval aviation.

This program is designed to challenge cadets, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary for a career in aviation. Charlie has successfully passed the initial phase and has now earned an invitation to progress to the next stage – Silver Wings. This achievement speaks volumes about Charlie’s dedication, perseverance, and passion for aviation.

The journey through the Navy Wings program is no small feat. It demands commitment, discipline, and the ability to adapt to complex and high-pressure situations. Charlie’s success in this phase is a testament to their hard work and determination, and we couldn’t be more proud.

This milestone is not just a personal achievement for Charlie but also an inspiration for fellow cadets who aspire to follow in these footsteps. It highlights the incredible opportunities available through the Sea Cadet program and reinforces the importance of hard work and ambition in achieving one’s goals.

Congratulations once again to AC Charlie! We are all excited to see what the future holds as you take this next step towards a promising career in naval aviation. Well done! ✈️⚓

#SeaCadets #NavyWings #FuturePilot #FlyingHigh

Last Tuesday, cadets and staff from across the District had an incredible opportunity to visit HMS Sherwood in Nottingham. This visit gave them a valuable insight into life in the Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) and a chance to experience hands-on training with real-world applications.

Hands-On Training and Immersive Experiences

From the moment they arrived, the cadets were fully engaged in a variety of exciting activities. They participated in hands-on drills with the SA80 rifle and had the opportunity to handle the GPMG (General Purpose Machine Gun) under strict supervision. These exercises provided invaluable exposure to weapon handling skills, which are taught as part of a structured and supervised training programme focused on safety and responsibility.

One of the most thrilling experiences of the evening was the RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) simulator, which featured full motion and virtual reality technology. Cadets put their boat-handling skills to the test in an immersive and dynamic training environment, giving them a taste of the challenges faced at sea.

In addition to the technical training, cadets also participated in fire drills, where they donned full firefighting gear and learned essential fire safety procedures. Team-building exercises using construction kits encouraged collaboration and problem-solving, reinforcing the importance of working together in high-pressure situations.

Recognition and Inspiration

A highlight of the evening was when Commander Sacha Brooks, the Commanding Officer of HMS Sherwood, presented a select group of cadets with the highly sought-after HMS Sherwood mugs. These were awarded as a token of recognition for their outstanding efforts and enthusiasm throughout the event.

A member of HMS Sherwood expressed their appreciation for the collaboration between the RNR and the Sea Cadet Corps (SCC), stating:

“These evenings have always been very positive for both the RNR and SCC. They show cadets—especially those nearing the end of their time with the SCC—that they can stay connected to the Naval world without necessarily joining the Royal Navy full-time. Thank you for your engagement and enthusiasm, it’s always a pleasure!”

Strengthening Our Ties with HMS Sherwood

This visit was not only an educational experience but also a fantastic opportunity to strengthen our bond with HMS Sherwood and the Royal Naval Reserve. Events like these inspire our cadets to explore future opportunities within the naval world, whether through the RNR or other maritime-related careers.

We extend a huge thank you to HMS Sherwood for hosting us and providing such an insightful and engaging experience. We look forward to continuing our association and creating even more opportunities for our cadets to learn, grow, and develop essential skills for the future.

(Cadets are taught weapon handling skills as part of a structured programme of supervised training that emphasises safe and responsible use.)