I carried out my Last Ceremonial Role as District Officer East Kent at our Annual Awards Night. This was a fantastic evening at the Ramsgate Tunnels, who set up a stage and seating auditorium for us. There are many photos attached to the FB page of the evening. I cant express my gratitude enough to all the Organisations and supporters that attended along with the SCC Adult Staff and Cadets. A huge thank you must be also expressed to the Ramsgate Tunnels who provided us this venue and experience free of charge. I am extremely proud of the occasion and its success as this was a very memorable way to bow out. I also carried out my last actual District Group activity on Sunday at the District 5 a Side Football Competition, this was also a success and fun day. Just a few unit final visits now before the end of the month. So please see below the entry I inserted into the Awards Night Program.
District Officer
Lt Cdr (SCC) K.D.Martin RNR
Retiring Address
As I have said many times and will never grow tired of repeating ‘I am proud and very honoured to be the District Officer of East Kent .
Well as you all know I am currently Commanding Margate Sea Cadet Unit as well as my role as District Officer East Kent SCC. I started out my SCC Career at Margate Unit in 1980, I had a wonderful, successful and full Cadet Career advancing through the Ranks to Cadet Petty Officer , Guard Commander and Drum Major. I joined Adult Staff in 1987 and was appointed an Officer at 22 years old in 1991 progressing on to reach the rank of Lieutenant Commander in 2007, carrying out every staff role in a Sea Cadet Unit before advancing to Commanding Officer in 1996 then moving on to also Command Ramsgate Sea Cadets in 2003 before being promoted to District Staff in 2007 as the Deputy District Officer. I took over as the District Officer on January 1st 2017 and have enjoyed my time in this role immensely , in all this time I have served with some very special people and built some wonderful friendships and professional relationships. Most Importantly I have been able to work with a countless number of young cadets and hopefully take a part in there life journeys and development.
However after a lot of consideration due to restricted medical abilities that prevent me from being the active and able Officer I once was and would wish to remain, I have taken the decision to retire from active service in the Sea Cadet Corps on December 31st this year after almost 45 years service.
I am unable to find the words that express my humble pride and affection for this wonderful organisation, especially East Kent District. It seems like fait and only fitting that the unit where it all began is where it will soon all finish as I enter in to a new chapter of my life.
Having returned to Command Margate Unit in December 2023 for a while again as well as continuing in parallel the role also still of District Officer East Kent, it gives me extreme pride and pleasure to except their request to become the Margate Unit President.
I must pay tribute and express my thanks to all those that have supported and helped me over these years. This especially is extended to my Wife ‘Liz’ and my son and daughter who’s dedicated support and love I could not have ever succeeded without.
As I look to the Future and Gaze at the Past,
I bid you all farewell and wish you all the very best for the future.
‘Unus pro omnibus, omnes pro uno’,
(One for all, All for one)
