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During a special visit to Borough of Poole Sea Cadets, Captain Neil Downing, RN, Captain Sea Cadets, was proud to present the Captain’s Medal to long serving Mike English.
The medal is awarded for 50 years of adult volunteer service to the Sea Cadet Corps.
Mike's service included having been a former CO of Poole Sea Cadets and then District Officer.
Captain Downing gave a long and detailed description of the contribution Lt Cdr (SCC) Mike English, RNR, has given.
This was further summed up on the citation that accompanied the special medal:
Mr Mike English, Poole Unit and Wessex District
“You have consistently demonstrated and championed the Sea Cadets values throughout more than fifty years of dedicated service. Your unstinting commitment to youth development has helped hundreds of young people to gain confidence, skills, and qualifications. As an inspirational leader and trusted mentor, you have been hugely influential throughout the Southern Area – helping both cadets and volunteers to achieve their full potential. On behalf of everyone within the Sea Cadet Corps, I truly thank you for your outstanding contribution to our organisation and the young people we serve.”
Neil Downing, Captain Royal Navy
10th November 2025

Mike English is pictured with his wife, receiving the Captain’s Medal from Neil Downing

At last week's AGM of Poole Sea Cadets, Commanding Officer, Sub Lieutenant Reece Oliver, RNR, revealed that during the last year our 60 cadets had attained no less than 366 qualifications - a fantastic series of results.

Well done to all of the successful candidates whether it was drill, rowing, RYA, DoE or other tests you were sitting.

President, Rear Admiral Nick Lambert, said that the Unit's volunteer instructors had been "absolutely fabulous" and commented on how the multiple activities offered by them and provided by the Unit gave "a considerable benefit to the community".

The Mayor of Poole, Cllr Mark Howell, who is also a Patron of Poole Sea Cadets, congratulated the cadets too, and thanked the volunteers for their dedication, which he described as "wonderful." The Unit's outcomes, he said, had helped to, "keep the structure of Poole's society going," and that by "working together they had made society work."

Tonight, Poole Sea Cadets happily took delivery of their 2025 Royal British Legion flag in advance of Remembrance Sunday on 9th November.

The 60 cadets, aged between 10 and 18 years of age, are annually proud to remember those who have gone before them.

Between now and November the cadets, who have a particular affinity to the Royal Navy, will be reminded of the history surrounding both Remembrance Sunday and the associated and much-loved Poppies.

This year Poole Sea Cadet’s award-winning marching band will again lead a number of parades of veterans including that in Poole Park on Remembrance Sunday.

On behalf of Corfe Mullen Town Council, Chair and Mayor of Corfe Mullen Town Council Duncan Sowry-House recently signed the Armed Services Covenant saying:

CORFE MULLEN TOWN COUNCIL

“We, the undersigned, commit to honour the Armed Forces Covenant and support the Armed Forces Community. We recognise the value Serving Personnel, both Regular and Reservists, Veterans and military families contribute to our business and our country.”

By signing the covenant, the Council committed to honour and support the Armed Forces Community and to recognise the value that serving personnel, including reservists, veterans and their families contribute to the country as a whole.

Poole Sea Cadets were honoured to be asked to be present in the form of LC McKenzi, AC Freddie and Cadet 1st Elliot.

Also, in support of Poole Sea Cadets and Corfe Mullen Town Council Lee Hardy, Chair of Poole Sea Cadets and also a Councillor of Corfe Mullen Town Council was pleased to sign too [pictured].

Poole Sea Cadets were pleased to host the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, for an evening where he informally met our volunteers and cadets at TS Drax.
As Lord Lieutenant Mr Dooley is the King’s representative in the County of Dorset and the Boroughs of Poole and Bournemouth.
Having firstly received a detailed briefing on the proposals for, and progress of our new headquarters building, he keenly entered into many of the activities being undertaken by the cadets on that particular evening.
For example, he was shown the intricacies of buoyage and navigation, was introduced to some naval history surrounding D-Day, and saw the intricacies of a forthcoming Duke of Edinburgh’s Award expedition, in an area of the country he actually knew very well.