News

Commonwealth War Graves CleanUp

This evening some of our cadets volunteered to help support our local church, St Stephens, in a tidy up of their Commonwealth War Graves, situated in their church grounds.

With excessive growth and long grass, the cadets made a good start on restoring the graves to their full glory. Over the coming weeks, we hope to be able to support the church in tidying further making the graves and memorial more visable to the public via the footpath.

Thank you to our cadets who supported this initiative this evening in lieu of the Big Help Out taking place over this weekend

South Shields Sea Cadets are proud to announce that Leading Cadet Jacob has been appointed as a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet for 2024, one of the highest honours a cadet can receive.

Jacob was formally recognised at a prestigious awards ceremony held earlier this month, where he received his appointment certificate and the official Lord-Lieutenant’s badge. The title is awarded to a select number of cadets across the region each year, in recognition of their outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to the cadet forces.

As a Lord-Lieutenant’s Cadet, Jacob will act as an aide and representative to the Lord-Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, supporting them in official engagements such as royal visits, civic ceremonies, and military parades. His duties will include assisting with protocol, welcoming dignitaries, and representing the voice and values of young people in uniformed youth organisations.

Throughout the year, Jacob will play an active role in public life, gaining unique insight into civic responsibilities and leadership at a national level. As a culmination of his service, he will be invited to attend a special reception at Buckingham Palace or another royal establishment, a rare and prestigious opportunity marking the end of his tenure.

Unit staff praised Jacob’s achievement, highlighting his commitment, high standards, and enthusiasm for inspiring others. This appointment not only reflects his personal excellence but also the exceptional training and support offered by the South Shields Sea Cadets.

Congratulations to Leading Cadet Jacob on this incredible and well-deserved honour!

For further information or to learn more about joining Sea Cadets, please contact:
South Shields Sea Cadets
Email: general@southshields-scc.co.uk
Website: www.seacadets.org/southshields

Did you know "TS Collingwood shared its present location with the RNVR drill ship HMS Satellite since 1937?

The RNVR moved to HMS CALLIOPE in Gateshead in 1958 taking with it the Figurehead of HMS Satellite, a wooden corvette built in 1855. The Royal Navy offered the Figurehead back to TS Collingwood on the condition that it was fully restored and displayed in a safe environment."

"In July 2020 during a partial relaxation of lockdown, builders attended TS Collingwood and fitted a first-floor access door to the Parade Deck for installation of the Figurehead.

At the end of July the Figurehead was delivered back to South Shields and lifted into position with the help of volunteers and UKDocks who provided lifting equipment."

The Figurehead now stands proudly in position within TS Collingwood and is a proud display of our units history for cadets to learn about.

The unit recently held a reveal evening for VIPs and contributors to come and enjoy an evening of history and celebration, where the Figurehead made her grand debut.

Sea Cadets Honoured with Blue Plaque

A new commemorative Blue Plaque has been unveiled honouring the contribution of the South Shields Sea Cadets building to South Tyneside's maritime history and heritage.

The T.S Collingwood Sea Cadets base, on the South Shields riverside at Comical Corner in Wapping Street, was originally built in 1936 as an operational shore base for the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserves (RNVR) and to supplement the facilities for the training ship HMS Satellite.

The Blue Plaque was unveiled on the building by the Mayor of South Tyneside, Councillor Pat Hay. She was joined by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Richard Porthouse and Deputy Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Colonel Ann Clouston, with T.S Collingwood staff, volunteers, friends and supporters in attendance.

The Mayor said: "It was a real honour to unveil this Blue Plaque in recognition of the contribution this important building has played in South Tyneside's rich maritime heritage, particularly as part of the River Tyne's World War II defences.

"Nowadays, the building provides a special place for our young people to come together and be supported to be the best that they can be with the Sea Cadets giving them incredible experiences that help them to grow with confidence, build resilience and encourage respect and loyalty.

"The building is steeped in so much history that those that use it, particularly our younger generation, get to understand the social history of those that served there and on Naval Ships and the part that they played in some of the most important events in world history."

For further information or to learn more about joining Sea Cadets, please contact:
South Shields Sea Cadets
Email: general@southshields-scc.co.uk
Website: www.seacadets.org/southshields