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Two Sea Cadets from TS Gurkha, Stratford-upon-Avon experienced the ultimate Tall Ship adventure when, at the start of their voyage on the Sea Cadet flagship, TS Royalist, they participated in the Rendez-Vous 2017 Tall Ships Regatta and Parade of Sail along the Thames.

Cadet First Class Beth Moss and Ordinary Cadet Charlotte Drinkwater joined 22 other Sea Cadets and Royal Marine Cadets from Aylesbury, Brighton, Newcastle and Avonmouth on the week-long trip on the square rigged brig.

After initial training at Woolwich on day one, the cadets were thrown in at the deep end when they sailed up the Thames to Tower Bridge where they formed up with the other Tall Ships taking part in the Parade of Sail.  CFC Moss was sent up the rigging with the rest of the cadet crew so that she could wave at the public gathered along the banks from the City to Woolwich.  OC Drinkwater was at the helm.

‘It was so exciting up in the rigging with the other cadets’ said Beth Moss ‘It’s so high up, but I could see the other ships in front of us and so many people on the bank.’

‘I can’t believe I steered the TS Royalist all the way’ added Charlotte Drinkwater ‘I’m so proud that I did it – I had to concentrate so hard and listen to the Captain. I even steered through the Thames Barrier, which was so cool!’

After leaving the Thames the TS Royalist made her way around the coast to Poole and then back to Gosport.   At one point she broke her speed record travelling over 18 knots under sail.

Not everything about the trip was easy for the two girls. ‘There were times when we had to work with and live with people we might not normally like but we learnt to adapt’ said Charlotte and the most challenging day was when she had bad sea sickness.  ‘I still had to go to my bracing station and sail-handling station even when I thought my dinner was going to come up!’

‘My arms and legs ached from constantly going up and down the rigging’ added Beth ‘But it was great to work with people I had have never met before.’

Although the TS Royalist anchored for most of the nights at different ports there was a 30 hour non-stop sail when the cadets went on watch.    ‘When we were not on watch it was very relaxing as it was a nice day and we were able to sunbathe, chat and sing along to music. It was easy to sleep too as by then the sea sickness wasn't so bad.’ Explained OC Drinkwater ‘but I found it difficult to get up in the middle of the night when it was my watch - but it was good to see what it's like at sea at night time.’

‘It’s a real privilege for our cadets to take part in such a voyage’ said Officer in Charge, Lt Edmunds ‘Not only do the cadets get to experience the thrill of sailing on our flagship but they also make friendships that last a lifetime.  We hope to send more cadets from Stratford upon Avon soon.’

Once again Stratford Sea Cadets Provided an essential service for runners in the Shakespeare Marathon by looking after the bags.  Cadets were also privileged to start the race and cheer along Vice Chairman Chris Wheeler who took part in the half Marathon to raise funds for TS Gurkha.

Stratford Sea Cadets impressed senior District and Area staff at their Royal Navy Presentation (RNP) Evening on Thursday with a presentation about the varied skills, qualifications and experiences that they have gained over the last two years.

The biennial RNP is part of the regular inspection process carried out for all Sea Cadet Units throughout the UK and involves a formal inspection by the South West Area Officer, Commander Nigel Morton RN to ensure units are run and perform according to the Corps standards similar to a school OFSTED inspection.

To begin the evening the cadets performed ceremonials. This was followed by an inspection of unit documentation for training, health and safety and general administration. Then a tour of the unit was given. After the formalities, senior cadets, aged 12-18 and junior cadets, aged 10-12 presented their ‘Evolutions’ – a showcase of cadet activities, highlighting skills such as seamanship, stewarding, engineering and first aid, water activities such as kayaking and rowing and offshore adventures.

Parents and local VIPs, including representatives from the Royal British Legion and Juliet Short, Mayor of Stratford, all enjoyed the evening.

Councillor Short expressed her thanks to the cadets for their support of community events such as the Shakespeare Service. Her special thanks went to Jamie Walters who has been the Mayor’s Cadet this year.

‘The cadets have been working hard in preparation for this evening’ said Sue Moss, Chair of the UMT ‘They know they have to look immaculate and impress in every way but they really enjoy telling everyone about the great things that they do.’

‘I am delighted with all of the cadets, not just with how they have performed this evening but with what they have achieved this year’ added Lt Roger Edmunds, Officer in Charge. ‘It will be a while before we know the full results but we are hopeful of special recognition this year.’

A fun night was had by all who attended Stratford Sea Cadet’s Ferret Racing and Fish’n Chips Evening this weekend.  Over 75 cadets, family, friends and supporters gathered together in Tiddington Community Centre on Saturday night to watch ferrets from The Heart of England Ferret Association race along a tubular course. 

‘We are absolutely delighted as we raised £1127’ said Sue Moss, Chairman of Stratford Sea Cadets. ‘This far exceeds what we had hoped for, which means that we can fund even more equipment and activities for our cadets’

Race-goers not only cheered on their favourite ferret but were able to place bets on those that they thought would win, but anyone wanting to get to know there ferrets more could give one a cuddle.

This event sold out in advance and Stratford Upon Cadets are hoping that they have planned for later in the year are equally well supported by the local community.