Sea Cadet Corps Archives - @sccjono

Port Talbot Paddlesport

sccjono — Mon, 28 Apr 2025 10:13:32 +0000

What a great weekend spent teaching cadets paddle sport. We travelled to the docks at Port Talbot. This is a venue that Sea Cadets have been using since the 1960’s and although there is less shipping traffic, not much else has changed. We enjoyed unseasonably good weather and some passionate and engaged cadets. Activities included, rowing, sailing, powerboat and myself leading kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding. A huge thank you to all the other volunteers, without whom, weekends like this would not happen.

The post Port Talbot Paddlesport appeared first on @sccjono.

Officer Development Programme

sccjono — Mon, 15 Apr 2024 17:36:52 +0000

After over twelve years with the Sea Cadet Corps, I finally joined the Officer Development Programme (ODP). I’m not sure I ever considered myself ready as such. Mostly caused by my issues around self-esteem. Eventually however, I started to allow myself to listen to some of the positive things others had to say about me. So to coincide with the fact that I am due to receive my long-service medal, I took the plunge.

The first weekend, or ODP1 as it is known was tough. I won’t go in to detail for obvious reasons but the assessment is rigorous to say the least. ODP1 is held at area level (South West in my case) and took place in September 2023. From the moment you arrive, to the moment you’re given your result, you are continually being assessed, based on the the varied criteria. At the time, this was very stressful for me. directing staff are very good at ensuring the candidates welfare, but of course, it is important to all of us that we put our best selves on display and nobody likes to fail at that. Looking back, ODP1 was enjoyable. I perhaps would not think so had I not passed, but I can honestly say it was a great experience, from which I learned a lot.

So why do we put ourselves through these things. Why am I actually looking to do it again at national level for ODP2. Well for me, it is important that I continue to grow and develop myself. If I don’t, how can I mentor young people to do the same. I am sure my fellow candidates feel the same way. Wish me luck!

The post Officer Development Programme appeared first on @sccjono.

Thank You Ma’am

sccjono — Fri, 09 Sep 2022 13:16:28 +0000

I was presented with a medal from Her Majesty, just hours after she died. The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Medal was awarded to serving members of the armed forces and some members of various uniformed organisations. I had qualified for my voluntary work with the Sea Cadet Corps and I was both delighted and honoured to receive it. Our unit was having its annual inspection by our District Officer last night and he graciously agreed to present myself and some of my colleagues with our medals, thus increasing the honour still further.

The sad news of Her Majesty’s death reached us just before the ceremony began. It meant some hasty changes to the ceremonial routine, but our cadets really did themselves proud. The poignancy of receiving our medals at this time, especially as the Queen was the patron of the Corps, is a memory that will stay with me for life. Thank you for your service Ma’am. God save the King!

The post Thank You Ma’am appeared first on @sccjono.

Remembrance Sunday

sccjono — Mon, 15 Nov 2021 20:25:37 +0000

Remembrance Sunday is a national opportunity to remember the service and sacrifice of all those that have defended our freedoms and protected our way of life. Falling on the first Sunday after Armistice Day, we use it to remember the Armed Forces, and their families, from Britain and the Commonwealth, the vital role played by the emergency services and those that have lost their lives as a result of conflict or terrorism. As a volunteer with the Sea Cadet Corps I have been parading for Remembrance for many years. However, this year was the first time I got to with my eldest granddaughter. Yesterday saw a big turn out but this was my favourite moment.

The post Remembrance Sunday appeared first on @sccjono.

My Cadet Anniversary

sccjono — Tue, 07 Sep 2021 20:03:44 +0000

Today marked my tenth full year as a uniformed member of staff with the Sea Cadet Corps. I was a cadet myself in my teens. I left around 1988 as life started to give me other priorities. Then, about twelve years ago, I heard that my old unit was having a reunion. I attended and had a great time. The then CO, who had been a cadet with me, asked me if I would consider returning. Sure enough, here I still am. I have had some amazing experiences. I have also (hopefully) provided some young people with some experiences of their own. I have certainly made many life-long friends. Here’s to another ten years. At least!

The post My Cadet Anniversary appeared first on @sccjono.

Armed Forces Day

sccjono — Tue, 22 Jun 2021 11:51:58 +0000

Armed Forces Day is a chance to show your support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community. From currently serving troops to Service families, veterans and cadets. There are many ways for people, communities and organisations across the country to show their support and get involved. I was therefore honoured to be asked, as First Lieutenant of Worcester Sea Cadets, to attend a ceremony today at Worcester’s Guildhall. Despite restrictions, we listened to a speech from our Deputy Mayor and later the Last Post was played as we saluted the colour.

If you’d like to find out more about Armed Forces Day, and how you can support it, visit this site.

The post Armed Forces Day appeared first on @sccjono.

Could You Volunteer?

sccjono — Sat, 15 May 2021 18:39:51 +0000

Could you volunteer to help inspire young people? We currently have vacancies for various roles within the Worcester Unit of the Sea Cadet Corps. You don’t any particular experience, as full training is offered. So why not get in touch?

The post Could You Volunteer? appeared first on @sccjono.