Littlehampton cadets and backroom heroes are acclaimed

Parents and guests watched as a select batch of youngsters from the TS Implacable were presented with trophies during the evening at Wick Hall, Wick Street – capping an extraordinary year for the group.

The awards evening was attended by the NTC patron, Rear Admiral John Lippiett, as well as Littlehampton mayor Alan Gammon, Arun District Council chairman, Dennis Wilde, and the NTC’s commodore David Wright. Chairman of the organisation’s national council Laura Moffatt was also at the event.

Before the awards, dignitaries were shown a range of displays demonstrating the varied activities the division’s members took part in over the past 12 months.

TS Implacable’s commanding officer, Stuart Ginnaw, led the proceedings and hailed cadets for all their hard work during the year.

Trophies were then presented to Implacable’s top cadets and junior officers.

Victoria Berry, 13, scooped the prestigious overall best cadet award. She was also presented with other trophies, including best bandsman, best junior girl and the uniform trophy.

Lewis Pemberton, 10, was presented with the attendance award, best bandsman and best junior boy honours.

Other top trophies went to Petty Officer Kate Cole, 16, the best senior girl, who also received the 1st Lieutenant’s trophy for going above and beyond the call of duty, and Liam Clack, 14, who won both the best senior boy award and the best drill and deportment trophy.

Veteran James Copple, 35, was presented with the commanding officers’ trophy, while Abbie Clack, nine, picked up the most improved bandsman award.

Mark Nicholls, 15, scored a bullseye for his sharpshooting skills, being presented the marksman trophy, with Harley Hunter, 10, proving he was not far behind, scooping the most improved marksman prize.

Amelia Jeffrey, 10, showed she had promise, winning the best new entrant and the mayor’s trophy for corps spirit and dedication.

Stuart also spoke of the division’s unsung heroes, Sandra Boxall and Pauline Cunnigham, who between them have helped to raise about £400,000 over the past 24 years, to keep TS Implacable afloat, during stormier seas.

Sandra, who has helped the Littlehampton corps for more than 24 years, and Pauline, who has been with it since 1998, both work at the coffee shop at the divisional headquarters, in Wick Street.

Stuart praised both women for their years of steadfast fund-raising. He also thanked all the committee members for their work in helping the division, too.

Mr Gammon congratulated all those honoured during the ceremony, adding that the band was a great asset to the town. He said: “It is great to have such an organisation in the town, it makes me proud to be part of a town with children such as these.”

A raffle on the night helped to raise £120 for the group.

TS Implacable is currently recruiting new cadets. Anyone interested should contact Emma or Stuart on 01903 733154 or visit the organisation’s website, at www.tsimplacablentc.org