Littlehampton Sea Cadets’ salute to base’s birthday

FROM the end of the Second World War to the beginning of a new millennium – the base of Littlehampton Sea Cadets has seen it all.
By The Newsroom
Published 26th Oct 2014, 12:00 BST
Attention!  Cadets standing proud as Captain John Stoy inspected them during the anniversary L42689H14Attention!  Cadets standing proud as Captain John Stoy inspected them during the anniversary L42689H14
Attention!  Cadets standing proud as Captain John Stoy inspected them during the anniversary L42689H14

And on Saturday (October 18) the site, in Rope Walk, hosted a very special inspection of the cadets who call it home, as part of the 70th anniversary since the centre was opened.

About 30 cadets of TS Sussex stood to attention to mark the day.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Some of the youngsters took a little while to discover their seafaring legs, with a few fainting from the heat inside the building.

There was a big slice of cake for junior cadet Megan Brown, above L42693H14 Below, cadets Sophie Rowson and Maddy Webb saluting L42683H14There was a big slice of cake for junior cadet Megan Brown, above L42693H14 Below, cadets Sophie Rowson and Maddy Webb saluting L42683H14
There was a big slice of cake for junior cadet Megan Brown, above L42693H14 Below, cadets Sophie Rowson and Maddy Webb saluting L42683H14

Chris Roberts, chairman of trustees for the sea cadets, said: “The cadets had been standing there for a while and it was fairly hot.

“First, one keeled over, then two more keeled over.

“They were all rapidly descended upon by a former paramedic and people trained in first aid so they were back on their feet fairly quickly.”

First Lieutenant Paul Tierney said: “It was all quite amusing but the cadets were back on their feet and ready for inspection shortly after.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The junior and senior ranks were inspected by Captain John Stoy, with more than 100 people watching the spectacle, Mr Roberts said.

Guests on the day included Arun District Council vice-chairman Andy Cooper,and Littlehampton mayor Jill Long.

Lt Tierney said: “I was really proud of all the cadets and the turnout on the day. Everyone looked very smart.”

After the inspection was completed, the cadets got to show off their skills to the audience.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The junior contingent were put to the test in a challenging first aid scenario, followed by a seamanship relay.

Then, the senior section of the sea cadets took on their own challenge building a small crane, making light work of their task.

The day was topped off with a performance from the Sea Cadet band and a celebratory meal at the HQ.

Lt Tierney added: “I just think that the whole day was absolutely fantastic.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“All the cadets excelled and I was just so pleased by all their efforts.

“It was an exciting day where the cadets really got the chance to show themselves off and show off all their skills.”

There are about 35 cadets in the Littlehampton branch.

However, Lt Tierney said the group would welcome more members.

It operates on Tuesday and Friday evenings.

For details see here or call 01903 732462.

Related topics:Chris Roberts