Apollo Review - April 2008

Volume 2, Issue 1 April 2008

Royal Naval Parade and Efficiency Award 2008

Apollo Review

MARLOW SEA CADETS

Mayors of Marlow, Councillors Richard Scott, Doug Anson MBE and Roger Wilson.

Forthcoming events • 25-27 April: District Training Course (Cook/Steward and Writers/Stores - applications to PPO White) • 9-11 May: District Training Course (Canoeing - applications to PPO White) • 23-25 May: District Training Course (Sailing - applications to PPO White) • 24 May: Bag Packing Fundraiser at Waitrose • 31 May: Boatswain’s Store/Marine Workshop Clear Out (parents and supporters welcome) For more forthcoming events see http://units.ms-sc.org/marlow/news

On Tuesday 19 February, we had our biannual Royal Naval Parade. This parade was an opportunity for the Southern Area Officer, who is a serving officer in the Royal Navy, to inspect the Unit and it forms part of the Unit's annual efficiency assessment. This year Cdr Gary Bushell RN made his first ever visit to the Unit for the parade, accompanied by the District Officer, Lt Cdr (SCC) Peter Piercy RNR, and Deputy District Officer, Lt Cdr (SCC) David Carter RNR. There were also a number of other VIPs at the evening, including three

The evening commenced with ceremonial divisions including a Guard of Honour which gave Cdr Bushell an opportunity to inspect the uniforms of all of the cadets present. This was followed by two evolutions during which the cadets had the opportunity to demonstrate some of the skills they had learnt over the last year. The first of these demonstrated leadership and teamworking skills while the second showed some alternative communication skills by way of a Boatswain's Call. All those present enjoyed themselves at the evening which was quite

a learning experience for many of the young cadets and staff. As a result of the evening (and for the third year in succession) the Unit has been awarded a pennant in its efficiency assessment. These assessments also cover other areas of the Unit's activities from Health and Safety to achievements in training. The year leading up to this pennant was a tough one for the Unit, with only one uniformed member of staff for the majority of the time. However with PPO (SCC) Chloé White completing her initial probation and moving into uniform and the recruitment of three other members of staff things are certainly moving in the right direction.

St George’s Night Mess Dinner Saturday 12 April saw the Unit's annual St George's Night Mess Dinner. PPO (SCC) Chloé White took charge of the evening which brought together many months of planning by her, the other staff of the Unit and the Unit Management Committee. The guest of honour was Cdre Richard Hawkins RN, who once again had an excellent time. He was joined by over 40 other supporters of the Unit, including the Mayor of Marlow and representatives from the other cadet forces in the town. In total the evening raised approximately £500 for the Unit, which will go towards the general operating costs.

Some of the guests at the Mess Dinner

Information about newsletter Welcome to the second ever Apollo Review. This newsletter was first started in 2000 by the then Officer in Charge but after a single issue it fell by the wayside. However the aim now is to publish it quarterly as a way of keeping all supporters up to date with all of the goings on at the Unit! If you have any comments about the newsletter, please email them to [email protected]. This newsletter is published by Marlow Sea Cadets. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission of the editor. Information was correct at time of going to print. Articles reflect the opinions of the writers and not necessarily those of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets.

HMS Ark Royal Passage

MARLOW SEA CADETS Commanding Officer: S Lt (SCC) Nick Jones RNR Wethered Road Marlow Buckinghamshire SL7 3AH Tel: 07952 922836 Email: [email protected] Website: http://units.ms-sc.org/marlow/ Charity number: 300299

Interested in joining? Please contact us!

From Monday 11 to Wednesday 13 February three cadets and one member of staff from the Unit travelled on board HMS Ark Royal as it went from Newcastle to Portsmouth. The cadets, Able Cadet Smith, Cadet Rhodes and New Entry Hughes were given a taste of life in the Royal Navy through a series of stances and evolutions based around each of the departments

of the ship. The cadets particularly enjoyed visiting the Marine Engineering Department on board where they were able to see the various engines that power the ship. Most impressive of all were the gearboxes which were the size of a small cottage! As the ship approached Portsmouth, the RNLI added to the fleet with a

Donation from Marlow Striders On Thursday 24 January, two cadets and a Unit Management Committee member from Marlow Sea Cadets attended the Annual General Meeting of the Marlow Striders to collect a donation of £2,500 for the Unit.

All those attending had a fantastic time and hope to visit the ship again soon as and when its deployment schedule allows. Their thanks go to the Unit's affiliate officer, Lt Alex Goddard RN, who not only helped organise the visit but also hosted them during their stay. Picture left to right: AC Smith, NE Hughes, Cdt Rhodes

Join us!

Marlow Striders are a local group of runners who collect money for two charities each year. In 2007, our Unit was lucky enough to be selected as one of these charities.

We are currently recruiting cadets, members of instructional staff and Unit Management Committee members at Marlow Unit.

Leading Cadet Murray and Able Cadet Smith attended the meeting with Bob Savidge, the Unit Treasurer, to collect the cheque. The donation will be put towards the renovations of the garage into a new Boatswain’s Store and Marine Workshop, which we aim to complete over the course of this year. To find out more about Marlow Striders please visit their website at www.marlowstriders.co.uk.

number of their lifeboats which escorted the ship past the Needles and around the Isle of Wight. This was a very difficult approach to Portsmouth as in normal conditions the ship would be too large but, due to the height of the tide on this occasion, it was possible.

Boys and girls aged between 10 and 18 are welcome to join the Unit as cadets and will get an opportunity to take part in the many activities we have to offer.

Cadets and committee collect the donation Left to right: LC Murray, Bob Savidge (Unit Treasurer), AC Smith

Refurbishments of the Unit Since Christmas a large amount of work has been carried out to improve the Unit and bring it up to legally required standards. The work was prompted by the requirement to have a disabled head (toilet) at the Unit but additionally the male and female heads have been completely revamped. In particular two new sinks have been added in the male heads and a new stall and two new sinks have been added in the female heads, all of which should help when the Unit is running weekend training courses. At the same time the rest of the lower deck has been repainted with particular work being done on the Quartermaster's lobby, the galley (kitchen) and the wardroom bar. Funding for the work came from Haymills and Marlow Town Council.

If you are too old to join as a cadet but still wish to get involved in these activities you could consider volunteering as a member of the instructional staff. If you have specialist expertise which you can pass on to the cadets that is excellent but if you don’t then we can provide you with training to instruct a variety of subjects. No previous experience is required to join our staff. Finally our Unit Management Committee is looking for volunteers to help with the crucial fundraising required to keep the Unit afloat. Any DIY skills would also be much appreciated here as there is always work to be done around the building. If you are interested please contact the Commanding Officer using the details at the top left of this page.