News

On the evening of Wednesday, the 20th, Clydebank Sea Cadets marked the conclusion of another successful year with a festive celebration that brought together cadets and volunteers alike. Organised by the Able Cadets of the unit, the year-end party was a joyous occasion filled with camaraderie, laughter, and recognition for the hard work and dedication exhibited throughout the year.

The venue was alive with the delicious aroma of homemade smores, hot dogs, and pizza, providing a tasty backdrop to the festivities. The Able Cadets went above and beyond to ensure a memorable evening for all in attendance.

However, the excitement didn't stop at delectable treats and lively conversation. The night also served as a significant milestone for the latest cohort of new entries, as they proudly moved up to the rank of 'cadets'—the initial step on the ladder of ranks within the Sea Cadet Corps.

In addition to these promotions, the evening provided a platform to acknowledge outstanding achievements within the unit. Cadets eagerly participated in the nomination process for 2023's Cadet of the Year, Most Improved Cadet, and Boating Award.

Promotions:

• Cdt Gierecyk
• Cdt Edmonds
• Cdt Ackland K
• Cdt Ackland A
• Cdt Morris

The atmosphere was electric as the winners were announced for each category, showcasing the talent, dedication, and growth within the Clydebank Sea Cadets. The coveted titles went to:

Cadet of the Year:

• LC Sibbald

Most Improved Cadet:

• OC Reekie

Boating Award:

• OC McAdam

Volunteer of the Year:

• PO(SCC) Reynolds

A heartfelt congratulations to all the deserving winners! The cadets' choice for 'Volunteer of the Year' emphasised the significant impact of dedicated mentors within the Clydebank Sea Cadets community.

As the festivities wound down, the staff expressed their gratitude to all cadets for a fantastic year. A sincere thank you was extended to each individual who contributed to the success of the unit. With warm wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, the Clydebank Sea Cadets eagerly anticipate welcoming everyone back in January for another year of adventure, growth, and community spirit (and a new minibus!).

Wednesday night (29/11) marked a significant event in the T.S Queen Elizabeth calendar—the end-of-month divisions—a time for recognition, pride and Individual Growth. This monthly gathering saw cadets and staff donning their best uniforms or 1s, eager for inspection—a crucial opportunity to ensure uniform standards remain at the standard set at Remembrance Day.

The evening went beyond the meticulous inspection, providing Divisional staff with the chance to conduct one-on-one Divisional meetings. These personal sessions aimed to empower individual cadets, allowing them to discuss concerns, upcoming challenges, and even influence the training program for maximum engagement. A unique aspect of these meetings was the completion of cadets' 'one-page profiles.' These profiles, designed to meet individual specialised needs, learning requirements, or disabilities, contain vital information for instructors. They cover strengths, interests, challenges, and strategies for inclusive sessions, behavioral management, and handling situations arising from individual needs or medical conditions. Notably, this inclusivity extends beyond Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND) to support cadets facing various circumstances, such as those who are transgender, transitioning, non-binary, or dealing with challenging situations impacting their needs at Sea Cadets.

Following the engaging divisional discussions and inspections, the night culminated in the distribution of certificates and badges. Notably, four cadets were promoted, while five received badges—a testament to their dedication and hard work.

Promotion within the Sea Cadets is earned through the completion of modules in the syllabus, covering subjects like Seamanship, First Aid, Drill, and Corps Knowledge. Cadets' conduct and behavior are also assessed, determining if they've attained the maturity expected for the rank above. The four cadets promoted— OC Evans, OC McAdam, OC Reekie, and CFC Cochrane—now set an inspiring example for their peers.

Badges, symbolic of specific course completions and assessments, were also handed out. From First Aid to Marine Engineering and Piping, each badge represented a cadet's commitment to learning and mastering essential skills. The intricacies of Piping, using the boatswain's (pronounced Bosuns) call, were underscored, highlighting its role in giving orders within the unit.

A notable mention goes to XO (Executive Officer) PO Daly, a qualified Piping Instructor. His expertise ensured the successful assessment of five cadets in basic piping—a recently added prerequisite for promotion to Ordinary Cadet.

Heartfelt congratulations are extended to all the accomplished cadets mentioned, and a sincere thank you is expressed to the dedicated staff who volunteered their time to instruct, assess, and contribute to the success of the aforementioned cadets. May this celebration mark not only an acknowledgment of past achievements but also a motivation for continued excellence on the Sea Cadet journey that lies ahead.

In the Sea Cadet Corps, leadership is a commitment to excellence, dedication, and the embodiment of our core values. Today, we extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sub-Lieutenant Nadine Daly RNR for receiving Northern Area's nomination for The Capt. Roddy Casement (RN) Sword, a prestigious national award that recognises outstanding leadership and unwavering dedication to the Sea Cadet Corps.

The Roddy Casement Sword is not just any award; it is a symbol of the highest honour bestowed upon a Commanding Officer or Officer in Charge who, through their example and unwavering commitment, has led their unit with distinction and contributed significantly to the core aims and values of the Sea Cadet Corps.

S/Lt Daly has undoubtedly demonstrated these qualities throughout her tenure. Her leadership style is characterised by a perfect blend of inspiration, innovation, and inclusivity. Under her guidance, T.S Queen Elizabeth has thrived, achieving new heights and setting benchmarks for excellence. The nomination for The Roddy Casement Sword is a testament to the impact she has had on the lives of those she has led and continues to lead.

What sets S/Lt Daly apart is not only her impressive leadership skills but also her genuine passion for instilling the values of the Sea Cadet Corps in every cadet under her command. Her commitment to fostering a sense of discipline, teamwork, and community spirit has left an indelible mark on those who have had the privilege of serving under her leadership.

In addition to her exemplary command, S/Lt Daly has played a pivotal role in advancing the overall mission and values of the Sea Cadet Corps. Her tireless efforts in promoting maritime education, leadership development, and community engagement have resonated beyond the boundaries of her unit, contributing to the Corps' overarching objectives.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to S/Lt Nadine Daly RNR on this momentous occasion. May this nomination serve as a recognition of her exceptional leadership and a source of inspiration for all those who aspire to follow in her footsteps within the Sea Cadet Corps. The Roddy Casement Sword is not just an award; it is a celebration of a leader who exemplifies the very essence of what it means to be a dedicated and inspiring member of the Sea Cadet Corps community.

Congratulations Ma'am!

T.S Queen Elizabeth (Clydebank SCC) is seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our team as Adult Volunteers. As a Volunteer, you will play a crucial role in the development and mentorship of our cadets, helping them to grow into responsible, confident, and skilled young adults. This volunteer opportunity offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of young people while engaging in exciting and educational activities related to the maritime world.

We are especially keen to hear from volunteers interested in working with our growing Junior (9 years old - 12 years old) section.

What we're looking for:

• A genuine interest in working with young people and a commitment to their development.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• A willingness to learn.

• Previous experience in youth organisations or the military is a plus, but not required.

Time Commitment

Volunteers are encouraged to commit to regular attendance at Sea Cadet Corps activities, including weekly meetings and occasional weekend events. The time commitment may vary based on the activities and training schedule, flexible options are also available and can be discussed.

Parade times are:

Sea Cadets (12-18): Wednesdays, 7.15pm - 9.30pm 
Junior Cadets (9-12): Tuesdays, 6.30pm - 8.30pm

What's in it for you?

• The opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of young people.

• The opportunity to achieve recognised qualifications including but not limited to DoE, CVQO, RYA, & more.

• Personal and professional development through leadership and training opportunities.

• A sense of fulfillment and pride in contributing to your local community.

• Full training provided.

• A chance to learn more about the maritime world and maritime-related activities.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting youth development and interested in becoming a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer with Clydebank, We look forward to welcoming new members to our dedicated team, The Sea Cadet Corps is an inclusive organisation that values diversity and welcomes applications from all individuals. 

On a particularly frosty Sunday morning in November, Clydebank Sea Cadets paraded and remembered.

Sunday 12 November saw the culmination of weeks of meticulous preparation, with cadets mastering their sewing skills, boot polishing and ironing, before graduating to our new 'drill square' with our resident Drill Instructor, (PO Murray) for marching practice and rehearsal.

Every cadet who paraded was exceptional and the unit as a whole received many compliments both on their turnout and on their standard of drill.

However, special mention must be given to our wreath laying party:

Leading Cadet M. Sibbald 

Able Cadet E. Gordon (Wreath Layer)

& Able Cadet O. Ramsey

Who did the unit especially proud with their truly exceptional drill, turnout and overall bearing.

More pictures and a video are available on our unit Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/ClydebankSeaCadets