News

Loughborough Sea Cadets are celebrating an incredible series of achievements this month, with cadets successfully completing a variety of challenging qualifications.

Leading Cadet Issy has proudly passed her Petty Officer Cadet selection board, making history as the first cadet in over nine years at the unit to achieve this milestone.  Issy's determination and success have set a fantastic example to the whole unit.

Congratulations also go to Able Cadet Holly, who has completed Powerboating Levels 1 and 2, which teach cadets the essentials of manoeuvring both displacement and planing craft. These qualifications give young people confidence on the water, allowing them to take control of vessels safely and effectively.

Able Cadet Megan has passed the Advanced Marine Engineering – Mechanical qualification, demonstrating an impressive depth of technical understanding. This achievement equips her with skills in engine maintenance, fault finding, and problem solving – all essential for keeping vessels safe and operational.

On land, Cadet Sam has successfully completed Basic Campcraft and Basic Mountain Biking. These qualifications build confidence in outdoor skills, from setting up camp to navigating varied terrain, teaching resilience, self-reliance, and teamwork in adventurous settings.

Finally, a further round of congratulations goes to Ordinary Cadet Holly, who has also passed Powerboating Levels 1 and 2, joining her peers in learning how to handle and operate powerboats across a range of environments.

Each of these qualifications represents not only new technical abilities but also a growth in confidence, responsibility, and leadership among our cadets. We are incredibly proud of their dedication, the hard work they have put in, and the inspiration they provide to others in the unit. Their achievements showcase the wide variety of opportunities Sea Cadets offers, both on the water and on land, and highlight the bright future that awaits these young people as they continue to progress.

Local cadets demonstrated exceptional performance at The Security Institute's annual careers event, highlighted by a memorable meeting with Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal and victory in the coveted Intruder Award competition.

The event, designed to showcase various career opportunities within the security sector, provided cadets with invaluable insights into potential career paths ranging from high-tech security equipment manufacturing to protective security services. Her Royal Highness spent considerable time engaging with the cadets, asking thoughtful questions about how the event had opened their eyes to new career possibilities within the security industry.

In a particularly impressive display of investigative skills, the cadets' team—dubbed the "Sterling Sleuths"—triumphed over all other competitors to win the prestigious Intruder Award Trophy. The challenge required teams to identify an intruder using a series of clues scattered throughout the venue, testing both analytical thinking and collaborative problem-solving abilities.

The Security Institute day successfully achieved its objective of educating young people about the diverse roles and career opportunities available within the security profession. The Security Institute, established in 1999, is the UK's largest professional membership organisation for security professionals, with over 4,300 members globally. The organisation works closely with government, public institutions, and private companies to influence positive change within the industry whilst raising professional standards and integrity across all security disciplines.

The event provided cadets with exposure to various aspects of the security sector, from cutting-edge technology solutions to traditional protective services, offering them a comprehensive overview of potential career pathways in this growing field.

This week, a group of our cadets had the rare and exciting opportunity to visit HMS Queen Elizabeth, the Royal Navy’s flagship and one of the most advanced aircraft carriers in the world. The visit was not only a memorable experience for all involved, but also a powerful reminder of the opportunities, inspiration, and potential careers that await those involved in the Sea Cadets.

An Inside Look at the Royal Navy’s Flagship

HMS Queen Elizabeth is the largest and most powerful ship ever constructed for the Royal Navy. At 280 metres long and capable of carrying up to 40 aircraft, she plays a vital role in defending UK interests around the globe. Designed for versatility, the ship can support humanitarian missions, engage in joint exercises with allies, and deploy air power anywhere in the world. For our cadets, seeing the ship up close offered a firsthand look at naval engineering on a grand scale.

Learning Through Experience

Visits like this are more than just impressive photo opportunities—they’re deeply educational. Cadets were able to ask questions directly to serving personnel, learn about modern naval operations, and witness the teamwork and leadership it takes to run such a complex vessel. For many, it helped connect the dots between classroom learning, parade night training, and real-world application.

Cadet training is all about building confidence, discipline, and ambition. Stepping aboard a ship like HMS Queen Elizabeth reinforces those goals by showing cadets what’s possible—whether they choose a future in the Royal Navy or apply their leadership skills elsewhere.

Teamwork in Action

This visit was made possible thanks to the support of the ship’s company, the Royal Navy attraction team, and our own dedicated volunteers and staff. A big thank you goes to everyone involved for their efforts in creating such a smooth and enriching day. It was also a pleasure to reconnect with our friends from Thrapston (TS Victory)—a reminder of the camaraderie that makes Sea Cadets so special.

Looking Ahead

As we reflect on this inspiring visit, we hope it marks the beginning of more opportunities like this for our cadets. Nothing compares to hands-on experiences when it comes to building understanding, motivation, and a sense of purpose.

We’re proud of our cadets for the curiosity, respect, and enthusiasm they brought to the day. We can’t wait to see where this inspiration leads them next.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day — a powerful reminder of the day in 1945 when the guns fell silent across Europe, bringing an end to nearly six years of war. On this historic occasion, TS Venomous had the honour of taking part in the VE Day service in the village of Quorn, standing proudly alongside representatives from the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and the Commanding Officer of Barrow Army Cadets at St Bartholomew's Church.

VE Day is more than just a date on the calendar — it represents a turning point in history and a profound moment of relief, reflection, and gratitude. It is a time to remember those who gave so much — the servicemen and women who fought bravely, those who worked tirelessly on the home front, and the millions who made the ultimate sacrifice in pursuit of peace.

As we gathered in Quorn, our cadets from Loughborough Sea Cadets represented the unit with professionalism and dignity. Their presence served as a poignant bridge between the past and the present — a new generation paying tribute to those who came before, ensuring that the legacy of service, courage, and remembrance lives on.

The service was a moving occasion, marked by solemn reflection, wreath-laying, and a shared commitment to never forget the lessons of the past. We were especially proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our fellow youth organisations, united in our respect for veterans and those who continue to serve today.

Bravo Zulu to all cadets and volunteers who took part in this meaningful tribute. Your efforts helped honour a generation whose sacrifices shaped the world we live in today.