Shepway Chairman's Blog

Inspecting the cadets

Monday 22nd February and its the Sea Cadets’ Annual Royal Naval Parade at TS Invicta in Shorncliffe.  There are about 60 of us crammed into seats at the back of TS Invicta’s large hall to watch the parade, the inspection and the raising of the flags. 

There are plenty of proud Mums and Dads in the audience along with those of us wearing chains.  The town mayors of Folkestone and Hythe are in attendance as well as the President of the local rotary club.  I’m also pleased to see many people I know from the Royal Society of St George which is supporting the cadets with a £500 grant to equip the band.  Shepway Council Leader, Robert Bliss is here and District Councillors Beaumont, Newlands and Prater. 

The Area Commander has come from Portsmouth for the inspection and he spends time with every cadet asking questions and commenting on appearance.  He then leaves to discuss the inspection and we are invited to have a hot drink which was very welcome as the hall doors had been open for much of the inspection and it is perishing cold.

The next stage of proceedings is ‘Evolutions’ a major one then a minor one.  Evolutions turn out to be … post to be completed soon!

Bears