Local Sea Cadets Lead Queens Barge In Jubilee Pageant

Sea Cadets from Rickmansworth & Watford will be taking the lead when they join other Sea Cadets from across the UK to lead HM The Queen’s Jubilee barge, Gloriana, down the Thames on June 3 in celebration of her Diamond Jubilee.

Cadets are training hard in preparation as they will be the focal point in a huge procession of over 1,000 vessels as they crowd the Thames to honour the Queen’s jubilee as part of a huge Thames pageant, the likes of which hasn’t been seen since 1717.

Cadets aged 12-18 are part of a 55 strong team of Sea Cadet boats from all over the country, each one carrying a flag to represent a commonwealth nation, sailing in a diamond formation on an 11km route from Wandsworth to Greenwich.

The boats, Trinity 500’s, were specially designed for Sea Cadets last year by Olympic dinghy medallist Jo Richards and will be fitted with an outboard motor supplied by Suzuki GB.

Captain Sea Cadets, Capt Mark Windsor RN said, “This is a great honour for us, not least as HM The Queen is our Patron, but it also offers our cadets an incredible opportunity to take part in a once in a lifetime event, to be part of history”  .’

Commanding Officer Graeme Cawsey said “This is so very exciting and a once in a lifetime opportunity for our young Cadets, a truly memorable experience I’m sure they’ll never forget.  This is what being a Sea Cadet is all about.”

Sea Cadets is the UK’s largest maritime youth charity, working across the country in 400 towns with 14000 Sea Cadets aged between 10 and18.  Cadets learn vital life skills like leadership and team working via nautical adventure activities, and can earn extra qualifications which help boost confidence and give young people a head start in life. Visit: sea-cadets.org

Rickmansworth & Watford Sea Cadet Unit, T.S. RENOWN, N°350

Unit Address: Cassiobridge, Watford Road, Croxley Green, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 3DC Parades: Tuesday & Thursday Evenings 1915 – 2145
Tel: 01923 243771
Email:  cadets.tsrenown@btinternet.com
Registered Charity No.282817
Commanding Officer:    Sub - Lieutenant (SCC) Graeme CAWSEY Royal Naval Reserve
First Lieutenant:            Sub - Lieutenant (SCC) Laura HARE Royal Naval Reserve
Chairman:                      Mr Robert Bradshaw