The Wessex District of the Sea Cadet Corps have been ‘showing their colours’, both literally and figuratively.
The Sea Cadet Corps is a national youth charity, that enables young people between ages 10 and 18 to have fun, learn, and develop life skills through a wide range of on the water and off the water activities. Cadets, supported by committed and qualified volunteers, follow a similar ethos, training plan and rank structure to the Royal Navy.
Sea Cadets, Royal Marines Cadets, adult leaders and supporters gathered for a unique occasion, the presentation and dedication of a new Wessex District flag or colours. The ceremony took place in Boscombe Salvation Army, Bournemouth, in the presence of the Wessex District Officer Lt Commander (SCC) Lisa Grinter RNR and other district personnel.
The new Wessex Colours were provided in memory of Edward Franklin MBE, a greatly respected former Wessex District Officer, whose bequest made this possible. His daughter, Julia, along with family and friends, joined cadets for the ceremony conducted by Chaplain David Alton (SCC) RNR, who is the District Chaplain and Commanding Officer (minister) of Boscombe Salvation Army.
Cadets between 10 and 18 years old from across Dorset and Hampshire demonstrated that they were as much at home with smartly attired formal ceremonial as they were with their adventurous waterborne activities. The colour party that took part in the ceremony demonstrated their award-winning skills, adding greatly to the occasion.
A joint band, made up of Sea Cadets from the Poole and Southampton Units, provided rousing music associated with the Royal Navy. The musicians and drummers acquitted themselves well despite the fact that there had been little opportunity for shared practices.
Cadets, leaders and volunteers look forward to flying the flag at future events and gatherings to celebrate and acknowledge the activities, achievements and history of the Wessex District.
www.sea-cadets.org/bournemouth/