On the evening of Thursday 5th February, twelve shipmates were delighted to attend the Divisions and Annual Awards evening of the Portland Sea Cadet Unit TS Penn, to celebrate the incredible achievements by the Cadets throughout the previous year in 2025. The Unit was packed with proud parents, supportive families and friends cheering on their Cadets. It was fantastic to see so many people come together to celebrate the hard work, dedication, and spirit of the Cadets.

The evening commenced with Colours and Divisions; Shipmates were honoured that the Mayor of Portland and Branch Shipmate, Councillor Charlie Flack was invited to inspect Divisions where he chatted to each of the Cadets.

On completion of divisions a short break for refreshments was had after which the presentation of awards began in earnest. Shipmate and Mayors Consort, Maria Flack, presented four Specialisation and Proficiency awards to Cadets with Shipmate Pete Shoesmith presenting another four. The evening moved on with Branch Chairman Shipmate Dusty Miller presenting Boating awards to Cadets and Shipmate Karen Miller presenting Best Junior Cadets awards. Shipmate Councillor Charlie Flack then presented Best Cadets awards to the Senior Cadets section. The presentations then concluded with Shipmate Dusty presenting the Portland Branch sponsored award the “Diamond Community Award” which was shared by no less than three Cadets, Ordinary Cadet Ruby and Cadets Alexander and Vinnie after which Shipmate Pete Shoesmith presented the other Portland Branch sponsored trophy “Barton Award”, donated by previous Branch President Shipmate Dick Barton, for Best Improved Piper to Ordinary Cadet Oscar. On completion of the awards, the evening was concluded with Evening Colours.

Shipmate Chairman Dusty Miller later said:

“it was a pleasure to be able to participate in the awards evening and that the Cadets were a credit to the Unit, the branch looks forward to supporting the Unit throughout 2026.”

Branch members attending:

Shipmate Chair Alexander “Dusty” Miller
Shipmate Treasurer Peter Shoesmith
Shipmate Membership Sec/Fundraising Karen Miller
Shipmate Mayor Councillor Charlie Flack
Shipmate Mayor’s Consort Maria Flack
Shipmate Chris Gover
Shipmate Kate Gover
Shipmate Alice Gover (Serving RN)
Shipmate John Harte
Shipmate Anna Harte
Shipmate Damien Hawkins (SCC)
Shipmate Bernadette Cranny