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

A message from your Chairman:

“Just a quick heads up that I have received an invitation for members of the Branch to attend
the Sea Cadet Presentation Night on the 5th February.

Members of the Branch have been invited to present two awards, The Diamond Community
Award, which goes to the Cadet who has the most involvement with the community throughout
the year and the Dick Barton Trophy which goes to the most improved Piper of the year.”

Further to above:

“The Isle of Portland Sea Cadet Unit will be holding a Prize Giving evening on Thursday 5th
February 2026 to present awards to both the Senior and Junior Sections of the Unit. I would
like to extend an invitation to yourself and members of the Branch to attend.

These awards recognise the cadet’s achievements over this year, both within their rate and
within the specialisations and proficiencies that they have undertaken. The evening will
consist of Divisions with Colours, followed by the presentation of Awards with a mid-point
break for refreshments. After the awards we will close the evening with Evening Colours.

I would be delighted if you would give us the honour of presenting the Diamond Community
Award to the Cadet which has had the most involvement within the Community throughout
the year during the evening’s proceedings. It would also be appreciated if a member of the
RNA were able to present the Barton Trophy to the Most Improved Piper, which was an
award introduced by Mr Dick Barton a few years ago and through which he now holds a
special place in our Unit’s memory.

We would be really pleased if you were able to accept this invitation, and request that you
arrive at the Unit Headquarters for 1910 hrs so that we can get everyone settled before
commencing at 1925 hrs. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you require any further
information.

Yours Sincerely,
Lt (SCC) Rachel Harris RNR”