Portland Sea Cadets ~ TS Penn
Our affiliation with TS Penn Sea Cadet Corp goes back many years. The Isle of Portland Unit was founded in 1956, the same year that the RNA Portland Branch was formed. The Unit took its name from Admiral Sir William Penn (1644-1718), an English Quaker and founder of Pennsylvania, USA. His residence on Portland, Pennsylvania Castle, built 1797-1800, used to be a major hotel on the island, but is now a private residence and is hired out for functions and events, it is Portland’s most expensive residential property. As well as the Portland SCC Unit, two commissioned RN vessels also bore the name Penn.
The Sea Cadets provide a nautical presence at our Annual Dinners and we reciprocate by mentoring them in the ceremonial skills of standard bearing. The Branch has provided a Diamond Community Trophy which is presented annually to the cadet who had contributed the most within the community during the year. To give the Sea Cadets a helping hand our shipmates are pleased to be able to donate to the unit.
News
Cadets were proud to have their achievements throughout the year recognised at a prize-giving ceremony in front of officials, parents and friends.
The unit was honoured to have the Mayor of Portland, Councillor Pete Roper, inspect the Parade at their annual prize-giving evening before presenting awards to mark the Cadet’s successes in all of their various afloat and ashore activities over the past 12 months. Our Chairman, Mr Alex ‘Dusty’ Miller, attended the evening and presented the Diamond Community trophy to Ordinary Cadet Katie who has supported numerous local community events through the year, including civic services.
The evening included a presentation showcasing what the cadets have learnt and the fun that they’ve had over the last year, and was concluded by Cllr Roper presenting Ordinary Cadets Oakley, Katie and Lily with their Bronze Duke of Edinburgh Award certificates, and Leading Cadet Jacob with the Silver Duke of Edinburgh Award Certificate.
Lt (SCC) Rachel Harris, the Commanding Officer of Portland Unit, said: “We have had a fantastic year, and it has been all the more special for having been able to get back to a full program of activities and experiences after the previous two years of restrictions, with Cadets competing in various Competitions across the South West, having great fun out on the water and challenging themselves on adventurous activities. It’s just great to recognise all of their achievements in this way, and we really appreciate the fantastic support that we receive. The Cadets thoroughly enjoyed the evening, as did all the guests!!”