Harrogate Sea Cadets hold first annual awards night after covid

Harrogate’s Sea Cadet unit held its first annual awards night since the covid pandemic.

The event at the Assembly room at Harrogate Ladies College saw awards, badges and qualifications handed out to current cadets.

The Harrogate unit, called T.S Cleopatra, closed for much of the pandemic although a lot of the instruction was done online. It has since resumed sailing, rowing, band practice, catering, marine engineering and drill practice.

Its patron, the Mayor of Harrogate Councillor Victoria Oldham, presented many of the prizes as did special guest Rear Admiral Edward Ahlgren O.B.E (Commander Operations in the Royal Navy) whose 10 year old son, Harry, has just joined the unit.

Rear Admiral Ahlgren,who was a cadet himself in 1989, said:

“I was enormously honoured to present awards and promotions to such an impressive and enthusiastic group of Sea Cadets whose energy and commitment are unrivalled.”

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There was a 12 year award for the chairman, Michael Langford,  who started volunteering in 2011 and a prestigious Lord Lieutenant’s Certificate awarded to Mike Roberts who retired as a volunteer after 30 years as Treasurer.

The unit’s commanding officer Lt Dan Wilding said:

“The cadets have been amazingly resilient and loyal to the unit over the 2 years of Covid restrictions and we are glad to reward them with a night like this.

“Sea Cadets offers so many opportunities to both adults and young people. It is important to remember that we are an independent charity that relies on volunteers in the local community to help make a positive different to the lives of so many young people in your area. If you think you could help us, please get in touch. Likewise, if you are between the ages of 10 and 18 and are interested in becoming a Sea Cadet, we would love to hear from you.”

Harrogate’s T.S Cleopatra is part of the national charity Sea Cadets which operates across the UK with 14,000 young people between 10 and 18, to help them “see the world with confidence, gained through the challenge of nautical adventure and a Royal Navy ethos”.

The unit parades on Tuesday and Friday evenings and meets at 6 Springfield Mews. click here for more details.