Sea cadets sail into 21st century
09 Aug 2007
One of Neath’s oldest voluntary youth groups is enjoying a 21st century update, with the help of a grant of more than £3,000.
The support from local employer Corus has allowed Neath & District Sea Cadets to buy computers to operate the latest in IT management systems, as well as building a jetty to launch its boats.
The Cadets now hope their new facilities will attract both more young people and adult volunteers to help run activities.
“We’re not a military organisation - we exist simply to give the kids in our local community the best possible start in life, equipping them will the life skills and experiences to ensure they integrate as respectable members of today’s society,” said Lieutenant Simon Oglesby, Cadets Training Officer and a Corus employee.
“This is achieved by a wide and varied training programme, allowing the cadets access to courses and training that they wouldn’t normally be able to do.
“As well as meeting twice a week, we also take as many opportunities to organise activities during the weekends such as sailing, camping, canoeing, powerboating and shooting - to name but a few.”
The Cadets are currently looking forward to making an appearance in the UK National Sailing Regatta Finals at HMS Excellent, Portsmouth, for the first time in 15 years.
After competing against 26 other teams – and a total of 108 cadets - in the Bosun fleet, and sailing in some rather testing conditions in Weymouth Bay, the team from Neath came through to finish third.
Petty Officer Cadet Sean Vanstone and Ordinary Cadet Cerith Pierce will now go forward to represent the South West Area Sea Cadets against the remaining five Sea Cadet Areas in the national finals at Portsmouth in September.
Two other employees at Corus’s Port Talbot works are also current volunteers at the Cadets: as well as Simon Oglesby, an electrical and automation engineer, Process Control Department technical clerk Mike Hulonce and Hot Mill team member Neil Jones help run the group.
Corus donated £800 towards the purchase of two new computers, which will enable the group to use the new Sea Cadet IT management system Project Westminster, as well allowing the cadets to use the Internet to advance their sea cadet and educational studies.
And a further £2,500 from the company is helping build a jetty at Corus Sailing Club, Margam, where the cadets do most of their boating.
“Currently, we haven’t got anywhere to tie our boats up, and getting in and out of them can be quite difficult,” said Simon. “The jetty means access will be improved and hopefully encourage more people to take part in water based sports.”
Keith Farron, spokesman for Corus’s Community Assist programmes in South Wales, added: "We’re particularly pleased to help with this project as it will directly benefit young people who want to partake in community activities and outdoor life skills. The addition of a jetty will also assist other amenity users on the Eglwys Nunydd Reservoir."
Neath Sea Cadets, which is based in Briton Ferry, is open to boys and girls aged 10 to 18. The group meets on Mondays and Thursdays.
The cadets are keen to recruit new adult volunteers and stress that it's not all about boats, and you don't need any prior experience or training.
“All you need is a desire to help - we can provide all the training and support you need,” said Simon. “You don't have to go into uniform, if you don't want to. We have civilian instructors who can chose to wear uniform or not, dependant on their preference.”
Anyone interested in joining the cadets or helping out as an adult instructor can contact Simon Oglesby on the following numbers: 01639 769736; 01639 871111 ext 4046 or by e-mail on info@neathseacadets.org.uk. Visit the Cadets’ website www.neathseacadets.org.uk
