ON Monday, September 18, the Farnham, Fleet and Aldershot Sea Cadet Unit, known as TS Swiftsure in Lower Weybourne Lane, Badshot Lea, staged a very important evening – it was their Royal Navy Parade.

The Royal Navy Parade happens every two years, when area officer, Commander Trevor Price RN, came to inspect the juniors and cadets.

After the inspection, where Commander Price spoke to every junior and cadet, they put on displays, known as evolutions, for him and the rest of their guests that included the Mayor of Farnham, Mike Hodge, and other dignitaries and many more including parents and guardians who were very welcome.

The juniors’ display was a Jackstay/Breeches buoy – this is a seat that is hung from ropes and a person is pulled from one ship to another, but on this occasion, it was from one side of the main deck (hall) to the other.

The cadets carried out a silent drill routine with no commands, a hockey match and first aid on cadets supposed to have been injured during the match.

There were displays showing what the juniors and cadets get up to during the year, especially the rowing and sailing done at Hawley Lake Sailing Training Centre in Blackwater.

A good time was had by all with refreshments of sandwiches, finger food and cake all being supplied by parents who helped in the galley to give out tea and coffee.

At the end of the evening, the juniors and cadets were told that they were being awarded the highest accolade in the Sea Cadets and that is a Burgee (small flag) their seventh in a row.

The team would like to thank everyone who supported the unit by attending the Royal Navy Parade this year.

Anyone interested in joining them, or wanting to know more about the Sea Cadets, is invited to contact the team at info@farnham

seacadets.co.uk, or check our their Facebook page and see all the activities juniors and cadets get up to.