Maryportlocal

Sea Cadets show youths in Maryport there’s more to life

By Georgina Davidson

Last updated at 10:35, Wednesday, 25 June 2008

Typically in search of adventure, experience and friendship, Maryport Sea Cadets is a disciplined youth group based on the traditions of the Royal Navy.

Maryport Solway Sea Cadets Maryport Solway Sea Cadets

It aims to provide worthwhile activities for young people aged 10 to 18.

The town’s cadet unit is one of the best units in the district and the country.

Activities for young people include sailing, canoeing, seamanship, engineering, power boating and shooting.

Maryport teenager Andrew Lyons said: “What made me join the sea cadets was the fact that I could learn more about the open water as I would like to join the navy.
“We all have fun in the sea cadets because that is what it’s all about - having fun and making new friends.”

Core training is based upon seamanship and traditional maritime skills, but cadets can also study mechanical and electrical engineering, communications, cookery, band music, computers and even a Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme.

The unit in Maryport has been known throughout the town to be a successful youth group as last year they beat 59 other units to win the title of best unit in the North West.
They have also won first place in the sail and power boat handling events at the North West Regatta.

The organisation was formally known as the Naval Lads Brigade and was formed in Kent from sailors returning from the Crimean War. When the Navy league adopted them in 1910 and they eventually gained sponsorship of the Admiralty the Sea Cadets were formed.

Involved in both world wars, providing communicators for the fleet, units were awarded a ‘bounty’ for every trained signalman they sent to sea. And the name Bounty Boys is a tradition that is still used today.
Sea cadet officers still wear the wavy lace symbol of the wartime Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve which is respect to the heroes of the battle of the Atlantic.

This group is also unique from other cadet organisations in the UK because, even though they are sponsored by the Royal Navy, the units are supported by their own national charity, the Sea Cadet Association.