By J. Brock (FINN)

The Inspecting Officer Arrives

The annual Sea and Marine Cadet Inspection took place at T/S ENDURANCE on Wednesday, 08 October 2003 beginning at 1900. Nearly all the Cadets, 40 in number, turned up in their best uniforms and with parents, friends and relatives to see what they have achieved over the past year.

Inspection began with the arrival of H. E. the Governor Mr. Howard Pearce and then the inspecting Officer. This was followed by Colours and then prayers lead by the Rev Ken Newton of the Seamen’s Mission.

The Inspecting Officer chats with a female Cadet.

An inspection team, that came from the UK, consisted of the chief inspected, CDR Binns RN, Area Officer for the Southern Area, LCDR Blaker, RNR, the District Officer, LCDR Dorricott, RNR, the Assistant District Officer and Maj. Weobly, RMR, a Training Officer. Also in attendance was CPO Keith Reddick, O. C. T/S ENDURANCE and H. E. the Governor Mr. Howard Pearce.

Firstly, the inspection of each cadet took place. CDR Binns did the inspecting and chatted with each cadet. Following on was H. E. the Governor Mr. Howard Pearce, AC Terri Sue Clifford and CPO Reddick.

After a short interval the Cadets demonstrated their skills. Evolution No. 1. was the Cook Steward Demonstration where serviettes were folded into crowns, cones and roses. There was audience participation in this event, where several parents had a go at making roses from serviettes. A communications demonstration was the main function of Evolution No. 2. Where the scenario was an injured tourist at an area near Teal Inlet. Evolution 3. The Jackstay Demonstration, saw cadets using a series of pulleys and ropes to get a bucket from one side of a river to the other.

Demonstration of catering skills - it doesn't always mean cooking.

Following on was a fun event of the evening when the Sea Cadets sent their Training Officer off to Camp to look at the Penguins. Each Cadet gave him something to help him along his way. By the end of the process, Maj. Weobley had accumulated 40 items. Evening Colours followed on at 2030 and this was followed by the presentation of certificates and awards.

"We have an injured Tourist."

The following certificates and awards were presented by H. E. the Governor Mr. Pearce:

Good Conduct Award:

OC Reece Clifford, AC Terri Sue Clifford, AC Elizabeth Newton, OC Robert George, and OC Drew Robertson. (OC is an Ordinary Cadet, AC is an Able Cadet, LC is a Leading Cadet.)

"Our Grid Reference is..."

R. Stores Class 3:

AC Elizabeth Newton, OC Reece Clifford, LC Chris Ormond, and AC Terri Sue Clifford.

Electrical Class 3:

OC Robert George

Electrical Class 2:

OC Dion Betts, OC Shane Mitchell

Cook Class 3:

AC Clynt Short

Cook/Steward Class 3:

OC Christian Minto

Communications Class 3:

AC Dion Robertson, OC Adrian Webster, AC Tanzie Bonner,

Marine Engineering Class 3:

OC Drew Robertson, OC Mark Courtney, OC Tom Elsby

Young cadets work with pulleys in order to get a bucket over a "stream."

To finish the evening, the Inspecting Officer, CDR Binns RN, thanked everyone and said he really enjoyed this Royal Naval Inspection. "Its good to see that this Sea Cadet tradition is being carried out exactly as it would be in the UK." He said. "You are doing wonderfully well considering that we have access to things that you don’t have." He added that T/S ENDURANCE is doing better than a lot of the units in the UK.

"I hope it won’t be too long before some of you can come to the UK and take part in some Sea Cadet training. We are going to try and arrange that." he continued.

You're going where?  To see Penguines?

CDR Binns RN praised the unit and the wonderful effort put forward by a few dedicated staff members and he put in a plug for volunteers. He also recognised the founding members and those who worked to put the buildings together. And, he recognised the efforts of parents and friends who worked together to raise money to pay for things like insurance.

The evening ended at 2045.