70th Anniversary Founders Celebrations

"Blessed with great weather; the sun is definitely shining on the just and righteous!" The words of Nautical Training Corps Patron; Rear Admiral John Lippiett CB CBE; casting his eyes over the sea of Cadets and Officers gathered to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the NTC.

Started in 1944, just ahead of D-Day, Corps founder, Commodore Frank Froëst-Carr (NTC) had the foresight that the world following a Second World War would need a positive and better future for a generation that had been forced to grow up fast; often without training or guidance outside of disjointed school hours.  Froëst-Carr hoped that through training and following the principles of the Royal Navy, (within which he had served), that the youth could"...rise, triumphant like the Phoenix from the ashes of a crumbling world, to a brighter future and an age in which Britain would be greater than she has ever been before".
 

Froëst-Carr's foresight saw the NTC up and running for the end of the war and controversially for the time, encouraged both male and female cadets at the NTC's first 'Unit' or 'Training Ship'; TS Nautilus based in Brighton. The Training Ship still proudly operates today.

It is particularly fitting therefore, that for its 70th anniversary, the Corps' annual Founders Day would take place in Brighton at Preston Park. Absolutely glorious weather made the day, only wisps of clouds in the sky. With implacable turnout, officers and cadets from across the South of England joined together to remember the NTC's founding values and also to ensure one of the Corps best features, fun!

With arena events lasting into the afternoon, a Gun-Run, Minibus pull, Penalty Shootout alongside a fairground there was much to accompany the superb display of intrepid music and marching representing the NTC.

Centred within the day a service is held, holding in mind those serving in the Armed Forces, particularly those who had made the ultimate sacrifice and too, those who have dedicated part of their lives to serving the NTC. An award ceremony is also held, recognising some of the hard work and attention shown by its members, with several reciving medals and recognition for long service.

As the days endeavours drew to a close and happy but undoubtably warm cadets and midly sunburnt officers raised a salute at 'Sunset' it was clear tha the day had been a success. As Corps Commodore Dennis Kilshaw commented, "a terrific day that all can be proud of." Here's to the next 70 years of the NTC.

A 70th Birthday always requires a cake!

The 'build a ship' compeition proved popular!

The heat on the parade ground meant water and rest was much needed

Music is a key part to Corps life, with most units supporting an active marching band.

Two of the Corps' longest serving members flanking a former shipmate

Founders Day - 70th Anniversary Celebrations

2014 marks the 70^th Anniversary of the Nautical Training Corps (NTC). This year, on Sunday 8^th June, the NTC proudly celebrates its heritage in the city in which it was founded. Brighton & Hove.

Taking place at Preston Park, and marching off at 10 am, Young people; Cadets and Officers from Ships from across the South of England will be doing what we do best, with a public display of music and marching with Corps history on display; (Some of those who remember a great deal of it!) Arena demonstrations showing off what we do and the sense of fun that accompanies the NTC and we are about, our young people!

The NTC. Part of local history:

Founded in May 1944 by Commodore, F P (Frank) Froëst-Carr OBE (NTC) The NTC’s first ‘unit’ was Training Ship Nautilus in Brighton, based at the old Richmond Road School. The unit took its name from HMS Nautilus, which had been Froëst-Carr's first seagoing ship in the Royal Navy. TS Nautilus is still open and serving local youth in Brighton, although has now relocated to Chesham Road. 

Over the past six decades, thousands of young people have learned seafaring and musical skills through the Corps. The Nautical Training Corps now stands at some twenty units, still covering the South Coast and up in-land towards London. Units can often be seen supporting local communities by heading up parade and carnival processions and providing entertainment at festivals and local events, which are always well received. In the past few years the NTC has celebrated many anniversaries with ships from across the Corps featuring in local news.

NTC Band Competition 2013

It may have been blowing a gale outside, but its safe to say that taking place inside Burgess Hill's Triangle leisure centre, the  NTC Band Competition went down a storm...

 
Kicking off around 10am and featuring bands from the NTC from across the South East including Brighton based TS. Nautilus making a return to the competition; the walls resounded with the thunderous echo of bass drums and the patter of snare drums ringing through the air. The day proceeded to provide entertainment for an enthusiastic crowd with entries across classes ranging from Novice to Championship class. 

Punctuating the music, the sharp dress and polished shoes of the NTC's Colour Parties. Representing the best in drill and deportment; groups of three Cadets competing, carrying their own ships flag or 'colour'. The best reserve the right to represent the Nautical Training Corps, this year retained by Littlehampton based unit TS. Implacable whose impeccable precision bagged them top in class honours.

Music ranged from classic marching tunes including 'Sussex By the Sea' and 'Colonel Bogey' to the more modern themes of 'James Bond' and 'Batman' all skillfully interpreted for performance by a marching band with wind, brass and percussion all represented.


Corps Patron; Rear Admiral John Lippiet (CB MBE) commented. "Every year the bar seems to be raised higher and higher and we have seen some first class performances here today."

As a touching tribute; TS Resolution dedicated their performance to our late Commodore David Wright. Undoubtedly he would have been exceptionally happy and flattered by what was an exceptional performance. 

Acting Commodore Dennis Kilshaw said "It's been a really great day, they've [Cadets and Officers] have really done themselves proud. They've certainly made me proud, you can definitely see all the hard work that's been put in."
 

Rear Admiral John Lippiet (CB MBE) awarding TS. Superb

For a second year, the NTC have been very grateful to receive sponsorship from CPJ Field and Mr. Field was amongst the VIP's on hand to help award deserving units and individuals that had contributed to such a great day. 

"Today has marked another great day for the Corps", remarked Chair, Laura Moffat. "Music is a big part of who we are and what we do and it's great that we can clearly do this so well and have fun with it too...fantastic work"

For more photos, please click here

NTC Band Competition 2013

Sunday 27th October will see Units from across the Nautical Training Corps battling it out in the NTC's Annual band competition

Venue :- Triangle Centre, Burgess Hill 
Spectators :- Doors open at 10am
Price of entrance :-   £2.00 all ages
Program :- £3.00

Taking place at  Burgess Hill's 'Triangle' leisure centre, the event is always popular in the Corps' calendar with units preparing unique interpretations and well polished marching routines to wow the crowds.

Starting at 10am, the Band Competition is a great location to see the best of the musical talent the Corps' has to offer! This year we are really pleased to welcome TS Nautilus back after a break of many years we also welcome TS Explorer who will be performing alone after years of association with TS Unity.

The competition this year is again being sponsored by CPJ Field, after the great success of last year, 2012
In addition we are also very grateful for the continued support of Baurns our official sponsors of the program, also we are grateful to Adur Computers centre, Capital Coin Machine Company Limited ,  and Ferring Carpets for their sponsorship of the individual classes within the competition.

We look forward to seeing you all there!

Click here for directions!

Shedfield 2013

September marks a big event in the NTC calendar; Shedfield National Camp.

Shedfield gives cadets the opportunity to enjoy what the NTC is all about, let their hair down and have a great time. I was invited along by the NTC’s Adventure Activities Director,  Commander Andrew Clarke and hosted by Lancing-based ship TS Intrepid.

Arriving on the Friday evening for my first NTC camp, the main field was awash with activity as everyone scrambled around under thunderous looking skies. There was a general vibe of excitement and anticipation of the rest of the weekend ahead. 

 With mugs of piping hot chocolate fresh from the galley, sunk under the cover of canvas, it was time to turn in for the night and drift off to the dull thudding sound of rain pelting against the tent.

Saturday is when the action really happens! Following a great breakfast and following Morning Parade, activities began with cadets divided up into groups and heading off in groups across the massive site. With over 100 people to impress, some officers decided to make a proper effort in the dress and turnout stakes. Nice.

There was always something to do, take part in, or learn. From pioneering, (including, appropriately  learning how to make a shelter from basic materials in the event of an untimely torrential downpour), to archery, assault course, rifle shooting, the ancient hunting weapon Atlatl, cadet favourite ‘Dogball golf’ climbing wall and rafting at the sites formidable ‘Lake Inferior’ home to the dangerous and occasionally deadly ‘Piranha Frogs’.  

Atlatl, the boxes didn't see what was coming to them!

Part one of the assault course

This tunnel deffinately got muddier over the weekend!

Impressive speed and strength on the climbing wall

Archery instruction during a sunny spell

They say a picture can paint a thousand words...

Going....

...going...

GONE! (Into the brown and pleasant waters of Lake Inferior)

 




 

Blind faith, blindfold during a tent building task (he was miles away!)

  







With dinner providing some much needed energy for Cadets and Officers alike, the rain bucketed down before mercifully giving way to a clear sky, allowing for night games under starlight before bed.  

Despite the best attempts of some decidedly autumnal showers, it had stayed warm during the day and made it all the more satisfying to be inside a thick sleeping bag when the heavens really opened and temperature dropped. 

The rain fell into the early hours and the promise of at least a glimpse of sun meant rainbows covering the morning sky above the camp and some extra mud to battle through during the final pair of activity sessions. The weekend concluded with an incredible rainstorm seeing the full representation of the NTC make a dash for TS Implacable’s huge tent and a final sunset to a makeshift flag. 

With camp packed and a course set for home, it was time to say a sad farewell to Shedfield and head for home. A great weekend showing the best of the NTC, with a team of people working together, Cadets having a fantastic time and Officers and volunteers putting on an event to be proud of, enjoyed by all... Next year though, I think we'll all book a little more sun...

Despite the rain there was always a great vibe.

 

Unusual headwear was deffinitely in!

Mike Gates PRO
Thanks to Andrew Clarke, Tyler Buckham, Paul Cronin, Stuart Ginnaw all the Officers, Cadets and Volunteers at Shedfield.  

NTC at HMS Victory

Photo courtesy of  TS Implacable

Earlier this month Officers and Cadets forming the NTC West Sussex South and, took the opportunity to play at Portsmouth alongside HMS Victory as part of the Royal Navy Museums' Neverland celebration. 

A great turnout and performance was displayed by TS Montrose, TS Sturdy TS Implacable and TS Intrpeid who played brilliantly on the day. 

The Littlehampton Gazette published a great article on TS Implacable's involvement, follow the link to read on.... here

Sad news for the Corps.

 

On Thursday 4th July 2013 the Nautical Training Corps said a sad farewell to our Commodore, David Wright with a touching service for family and friends.

Commanding the respect and admiration of Cadets and Officers throughout the Corps, David Wright was also a friend and guide who took personal pride and care over everything he did. Without question, David's hard work, enthusiasm and determination helped to steer and form the NTC and to ensure its survival for future generations to enjoy. 

David's involvement with the Corps began, like many of our volunteers, through his children who began attending TS Glorious in 1976. The next few years saw a rise through the ranks and promotion to Commanding Officer in 1985. 

This was just the beginning however and a few years later a transfer to National Head Quarters beckoned and in 2009 a well deserved promotion to Commodore was made. 

Nothing could slow David down and he quickly managed to convince the Navy to allow the issue of a 'defaced Red Ensign' bearing the Corps' crest. The first of its type in nearly forty years.

The NTC 'Red Ensign'

David campaigned tirelessly to ensure the future of the Corps, developing relationships with local companies and councils and offering help and advise to further and better the ships and Corps in general. 

The Commodore was always keen to recognise the hard work put in by Corps Members..

 2012 saw a whole host of activities for the Nautical Training Corps celebrating the Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee. It was a great year for the NTC and one that David was particularly proud of, with cadets leading and supporting parades, parties and events across the south. 

Sadly, on Friday 14th June 2013, David peacefully passed away following a long fought battle with cancer. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those in the Corps. Our deepest sympathies go to David's family. 

A very proud Commodore David Wright, pictured at Founders Day in 2012