Shedfield : : National Camp 2011

The Corps once again descended upon Shedfiled in Hampshire for the fourth National Adventure Weekend camp . This year was another record breaking year, with a total 99 cadets attending, representing ten units. In addition to the four West Sussex South Region units that organise the camp, units from Hampshire, London, and West Sussex North also made the journey down for the camp.

The old favourites were open for cadets including archery and rifle shooting. By popular demand, atlatl (pronounced at-lattle - an ancient form of weapon where 5ft darts are thrown with large sticks (the atlatl)) was once again on offer. New activities included groups building a pontoon bridge to ‘Piranha Frog Island’ on ‘Lake Inferior’. Another first for the camp saw camp director, Cdr Andy Clarke (AAD) NTC, fall into the lake!

The sunshine was out in full force for this weekend – and for the first Shedfield in a long time some of that sunshine was rather wet. Activities on the Saturday were set back by ten minutes waiting for a heavy shower to pass. However, most of the rain fell during meal times which meant cadets were in tents for the rain.

Weather certainly couldn't dampen the spirits and soon activies were back in full force.

Because he can’t keep away, the Chief of Staff once again visited the camp. Captain Dennis Kilshaw (COS) NTC attended on Sunday this year, intending only to stay for a few hours later. But he was having so much fun, he ended up staying for the entire day, and was able to stay for the closing Sunset and awards ceremony. Because of this, Capt. Kilshaw was able to present the award named after him, the highly covereted ‘Dennis Kilshaw’ Award. Capt Kilshaw described the camp as ‘fun’.

Another highlight of the closing ceremony, which would have brought a tear to the eye of the Corps ceremonial director, was the sunset fanfare. The camp was treated to the traditional sunset fanfare, by a very untraditional fanfare party. The officers from TS Defiance NTC and TS Endeavour NTC (or NBAC Attentive NTC – depends on which hat they wear) played the sunset fanfare on harmonicas!

At the camp, Cdr Clarke also announced that this year’s highly successful and popular adult training and social gathering was being repeated in 2012. All officers, adult helpers, and committee members have been invited to attend Pinewood National Adult Training and Social Gathering on 25^th to 26^th February 2012. More information can be found at www.ntc.org.uk/pinewood/.

A huge thank you once again to all of the cadets, officers, and instructors who made the camp possible, especially the officers of West Sussex (South) Region who organise the camp every year. Without the dedication of these volunteers, events like Shedfield just wouldn’t happen. To find out more about the camp, you can visit the official website, www.ntc.org.uk/shedfield/, or find them on Facebook.

See photos from Shedfield 2011 at www.photobucket.com/shedfield2011/.

With thanks to: Cdr Andrew Clarke  (NTC)

Montrose Commissioning

T.S. Montrose

On 10th September 2011, the NTC proudly commissioned T.S. Montrose at Rose Green, Bognor. 

Following a day dodging showers and hosting a Fete, the evening thankfully made way to better weather a parade and commissioning service. Helping the celebration along was T.S. Implacable, T.S. Intrepid and T.S. Sturdy., making for an impressive display.

 

As the parade formed up, local residents and proud parents arrived, taking photos and walking alongside the route as they moved off, winding through the streets of Rose Green, the sound of drums and music echoing from the walls. 

The parade reached its destination, to be greeted by the Commodore, Officers and guests. As we took our seats the Commodore welcomed us on board what he is "certain will be a great ship" adding that to "have the pleasure of commissioning one ship [T.S. Ambuscade] to be able to commission two, well that's excellent!"

The Padre, Phil Hiscock lead the service; considering the inclement weather, delivering a very appropriate reading and sermon of Jesus' calming of the storm and overcoming life's challenges. Later blessing Montrose's new ensign, proudly raised by Cadets of the Corps newest ship.

Following the service I took the time to catch up with Montrose's Commanding Officer, Graham Turner, who was clearly pleased with what he described as a "Brilliant day!" and was keen to convey his thanks and pride with all ships and everybody involved in making the day a success.

I also managed to speak with West Sussex County Council Chair, Mike Common, and his wife, Cllr Christina Common; who both described the day as an "inspiring display" continuing that they were "honoured to be able to invited and look forward to delivering further support to the Corps." Mrs. Common also added "it's fabulous that parents, officers and cadets alike were able to offer so much and rightfully take so much pride in what they do. 

Further images from the day can be seen directly by clicking this link