Remembrance Day

Across the South, ships from the Nautical Training Corps took place in acts of remembrance with services and parades in their local communities.

This Remembrance Day, I joined TS Intrepid in unseasonably sunny and warm weather at the Southwick parade. 

The Lancing based ship led the parade, with their band fresh from the NTC band competition, from Southwick Square to the cenotaph, followed by a number of organisations from the Royal British Legion to local youth groups.

 
A short service followed, with a silence observed to honour those lost in conflicts past and present. Cadets looked on as Commander Brian Orchard laid a customary Poppy Wreath as a mark of respect, a symbol that we will not forget. We will remember them. 

To a round of applause, the parade was once again led from the green, and back in a sea of flags and faces. You couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, that so many had come to show their respects. Long may it continue, lest we forget. 

For a selection of photos from the day, please Click here. 
If you would like to support the Poppy Appeal, Click here to donate.
 

Read all about it!

 The keen eyed amongst those at the Band Compeition this year would have noticed a camera crew and also a keen photographer who took professional photographs, published in todays Argus newspaper.

With thanks to CPJ Field and to pro Photographer Jim Holden please click here for a full selection of professional photographs taken on the day...

NTC Band Competition 2012

This year the NTC Band Competition was a busy day packed full of music and marching, with 11 NTC and 3 guest bands competing for top honours in a day long battle across four separate classes. A variety of music and technique were on display from film themes, marching tunes, fanfare and even intricate drum and stick work aiming to impress...

Cadets from as young as 8 years old represented the talent the Corps had to offer including new entrants for this year, Pagham based ship, TS Montrose, who boasted a win in Novice Class after wowing judges. 

 The contest also attracted a TV crew from ITV Meridian News, who filmed the day and broadcast a report on the evening news, featuring interviews with cadets and corps Patron, Rear Admiral John Lippiett (CB MBE) who commented "This year has seen yet more brilliant performances and a tremendous turnout. What has impressed me the most however, is that ships have been helping each other." 

 Certainly, this has seen some great results, with the bands of TS. Explorer and TS. Unity competing together.  Also, with the help of local units, TS. Resolution managed to put forward an impressive display which marked a comeback for the ships band after some twenty years. 

The NTC was also proud to be visited by the Olympic torch, with bearer Elsena Marsden, who kindly allowed photographs to be taken with the torch raising money for both the NTC and cancer charity Grace (grace-charity.org.uk )  

The contest saw effective displays and arrangements from a number of different bands, including 'The Good, the Bad and the Ugly' by TS. Intrepid and an exceptional performance of music taken from the recent Batman movies by Copthorne based TS. Swiftsure; which bagged top honours in the Championship class. 

Competition within the classes had been fierce, producing some phenomenal music.  Judge Steve Hars, commented "standards had definitely improved, after last years great performances" ensuring that the task of the judges had been harder than ever before. 

  Perhaps the biggest cheer on the day was reserved for TS Sturdy, who despite some difficulties, put in a passionate  performance, with the crowd clapping in encouragement and rightfully awarding a standing ovation to complete their display.

As the day drew to a close, awards were presented to many of the deserving bands and individuals. Recognising all the hard work, Commodore Dave Wright  was keen to stress that "everybody has worked incredibly hard to deliver such a high standard this year, without each and every one of the cadets there simply wouldn't be a competition. A fantastic effort."  

This year, the Corps were honoured to have the support of sponsor CPJ Field. Director, Charlie Field particularly enjoyed the day and commented. "I am delighted to attend and support the NTC. This was a great demonstration of the reach of this organisation... an inspiring performance by everyone involved."

Many thanks are due to a number of Officers, Cadets and volunteers who worked alongside NTC Director of Music, Commander Craig Knight, to make the day a success.


Essential to the smooth running of the day is 2nd Officer Steve Mayburry, who sadly will be retiring from the NTC and the band competition this year, after many years of tirelessly replacing distance markers that end up being knocked across the arena and to whom particular thanks are due. 

Winners by class:

Novice – Training Ship Montrose, Pagham

Open – Training Ship Superb, Crawley

Contest – Training Ship Ambuscade, Merstham, Surrey

Championship – Training Ship Swiftsure, Copthorne

Colour – Training Ship Implacable, Littlehampton

Fanfare – Training Ship Implacable, Littlehampton

Full Photography of the event is available by clicking here

Or you can watch the ITV Meridian News report below.

Band Competition 2012 in the News!

On the 28th October 2012, the NTC was joined by ITV Meridian news for a special report on the Band Contest... enjoy! 

Or, click here to watch!

Sheffield 2012

Implacable head up the Worthing Rotary Carnival

Today saw TS Implacable lead the Worthing Rotary Fair Carnival parade across Worthing seafront.

The parade marched off from Grand Avenue at 12:30, completing a mile long march at Steyne Gardens.  TS. Implacable had been asked to lead the display, which saw a variety of different floats, charities and youth organisations put together some impressive displays, from a truck based bar and party to a Star Wars display complete with Darth Vader and even an X-Wing fighter.

TS Implacable had pulled together a very impressive band, on what had been very short notice and battled the wind and showers to put on a great performance and kick the carnival off in style...

More pictures available here

TS Intrepid Welcomes Olympic Torch

On July 16th 2012, the Olympic Torch made it's way across from Chichester to Brighton, accross the South Coast and through Lancing. 

TS Intrepid played to welcome the torch and entertain the crowds of people that lined South Street and Grinstead lane as the torch passed through. A unique, once in a lifetime opportunity that will most certainly be remembered for years to come...

More pictures here (Click me!)

Saturday 30th June 2012 saw TS Indomitable celebrate its 50 year anniversary at its Burgess Hill base.

Originaly formed in 1961, TS Indomitable had to postpone it's 50 year celebrations until this summer due to some much needed refurbishment with help from the local Lions, volunteers and trades people. That's not to say that the unit didn't make up for the slight delay with celebrations! Having been greeted by Officers and Cadets, I was escorted 'on deck' where photographs and memoribilia from the ships history was on display, including pictures of the original comissioning.

A number of key members from the units history and guests were also in attendance, including Frank Easton, who served onboard namesake HMS Indomitable during the Second World War. Mr. Easton told me with a smile told me that it was 'nice to be here to be able to see the 'ship', cadets and all the activities that they get up to!'  Corps Commodore Dave Wright was also pleased to attend and lend his support and wish the continued success of TS Indomitable. He was very pleased with the development of the unit and all its facilties and was quick to praise the 'Hard work and dedication, given by so many to help make the unit a success. Particularly to Ann Tyrell, who has been with TS Indomitable since the very beginning!' 

Indomitable has been happy to recieve the help of support of the Burgess Hill District Lions who have funded the refurbishment of the units facilities to incluse disabled access. The result of which has meant that the building will be available for children of all abilities, both in the NTC and in Burgess Hill in general. The work has already won fans and hearts. Indomitable's Chief Officer Ann Tyrell, was keen to pass on a message from one young man who had made a point of coming to say thank you, 'it means so much that I can do this for myself and not need somebody else to help me.'  Lions President John Thomson expressed that it was comments such as these that made it all worth while. 'We know how this facility was and we knew the work would be benefit people and groups from across the area and open the building to local youth groups of all abilities.' Big thanks indeed are owed to the Lions, without whom the refurbishment would not have been possible,

Cadets and Corps officers were keen to present skills learnt and perfected in the NTC, including Mark Gator's impressive demonstration building fire using dry grass and flints, certainly there was no shortage of volunteers willing to give it a go. The results are most certainly effective!

The fantastic cakes made to celebrate the event also won many fans, one detailing the ships insigina, the other, a 3D representation of the building itself, although contrary to it's lifesize countapart, it was quickly 'demolished' and enjoyed.... and rightly so! Well done TS Indomitable, here's to another 50 years!

For more photos, please click here

Implacable in the news!

Click me for the article in: The Guildford Dragon!

Please submit your articles to me at PR@ntc.org.uk

Founders Day 2012

Sunday 10^th June 2012, saw the 68^th Nautical Training Corps Founders day.  This year, the Corps returned back home to Brighton and  ‘the Level’ which had also played host to the first Founders Day.

With a number of factors set to make the day a challenge, the East Sussex region headed by Keith Larson, managed to put on a great show, led by parade band T.S. Intrepid from Lancing who also played during the service. Founders day is always well supported by ships from across the region, as far afield as Croydon, Portchester and Hastings. This year, the event fell during school half term and despite a number of potential absences there was no shortage of support for the Corps. During the parade, Officers and Cadets stretched down the tree lined walkways as far as the eye could see.

Also offering a repeat performance was the weather, providing a steady beat of raindrops, bouncing off caps, drums and instruments; thankfully keeping its heavier tune until after the main event. Despite the rain, the temperature remained warm as the Corps formed up in the main arena for inspection by the Corps Commodore, David Wright and Patron Rear Admiral John Lippiet who was keen to speak to as many Cadets as possible before the service began. The patron was keen to congratulate all ships. ‘Everybody should be very proud of their efforts, in particular, representing the Corps, on such a memorable and historic  occasion, returning to the location of the first Founders day. It reflects and emphasises the hard work and dedication that so many of the Corps members have shown.

The Commodore was also chuffed to be able to offer awards to three particularly brave members of Chichester based ship TS. Sturdy. Terry Walsh, Mark Channon and Robin Emery, managed to stop and detain two criminals who forced their way into the local school where the ship had been practicing with their band and detain them for the Police whilst ensuring the safety and security of the young cadets in the unit. Speaking later, the Commodore commented; ‘It is always a great pleasure to be able to award medals of any kind, but to be able to offer this award for gallantry is a particular honour, I’m sure they should be proud, I most certainly am’

The Corps also welcomed two new promotions, long serving members, Commander Ian Jones to Chief of Staff and Dennis Kilshaw, (who had previously served in the Chief of Staff role) to the rank of Vice Commodore. 

Post service, each ship began a final march past leaving the arena to parade past the senior officers and invited guests to rounds of applause and photographs from all those who had turned up and were passing through on the day. 

The afternoon made way to a focus purely on fun. Several volunteers manned stalls which offered fete style games and raffles, also support from the RNLI amongst others. For the first time, there was also a funfair on site, allowing families to engage in a variety of different activities across the ground from tombola to rock climbing and more. In the main arena, displays and games drew a crowd as the individual ships came together as a Corps to unwind, have some fun and appreciate the hard work that everybody, from Cadets to Officers to Volunteers put in to run both the Corps and celebrations such as today.

For more photos please click on the following link Founders2012

EDIT: for all photos click >>>> Founders Day Album

The Corps would like to thank all those involved, volunteers, helpers and companies (including Southdown Construction). All of those who had  donated time, money or resources to help make the day a success.

The NTC Invites you to Founders Day 2012!

The Nautical Training Corps (NTC) are proud to announce the 68^th Founders Day.

This year, the NTC returns home and back to its original roots in Brighton; celebrating a Founders and Fun Day on the Level, not far from the Corps very first unit, T.S. Nautilus.

The event takes place on 10th June and promises to not only reflect the Corps values and identity but be great fun too and will include ships from Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

The charity event will begin at 10:30 and run to around 16:30 with music and parade which will be followed in the afternoon by fete style stalls, supported by the RNLI, who will be providing demonstrations to cadets and to all those attending.

There will also be a funfair with Inflatable slides, cup and saucers, chair plain and other rides, alongside arena performances from several ships, activities and a dance performance from Dolphin House. Something to entertain all the family!

The NTC would like to invite everybody to come along, take part and enjoy the day and all that it has to offer. We hope you can make it!

Location: The Level – Park Cresent/Brighton, BN1 4SD

Times: 10am-4:30pm

INTREPID WINS PUBLIC VOTE AT ADUR POT OF GOLD

Hot on the heels of celebrating their 50th Anniversary, TS Intrepid pulled in the public vote at the Pot Of Gold grant award night at Adur Council offices in Shoreham, setting the wheels in motion for a new minibus.

Chair Tim Clarke and Commander Andy Clarke delivered a fantastic five minute pitch, complete with prompt cards (that, to the amusement of the gathered public decided to malfunction on more than one ocassion) generating a very memorable and amusing presentation, explaining why Intrepid deserves a grant of £5000 to add to the impressive £9000 total already raised by the ship and it's volunteers in their minibus appeal.

Adventure Activities Director Andy Clarke commented, 'This means so much to Intrepid. It opens many doors and allows us to transport cadets that otherwise may not be able to go to events further affield.' Tim Clarke had proposed as part of his presentation, that [Intrepid]' hopes that this can also benefit other local groups and charities and provide new opportunities, for them as as well.'

On the night several worthy causes put forward presentations, public residents were invited to vote electronically and results counted. Support was strong, and the council representatives were quick to congratulate Intrepid on the result; which will be confirmed once it is legally agreed by the council later in April.

Commander Brian Orchard wanted to thank all those who supported the ship and voted on the night and for the continuing hard work of all the volunteers at Intrepid.

The Friends of TS Intrepid alongside Commander Brian Orchard, Commander Andy Clarke and Tim Clarke.

 

TS INTREPID CELEBRATES 50 YEARS

 March 22^nd, 1962, saw TS Intrepid become the 14^th division (or ship) to be commissioned into the Nautical Training Corps, by Corps Founder and then Commodore Frank Froëst-Carr OBE NTC . Fifty years on, Intrepid stands tall as one of 20 units and can be regularly found supporting community events through Sussex along with their multi-award winning band. 

Intrepid Past:

 

And Present:

Some fifty years later, on the 24^th March 2012, Intrepid hosted a celebration and reunion for officers and cadets, past and present, volunteers and invited guests, totalling over two hundred people at Lancing Parish Hall. Support was strong, with the Corps patron Rear Admiral R. John Lippiet CB MBE, keen to express his delight at being invited to the event, ‘ I am excited to be invited here tonight to share in the ship’s 50^th anniversary celebrations, a testament to all the cadets, officers and volunteers that make Intrepid a success.’

Chair of Lancing Parish Council, Cllr Ann Bridges, and Adur Council Chair, Brian Boggins were both on hand to help distribute the numerous awards and prizes presented to cadets and officers for determined hard work and achievements throughout the course of 2011.  

Commanding officer Brian Orchard, who oversaw the evening, has been involved with Intrepid from its very beginning and can boast an impressive forty years at the helm as Commanding Officer. Even the Corps patron, Rear Admiral Lippiet, quipped;  ‘some very impressive dedication, I am trumped at only 36 years! [Royal Navy]’  Commodore David Wright (NTC) echoed the sentiment: ‘‘It has been an absolute honour to be here tonight and to congratulate Brian Orchard for all his hard work and service to the corps’.

Commander Orchard was keen to acknowledge that none of this would be possible without the help and support of his team of officers, cadets and volunteers that have seen the ship bloom and receive much recognition and respect within the Corps and the local community. ‘It has been an absolute honour as a founding cadet and with some hard work, to see Intrepid through to its fiftieth year. It really has been a great part of my life.’

 

 It’s fair to say the night showcased much of the fun and activity of TS Intrepid, with music throughout the night being provided by Intrepid’s band, ranging from traditional tunes through to the impressive Star Wars and Dr. Who melodies that proved big winners at the NTC’s annual band contest in 2011.

The unit’s fundraising skills were also put to test, with a raffle and sale of impressive handmade and limited edition woolly ‘bugs’, a caricature of Officers, Cadets and Intrepid’s mascot, ‘Dudley the Dragon’. Funds raised amounted to a cool £300 to help support the running of the ship, which receives no government funding. 

Corps Commodore David Wright, swelled with pride at the achievement of the Lancing based ship,

‘This has been a fantastic night, showcasing the dedication, positive attitude and fun that Intrepid has. They deserve every success and I am delighted to be here as Commodore, to celebrate their 50^th with them. I’m so happy to have seen their progression and am touched by the amount of support Intrepid receives from all its volunteers.’

 

As the sun set on an evening of recognition fun and memories, the band had its audience on their feet for a rendition of the National Anthem and earned themselves a well-deserved round of applause, perhaps even the odd sentimental tear for those who enjoyed the Fifty years past and hopefully, many more decades to come.

 

If you are in the Lancing area, why not visit TS Intrepid’s website at http://www.ntc.org.uk/intrepid and find out how you can join in the fun. 

For more, please click HERE, 200+ photos!