Sunday, 10 June 2012

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Founders Day 2012


Sunday 10th June 2012, saw the 68th 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.