Sunday, 10 June 2012
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
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)