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.