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.