Shedfield 2013

September marks a big event in the NTC calendar; Shedfield National Camp.

Shedfield gives cadets the opportunity to enjoy what the NTC is all about, let their hair down and have a great time. I was invited along by the NTC’s Adventure Activities Director,  Commander Andrew Clarke and hosted by Lancing-based ship TS Intrepid.

Arriving on the Friday evening for my first NTC camp, the main field was awash with activity as everyone scrambled around under thunderous looking skies. There was a general vibe of excitement and anticipation of the rest of the weekend ahead. 

 With mugs of piping hot chocolate fresh from the galley, sunk under the cover of canvas, it was time to turn in for the night and drift off to the dull thudding sound of rain pelting against the tent.

Saturday is when the action really happens! Following a great breakfast and following Morning Parade, activities began with cadets divided up into groups and heading off in groups across the massive site. With over 100 people to impress, some officers decided to make a proper effort in the dress and turnout stakes. Nice.

There was always something to do, take part in, or learn. From pioneering, (including, appropriately  learning how to make a shelter from basic materials in the event of an untimely torrential downpour), to archery, assault course, rifle shooting, the ancient hunting weapon Atlatl, cadet favourite ‘Dogball golf’ climbing wall and rafting at the sites formidable ‘Lake Inferior’ home to the dangerous and occasionally deadly ‘Piranha Frogs’.  

Atlatl, the boxes didn't see what was coming to them!

Part one of the assault course

This tunnel deffinately got muddier over the weekend!

Impressive speed and strength on the climbing wall

Archery instruction during a sunny spell

They say a picture can paint a thousand words...

Going....

...going...

GONE! (Into the brown and pleasant waters of Lake Inferior)

 




 

Blind faith, blindfold during a tent building task (he was miles away!)

  







With dinner providing some much needed energy for Cadets and Officers alike, the rain bucketed down before mercifully giving way to a clear sky, allowing for night games under starlight before bed.  

Despite the best attempts of some decidedly autumnal showers, it had stayed warm during the day and made it all the more satisfying to be inside a thick sleeping bag when the heavens really opened and temperature dropped. 

The rain fell into the early hours and the promise of at least a glimpse of sun meant rainbows covering the morning sky above the camp and some extra mud to battle through during the final pair of activity sessions. The weekend concluded with an incredible rainstorm seeing the full representation of the NTC make a dash for TS Implacable’s huge tent and a final sunset to a makeshift flag. 

With camp packed and a course set for home, it was time to say a sad farewell to Shedfield and head for home. A great weekend showing the best of the NTC, with a team of people working together, Cadets having a fantastic time and Officers and volunteers putting on an event to be proud of, enjoyed by all... Next year though, I think we'll all book a little more sun...

Despite the rain there was always a great vibe.

 

Unusual headwear was deffinitely in!

Mike Gates PRO
Thanks to Andrew Clarke, Tyler Buckham, Paul Cronin, Stuart Ginnaw all the Officers, Cadets and Volunteers at Shedfield.  

NTC at HMS Victory

Photo courtesy of  TS Implacable

Earlier this month Officers and Cadets forming the NTC West Sussex South and, took the opportunity to play at Portsmouth alongside HMS Victory as part of the Royal Navy Museums' Neverland celebration. 

A great turnout and performance was displayed by TS Montrose, TS Sturdy TS Implacable and TS Intrpeid who played brilliantly on the day. 

The Littlehampton Gazette published a great article on TS Implacable's involvement, follow the link to read on.... here

Sad news for the Corps.

 

On Thursday 4th July 2013 the Nautical Training Corps said a sad farewell to our Commodore, David Wright with a touching service for family and friends.

Commanding the respect and admiration of Cadets and Officers throughout the Corps, David Wright was also a friend and guide who took personal pride and care over everything he did. Without question, David's hard work, enthusiasm and determination helped to steer and form the NTC and to ensure its survival for future generations to enjoy. 

David's involvement with the Corps began, like many of our volunteers, through his children who began attending TS Glorious in 1976. The next few years saw a rise through the ranks and promotion to Commanding Officer in 1985. 

This was just the beginning however and a few years later a transfer to National Head Quarters beckoned and in 2009 a well deserved promotion to Commodore was made. 

Nothing could slow David down and he quickly managed to convince the Navy to allow the issue of a 'defaced Red Ensign' bearing the Corps' crest. The first of its type in nearly forty years.

The NTC 'Red Ensign'

David campaigned tirelessly to ensure the future of the Corps, developing relationships with local companies and councils and offering help and advise to further and better the ships and Corps in general. 

The Commodore was always keen to recognise the hard work put in by Corps Members..

 2012 saw a whole host of activities for the Nautical Training Corps celebrating the Olympics and the Queen's Jubilee. It was a great year for the NTC and one that David was particularly proud of, with cadets leading and supporting parades, parties and events across the south. 

Sadly, on Friday 14th June 2013, David peacefully passed away following a long fought battle with cancer. He will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by all those in the Corps. Our deepest sympathies go to David's family. 

A very proud Commodore David Wright, pictured at Founders Day in 2012

Founders Day

NTC's  Red Ensign

The distant sound of drums pounding, carrying on the wind, lines of uniformed officers and  cadets stretching across Littlehampton seafront as far as the eye can see... It can only be the Nautical Training Corps on Founders Day.

=

On a blustery 9th June 2013, some five-hundred members of the NTC converged to celebrate the 69th Founders Day. 

 Marching off at the later time of 12pm had given the opportunity for a little extra warmth, something that the public lining both sides of the beach undoubtably were glad of. 

As cadets and officers filled the parade ground, a service of thanks, remembrance and dedication began. Honoring those who have or are serving in the Armed Forces and the NTC.

A message from the Corps Commodore, Dave Wright explained the pride and gratitude felt for all the hard work of the members that make the NTC. Hard work recognised with the giving of medals and awards by Corps' Chair, Laura Moffat and Patron, Rear Admiral Lippiet 'As always, Officers and Cadets showed an impeccable turn out, it is always great to see this recognised'.

Ships covering the South of England completed the service with a march past with applause by spectators and invited guests alike. Flags,  the 'Colours' of Ships and the NTC proudly paraded.

Colour Parties, representing the Corps.

TS Ambuscade, marching past Officers and VIP's

  
The day drew to a close with regional activities in the main arena, including a gun run, minibus pull and tug of war which kept everyone entertained. Others mingled amongst the stalls or took part in the NTC bake off, as the sun made an appearance to complete a warm spirited, fun and friendly day...

Exhausted but elated, winners of the 'gun run'

Delicious treats available to reward the hard working... and hungry

Bake off!

 Full selection of photos available soon.
 

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.