The Harrogate and District Sea Cadets are part of the wider Sea Cadets national youth charity. Our cadets are aged between 10-17 years. Our primary goal is to empower young individuals by instilling in them resilience, self-belief, and social confidence. Through a variety of activities both on and off the water, we provide a hands-on learning experience rooted in the time-honoured customs and traditions of the Royal Navy and provide a secure, supportive environment for young people to take risks and challenge themselves.
As a charitable organisation, our operations are driven by a committed team of volunteers who contribute their time and expertise across various roles, ranging from integral positions within our Unit Management Team (UMT) to undergoing training to become proficient sailing and water sports instructors, to ensure our cadets can take part in as many activities as possible. Our cadets can gain numerous qualifications and many take part in the prestigious Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme through us.
Our Unit headquarters, TS Cleopatra, is located just on the outskirts of Harrogate centre, serving as the focal point for our activities. During the warmer months, we're privileged to utilise Ripon Sailing Club's lake and facilities in Farnham, Knaresborough, providing our cadets with invaluable hands-on experience on the water. Our Unit parades (meets) twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays, with the Units Band additionally holding meetings most Wednesdays. Our Unit Band also supports the local community by playing at memorial events. These gatherings are made possible by the unwavering dedication of our volunteers and UMT, who diligently cultivate a safe working environment for cadet training, both indoors and outdoors.
Our Unit currently comprises of 35 cadets, however, we're proud to be part of the broader North district, encompassing a total of 264 cadets spread across eight distinct Sea Cadets Units.
We are proud to welcome young people from all backgrounds and have a rich history of encouraging and supporting those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Sea Cadets organisation has its roots in a noble cause, originating when coastal communities united to provide sailors' orphans from the Crimean War with nautical skills and training. These efforts provided a future for destitute youngsters who were often sleeping in the backstreets of England's sea ports. This compassionate initiative led to the establishment of the Naval Lads’ Brigade in 1856, which later evolved into the Sea Cadets.
We have recently embarked on a this fundraising campaign aimed at securing the necessary funds for significant upgrades to our aging Unit in Harrogate, which is in need of greater space, insulation, and refurbishment. These comprise:
- Converting existing boat shed into robust building and partitioning into three sections: store, marine engineering workshop and new galley.
- Moving galley from existing location into new conversion and converting old area into two separate classrooms
- Converting existing Heads (toilet) area to include provision for gender neutral toilets and a new, spacious accessible wet room.
These Unit upgrades would bring immense benefits to our current and future cadets and volunteers. Not only would members of our own Unit benefit, but also those from across the North district, extending the impact to over 300 individuals solely within the Sea Cadets, based on current figures. However, we anticipate these enhancements will benefit thousands of individuals in years to come.
Additional classrooms and expanded galley space will significantly enhance our instructors' ability to conduct a broader range of activities with cadets. The introduction of a marine engineering workshop will offer invaluable opportunities to develop specialised skills, encompassing the proper use and maintenance of hand tools, machinery operation and welding. Additionally, the workshop will provide instruction in maintenance and assembly techniques, as well as electrical and electronic practices.
Revitalising our Heads area, including the addition of gender-neutral spaces and an upgraded accessible wet room, will modernise our facilities, ensuring their suitability for future generations.
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