Royal Naval Parade 2010

The Royal Naval Parade or RNP is a Bi-Annual event for every Sea Cadet Unit around the country. It is a formal inspection process made by the staff of our Area Office to make sure the unit's Staff and Management Committee are doing their jobs properly and providing the proper environment and training to the cadets. It's also an oppotunity for the cadets themselves to show off what they can do.

Thi year the process started early, back in February when one of the Area Logistics Officers, Steve Conneelly came to the unit and conducted an Administration Inspection. This first part proves to our bosses that we are running the unit safely and within the law. It also allows the ALO to offer any advice on best practice and requirements.

The actual parade this year took place at the unit on 21 June. The night began with the formal arrival of the Mayor of Carlisle Cllr Mary Stythe and her husband. After this the Inspecting Officer Lt. Col. ........ RM Area Officer North-West arrived and was met by the unit Officer in Charge PPO(SCC) Eddie Pollock. Once onboard the Area Officer headed the ceremonial colours routine which included a uniform inspection and an oppotunity to speak to each of the cadets about what they have done with the unit and what they enjoy.

Each year the cadets take part in an evolution which demostrates some of the qualities and training received during their cadet career such as leadership, self confidence and as in the case of this year, seamanship. After the inspection the cadets showed what they could do by creating a set of shear legs. Used all over the world, this set up of wooden spars, (poles), and ropework act as a lifting mechanism by providing a temporary highpoint, as once seen during the traditional "Gun Run" that used to be run during the Royal Tournament. The cadets successfully demostrated their ability by constructing the shear legs and lifted a 7Kg weight off the deck.

After the cadets' demonstration their was a break in the evening allow the guests to speak to the cadets, staff and UMC about the Sea Cadets and what we do including a tour of the unit, the facilities we currently have and what we hope to attain.

The second part of the night consisted of a short photostory showing what the unit has been up to over the last few months both in and out of the unit.

The night ended for most with Evening Colours and a short chat by the Inspecting Officer about the importance of the night and of the SCC within the community, afterwards the Staff and UMC had a further oppotunity to chat to the Area and District Officers before they left.

This year was a good year, although at this time the full report has yet to be released a general feeling of success has been felt throughout the unit and received from those outside staff from Cumbria District and North-West Area Office who have been involved in the inspection process. The Staff and UMC would like to congratulate and thank the cadets for their effort, not just on the night but throughout the year.

All at TS CUMBERLAND would like to thank the following people for their attendance at the RNP and continued support of the unit.

Lt Col J.Davies RM - North West Sea Cadets Area Officer
Cllr Mary Styth - The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Carlisle

Lt Cdr(SCC) P. Burns RNR - Cumbria District Sea Cadets District Officer
Lt Cdr(SCC) K. Short RNR - Maryport SCC
S/Lt(SCC) G. Kendall. RNR - Maryport SCC
Mr Joe Hedley - Director Riverside
Ms Ann Quilter - Regeneration Manager, Riverside
Ms Deberorah Earle - Tenants Resource Manager, Riverside
Mr Paul Carrigan - Neighbourhood Forum
Mr Colin Glover - City Councillor for Currock
Mr Bill Grahm - City Councillor for Hayton
Mr Sam Duncun - Former Chairman, Carlisle Sea Cadets
PO(SCC) C. Brookes. - Kendal SCC
PCSO Tony Labram

and most importantly..................................

The parents and families of the cadets.