Falmouth and Penryn’s sea cadets have been rewarded for their efforts in a ceremony which highlighted their achievements over the past year.

The Sea Cadets of TS Robert Hichens were handed awards at the group’s annual presentation evening on Thursday, February 19, during an evening which also marked the completion improvements to their headquarters.

The event was attended by a number of local dignitaries, the families of the cadets, and Falmouth and Truro MP Sarah Newton, while the unit president, retired Royal Navy Commodore Peter Fish CBE, gave a short introduction and welcomed |all the guests.

The unit’s chairperson, Gill Grant, said: “Following the ceremonial raising of the colours, Mrs Newton inspected the guard |of honour and ship’s company and presented the awards to the successful cadets in the various categories, including a number of bursaries enabling the recipients to experience a free week of offshore cruising.”

Senior cadets gave a presentation of activities over the past year, which |included winning a fifth consecutive “burgee”award for being among the top 20 per cent of units, being named “Best Unit in Cornwall” and winning competitions for the district armed guard and guard commander, among others. 

Mrs Newton congratulated the whole unit on its remarkable achievements, dedication and enthusiasm, while the |unit’s commanding officer, Sub |Lieutanant Richard Jorey, said the cadets all deserved some reward and the competition for the awards was, in most cases, very close.

A presentation was also made by Brian Parker whose cousin, Lieutenant John Willis, recently passed away and bequeathed his naval officers sword to the unit, having spent his retirement assisting Sea Cadet units in the southern area.