Woking Sea Cadets showcase skills at Royal Naval Parade

Woking Sea Cadets welcomed civic leaders, parents and supporters to their Royal Naval Parade on Monday, 20 July, at the unit’s headquarters in Goldsworth Park.

The parade — one of the most important events in the unit’s calendar — was inspected by Commander David Grindel, Royal Navy, Southern Area Officer for the Sea Cadet Corps. Guests included the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux; Woking MP Will Forster; the Mayor of Woking, Councillor Rob Leach; Chair of the West Surrey Shadow Authority, Councillor Penny Rivers; together with parents, carers and families of the cadets.

Held every other year, the Royal Naval Parade provides an opportunity for cadets to demonstrate the skills, confidence and leadership they have developed through training, while maintaining the ceremonial traditions of the Royal Navy.

Following a formal inspection of the Ship’s Company, guests toured the unit to watch cadets in action, including seamanship demonstrations such as navigation and knot tying, together with waterborne activities on Goldsworth Lake, where cadets train in sailing, rowing and kayaking.

The evening also celebrated the achievements of Junior (aged 10–12) and Senior (12–18) Cadets, together with adult volunteers. Awards were presented for qualifications gained throughout the year, including sailing, kayaking and rowing, while a number of cadets were promoted in recognition of their progress. Two adult volunteers were promoted to Petty Officer (Sea Cadet Corps) after successfully completing their initial training.

With the Lord-Lieutenant of Surrey retiring from office in September, he remarked that this was likely to be his final visit to a cadet unit. In recognition of his longstanding support for Surrey District Sea Cadets, Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Jill Loveridge RNR presented him with the Surrey District Challenge Coin.

The parade concluded with the traditional Royal Navy ceremony of Evening Colours, during which the Sea Cadet Ensign was lowered. Parents were quick to praise the cadets and volunteers alike. One parent commented, “Great achievement by the cadets and your volunteer leadership team. The cadets put on fantastic displays of all they have learnt and were very pleased to be recognised during the awards ceremony. Beaming smiles!”

Another wrote, “Never underestimate the positive impact you have on our children. He is becoming so much more confident and believing in himself.”

A family new to Sea Cadets added, “We have been so impressed with the opportunities they have. Yesterday showed us just how much you do and we are truly grateful.”

For many parents, the evening demonstrated not only the skills their children are learning, but also the confidence, resilience and sense of purpose they are gaining through Sea Cadets — a reminder of the lasting impact that the cadet experience has on young people.