Transforming young lives through watersports and community engagement

The Sea Cadets in Birmingham proudly welcomed a member of the Royal Family to open their new boat station. Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, Admiral of the Sea Cadet Corps, officially opened the new Midlands Boat Station, located on the scenic banks of Edgbaston Reservoir, Birmingham. This new facility will play a pivotal role in transforming the lives of thousands of young people across Birmingham and Midlands.

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is cutting a ceremonial cake adorned with the Sea Cadets logo, at their official opening ceremony. Four Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets in uniform are standing to attention opposite her, whilst other guests are seated watching in a marquee.

The Midlands Boat Station, designed as a watersports training hub, will deliver a wide range of boating activities for Sea Cadets, including dinghy sailing, paddlesports, rowing, powerboating and windsurfing. In addition to serving the 1,500 sea cadets across the Midlands, the new centre will offer opportunities to over 300,000 young people located within 30 minutes of the facility.

The station is also home to Birmingham Vernon Sea Cadets Unit, where cadets receive comprehensive courses in subjects ranging from marine engineering and navigation to leadership skills and first aid culminating with nautical adventure and fun.

In her speech, Her Royal Highness said: “I congratulate all on achieving a Midlands Boat Station that both Sea Cadets and the local community can be proud of [..] I am sure that it will play a major role in enriching young lives not just now but for generations to come. My congratulations and best wishes.”

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal is talking to two members of the Junior Sea Cadets, who are dressed in their blue beretd and sweatshirt uniforms. The Cadets are smiling and animated, and one Cadet is holding a small bouquet of flowers to gift to Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal

The project was only made possible through the commitment and support of groups like: The Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport, Youth Investment Fund and their funding agents Social Investment Business, the Department for Education, Garfield Weston Foundation and others.

The Sea Cadets are governed by the Marine Society & Sea Cadets, who work in partnership with the Royal Navy to enable Sea Cadets to have the opportunity to participate in a range of exciting activities both on and off the water. These activities include sailing, canoeing, rowing, windsurfing, rock climbing, engineering, music and cookery – all whilst developing citizenship, social skills and confidence.

Learn more about the Sea Cadets in our region.

 

Published 08/11/24.