When the going gets tough, the tough get going. The young people of Tenby Sea Cadets have certainly used this motto over the last few weeks, like most of us in Pembrokeshire.
The Tenby cadets travelled to Carmarthen where they gained a second place certificate for their unarmed drill squad in the Welsh Drill and Ceremonial championships. It was the first time for many of the junior cadets to overcome their nerves and perform before the stern and searching examination of the drill examiners. Well pressed uniforms, polished boots and neatly sewn on badges were all carefully inspected, before the cadets carried out their sequence of drill and squad movements.
Then last weekend, in rain and high winds, the cadets travelled to Milford Haven for a multi-training weekend with Pembroke Dock and Milford Haven units. Even though the cadets were boating on the protected waters of Milford marina, they soon found out just how wet, cold and windswept it can be in an open boat, especially when trying to tie knots with frozen fingers.
The following cadets gained qualifications during this weekend: J. Ryder, J. Daye and A. Fecci qualified at Seamanship third class and K. Wilson gained a competent crew certificate.
The cadets are all hoping that the weather improves for their next multi-training weekend on March 22-24. The three Pembrokeshire units have all found difficulty in getting enough trained staff and have found that by combining their skills at these training weekends they can help their young people to get the qualifications and enjoy the comradeship of making new friends.
Tenby Unit's commanding officer and committee express their thanks to the parents who kindly transported the cadets to these activities.
Tenby Unit junior section is increasing in numbers and they are urgently looking for more staff and civilian committee helpers to join them.