Sunday, September 27 was a very special day for Tenby Sea Cadets - as they were given the Freedom of the Town!
The Mayor of Tenby presented Tenby Sea Cadets with the Freedom of the Town — the greatest honour that Tenby can bestow in recognition of outstanding and distinguished service to the Town and people of Tenby.
2026 mark 75 years since their affiliation with the Navy League.
To mark their 75th anniversary, there was a small parade setting off from De Valence Pavilion, featuring members of Tenby Sea Cadets, the Royal British Legion Band, the Mayor and members of Tenby Town Council.
The parade made its way down to Tenby Harbour, where it was met by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed, before the formal presentation of the Freedom of the Town.
Tenby Sea Cadets supported by Cadets and Cadet Adult Volunteers from Milford Haven and Fishguard paraded through the town accompanied by the Royal British Legion District who travelled up from Llanelli to support our parade.
The salute was taken by Vice Lord Lieutenant Mr Meurig Raymond CBE VLL who went on to inspect the ships company together with the District Officer LtCdr (SCC) William Elliott RNR and the unit's President Col James Phillips accompanied by Tenby’s Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan.
Following the inspection Cllr Morgan presented the Freedom of The Town of Tenby to the current Commanding Officer of the unit CPO(SCC) Dave Richards.
Chief Richards expressed his gratitude for the honour on behalf of all Cadets past, present and future, he also expressed his gratitude for the support of the community and the Town Council over the years.
Following a short service led by the unit's Chaplain Rev Steven Brett, the parade returned into the town to Church House for refreshments.
Tenby’s Mayor, Cllr Morgan said of the milestone: “It will be a very proud and historic moment for Tenby Sea Cadets, who have been part of our town and our community for 75 years.
“Generations of young people have passed through the unit, learning new skills, making lifelong friendships and proudly representing Tenby.”
The Freedom of the Town is one of the highest honours a town can bestow; and with the unit approaching 75 years in Tenby, there couldn't have been a more fitting day to celebrate them.
Tenby’s Mayor continued: "For me personally, today meant an awful lot. I've been involved with Tenby Sea Cadets for several years now, and I've seen first-hand what this unit means to our young people and to our town. I've seen nervous youngsters walk through the doors and grow in confidence.
“I've seen cadets learn skills, take on responsibility, support each other and achieve things they probably never thought they could. But I've also seen the other side — the incredible amount of time and effort that goes in behind the scenes by the adult volunteers and families who keep the unit going. They don't do it for recognition. They do it because they believe in our young people. That's what makes today so special.
“Standing there today and seeing our Sea Cadets march through their own town, surrounded by the people of Tenby, was something I'll genuinely never forget.
“To every single cadet — thank you. You make me incredibly proud, not just as Mayor, but as someone who cares deeply about this unit and what it gives to Tenby. And to the volunteers who give up evenings, weekends, holidays and countless hours behind the scenes — this Freedom is yours too. You have given so much to Tenby over nearly 75 years. Today, Tenby gave something back."
Tenby Sea Cadets’ HQ is situated on the harbour; and is a uniformed youth organisation for 9 to 18 years.
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