The chairman of Kent County Council has praised the work of the Sea Cadets after meeting young people involved.

Cllr Ann Allen spent some time at Dartford and Crayford Sea Cadets who meet at Brooklands Lake in Dartford.

The cadets undertake life skills training such as first aid and catering, alongside marine engineering, communications and seamanship. They also enjoy activities such as sailing, rowing, windsurfing, camping, archery and shooting.

Cadets are able to attend residential courses, visit Royal Navy ships and take offshore voyages on board the Sea Cadets fleet of sailing and power vessels.

During her visit, the chairman met with Petty Officer Kai Sargeson and had the opportunity to see the cadets on parade. She spoke with a number of members about what they have been doing and what the Sea Cadets means to them.

Cadet First Class Millie said: “I joined Sea Cadets as a quiet shy 12-year-old, not knowing anyone at the unit. Sea Cadets has allowed me to grow in confidence over the last three years, becoming a First-Class Cadet in the last six months.

“Sea Cadets has allowed me to meet a variety of friends from other schools and walks of life. It makes me feel I am part of something special.

“Some of the courses I have undertaken have been at my own unit, but some have been further afield allowing me to visit other areas such as HMS Cavalier at Chatham Historic Dockyard. I have especially enjoyed the first aid course and feel this might be an area I want to work in when I am older."

Leading Cadet James, who joined the unit six years ago aged 10, said: "The sea cadets have a fleet of ships, which pre-Covid, undertook voyages around the UK and to the North coast of Europe. I was lucky enough to twice go onboard The John Jerwood for a week. I had a great time there and enjoyed the opportunities to get involved with the activities onboard, even getting to helm the ship into port.

“I have been to many other interesting places - Scotland to complete a meteorological course and at Plymouth I spent a week at the Royal Navy training centre at HMS Raleigh.”

After her tour, Cllr Allen, who represents Wilmington, said: “I was delighted to visit the Sea Cadets, learn more about what they do, and the opportunities it affords the young people in the area. The range of activities they undertake and the opportunities they have, especially in supporting their local communities, allow the young people attending this cadet group to learn and develop valuable life skills that are transferrable in later life.”

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