Barrow-In-Furness Sea Cadets ended 2016 on a high after receiving the coveted Canada Trophy, which recognises the best Sea Cadet unit in the UK.
The Barrow unit, which has 75 cadets, has gone from strength-to-strength and was selected for the award out of more than 400 others across the country on the 20th December 2016. The trophy is awarded annually to the unit considered to have attained the very highest standard of all-round efficiency in the previous year.
This summer, Rear Admiral John Clink OBE visited Barrow to present the trophy, with the whole unit in attendance to witness the historic moment.
Barrow-In-Furness Sea Cadets, which is funded solely by donations and is a charity, also won the Stephenson Trophy for best unit in the North West Area for the second consecutive year, and has tasted success in rowing championships, football competitions and achieving the highest score in the North West Area at the Royal Marines Cadets’ Annual Inspection.
Lt (SCC) Jason Zaccarini RNR, Commanding Officer of Barrow Sea Cadets, said: “”Receiving the Canada Trophy is a fantastic honour for everyone associated with the Barrow-in-Furness Unit, with this achievement being the culmination of many years of hard work. It is recognition of the dedication and professionalism of our unit staff and management team, the support we receive from parents and volunteers and, above all, the sheer effort, commitment and excellence of our wonderful cadets.
“I am incredibly proud of what the cadets have achieved, not only through qualifications and advancement, but also their success in competitions and supporting the wider local community. Having won this prestigious award, the Barrow-in-Furness unit won’t rest on its laurels; it will strive to continue to give the cadets wide ranging opportunities and the best sea cadet experience possible”.
The Canada Trophy recognises the best Sea Cadet unit in the country and is the pinnacle of accolades. This would not have been made possible without the dedication and commitment of cadets, adult volunteers and the leadership of the ex-Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Ted Creighton RNR and the current Commanding Officer, Lieutenant (SCC) Jason Zaccarini.
The Sea Cadets have offered the young people of Barrow once in a lifetime opportunities for over 84 years. The Unit has its permanent Headquarters, based on Barrow Island, and its own State of the Art boating facilities, which are undergoing a an upgrade to help deliver a greater experience for young people. There is 3 sections within the Barrow Unit; The Junior Sea Cadets, 10-12 Year Olds; Sea Cadets’ 12-18 Year Olds; and Royal Marines Cadets, 13-18 Year Olds. The unit offers young people a variety of training experiences including the opportunity to sail on a Tall Ship around the coast of the UK, gain BTEC Qualifications, learn to row, and gain key life skills and much much more!
The Captain Sea Cadets, Captain Phil Russell RN, said: “Congratulations to Barrow-In-Furness Sea Cadets for winning this year’s Canada Trophy. We have some fantastic units up and down the country, and it is great to recognise the work they are doing.
“Winning the Canada Trophy is a wonderful achievement reflecting the fact that the unit has achieved the very highest standard, and Barrow-in-Furness cadets and volunteers should be very proud.”
For more information about the Sea Cadets and how you can get involved, as a cadet or as an Adult Volunteer, visit www.sea-cadets.org
