Col Gerard Salzano MBE RM

Probably the most famous of Sefton Units ex-Cadets, Colonel Gerard (Ged) Salzano MBE RM, is soon to take up the post of Commandant of the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines, Lympstone and is to be promoted to Brigadier (with effect from 4th May 2010).

Sir, the Unit wishes to express it's warmest congratulations on this most deserved Promotion. Sefton are justifiably proud of all of their ex-members and are particularly grateful to Col Salzano for his continued support for his 'old Ship'

There are currently two vacancies for staff at SCTC Weymouth, one for an Instructor and another for an Assistant Caterer.

Details of these posts are currently on the MSSC website

The closing date for both posts is the 5th March. Could you please circulate these details as widely as possible within your area ASAP

Many thanks.

Dave Bradford
Lieutenant Commander (SCC) David J Bradford GCGI, RNR
Commanding Officer, Sea Cadet Training Centre WEYMOUTH
Sea Cadets Boats Officer
Member National Sea Cadet Advisory Council

Tel: 01305 775191 07789 270934 (Mobile)

The above fund is designed to improve efficiency in rifle shooting in the RFCA, Cadet Corps, Scouts, Boys Brigade and like organisations.

Bids can be made by letter to:

Donna Connolly
NW RFCA
Alexandra Court
28 Alexandra Drive
Liverpool
L17 8YE

Bids must be received by 15 March 2010

Three brothers Usama (12), Hamza (18) and Abbas Ibrahiam (17) paraded as part of a tri service cadet guard of honour outside the Potteries Museum and Art Gallery in Hanley on the 19th Feb to welcome The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a Royal visit to the City which was to mark the centenary of the city's federation.

The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall took time to chat with the cadets and Officers before viewing The Staffordshire Hoard treasure as part of a whistle-stop tour of the city.

The brothers said they joined different services so they would be treated as individuals rather than someone following in the others footsteps, and all felt very proud to represent their service on the day.

Following recent advertiements of ASO vacanicies I am please to announce the following appointments

ASO Band - PPO A Ainslie (Ellesmere Port)
ASO H&S Awareness - PO Thompson (Accrington)
ASO DofE - Lt K Rodgers (South Liverpool)

Many of you will know by now that the 188 ft Canadian-owned school ship CONCORDIA was lost in exceptional weather conditions 300 miles off the coast of Brazil last week. The ship, owned by Class Afloat, sank on Wednesday. All 64 on board (48 students, aged 15 – 19, plus 16 professional crew and teachers) abandoned ship into life-rafts in what appears to have been a text-book evacuation. However, it was more than 40 hours before a rescue was effected. All on board are now home or on their way home (Canada, the USA and Europe) safe and unharmed.

The CONCORDIA had been prepared for the forecasted bad weather but is reported to have suffered a ‘microburst’ (a very localised and explosive downward blast of air) which pressed her into the sea. She was on her side and the crew had 15 minutes to evacuate. More details can be found on the Class Afloat website: www.classafloat.com.

As most of you know, the Class Afloat company is owned by Terry Davies, a Trustee of Sail Training International. He said this morning: “This was a classic example of the importance and value of effective on-board safety procedures and training. While Canada is in the grips of the Winter Olympics, some of the Canadian media are saying gold medals should be going to the crew of the CONCORDIA for the exemplary manner in which this crisis was handled.”

Stretford Unit were hosted by the Ships Coy of HMS Sutherland on the weekend of 19 Feb 10, the cadets had a great time onboard the Type 23 frigate which was berthed in Liverpool.

Please see the attached photo of POC Danille Ervine of Blackburn Unit meeting the Queen as she represents the Cadets as the Cadet 150 Ambassador.

Latest photos of the newest Training Ship...

• Photo Boards

Early last year we were lucky to receive a £10,000 grant to replace the rib that was stolen in April 2008 (despite it being recovered after a chase along the motorway in October 2008) and to be paid out by the insurance enabling us to replace the canoes that were also stolen. Then in October of 2009 the West Lancashire Masons Charity Foundation, along with Wright Contractors, gave us the good news that they had sourced a modular building to help replace some of the classrooms.

Wright Contractors picked up the building, donated by Bury Council, delivered it to our site and assembled it for us. Fred Wright, along with his son's, has been really good to our unit over the years and was instrumental in bringing our plight to the Masons and we cannot thank everyone involved enough.

The only work that need sorting was to convert the existing gas central heating system from natural gas to LPG and this is now able to go ahead due to a very kind donation of £500 from the Fleet Air Arm Officers Association which we will use to have the work done.