Henley Sea Cadets

THE cadets’ annual prize-giving ceremony was attended by Henley Deputy Mayor Lorraine Hillier.

She presented the awards with Abigail Bollon, the officer in charge, in front of the cadets’ families and friends and the unit staff at their base, TS Guardian, off Wargrave Road, Henley.

The awards were to recognise the cadets for their hard work and achievement over the past year.    

The ceremony included the presentation of the colours and an inspection of ship’s company by Councillor Hillier.  

PO Bollon said: “Henley is a good unit in a fantastic location that has amazing staff and cadets. I would like to thank everyone for all their efforts and hope that this year will be as good as last year — and long may it continue.”

Cllr Hillier said how impressed she was by the cadets, adding that many of them grown and developed since her last visit in 2015 when she was Henley Mayor. She said she believed that being a cadet taught young people practical lifeskills as well as building self-esteem, respect and politeness.

Maria Bunina, president of Henley Rotary Club, presented Able Cadet Josie Day with her BTEC level 1 certificate in teamwork, personal skills and citizenship.

She said how happy she was to continue the club’s long association with Henley Sea Cadets and presented PO Bollon with a cheque for £1,000.

Unit chairman Phil Fletcher thanked Cllr Hillier and parents and friends for attending.

He then asked for everyone to include Charlotte Bainbridge and her family in their thoughts and prayers.

Miss Bainbridge is a former Henley Sea Cadet who is currently in the intensive care unit of the British Hospital in Montevideo after being seriously injured in an accident in the East Falklands. 

The award winners were as follows:

Best attendance and turnout: Isabel Edgell

Coxswain of the year: Brooke Sumner

Most improved cadet: Charles Washbourn

Most outstanding cadet: Sian Page

Executive officer’s award: Sam Morgan

Junior cadet of the year: Ella Wood

Royal Marine cadet of the year: Natasha Lelliott

Cadet of the year: Charlotte Searles.