Henley Sea Cadets

THE new officer in charge of Henley Sea Cadets says she has fulfilled her dream.

Chief Petty Officer Kelly Searles, 37, replaces her husband, Lt Cdr Andy Searles, who has left the role due to work commitments.

CPO Searles was a member of the organisation as a teenager, joining the Windsor group at the age of 14.

Previously she had worked as an instructor at the Maidenhead branch before joining Henley in 2005, when her husband was the commanding officer. She also spent three years helping out at the Marlow branch.

CPO Searles lives in Woodley with her husband and their daughters Katie, 15, and Charlotte, 12.



She said: “I’ve been working towards this role since I was 14 so I’m looking forward to it. I always thought I would like to run my own unit and I’m thrilled to be doing it because I love Henley.



“Henley would always be my first choice because of its location and because of its great history as well. The river’s right there on your doorstep – not many units have that.

“ I want happy cadets, happy staff and hopefully to have lots of fun!” The group’s open girls’ rowing crew took part in the National Combined Regatta at the ExCel in London in September where they were crowned national champions.

Under her leadership, CPO Searles hopes to retain the title and get the unit’s boys to national level.

She is also currently planning the group’s role in this year’s Royal Naval Parade.