Official Opening of Wellacre’s Royal Navy Combined Cadet Force Unit

Posted at 8:26 am on 7th June, 2023

Cadets Celebrate with Flag Raising Ceremony

On 24th May, Wellacre hosted the official opening of the first ever Wellacre Royal Navy Combined Cadet Force (CCF) Unit. Wellacre is delighted to have been a part of the schools CCF expansion programme since September 2019. 

The unit is made up of an ambitious and enthusiastic group of 47 students - the largest contingent since the unit’s inception in 2019 - who have not only been taught the Royal Navy core values of; commitment, courage, discipline, respect, integrity and loyalty, but also uphold them in their daily lives.

  

Parents, carers, families, staff, and governors joined the ceremony, which was officiated by Inspecting Officer Lt. Green alongside SSI Ward and Contingent Commander Baker.

During the ceremony Petty Officer Jack, Year 10, ably led the parade, with Cadet Oliver, Year 9, playing the ceremonial pipe whilst Leading Hand, Bradley, Year 9, raised the flag.

  

The section’s Non-Uniform volunteers, Miss Harvey and Mr Clare, then co-ordinated a series of command drill demonstrations for parents and families to watch and enjoy.

   

Inspecting Officer Lt. Green, said:

“I'm really impressed to see what the team at Wellacre has done; the staff and, particularly, the CCF cadets.  To all the parents, you should be really proud of your children and everything they’re doing here.”

  

Special mention to Cadet Ethan, Year 9, who was awarded a Commander's Coin from Inspecting Officer Lt Green in recognition of his progress as part of the section and his demonstration of the Royal Navy core values, which also run alongside our school core values too.

Principal Mrs Sharrock, added:

“We are immensely proud of our CCF Royal Navy section and the formal recognition of the opening in this flag raising ceremony is a really fitting tribute to the hard work of Contingent Commander Baker and SSI Ward who have been supported by Miss Harvey and Mr Clare this year, and Chief Petty Officer Urie from the start. 

“The section continues to thrive and I know it provides a sense of pride, belonging and achievement to all these young men and makes a significant contribution to our wider development curriculum.

“Thank you to all the cadets and all they do to enrich the school and wider community through your endeavours. We are all really proud of you.”