Petty Officer (SCC) Phil Whiteman, commanding officer Rye and District Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets, shares some good news with Rye News readers.
“On December 3, Rye Sea Cadets participated in the Sussex district 5-a-side football competition held in Hastings. This involved units from Rye, Hastings, Eastbourne, Newhaven, Brighton and Hove.
We entered a team of senior boys (over 15s) who played really well and showed some wonderful sportsmanship throughout the competition. They beat teams from Hastings and Eastbourne and secured enough points to win the competition.
“This was also an opportunity for the district to present their annual awards to both individual cadets and units as a whole.
“For Rye, Cadet 1st class Alfie was awarded with the excellence in boat work award. Alfie has worked really hard this year, attending various courses across the area, and has worked his way up to an RYA assistant sailing instructor. This is the highest award he can achieve at his age. We are all incredibly proud of Alfie and can’t wait for the new boating season so he can show off his skills locally to help inspire other cadets to follow in his footsteps.
“We were also given a great surprise as a unit. We were awarded the most improved unit in the district trophy. This recognises improvement at all levels of the unit, from our amazing management team, to the adult volunteer instructors and most importantly the cadets who have really pushed themselves this year and made huge strides in all aspects.
“Lastly, one of our management team was recognised by the organisation for his dedication and commitment over a very long period of time.
“Mr Paul Whiteman was awarded a certificate and badge for eighteen years service to the unit on its management team following his retirement as a uniformed instructor and former commanding officer of the unit.
“All awards were thoroughly deserved, and I am extremely proud of the whole team at TS Rye for their efforts over the last year.”
I visit the unit often over the year and am always made welcome. The team at TS Rye shows dedication to its cadets in all aspects of their training. Many congratulations to Phil Whiteman for his strong leadership skills and for his caring of his cadets. They thrive because they are given wonderful role-models to emulate, starting from the top down.
Image Credits: Rye Sea Cadets , Rye Sea Cadets .
By Colonel Anthony Kimber, President Rye Royal British Legion
Congratulations from Rye RBL to Rye Sea Cadets on their successes. We are particularly delighted that Paul Whiteman, who is also our Standard Bearer, has been recognised for his significant service to the Unit.