Realising Big Dreams At Sheppey Unit Sea Cadets
Brewers were thrilled to play our part in helping to improve the facilities at Sheppey Unit Sea Cadets in Kent, by donating Albany Paint and sundries to freshen up a classroom block.
Realising Big Dreams At Sheppey Unit Sea Cadets
Part of the Marine Society and Sea Cadets Corps, the team provide training and activities based on the principles of the Royal Navy for young people aged 9 to 18.
They want to help them towards responsible adulthood whilst having fun in the process! We spoke to John from Sheppey Unit Sea Cadets to tell us the full story:
“There's a gang of 3 of us, the Unit Management Trustees are all ex-mariners (and often referred to as Last of the summer wine crowd!) Dave Brown RNR (Tug fleet Manager), Andy Willmore (Deputy Harbour master) and myself, Capt John Gurton (ex-River Medway Pilot).”
Realising Big Dreams At Sheppey Unit Sea Cadets
“Sheppey Sea Cadet Unit is sited at Bartons Point, which is an ex-Royal Navy rifle range…we are based in the former barracks.
Old, cold and damp is a phrase often used! Subsequent additions were made in the 80s, so we have a decent galley and messroom.
We have on average 70 Sea and marine cadets, over 40 volunteer staff, and about 45 boats of various description.”
“About 10 years ago, we embarked on a dream to knock it all down and build anew.
We almost got there, but Covid stepped in and prices rocketed.
Instead, we were offered an improvement grant from the Youth Investment Trust and support from the Minster Parish Council so we grabbed it whilst we could!”
Realising Big Dreams At Sheppey Unit Sea Cadets
Several local businesses came together to support the refurbishment, donating materials such as ceiling boards, fireproof doors and door linings…and paint from Brewers of course!
A dark grey was chosen for the walls as one of the classrooms houses the first ever ship simulator in the country available for sea cadets.
One day, the team would like to design and create brand-new facilities from the ground up, but for now, they will continue to support the local community and play their part in making the world a brighter place.
Realising Big Dreams At Sheppey Unit Sea Cadets
Find out how Brewers can support your local community via their website. https://www.brewers.co.uk