Cadets mark 70 years

MORE than 140 sea cadets marched proudly through Gorleston on Sunday to mark the 70th anniversary of the TS Norfolk unit.

Cadets past and present attended the lunchtime event, which started with an inspection by Rear Admiral Niall Kilgour at St Mary's RC Primary School.

The marching band of Winterton Marine Cadets led hundreds of youngsters from units based at Great Yarmouth, Gorleston, Beccles, Norwich and Lowestoft along High Street.

Hundreds of spectators had gathered at the school to watch the inspection, with more people lining the parade route.

Cadets, staff and local dignitaries, including borough mayor and mayoress Paul and Lisa Garrod

and two lieutenants from the

Royal Navy, attended a thanks-giving service at St Andrew's Church.

A reception was held at the church afterwards.

The unit's chief petty officer, Philip Corbyn, said the day had

been terrific. He added: “We had

a really good turnout, and the

cadets thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

“The rear admiral was very impressed with the cadets”

Mr Corbyn said he wanted to thank the many mums who had helped with the event and Tony Lyon for providing the catering.

The sea cadets unit in Yarmouth dates back to the 1850s, to the early days of the Naval Lads Brigade.

TS Norfolk began life in 1938 as a sea cadet corps unit first known as TS Wishbone.

Its name was changed to TS Yarmouth when the unit became affiliated to HMS Yarmouth.

When the ship was decomm-issioned in 1985, HMS Norfolk became the unit's affiliated vessel and the group's name was changed accordingly.

The unit spent many years based

at Koolunga House in Gorleston before moving to its current premises in Riverside Road in 1964. It caters for junior cadets aged from 10 to 12 and senior cadets between the ages of 12 and 18.

Anyone interested in joining the cadets or finding out about their activities can contact the office on 01493 661465.