The ten finalists of this year’s Duke of Westminster Awards have now set off for South Africa, after a selection process that began with around 215 nominations. The final five prize-winners enjoyed a presentation ceremony and luncheon at the Cavalry and Guards Club in Piccadilly, London, before setting off from the Cadet Training Centre, Frimley Park, on a three week trip to South Africa.

 A presentation of BTEC certificates recently took place at Thurrock Unit Sea Cadet Corps, with three cadets being presented with their BTEC First Diplomas in Engineering (Maintenance). The qualifications, earned through CVQO and the SCC, are worth the equivalent of 4 GCSEs grade A*- C each.

Seven cadets from Walton on the Naze Unit SCC attended the Beating of the Retreat in London recently. The cadets were on carpet guard, and BTEC cadet POC Jay Watcham was responsible for the opening of Her Majesty the Queen’s car door.