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2025-03-31-annual-report

Carrickfergus Sea Cadets (TS Warrior)

Chairman’s Report for the Year Ending 31 March 2025

The past year has seen continued growth within the Unit, with an increase in both Staff and Volunteer numbers. This has enabled us to expand the opportunities available to our Cadets, although it has also brought a corresponding rise in individual workloads. I wish to record my sincere thanks to all Staff and Volunteers for your commitment, professionalism, and dedication. Your contribution is central to the delivery of our charitable purpose and to the positive impact we make on the lives of young people.

While it is not customary to single out individuals, I would like to acknowledge the Marine Cadet Staff for maintaining the stability and continuity of the Detachment during the prolonged and enforced absence of the OIC, Lt Mark Humphries. I also extend my personal thanks to all staff for their steadfast support during what has been a challenging period for the Unit following the boating incident in June. As I have not been provided with sight of the Report, I am unable to comment further. I am also pleased to welcome Mr Joe Clifford back into the Unit.

Concerns regarding the availability of Adult Training opportunities remain unresolved. These issues continue to affect volunteer development and retention, and we will persist in raising them through the appropriate channels to ensure our volunteers receive the support and training they require.

The Unit Management Team has continued to work diligently behind the scenes, with a particular focus on securing Grant Aid and external funding to support essential projects and maintain the long-term sustainability of the Unit. Our Hon Secretary and Treasurer, Mr Winston Cheshire, continues to manage the Unit’s finances with great care, ensuring that we remain financially stable and compliant with our obligations. His oversight of the building, maintenance requirements, and day-to-day operational matters is invaluable. We are actively seeking to strengthen the UMT through the recruitment of additional volunteers, and I am hopeful that this evening will see progress in that regard.

Our Cadets continue to excel, demonstrating commitment, discipline, and enthusiasm across all areas of their training. Their achievements—individual and collective—reflect the values of the Sea Cadet Corps and bring great pride to their families, our Staff, and the wider community. The Commanding Officer will shortly provide a detailed overview of their accomplishments. Whenever our Cadets appear on Parade, they attract positive feedback from organisers and members of the public alike. The opportunities available within the Sea Cadet Corps are exceptional, and I encourage every Cadet to embrace them fully.

The Management Committee remains committed to supporting the Cadets and Staff in delivering high-quality youth development activities in line with our charitable objectives. We look forward to the year ahead and hope it will be a more settled and productive period for the Unit.

Carrickfergus Sea Cadets (TS Warrior)

Chairman’s Report for the Year Ending 31 March 2025

1. Introduction

This year has been one of both progress and challenge for the Unit. We have continued to deliver meaningful youth development opportunities in line with our charitable purpose, supported by a dedicated team of Staff, Volunteers, and members of the Unit Management Team (UMT). I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed their time, skills, and commitment throughout the year.

2. Public Benefit Statement

Carrickfergus Sea Cadets exists to provide young people with opportunities for personal development, leadership, teamwork, and maritime-themed training. The Trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in Section 4 of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008 to have due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. All activities undertaken during the year were directed toward advancing the education and development of young people for the public benefit.

3. Achievements and Performance

3.1 Cadet Development and Activities

Our Cadets continue to demonstrate commitment, enthusiasm, and pride in all aspects of their training. Their achievements—individual and collective—reflect the values of the Sea Cadet Corps and bring credit to their families, the Unit, and the wider community. The Commanding Officer will provide a detailed summary of their accomplishments, qualifications, and participation in events.

Whenever our Cadets appear on Parade, they attract positive comments from organisers and members of the public. The opportunities available within the Sea Cadet Corps remain exceptional, and we continue to encourage every Cadet to make full use of them.

3.2 Staff and Volunteer Contributions

Staff and Volunteer numbers have increased during the year, enabling us to broaden the range of activities offered. This growth has also brought increased workloads, and I record my sincere appreciation for the professionalism and dedication shown by all involved.

While it is not customary to single out individuals, I wish to acknowledge the Marine Cadet Staff for maintaining continuity within the Detachment during the prolonged and enforced absence of the OIC, Lt Mark Humphries. I also thank all staff for their steadfast support during what has been a challenging period following the boating incident in June. As I have not been provided with sight of the Report, I am unable to comment further.

We were pleased to welcome Mr Joe Clifford back into the Unit during the year.

Concerns regarding the availability of Adult Training opportunities remain unresolved. These issues continue to affect volunteer development and retention, and we will continue to raise them through the appropriate channels.

4. Governance and Management

4.1 Unit Management Team (UMT)

The UMT has continued to work diligently behind the scenes to ensure the effective governance and smooth running of the Unit. Key areas of focus this year included:

We continue to seek additional volunteers to strengthen the UMT and ensure long-term sustainability.

4.2 Financial Oversight

Our Hon Secretary and Treasurer, Mr Winston Cheshire, has continued to manage the Unit’s finances with great care. His oversight ensures that the Unit remains financially stable, compliant with regulatory requirements, and able to meet its operational commitments. His management of the building, maintenance tasks, and day-to-day operational matters has been invaluable.

5. Risk Management

The Trustees have considered the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate those risks. Key areas of focus during the year included:

The boating incident in June highlighted the importance of robust risk management processes. As the Trustees have not been provided with sight of the Report, no further comment can be made at this time.

6. Fundraising and Grant Aid

The UMT has continued to prioritise the pursuit of Grant Aid and external funding to support essential projects and maintain the long-term viability of the Unit. We remain grateful to all donors, supporters, and partner organisations who have contributed to our work this year.

7. Plans for the Coming Year

Looking ahead, the Trustees aim to:

We hope that the coming year will be a more settled and productive period for the Unit.

8. Conclusion

The Trustees remain committed to supporting the Cadets and Staff in delivering high-quality youth development activities in line with our charitable objectives. I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who has contributed to the Unit’s work during the year. Your dedication ensures that Carrickfergus Sea Cadets continues to provide life-changing opportunities for young people in our community.