2 minute read
All at sea with Poole Cadets
By Marilyn Barber | newseditor@mags4dorset.co.uk
The sea has always featured in the life of Bruce Grant-Braham, so it was a natural fit that he should become a trustee of Poole Sea Cadets.
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He was sheriff of Poole in 1992, mayor in 1993 and deputy mayor in 1994, before spending 14 years as chairman of Poole Tourism Partnership. Today he works a four-day week as a lecturer at Bournemouth University.
“As a boy I would paddle about in the harbour in a small dinghy,” he said. “My father encouraged me to enjoy boating and I sailed with my school as well as being a member of Parkstone Sea Cadets. People don’t really know the area until they’ve been out in the harbour.
“Being a cadet is a very safe environment, although you are exposed to the elements,” he said.
Poole Sea Cadets is open to both boys and girls from ages 10-18.
“They are supported by the Royal Navy and abide by their rules,” said Bruce, adding that it is a good steppingstone to joining the navy, as by the age of 18, cadets have done most of the basic training required.
Poole Sea Cadets mark 76th anniversary of the end of WW2 © Bruce Grant-Braham
Becoming a Poole Sea Cadet is clearly an attractive proposition for young people as there is a waiting list of 60.
“We have been in the same building at Sterte since 1939 and we would like to expand,” Bruce said. “We’re bursting at the seams and we hope to start fundraising soon.”
Through activities and adventures, cadets learn teamwork, respect, loyalty, self-confidence, commitment, self-discipline and honesty. They are also trained in first aid.
“We have some youngsters who have lost their way who go on to make lifelong friends,” said Bruce.
“Many youngsters finish school at around 3pm and are at a loss for something to do in the evening. They are able to forge great friendships.”
He added that Poole Sea Cadets is also open to young people with disabilities.
He said the navy contributes some funding towards the cadets’ uniforms.
Bruce Grant-Braham
Poole Sea Cadets have two parades a week – one on Mondays and the other on Thursdays. One unit goes afloat, whilst the other has training in the HQ. There is also a band, which practises on a Friday evening.
The cadets have been involved with a number of events in Poole over recent months.
On 26 September they attended the annual service to commemorate the Battle of Britain at St James’ Parish Church and before that played a prominent part in a wreath-laying ceremony is Poole Park to mark the 76th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
Poole Sea Cadets is always looking for volunteers, whether as a trained instructor or just lending a helping hand. You don’t need to have a background in the navy or in water sports.
