Sea Cadets Newbury

15/06/2026

⚓️A new Chapter for Newbury Sea Cadets⚓️

We are delighted to announce that, as of the 1st June 2026, Sub-lieutenant (SCC) Jordan Povey RNR has officially taken the helm as Officer-in-Charge of Newbury Sea Cadet Unit.

For many at Newbury Sea Cadets, Jordan is a familiar face. His journey with the unit began as a 10-year-old Junior Cadet, and over the years he has demonstrated all the core values of the Sea Cadets.

Having progressed through the cadet experience himself, Jordan has spent the last eight years as an adult volunteer, giving up countless evenings, weekends and cups of tea!☕️

Jordan’s energy, and enthusiasm has helped shape the experiences of hundreds of young people. Whether this is through supporting parade evenings, attending events, getting involved in courses or encouraging cadets to achieve their full potential, his dedication to the unit has never wavered.

Jordan always shows his enthusiasm, particularly when his response to anyone who asks him to do something is ‘Yeah I’ll do that’. This truly shows his commitment and courage by facing everything with a positive attitude. 😀

His appointment as Officer-in-Charge is not only a recognition of his years of hard work and dedication, but also a proud reminder of what the Sea Cadet experience can achieve. From joining as a young cadet to now leading the very unit where his journey began, Jordan's story is one of commitment and growth.

We are excited for the future of Newbury Sea Cadets under his leadership and look forward to supporting him in this new role.

Please join us in congratulating Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) Jordan Povey RNR on his appointment as Officer-in-Charge of Newbury Sea Cadets and wishing him every success as he leads the unit into its next chapter.

🎉BZ & Congratulations, Jordan!🎉

Berkshire District Sea Cadets

Newbury Town Council
newburytoday

05/06/2026

Thank you for the many comments and reactions following my post on Saturday, Andy's family has decided that instead of sending flowers, if you wish, you donate to causes close to Andy's heart: Sue Ryder Thames Valley or the Newbury & District Sea Cadets via the following link:
https://www.abwalker.co.uk/funeral/andysearles

Please note, we are honouring the family's wishes for a private funeral so no details will be posted.

S/Lt (SCC) Battrum RNR

Andy Searles Funeral Details | AB Walker

30/05/2026

It is with immeasurable sadness that I announce that my dear friend and mentor, and our former Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander (SCC) Andy Searles RNR crossed the bar early this morning after a long battle with cancer.

Andy had a long and storied journey with the Sea Cadet Corps, joining as a young cadet in 1979 and rising to the rate of Petty Officer Cadet. In 1985, he came onto the staff and rose through the ratings before gaining his commission in 1994.

Andy has held the position of Unit Commanding Officer three times: the first two at Henley-on-Thames, and then his most recent and final command at Newbury & District Sea Cadets, starting shortly before COVID-19 until he handed over to me in 2023. Andy also held several district-level positions across both Ox & Bucks and Berkshire districts, the most significant being District Officer for Ox & Bucks between 2012 and 2015.

Andy was an avid mariner. He loved his time on the water from his days as a young cadet to experienced boat owner. He so enjoyed teaching and coaching, and he was always keen to share his passion with everyone.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Andy spent many hours in the unit alone or with his wife Kelly, painting, decorating, and restoring the unit. It was Andy’s dedication that helped transform the unit from the rusty, mustard-coloured, unappealing place it was, with only a few cadets on roll, to the outstanding unit for over 35 cadets it is today: regularly used by the district, other cadet forces, and the community. This will likely be Andy’s most enduring legacy: a unit, district, and area asset fit for the Sea Cadet family he so clearly loved, and where his daughters, Katie and Charley, both serve as instructors.

Funeral details will be announced on this page in due course. For now, please respect the family’s privacy and wishes to grieve. We know that Andy meant a lot to a lot of people, so we ask that any messages, beyond those posted here on Facebook, be directed to either me or SLt (SCC) Povey RNR via [email protected]

From all of us at Newbury & District Sea Cadets, we wish you fair winds and following seas, Sir.

S/Lt (SCC) Anthony Battrum RNR
Commanding Officer

29/05/2026

Juniors first Paddle of the year this morning. 3 hours of proper familiarisation, theory, and practical. That's 7 cadets gaining their Paddle Start award!
Many thanks to Newbury Canoe Club for their coach who was awesome! With Seniors learning Slalom!

28/05/2026

Another great night on the water for the unit. Lots of fun, some regatta training and a dunkin' for the CO on his last parade night before handing over command next week. Our thanks, as always, to our friends at Newbury Canoe Club . Plenty more boating to come this summer.

Sea Cadets Newbury Berkshire District Sea Cadets Newbury Town Council South East RFCA

24/05/2026

📣BOOKINGS NOW OPEN 📣

Contact the Junior Training Officer to get yourself booked on! ✅
Spaces are limited! 💨

Sun, water, adventure… and a weekend they won’t stop talking about 🌊☀️
Join us for an unforgettable Junior Summer Camp packed with boating, sports, STEM, cooking, and more!

📅 24–26 July 2026
📍 Henley Unit
🎟️ Spaces are limited – don’t miss out! Contact your unit for more information.

21/05/2026

What an incredible night! Tonight Sea Cadets Newbury underwent our first Royal Navy Parade (RNP) for over a decade and I couldn't be prouder of how it went. A huge thank you to our Inspecting Officer, Cdr (SCC) Ray Mitchell RNR.

The RNP was a true whole-of-unit event from pristine uniforms, presentations, demonstrations and tours from our cadets and staff, to our Unit Management Team hosting our parents so they can see our great unit in action and their cadets thriving.

The night concluded with several awards and good conduct badges for our cadets.

Well done to everyone involved tonight and especially our CFAVs who volunteer so much of their time, passion and energy to support our cadets.

BZ

Sea Cadets Newbury Berkshire District Sea Cadets Southern Area Sea Cadets newburytoday Newbury Town Council South East RFCA

17/05/2026

What a fantastic weekend on the water! 🌊🚣‍♂️

Saturday we were out kayaking for the first time this year, getting used to being back in the kayaks and starting preparations for the upcoming district regatta, as well as gaining some qualifications while we were at it.

Sunday we were back out rowing and doing some powerboat handling, continuing to build confidence and sharpen our skills ahead of the competition.

A huge thank you to the CFAVs who made the whole weekend possible with all their support and dedication, and also to Reading Sea Cadet Corps for allowing us to use one of your Trinitys — it’s hugely appreciated!

Berkshire District Sea Cadets

10/05/2026

A huge thank you to the amazing team at Henley Sea Cadets & Royal Marines Cadets for hosting such a fantastic junior sleepover this weekend! 🎉👏