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Tuesday 6:30pm - 8:30pm Friday 6:30pm - 8:30pm

Portsmouth Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps

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Portsmouth Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps

This is the OFFICIAL Portsmouth Division RMVCC page. If you are aged 9-16 you can join us in our next Recruit Intake in September 2024.

This is the OFFICIAL page of the Portsmouth Division Royal Marines VCC.

12/06/2026

Cadet Fest 2026 is this Saturday at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard! ⚓

The weather forecast is looking fantastic, and we’re expecting a busy day as we celebrate the 125th Anniversary of the Volunteer Cadet Corps alongside our friends from the Sea Cadets and Army Cadet Force.

📍Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
🎟️ FREE Community Event

🚌 If you’re planning to drive, we encourage you to use the Park & Ride which stops at the Hard Interchange as parking at the Historic Dockyard is limited and expected to fill quickly. Portsmouth has great public transport links from buses and trains, which stop just outside the Historic Dockyard.

🍔 A variety of food and drink outlets will be available throughout the day, including cafés and catering facilities across the site.

🎤 Enjoy a full programme of displays throughout the day including:

🎺 Band of the RMVCC Performances
⚓ Unarmed & Continuity Drill Displays
🪖 Royal Marines Cadet Drill
🚑 First Aid & CASEVAC Demonstrations
💥 Field Gun Demonstrations
🎯 Tactical Demonstrations
🇬🇧 Colour Party Display

The day culminates with the VCC 125 Parade at 2:15pm.

☀️ The forecast is looking lovely, so don’t forget sunscreen or hats and plenty of water!

We look forward to welcoming you for what promises to be a fantastic day of cadet displays, music and celebration.

30/04/2026

Meet WO2 (VCC) Jim Coomber, aged 81, proudly serving as a Cadet Force Adult Volunteer with Portsmouth Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps and proving age is no barrier to service.

Since joining the VCC in September 1985, Jim has served in a host of roles including Recruit Company Commander, Band IC, Drill Lead, Division Sergeant Major, Recruitment Officer and representing the VCC at numerous civic ceremonies. His commitment has helped shape generations of cadets and volunteers.

Most recently, Jim took part in the historic Ceremony of the Dues at the Tower of London, where the age range on parade spanned from 9 to 81 - with Jim proudly the oldest on parade. A fitting example of lifelong service and dedication. Jim was also delighted to speak with the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Tower of London about his incredible time in the VCC and decades of service to young people.

Maj (VCC) Louis Colpitts, Deputy Commander VCC, said: “I joined the VCC as a cadet 24 years ago and Jim was my Recruit Company Commander - my very first experience of life in the VCC. Through many changes, as we continue to professionalise and modernise the organisation, Jim’s standards, commitment and passion have remained constant. I want to thank Jim for the often thankless hours he has given to the VCC and the hundreds of cadets he has dedicated himself to guiding and encouraging. He has always led with humility, warmth and immense pride for the entire RM Cadet community.”

Thank you Jim, and thank you to all our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers who show that, regardless of age, experience or background, you can make a difference.

For our cadets, we Meet the Challenge.
For our adult volunteers, we Make a Difference.

Do you have memories of Jim during his time with the VCC? We’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.

28/04/2026

Today, Colonel Paul Cautley CMG OBE DL was laid to rest.

In a fitting tribute to a remarkable man and steadfast champion of cadets. Portsmouth Division RMVCC, alongside cadets from Chatham RMSCC, joined together to provide a Guard of Honour in his memory.

Also in attendance were Brig Ged Salzano, Commander Royal Naval Cadet Forces, alongside the Commander VCC, Deputy Commander VCC and Adjutant RMVCC, paying their respects to a leader whose legacy will continue to inspire generations.

Colonel Cautley’s dedication to young people, his advocacy for the Volunteer Cadet Corps, and the enduring legacy he leaves through initiatives such as the Cautley Cup will not be forgotten.

Fair winds and following seas, Colonel. We will remember, honour your legacy, and forever Be Worthy.

21/04/2026

To mark the VCC's 125th Anniversary, Cadets from across the organisation have today had the honour of becoming the first Cadet organisation to take park in the 'Ceremony of the Constable’s Dues'. A steeped in tradition, dating back to the 14th century.

A once on a lifetime opportunity for all those involded!

Address

Royal Navy Cadet Forces Training Centre, 175 Building, HMS EXCELLENT, Whale Island
Portsmouth
PO28ER

Opening Hours

Tuesday	6:30pm - 8:30pm
Friday	6:30pm - 8:30pm

Telephone

+447514879400

Website

http://volunteercadetcorps.org/royalmarinescadets/divisions/portsmouth/

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