The Plumbers Support Our Cadet Affiliate Richmond Sea Cadets – 1 July 2025
The Master, Charles Brooks, was honoured to attend the biennial Royal Navy Parade at TS Goodwin, home of the Richmond Sea Cadets, one of the Worshipful Company’s valued cadet affiliates. The Company’s strong relationship with its three cadet units was also on display at the recent Summer Festival, where the Cadet of the Year was awarded.
On Tuesday 1 July 2025, the Master, Charles Brooks, attended the Royal Navy Parade at TS Goodwin, the base of our Cadet Affiliate, the Richmond Sea Cadets. The Parade was held in the presence of Commander James Nisbet VR RNR, Area Officer (London), who served as Reviewing Officer.
Also in attendance were Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) Maxine Lincoln RNR, Warrant Officer Class II (SCC) Daniel Byrne RNR, and The Revd Lee Clark, Priest in Charge of St Philip the Apostle, Tottenham and All Hallows, Tottenham.
This special occasion, held only once every two years, is part of a wider national tradition. The Sea Cadet Corps is divided into six regions, each overseen by a serving Royal Navy Officer, and the Royal Navy Parade serves as a formal inspection and celebration of cadet achievement.
Following Colours and the Inspection, the Reviewing Officer addressed the cadets, before presenting awards and prizes. The evening closed with a buffet and Evening Colours ceremony.
The Parade Commander, Petty Officer Cadet Akers, performed with distinction and was recognised the following evening at the Company’s Summer Festival, where he was presented with the Plumbers’ Cadet of the Year Award by the Master. It was a proud moment for the Richmond Unit, and for the Akers family, as Chief Petty Officer Nick Akers, the Commanding Officer, led the cadets in forming a Guard of Honour alongside our other two affiliates: 23 Detachment Army Cadets (Royal Engineers), Islington, and 1147 Squadron Air Cadets, Barking.
This moment was especially poignant as it took place during the signing of the Company’s Armed Forces Covenant, witnessed by Commander Maritime Reserves, Jo Adey.
The Master was accompanied to the Parade by Liveryman SLt (SCC) Michael Spencer RNR, one of the Officers at TS Renown (Rickmansworth & Watford Sea Cadets).
Later that month, on Sunday 13 July 2025, the Clerk and Liveryman Michael Spencer again represented the Company at the Sea Sunday Service held at the Church of St Mary Magdalene, Richmond. The service, which commemorates the contribution of seafarers and fishers worldwide, was followed by a reception back at TS Goodwin. The Cadets contributed beautifully to the occasion, carrying flags and giving readings.
The Worshipful Company of Plumbers is proud of its association with the Richmond Sea Cadets and the growing strength of all three of its Cadet Affiliates. These events stand as fine examples of the values we share and the young people we are honoured to support.
The Master, Charles Brooks