Well, about 8 years ago our children joined the Nautical Training Corps, and since then, if you pardon the pun, a lot of water has gone under the bridge.   I’ve always been involved and gradually become more and more interested as I realized how it had given our children such a tremendous start to their development.

Since taking on the chair, I realized how fragile T.S. Resolution had become – cadet numbers had dropped and morale/camaraderie was at the lowest ever, I really had my work cut out.

Together with support from all the parents, committee members and officers, we have all pulled together to produce a very varied and interesting programme where our young cadets aged between 8 and 18 both boys and girls can participate in such activities as sailing, canoeing, rock climbing, walks, band playing, camping, cycling, swimming, drill competitions, quizzes, orienteering and finally of course marching.

Well not only was I thrown in at the deep end by becoming the chairman, I then find that this year is the 50^th Anniversary of TS Resolution.  Yes it is decided to organize a party.  Luckily for me one of our cadets has a parent who was a cadet and even more lucky his mother has kept in touch with some of the other mothers from the past – hurray and they are willing to set up a committee.  Yes I need to help, but thank goodness they have contacts and ideas.  The Meridian Hall is booked, everyone is asked to look out old photos, pin them to a board and bring them on the day.  This worked really well and some photographs and memorabilia were very old indeed.  Mention was made in the local paper, and come the day, lots of people attended from far and wide.  Obviously many people had very fond memories of their time with Reso.  The mayor came, the vicar blessed a boat recently donated by the Lions, a special cake was baked by Mrs Millar and iced by Kerry-Jane Strudwick, there were competitions for old and young alike, a bouncy castle and our own Tombola.  I had to make a speech and luckily for me one of current parents was a toastmaster!  It was a wonderful day, that flew past much too quickly, organized really well and of course my thanks go to everyone that was involved.

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 We have decided to start our own band, it seems once in the distant past Reso did have a large band – anyway we have luckily had a lot of help from Swiftsure and have been attending their practise nights, begged and borrowed instruments, many thanks to TS Valliant especially and for advice from Craig Knight too.

Earlier in the year we took part in the Lingfield Marathon, we managed to enter runners and a walkers in the 10K race, it poured with rain – but all really enjoyed it, and yes we shall do this again next year.  

In a brief summary of only 6 months, I can already sense a feel of pride, camaraderie, excitement and friendship building within our ship.

Ian Watkins – Chairman, TS Resolution