Taylorian 2020

126 A strong and reliable group of SNCOs led the section brilliantly this year. It was therefore a great shame that several events were not able to occur. We are very pleasedwith the large number of cadets that stay with us every year, and this year has been no exception. For me, it has been particularly promising to see how many cadets are learning the syllabus, gaining promotions, and taking on leadership roles. These things are as important as all the activities on the water, Field Days, and trips. Three planned RN-only trips had to be cancelled, but Field Day in March did go ahead as planned, even though it was in questionrightuptothedaybeforedeparture. Indeed, it was remarked at RN CCF HQ in Portsmouth that we probably had the last RN Field Day in the country. I was therefore pleased with the full attendance on the three different trips we sent out, where cadets successfully completed their RYA Level 2 Powerboating course. These trips could not have been so successful without the support of both schools, the cadets’ parents, and the engagement from the cadets themselves. The adults who accompanied them were also crucial, so I thank all of them, including Mrs Grice, who came and stayed overnight on HMS COLLINGWOOD. Anticipated in last year’s report was a new sailing camp at Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. Cadets sailed a yacht, piloted a fast motor launch, and slept on board their boat while alongside the Isle of Wight. This was a fantastic experience for all involved andwas scheduled to happen in June this year too. HMS BRISTOL is being decommissioned, so while I hope we can deliver this trip in 2021, our last chance to stay on board HMS BRISTOL may have gone. My highlight of this year was seeing the teamwork develop in Collingwood Division, culminating in the obstacle course at HMS COLLINGWOOD on Field Day. It was the same course that new recruits to the Royal Navy are put through. Seeing them plunge in without hesitation and work together to overcome every obstacle made me immensely proud. The RN PT instructor was impressed too, especially with some of the Division who overcame their fear of heights on the wall and the climbing net. I have also been impressed with the Lower Sixth as they have taken on more responsibility. It remains for me to thank firstly the fantastic staff that have helped me: S Lt Evans-Evans, S Lt Charman, Miss Whaley, and Mr Oxenham, along with Mr Talboys, Mr French, and Ocean Turtle Diving. Finally, I’d like to thankmy amazing group of SNCOs, starting with WO Chloe Rabin and her fantastic 2 i/c CPO Maleh Andela. Thank you to the brilliant CPOs in charge of Drake andCollingwoodDivisions, CPO Jolan Baxter and Orla Forsyth. Thanks also to the other POs who were there pretty much every week, led several activities throughout the year, and stepped in if any of the Lower Sixth were unavailable: PO Sofia Hassan, PO Maya Kateli, PO Jasmine Murphy, PO Hannah Peart, and PO Ruth Shaw. Lt K Bulman Cadets Combined Cadet Force Royal Navy