Widnes SCC

The Last Ten Years.

1988, Under the Command of Lt Cdr P K Matthews RNR The Unit paraded in an old Print works the Widnes Weekly News, it was boys only and had

approximately 15 Cadets under training, the Unit complemeny was never a threat

in Sea Cadet Competitions but morale was high.

Due to the age of the Building the up keep was considerable and the management Committee could barely raise the funds needed to continue.

During 1989 plans were made by the Management Committee under the Chairman

Mr Glynn Evans to sell the Print works and seek a more manageable HQ the Unit

was sold in 1989 and our operation temporarily moved into the Local Royal

Naval Association Club were we shared one office and a hall which we used for Parades & training, our numbers remained steady between 12 & 18.

1990 Plans for a new HQ were well underway and all involved were very

Enthusiastic about the future, 1990 seen the introduction of girls into the Ships Company with the start of 3 girl cadets and one adult female Instructor, Petty

Officer Barbara Findlow, numbers had by now Increased to approximately 18

with the introduction of girls.

1992 Seen a change in Command To Lt P Kenrick RNR and the Introduction

of a Unit President Mr Mike Armitage, During 1992 the Unit started a Sub

Aqua Diving Section ( one of only two in the UK ) under the auspices of the British Sub Aqua Club, and aid was being raised in preparation for our new HQ.

With the aid or Sponsorship from local companies & Osprey Inflatables the Unit became involved in Racing Rigid inflatable boats, and successfully circumnavigated Scotland in a 22ft Rigid Inflatable Boat, the crew & support were all members of the Unit it was a terrific achievement for a youth organisation the Unit was awarded The McBeath Trophy for the most improved Sea Cadet Unit in the Country.

1993 and all description of buildings had been looked at, yet non matched the budget it was decided to self build,. We Purchased the land and set to the task in hand, Over two years we begged and borrowed to create our purpose built HQ,

which went better than planned with donations to name a few, ICI paint,

Pilkington Tiles, Commercial Union Insurance, Northern Diver, at this time we

gained a new Vice President Mr David Charrington, And by 1995 we were

successfully running Two RIB race Teams achieving some fantastic results,

Cadet & Staff & Civilian numbers increased.

By 1995 our headquarters was 95% complete and ready for us to move in.

The Opening went ahead and our Units namesake HMS LION changed from LION to ESKIMO along with the loan of the Ships Bell from HMS ESKIMO

ex Commanding Officer Admiral Sir Simon Cassels.

We have now settled in and move onward and upward, our Rib Racing days Have now dwindled as we concentrate on Training locally, current numbers for

Cadets in 1998 are 52 and increasing, Cadets are gaining many qualifications & skills and enjoying it along the way. Of the last ten years, each year we

improve on the last and the future looks bright.

If you are local, and are interested in Joining as a Cadet, Instructor or

Civilian, and you think you could help us please contact us

( no previous experience required )

I can guarantee that we have something to offer you.