NORTH SHIELDS SEA CADETS

Sea Cadet Training Centre - T S Endurance

Charity Number 1039326

North Shields Sea Cadets started in December 1993; the unit was formed as one of the many responses after the North Shields riots. We are the only initiative still running today. The first Commanding Officer was Lieutenant Eland. The first President of the unit was Captain Nick Barker RN. His last ship was HMS Endurance, and in honour of his work for the unit, the unit called itself TS Endurance. Our history is as follows:

Ralf Gardner High School (1993/5) - we were here for just over a year, but had to move as North Tyneside Council decided to close the school and sell off the land for housing development. The unit had 12 hours to move everything out.

TA Centre at Tynemouth (1995) - we paraded here on a Monday night.

Public House (1995) - this was the Chairman's place and was open to us for our Thursday night parade.

Collingwood First School (1995) - we moved here but still had to have split parade nights.

TS Jellicoe (1995) - this is the home of Newcastle Jellicoe unit. This was where we paraded along with the parade at Collingwood First School.

Old Scout Centre (1995/7) - This unit was not ideal since all the classes had to take place on the main deck.

East End Boys Club (1997/8) - again not an ideal unit.

Old Low Lights Building (1998/2000) - this unit is situated down at the fish quay. This unit was not ideal for children; mainly due to the smell, which put people off from coming to the unit. Here the unit gained its second and current Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Clissold (Feb 99).

North Tyneside Training Services, Queen Victoria School (2000 - 2005) – we managed to gain a three year lease from North Tyneside council and managed to extend it. We had to move due to the demolition of the building. Whilst here we were accepted as a National training centre for first aid and a district training centre for multi-activity weekends.

The Meadows Community Centre (2005/2006) – We were still a National training centre as well as a district training centre. We managed to change our name to: North Shields Sea Cadets, Sea Cadet training Centre – T S Endurance. Here we moved back into the heart of the Meadow Well area of North Shields.

The Fisherman’s Mission (2006/2007) - We were basically forced out of our previous unit due to a massive rent increase. Our unit padre has allowed us temporary accommodation within the Fisherman’s mission.

St Paul’s Church (2007/Present) - We have moved into a church in Willington Quay. We do not know how long this move is for. Hopefully we can pick up new cadets from the area and go from strength to strength.