FORMER cadets and special guests helped Poole Sea Cadets celebrate their 75th anniversary at TS Drax.

Cadets put on displays and the band played as guests including the newly appointed Lord Lieutenant of the county Angus Campbell, Poole Mayor Cllr Phil Eades, Capt Jonathan Holloway captain of the Sea Cadet Corps, MP Robert Syms and Jeremy Drax patron of TS Drax were welcomed.

After inspections by the Lord Lt and Captain Holloway the cadets put on a humorous display, demonstrating all the skills they had learnt, accompanied by the band introducing each display with a fitting tune.

The First Aid display was accompanied by the Casualty theme tune and for the Duke of Edinburgh outdoor display with tents and fake trees the Teddy Bears Picnic tune was aired.

An authentic hornpipe routine was performed by the PT team, which guests were surprised to discover was introduced in the navy to keep the crew fit in the confined space of a ship.

“Another highlight of the evening which was enjoyed by all but especially the former cadets was a film presentation of historic photographs and newspaper cuttings from 1939 to present day,” said president Malcolm Shakesby.

“This was particularly significant as we had two former cadets of 1939, one of whom joined on the first day of the unit’s formation.”

Everyone had the chance to look round the unit in Sterte Avenue West. DoE awards and certificates of achievement were presented and Assistant Chief Fire Officer Colin Chapman gave the unit a Fire Authority plaque.

Thanking everyone for attending, Mr Shakesby said: “Poole Sea Cadets is run as a charity and requires £1,000 per month just to keep the unit going and we are always looking for sponsors.”

He invited parents and friends to support the unit with help or fundraising, and the evening ended with a buffet and the chance for reminiscences.