TWICKENHAM SEA CADETS LAUNCH £15,000 APPEAL
Twickenham’s Sea Cadets have launched an ambitious crowdfunding appeal aimed at raising £15,000 for urgent repairs and refurbishments to its premises, it was announced today.
The Sea Cadets Unit, which is a volunteer-run charity, is hoping to raise a total of £650,000 for the repairs, and has already secured commitments of almost £400,000 from a range of funders, including the Marine Society and Sea Cadets, Richmond Council, and Bernard Sunley Foundation.
The project is being supported by local councillors, the Lord and Deputy Lord Lieutenant of London and its own volunteers, members, and the cadets themselves.
Twickenham Sea Cadets has been based at their current location by the River Thames in Teddington since 1948. Its current building was completed in 1953 and, despite numerous running repairs by parents and volunteers over the years, it now needs a new roof and better insulation throughout.
It is hoped that the work will start in late 2025 and be completed by mid-2026.
In 2023, Twickenham Sea Cadets was awarded the Canada Trophy, recognising it as the best Unit in UK, ahead of more than 450 other Sea Cadet Units. It was the first time in the Unit’s 92-year history it had been awarded Sea Cadets highest honour.
Twickenham Sea Cadets chairman Chris McLaughlin said: “Over recent years the cost of ongoing repairs and efficiently heating our Unit have risen significantly.
“We are now at the stage that we can no longer repair the leaking roof, which is impeding our ability to serve our cadets and the many other local clubs and charities who also use our building on a weekly basis.”
“We have already raised a considerable amount towards our £650,000 target but we now need the help of others to continue to support our cadets and the local community.
“Twickenham Sea Cadets is a thriving local youth organisation with a long and storied history of supporting over 3,000 young people into responsible adulthood, giving them unrivalled opportunities to take part in activities and learn important life skills.”
“This refurbishment project will secure the future of Twickenham Sea Cadets for the remainder of the century.”
To help Twickenham Sea Cadets reach their funding goal, please visit the Crowdfunder