Member Article

MUSSELBURGH SEA CADETS SUPPORTED BY LEADING HOUSEBUILDER

Musselburgh Sea Cadets are able to take to the waves after gaining funding from a leading East Scotland housebuilder. The charity, which provides 10-18 year olds with a chance to learn skills such as sailing, canoeing and other nautically-themed adventure activities, were trying to raise funds for a new safety boat. The £1,000 backing from Persimmon Homes East Scotland has allowed the group to get one step closer to purchasing the new safety boat, which would ensure the continuation of boating activities for the 31 members of the unit. Chris Gay, Petty Officer of Musselburgh Sea Cadets, said: “This generous donation means we can continue to offer the young people of our community the chance to learn nautical skills and develop confidence and independence. “The money will bolster our fundraising effort to buy a new safety boat, without this much needed resource the youngsters cannot have boating time during the boating season. “We are an independent charity which is self-funded. We rely on cadet subscriptions and lots of fundraising to keep us going. Musselburgh Sea Cadet Unit was formed in 1954 mainly by families and members of the local fishing community. The unit was named TS (Training Ship) Indefatigable, after a famous Second World War aircraft carrier that served the nation throughout the world and notably in the Pacific Ocean. The unit was the 469th to be formed in the UK and still retains this pennant number to this day. The unit has, for the fourth consecutive year, provided a Cadet to assist the Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian in his ceremonial duties following a long history of achievements achieved by the staff and cadets of Musselburgh Sea Cadet Unit. The donation is part of Persimmon Homes’ Community Champions scheme, which helps to support two local charities in East Scotland each month by granting them up to £1,000. Managing Director at Persimmon Homes East Scotland, Jim Kirkpatrick, said: “Musselburgh Sea Cadets are one of Musselburgh’s incredible community organisations, giving the young people in our area the chance to learn new skills and make new friends. “We know that the volunteers work hard to keep the unit afloat and hope that this money allows them to continue to uphold the long-standing traditions that the Sea Cadets celebrate. “We receive lots of deserving applications from all over the regions in which we build, making it difficult to pick just two winners each month. “We encourage any charity that has not yet been successful to apply again next month. There are still several opportunities to win and hopefully they could become our next Community Champion.” Persimmon Homes East Scotland are currently building a range of new one, two, three and four-bedroom homes at The Willows off The Wisp in Edinburgh with prices starting from £125,000.

To find out more or apply for funding, visit persimmonhomes.com

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Charlotte Greenhalgh .