CCF Biennial Inspection

 
 
The Ryde School CCF Biennial Review took place on Thursday 12th May. The reviewing officer was Captain Paul Lemkes RN. Captain Lemkes is currently serving in an administrative position in Portsmouth, but has had a varied career during which he commanded HMS Monmouth seeing service in the Persian Gulf. He was promoted to captain in 2004 when he took up the post of captain of all surface ships operating out of Portsmouth. From December 2006 to June 2007 he worked in the Ministry Defence building in Baghdad and was exposed to several rocket and mortar attacks. His work in Iraq was recognised by the United States when he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal, one of the US’s highest military honours.
 
Accompanying Captain Lemkes was Commander David Crees from CCF RN HQ, Squadron Leader Peter Wisely from air cadet HQ and Dr Nicholas England, Headmaster.
 
The review began with an inspection of the guard of honour. Afterwards several cadets gave presentations describing the various activities they had taken part in. These included visits to RN and RAF camps, caving expeditions, ship visits, fire-fighting and damage control training, gliding, shooting competitions, various RN courses, cadet 150 activities and sailing competitions. The last year has been a particularly successful one for Ryde School CCF sailing with our team winning both the Southern Area Regatta at Portland Harbour and the National CCF Regatta at the RN Sailing Centre, Portsmouth.
 
Afterwards Captain Lemkes went on to inspect cadets taking part in a number of activities including a flight simulator, a power point simulator with chart plotting, model making, campcraft, a semaphore exercise, dry dinghy boat training, practical leadership tasks, first aid and shooting on the School’s .22 range.
 
The reviewing officers then went to Seaview Yacht Club to observe cadets sailing in the School’s lazer picos and kayaking using its fleet of ten kayaks.
 
On returning to the School all cadets were mustered on the top field for the presentation of trophies and an address from Captain Lemkes.
 
Awards were presented to the following cadets:
 
Best New Recruits: William McKay; Robert Scholes; Rhea Campbell-Smith
Best Year 11 Cadets: Emily Ball; Joel Fitzpatrick; Alex Reed
Best Full Bore Marksman – Alex Nightingale
Best .22 Marksman – Ciaran Clark
CCF Sailing: George Downer; Oliver George-Taylor; Freddie Warren-Smith
RAF Gliding: Scott Armour; Robert Hothersall
Paddon Row Sword for best all round cadet – Keno Mario Ghae
 
Captain Lemkes presented the Rouse Shield to the Royal Navy Section for inter-section competitions held throughout the year.
 
In his address Captain Lemkes expressed how impressed he was by what he had seen. He applauded the enthusiasm, smart appearance and confident manner of the cadets. He emphasized the excellent opportunities available and was pleased to note how many are actively involved. He recognised the excellent service of the School’s CCF officers and its SSI Sgt Stuart Sale, all of which give freely of their time. He confirmed that he will be reporting highly favourably on the Contingent.
 
The official final report is expected in the next few weeks.