Gosport Sea Cadets’ future secured

Local MP, Caroline Dinenage, has today welcomed news that the Gosport Sea Cadets have had funding confirmed for their new home at Hornet.

There had been real concerns when question marks were raised that the funding, which had been promised, might not be forthcoming. This would have meant the group could not relocate from their site at Royal Clarence Yard to the new, purpose built, location.

Caroline met with Defence Minister, Tobias Ellwood MP to clear up any confusion and secure the Defence Estates funding for the move, this has now been confirmed in a subsequent letter.

Commenting on the news Caroline said: “This is simply fantastic news for the Gosport Sea Cadets and for the area, helping local children grow in confidence. I’m really grateful to the Minister for listening to my pleas and intervening to secure this funding. But most of all this is a tribute to all the incredible volunteers who make our Sea Cadets such a vibrant and successful local group.
Captain Gavin Pritchard, the Chairman of the Gosport Sea Cadets said “this is terrific and very welcome news for Gosport – our Sea Cadets will now be able to continue enjoying their training and adventure on the water.”
Local Councillor John Beavis added: “Gosport Sea Cadets are a great organisation and I am delighted that Caroline was able to broker a solution with the Minister and DIO to enable the final part of their move from Royal Clarence Yard to Hornet to be completed. Plans can now go ahead for the proper facilities to be put in place to enable this very successful Sea Cadet Unit to operate fully in their new Base. Caroline’s help is greatly appreciated”.