Tenby honours Sea Cadets with Freedom of the Town

Tenby has formally bestowed its highest civic honor upon the Tenby Sea Cadets, recognizing three-quarters of a century of youth development, community service, and maritime tradition. Sunday, (Sept 27), marked a rare moment in the local history of the coastal town, as the unit received the Freedom of the Town during a quayside ceremony at the harbor.

The milestone event combined solemn civic tradition with public celebration. According to preview details published by the Tenby Observer, the commemorations commenced with a uniformed parade stepping off from the De Valence Pavilion at 2:00 pm. Led by a marching band from the Royal British Legion, current cadets, town councillors, and the civic party processed down toward the harbor. There, the parade was met by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of Dyfed before a framed freedom scroll was formally presented.

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The distinction represents the greatest honor Tenby can bestow in recognition of outstanding and distinguished service to the community. Such an award is exceptionally uncommon in the area. When Sue Lane and Trevor Hallett previously received the Freedom in 2023, it was noted as the first time the accolade had been granted in approximately half a century, underscoring the gravity of Sunday's presentation.

Planning for the honor began months prior. Tenby Town Council unanimously backed the motion to recognize the youth organization during an extraordinary meeting in July. Proposing the accolade, Cllr Sam Skyrme-Blackhall praised the organization's enduring legacy, stating via the Pembrokeshire Herald: For three-quarters of a century, Tenby Sea Cadets have been far more than a youth organisation. She highlighted the unit’s role in developing confidence, discipline, resilience, leadership and teamwork, alongside a strong sense of civic responsibility.

Over the decades, hundreds of young people aged nine through 18 have passed through the unit's doors at Harbour Stores. Operating Junior Cadet and Sea Cadet sections, the organization provides training in water-based activities such as sailing, windsurfing, and powerboating, alongside land-based pursuits including camping, climbing, and music. Former cadets had gone on to work in the Armed Forces, emergency services, maritime industries, education and healthcare, taking with them skills and values developed during their time with the unit.

The anniversary also serves to honor the thousands of hours contributed by volunteers, instructors, and community supporters who have sustained the unit through generations. The organization maintains close ties with local civic leadership, currently serving as one of Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan's chosen charities, with Leading Cadet Jack holding the role of Mayor's Sea Cadet.

Speaking ahead of the landmark presentation, Mayor Cllr Dai Morgan highlighted the deep community roots of the organization:

"It will be a very proud and historic moment for Tenby Sea Cadets, who have been part of our town and our community for 75 years. Generations of young people have passed through the unit, learning new skills, making lifelong friendships and proudly representing Tenby."

Cllr Dai Morgan, Mayor of Tenby, via Tenby Observer

Having cemented three-quarters of a century of service into Tenby's official history, the Sea Cadets look toward their next chapter of youth engagement along the Pembrokeshire coast.