Sea Cadets appoint new vice-president (From The Northern Echo)

Sea Cadets appoint new vice-president

3:50pm Wednesday 3rd August 2011 in Middlesbrough Community News

A leading commercial developer, who is also a former Merchant Navy Captain, has been named as the new vice-president of Middlesbrough Sea Cadets.

Python Properties partner Martin Johnson, who worked at sea for more than 25 years, has taken on the role due his own experiences and is keen to increase the profile of the charity.

Mr Johnson became an officer cadet at the age of 17 and worked his way through the ranks to a Merchant Navy captain, specialising in the worldwide command of cruise ships. Middlesbrough Sea Cadets is the local branch of the Sea Cadet Corps, a nationwide voluntary uniformed youth organisation, which is open to all young people aged 10 to 18.

“I’m delighted to have been approached to be vice-president, it’s a huge honour for me to see young people enjoy learning about maritime life. The Sea Cadets is a fantastic organisation that instills good values and helps to develop young people. My first priority will be to look at ways of increasing the facilities, and therefore opportunities that are available to the Middlesbrough Sea Cadets” The Sea Cadets promotes the development people in achieving their physical, intellectual and social potential as individuals by the provision of education and leisure time activities using a nautical theme.

Liz Chambers, chairwoman of the Middlesbrough Sea Cadets, said: “We are incredibly grateful and fortunate for Martin to accept our invitation to work the unit management team. He is really eager to work closely with the cadets and to promote the unit in the area.” The cadets meet on a Monday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm at East Lodge within Albert Park. For more information about Middlesbrough Sea Cadets please contact 01642 294349.

Based on information supplied by Sarah Rudd.