Youth organisation founded around the D-Day landings reaches 70 year milestone

"Blessed with great weather; the sun is definitely shining on the just and righteous!" The words of Nautical Training Corps Patron; Rear Admiral John Lippiett CB CBE; casting his eyes over the sea of Cadets and Officers gathered to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of the NTC.

Started in 1944, just ahead of D-Day, Corps founder, Commodore Frank Froëst-Carr (NTC) had the foresight that the world following a Second World War would need a positive and better future for a generation that had been forced to grow up fast; often without training or guidance outside of disjointed school hours.  Froëst-Carr hoped that through training and following the principles of the Royal Navy, (within which he had served), that the youth could"...rise, triumphant like the Phoenix from the ashes of a crumbling world, to a brighter future and an age in which Britain would be greater than she has ever been before".
 

Froëst-Carr's foresight saw the NTC up and running for the end of the war and controversially for the time, encouraged both male and female cadets at the NTC's first 'Unit' or 'Training Ship'; TS Nautilus based in Brighton. The Training Ship still proudly operates today.

It is particularly fitting therefore, that for its 70th anniversary, the Corps' annual Founders Day would take place in Brighton at Preston Park. Absolutely glorious weather made the day, only wisps of clouds in the sky. With implacable turnout, officers and cadets from across the South of England joined together to remember the NTC's founding values and also to ensure one of the Corps best features, fun!

With arena events lasting into the afternoon, a Gun-Run, Minibus pull, Penalty Shootout alongside a fairground there was much to accompany the superb display of intrepid music and marching representing the NTC.

Centred within the day a service is held, holding in mind those serving in the Armed Forces, particularly those who had made the ultimate sacrifice and too, those who have dedicated part of their lives to serving the NTC. An award ceremony is also held, recognising some of the hard work and attention shown by its members, with several reciving medals and recognition for long service.

As the days endeavours drew to a close and happy but undoubtably warm cadets and midly sunburnt officers raised a salute at 'Sunset' it was clear tha the day had been a success. As Corps Commodore Dennis Kilshaw commented, "a terrific day that all can be proud of." Here's to the next 70 years of the NTC.

A 70th Birthday always requires a cake!

The 'build a ship' compeition proved popular!

The heat on the parade ground meant water and rest was much needed

Music is a key part to Corps life, with most units supporting an active marching band.

Two of the Corps' longest serving members flanking a former shipmate

Founders Day 2014 - The NTC celebrates 70 Years.

2014 marks the 70^th Anniversary of the Nautical Training Corps (NTC). This year, on Sunday 8^th June, the NTC proudly celebrates its heritage in the city in which it was founded. Brighton & Hove.

Taking place at Preston Park, and marching off at 10 am, Young people; Cadets and Officers from Ships from across the South of England will be doing what we do best, with a public display of music and marching with Corps history on display; (Some of those who remember a great deal of it!) Arena demonstrations showing off what we do and the sense of fun that accompanies the NTC and we are about, our young people!

The NTC. Part of local history:

Founded in May 1944 by Commodore, F P (Frank) Froëst-Carr OBE (NTC) The NTC’s first ‘unit’ was Training Ship Nautilus in Brighton, based at the old Richmond Road School. The unit took its name from HMS Nautilus, which had been Froëst-Carr's first seagoing ship in the Royal Navy. TS Nautilus is still open and serving local youth in Brighton, although has now relocated to Chesham Road. 

Over the past six decades, thousands of young people have learned seafaring and musical skills through the Corps. The Nautical Training Corps now stands at some twenty units, still covering the South Coast and up in-land towards London. Units can often be seen supporting local communities by heading up parade and carnival processions and providing entertainment at festivals and local events, which are always well received. In the past few years the NTC has celebrated many anniversaries with ships from across the Corps featuring in local news.

What does the NTC do?

The NTC is more than just uniforms and marching. The NTC prides itself on its fun activities and Cadets are encouraged to take part in as much as they can. From competing in rifle shooting, to hitting the water in a kayak, climbing, powering through the waves in a boat, camping out and learning survival skills, there’s plenty of opportunities to have a great time and belong to something special. These are available at the Corps’ local divisions and its two national activity centres. Many units offer their cadets the opportunity to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
The Corps now stands at some twenty units, serving the youth of the south of England from the age of seven to eighteen. Cadets are encouraged to progress through ranks, based upon those employed in the Royal Navy leading to instructor and command positions.
Currently over four-hundred cadets and more than One hundred Officers, Instructors and adult volunteers comprise the Corps which also operates sailing and boating centres.

NTC Band Contest 2013

Sunday 27th October will see Units from across the Nautical Training Corps battling it out in the NTC's Annual band competition

Taking place at  Burgess Hill's 'Triangle' leisure centre, the event is always popular in the Corps' calendar with units preparing unique interpretations and well polished marching routines to wow the crowds.

Starting at 10am, the Band Competition is a great location to see the best of the musical talent the Corps' has to offer! 

Click here for directions!

FOUNDERS DAY 2013

NTC's  Red Ensign

The distant sound of drums pouding, carrying on the wind, lines of uniformed officers and  cadets stretching across Littlehampton seafront as far as the eye can see... It can only be the Nautical Training Corps on Founders Day.

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On a blustery 9th June 2013, some five-hundred members of the NTC converged to celebrate the 69th Founders Day. 

 Marching off at the later time of 12pm had given the opportunity for a little extra warmth, something that the public lining both sides of the beach undoubtably were glad of. 

As cadets and officers filled the parade ground, a service of thanks, remembrance and dedication began. Honoring those who have or are serving in the Armed Forces and the NTC.

A message from the Corps Commadore, Dave Wright explained the pride and grattitude felt for all the hard work of the members that make the NTC. Hard work recognised with the giving of medals and awards by Corps' Chair, Laura Moffat and Patron, Rear Admiral Lippiet 'As always, Officers and Cadets showed an impecible turn out, it is always great to see this recognised'.

Ships covering the South of England completed the service with a march past with applause by spectators and invited guests alike. Flags,  the 'Colours' of Ships and the NTC proudly paraded.

Colour Parties, representing the Corps.

TS Ambuscade, marching past Officers and VIP's

  
The day drew to a close with reigonal activities in the main arena, including a gun run, minibus pull and tug of war which kept everyone entertained. Others mingled amongst the stalls or took part in the NTC bake off, as the sun made an appearance to complete a warm spirited, fun and friendly day...

Exhausted but elated, winners of the 'gun run'

Delicious treats available to reward the hard working... and hungry

Bake off!

 Full selection of photos available soon.
 

Founders '13

The Nautical Training Corps (NTC) are proud to announce the 69^th Founders Day, hosted on the beach at Littlehampton’s East Green.

The event takes place on 9th June and promises to show off what the Corps has to offer, with music, parades and demonstrations from a wide cross section of the twenty units and 500+ Cadets and volunteers that help make up the Nautical Training Corps.  The day will see ships from across the South East, Sussex, Hampshire and Surrey.

The charity event will begin at 10:30 and run to around 16:30 with music and parade which will be followed in the afternoon by fete style stalls, with activities and displays for all those attending.

The NTC would like to invite everybody to come along, take part and enjoy the day and all that it has to offer. We hope you can make it!

Location: East Green, Littlehampton: BN17 5NZ

Times: Arrival from 10am-4:30pm

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