Several World Traders were present on Thursday 20th May, to attend the biennial Royal Naval Parade Inspection of the Chiswick Sea Cadets at Training Ship Stork, one of 48 Sea Cadets units in the Greater London area, and the one that the World Traders Charitable Trust has been supporting since 2007.

This inspection is the biggest event of the year for the Chiswick Sea Cadets, and the TS Stork did an outstanding job. The nearly 30 senior cadets and junior cadets were gleaming in their finest uniforms and well-trained for the inspection. A formal inspection but also a ceremonial visit, the event is important for the future of the unit, to ensure its viability. The aim is to receive a Burgee — an award flag representing the highest level of recognition.

Commander James Nisbet duly inspected uniforms, drills, standards and training records, and spoke to each cadet, admiring their freshly polished shoes and neat appearance, and asking them about their experience in the cadets thus far. At the end of the event, Commander Nisbet said, “This is one of the best parades I have ever seen. The TS Stork is flourishing!”

Among other VIPs present were the Mayor of Hounslow, Amy Croft, and Deputy Lieutenant of Greater London and Representative DL for Hounslow, Rosi Prescott. DL Prescott was there representing the Crown to award one of the Sea Cadets, Able Cadet James Mayer, with a very special honour, the Deputy Lieutenant Award. This is a recognition of James’ outstanding leadership, personal development and community service, and given to only one cadet out of thousands per year.

CPO Graham Peach, who has been a Uniformed Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer for over 38 years, was visibly elated at the outcome of the evening, and is confident in receiving a Burgee this year, something the TS Stork has not received since 2022.

The newly appointed Liaison Officers at the World Traders, Liveryman Sheila MacGregor and Freeman Paige Holt, were both present, as well as our Clerk, Liz Garner, and Liveryman Sarah Emilie Goodhew, who oversees the Company’s partnerships with the Armed Forces.

Sheila and Paige will be meeting CPO Peach in the coming weeks to discuss setting up an annual prize on behalf of the Trust, as well as how their cadets can get more involved with World Trader events. The Charitable Trust donates £500 every year to the Chiswick Sea Cadets and it is looking forward to developing this relationship further.

With nearly 90% of global trade still transported by sea, there is a natural synergy between the World Traders and the Sea Cadets. The Sea Cadets’ programmes cultivate the maritime skills, discipline, and future workforce essential to keeping global shipping, ports, and sea trade operating safely and efficiently.

Paige Holt