Local sea cadet ship has a new captain – and it’s a woman
Former UK navy officer and UK Sea Cadet Lisa Spencer will now train local cadets.
The unique South African Sea Cadet training ship has officially been handed over from the trusty hands of Sub-Lieutenant van Tonder to the delicate yet firm female hands of Sub-Lieutenant Lisa Spencer.
To show the change of command, the ceremonial telescope of the Krugersdorp branch was handed to her at a special ceremony held at Training Ship (TS) Rook.
Photo: Submitted
The handover preceded a march and a reverent salute by the cadets. Their salute celebrated the founder of the TS Rook, who started the SA Sea Cadet Training ship two years ago.
His desire to have an academy similar to that of the TS Woltemade, which is situated in Cape Town, was fuelled by the benefits it would bring to the youth of Krugersdorp.
Photo: Submitted
Van Tonder relocated to Potchefstroom recently in the hopes of finding another ship in the town.
He’s confident in the command of Spencer, as she herself was a Sea Cadet at TS Immortelle while she was still in school.
She ranked as a Cadet Petty Officer and won the National Cygnet of the Year Competition, scoring a trip to the United Kingdom to visit the UK Sea Cadets. After the visit, she joined the South African Navy where she trained as a communications operator.
Photo: Submitted
She moved on to become an officer who is eager to pass her knowledge and experience to the TS Rook cadets whom she has chosen to serve.
• More about the South African Sea Cadet Corporation:
The South African Sea Cadet Corps is a youth organisation which follows naval traditions and principles. It’s open to any youngster in the age group from 11 to 18, irrespective of gender, race or religion. Cadets have “serious fun” while discovering the principles of leadership, self-discipline, self-respect, and acquiring naval-orientated skills.
Did you know that a “galley” is the kitchen and the “heads” are the bathroom? Or why sailors don’t stamp their feet or whistle on a ship? Or what knot you can use to rescue a friend who is drowning? Or maybe you have wondered how to safely row a large boat? These are only a few of the things the Sea Cadets learn as they progress through the ranks.
The Sea Cadets of TS Rook meet on Saturdays from 12.30pm to 4pm, and have leadership and adventure camps on selected weekends.
The base is located at the Gereformeerde Kerk, King George Street, Krugersdorp North.
For more information, contact Sub-Lieutenant Lisa Spencer via email to lisaspencer1209@gmail.com or call 082 859 6484; alternatively, you can send an email to Colin Harris at colin@corpnetdesign.co.za or call him on 078 453 5584.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at krugersdorpnews@caxton.co.za or phone us on 011 955 1130.
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister websites:
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!
