Sea Cadets launch new safety boat

The new Ballymena Sea Cadets safety boat in action at its launch night at Portglenone Marina.

The funding enabled the group to take delivery of a new safety boat which was launched this week at Portglenone Marina.

Craig Hogg, Chairman of Ballymena Sea Cadets said “Our previous safety boat was looking tired & needed to be retired, so we took a chance & applied to the National Lottery, Awards for All fund & highlighted the importance of a safety boat whilst our Cadets are on the water.

“We were extremely happy when we learned that we had been successful.

Sea cadets members bring the vessel ashore.

“It really gives our Cadets a more modern waterborne experience. We would like to thank the National Lottery, Big Lottery Fund for choosing us as a recipient.”

Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI Director, said: “The Big Lottery Fund’s NI Awards for All programme funds health, education, environment and community projects that help people bring about positive change in their lives, improve health and well-being, develop skills and create safer communities.

“The application process is simple and accessible and shall remain so, making it easy for applicants to successfully apply for small pots of funding that can have such a big impact on local communities and lives.”

Ballymena Sea Cadets are always on the lookout for new Cadets to join their ranks, so if you’re 10-17 years old, contact 07846 111845 for more details.

The unit are also looking new staff, so if you can spare a couple of hours a week & would like to improve the lives of young people in the area, contact the number above.”