Portsmouth Division RMVCC
Address
Address: Royal Navy Cadet Forces Training Centre, HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8ER.
Contact
Opening Hours
07514 879400
Tuesday
18:45 - 20:45
Friday
18:45 - 20:45
Welcome to Portsmouth Division RMVCC, an esteemed unit steeped in history as the oldest within the Volunteer Cadet Corps, dating back to its establishment on 14th February 1901 in Eastney, Portsmouth. Captain William Harkness RMA, revered as the 'founding father' of the Volunteer Cadet Corps, led as its first commanding officer.
Currently situated at HMS Excellent on Whale Island, adjacent to Navy Command Headquarters, the Division boasts a membership exceeding 200, making it the largest unit within the VCC. Cadets convene on Tuesday and Friday evenings.
At Portsmouth Division RMVCC, cadets actively engage in diverse training and activities, utilizing the Longmoor and Browndown training areas, along with the New Forest and the South Downs. Weekends often find our cadets on these training areas, honing fieldcraft skills under adult supervision, mastering tactics, field cooking, and personal hygiene irrespective of weather conditions. While often donning green during training, they showcase their impeccable blue dress uniforms on parades, especially during significant events like Remembrance Sunday at Guildhall Square.
The rigorous 4 to 5-month basic training introduces recruits to essential skills such as drill, map reading, navigation, first aid, field craft, and Corps history. Culminating in a challenging weekend exercise on Longmoor, this training concludes with a Pass Out parade, celebrating achievements in front of proud family and friends. The Belle Isle Award recognizes the top recruit's exceptional dedication and proficiency, leading them into General Duties Training.
During the summer term, our display teams shine, notably the Drill Display Team, showcasing dexterity with drill rifles and intricate formations in ceremonial uniforms without vocal commands.
Excitement abounds with the Field Gun display team, where 20 adept cadets compete fiercely, racing a Boer War 7-pounder muzzle-loading Field Gun against other cadet units. This thrilling display of enthusiasm, fitness, discipline, and teamwork has graced prestigious events like the Royal Tournament and the Kirkcudbright Tattoo.
For inquiries about joining as a cadet (aged 9 to 16) or adult volunteer (aged 18 to 65), or to book our Field Gun team, reach out to us:
Address: Portsmouth Division RMVCC, Eastney Block (185E Building), HMS Excellent, Whale Island, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO2 8ER.
Telephone: 07708 516275.
Email: portsmouth@volunteercadetcorps.org.
Training Nights: Tuesdays and Fridays from 1845 to 2045.
Our key personnel are:
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Commanding Officer: CSgt (VCC) Stuart Hinchliffe.
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Second in Command: CSgt (VCC) Sam Moody.
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Training Officer: CSgt (VCC) Gary Gordon.
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Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant: CSgt (VCC) Robert Caldwell.
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Finance Officer: Mrs Tina Hinchliffe.
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Administration Officer: Mrs Anita Meldrum.
Join Us
Join us either as a cadet, where you'll uncover your potential and explore new horizons, or as a member staff, guiding others to discover their strengths and thrive in a community committed to volunteering, leadership and mentoring.
Want to Join Portsmouth Division Royal Marine Cadets?
Step into a world of opportunities and rewards by joining the Volunteer Cadet Corps! As a cadet, you'll dive into thrilling adventure training, refining your skills and delving into your passions alongside fellow enthusiasts. Experience the invaluable—learn diverse skills and partake in unique awareness and engagement visits. But it's more than that—our cadets forge lifelong friendships, hone leadership qualities, and nurture discipline and teamwork. Embrace growth as an individual while contributing to a community committed to the corps. Join us and embark on a journey of personal and collective development and have fun while doing it!
Could you be an adult volunteer with the Volunteer Cadet Corps at Portsmouth Division?
Could you help with administration? Could you drive cadets to their activities? Could you organise a weekend exercise? Could you present engaging and interesting lessons? Could you help maintain our stores and equipment? Could you be a first aider? Could you attend and support summer camps, adventure training activities and engagement visits? Could you teach our cadets to play an instrument? Could you train be our next paddlesport, hill walking, climbing, archery, fieldcraft, drill, boating or aviation instructor?
Not sure Joining us is for you just yet? Contact us using the form below to arrange a visit first and meet us first!
