TS Hawkins started on 5th February 1917, known then as 1st Cheshire Sea Cadet Corps. Which originated from a Boys Brigade unit under Captain McGregor. They were based at St Pauls Church Portwood, then moving to various locations around the borough of Stockport. So as you may have worked out we are 104 years 8 months and 6 days old to be exact Making us one of the oldest Units in the North West.
During this period, it was reported to have 150 cadets in attendance and had a band which would march on Sunday mornings up Portwood. The band would win national competitions and play at events.
During warship week during the second world war, the borough of Stockport officially adopted HMS Hawkins which was a light cruiser. It was from that day the unit became affiliated with the ship HMS Hawkins and the unit was named TS Hawkins.
Many of the former cadets would have gone on to serve in the Second World War with either the Royal Navy or other branches of the armed forces. This like many cadet forces throughout the past and present is sometimes a natural progression for our cadets. Others go on to civilian services or into the general workpopulation. Wherever they go they have the skills and confidence to go on to being active members of their community.
In our time of being a Sea Cadet unit within the Borough of Stockport we have had approximately 10,000 cadets through our organisation. That's children being given opportunities and experiences that they may never have had the chance of doing. Whether that’s sailing and other boating qualifications, learning new skills like cooking, Seamanship, or the military disciplines of Fieldcraft, Drill, map reading. DofE as well as in the current years the ability to gain qualifications at BTEC level is also available. All skills to be taken forward into the workplace.
