As part of National Cadets Week 2026 (5-11 October) we’re sharing the inspiring story of the Townshend family, and their outstanding contributions to Wells-next-the-Sea Sea Cadets.
The Townshend family – Helen, Marcus, their son Henry (pictured above) – joined Wells Sea Cadets when the Norfolk-based unit started its trial period in 2017. They have played a significant part in the unit’s development since then.
The family did not have any previous experience of the cadets when Henry joined at age 11, alongside both of his parents who signed up as cadet force adult volunteers (CFAVs).
As Helen explains –
“I became a trustee at Wells-Next-The-Sea Sea Cadets in 2017 after seeing a notice about a new unit starting up in the area. My first thoughts were, ‘this is something Henry would enjoy’. Nearly nine and a half years later I’m now Vice-Chair of the Unit Management Team and spend most parade nights helping at the unit. I also help out shoreside and on unit weekends and camps.
“The activities and courses on offer to the cadets is never ending which helps build confidence, leadership skills and more importantly helps to set future goals for later on in life.
“Seeing a cadet smile for the first time as they have been awarded a nationally recognised qualification which they didn’t think was achievable is what being an adult volunteer is all about for me.”
Marcus joined as a civilian instructor, and quickly determined that he wanted to be a uniformed CFAV. He has consistently developed his skills and has progressed to become a rowing instructor.
He said: “Becoming a volunteer was completely out of my comfort zone but felt like something I wanted to do not only for the Cadets but also for myself. Not having any experience of instructing hasn’t always been easy for myself but seeing the cadets outside and away from their screens, learning new things and seeing them progress makes it all worthwhile.”
Henry was aged 11 when he joined as a Junior, and took every opportunity available to make the most of his Sea Cadet Experience He gained numerous qualifications both on and off the water, becoming an expert sailor whilst also gaining BTEC qualifications and a Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award.
After completing his time as a cadet aged 18, Henry followed his parents’ lead to become an adult volunteer. He is now employed as a mate with the Sea Cadets Corps offshore fleet, utilising the skills and experience he gained as a cadet and an adult volunteer. He is also a qualified powerboat and paddlesport instructor.
Henry said: Sea Cadets changed who I was to make me who I am today. I am now an adult volunteer at Wells-next-the-Sea, the Unit I started at, while also filling the full-time position as First Mate onboard the two Sea Cadet Yachts, TS City of London and TS Sir Stelios.”
Commander (SCC) Noel Wheatley MBE RNR, Commanding Officer of Wells SCC describes the Townshend family as “The stalwarts of our Unit without whom we wouldn’t be as strong as we are today. Henry is putting into practice all the skills and knowledge for the benefit of todays generation of cadets. Helen and Marcus’ dedication and commitment are second to none and the type of adult volunters that every Cadet Unit wishes they had on board!”
If National Cadets Week has inspired you to learn more about becoming a cadet or an adult volunteer, you can find out more here.
