VOLUNTEERS are being urged to come forward at a last-ditch meeting called to ensure Evesham’s much-loved Sea Cadet unit can avoid the threat of closure.
Organisers have launched a desperate plea for help in a bid to secure enough volunteers to form the management team needed to keep the Shinehill Lane group as a going concern.
As an independent registered charity, Evesham Sea Cadets relies heavily on funding along with the support from instructional and non-instructional volunteers who enable the cadet experience to be achieved in the local community.
In addition to their training, Evesham’s Sea Cadets are long-standing members of major civic events in the town including the Remembrance Sunday commemorations.
In a letter seen by the Observer to invite interested parties to a meeting on January 18, William Elliott Volunteer and Business Support Manager for South West Area Sea Cadets warned it was the ‘last chance’ for people to show their support.
“As an independent registered charity, it is essential the unit has a board of trustees in place who have overall management of the charity,” he said.
“The unit management team are required to meet at least every other month and are primarily responsible for the fund-raising, facilities and safety of cadet activities.”
In a stark warning, Mr Elliott warned the unit’s management team is now operating with minimal volunteer numbers, particularly trustees.
The meeting has been called on the hope new volunteers will come forward to form a management team and secure the future of the charity.
“Should the unit not be able to form a management team in accordance with Charity Commission requirements at this meeting, the unit will be at risk of closure,” Mr Elliott added.
“I am sure you will agree the closure of the Sea Cadet unit would be a great loss not only to the local community but most of all, to the cadets who attend.
Supporters are being invited to the charity’s base at 7pm on January 18 at the unit’s base on Shinehill Lane in South Littleton in a bid to secure enough support for the unit to continue.
Interested parties are asked to e-mail [email protected] for more information.
