Sea Scouts Summer Ball at The Salisbury Hotel

I knew the time would come when I would have to go out and buy a Dinner Jacket and Bow Tie. This was the first time this year that it was necessary and I dutifully wore the apparel. I thought I looked rather smart until I met the officers who greeted me. Their uniforms are neat, smart and rather figure hugging, which might have been a problem for my particular physique!

Getting to know people is the best part of the role as Mayor and I thoroughly enjoyed hearing all about the Sea Cadets and the Units based in Sandgate and Ashford. The ball was intended for officers and their families, as an adult only event. Sadly, many of the people originally intending to come felt unable to do so, but those who were there celebrated the Unit with gusto.

Clearly this group of people put a great deal of time and energy into supporting, guiding and teaching young people and it is an interest which takes over their lives. We heard about the evening training activities as well as the band and the qualifications that the young people can gain from working hard as a member of the Sea Cadets.

Those of us who are not knowledgeable about Naval rules and regulations had to ask for interpretation of when, what and how to proceed throughout the evening.

The food was of a very high standard and the conversation at table was entertaining and interesting. My excuse for not dancing was that I had eaten far too much and could hardly move. I think the drinking of the port after dinner may have had something to do with it too.

I hope to be invited to attend some of the activities that the young people undertake and I will look forward to meeting them in their Unit very soon.