TS COLLINGWOOD Wapping Street South Shields:  Tuesday 20th June 2023, 7.15 pm

The Sea Cadet Unit at South Shields not only bears our Admiral’s name but has a wonderful tale to tell and, very kindly, they have agreed to share it with the Society.

The unit lies on what was, between 1936 and 1959, the shore establishment serving HMS SATELLITE, originally an 1881 corvette and converted to serve as an RNVR drill ship, which was moored close by in the river Tyne.  In all, eight Royal Navy vessels bore the name HMS SATELLITE, the first being a sloop launched in 1806, so known to our Admiral.

In 2021, the original figurehead from an 1854-built HMS SATELLITE was restored and is now housed at the unit.  The restoration exercise itself, funded by a Lottery Grant, is a story all on its own.

Come and join us to learn of the line of ships, the shore establishment, the figurehead and the South Shields Sea Cadets.

TS COLLINGWOOD is located at the seaward end of Wapping Street, right alongside the river at South Shields, NE33 1LQ.  There is limited parking at the unit, but the car park of the Marine School Safety Training Centre, just 150 metres further upriver on Wapping Street will be available on the night. It will be suitably manned for when people are arriving.

A buffet and drink is available at £7.50 per head, but must be paid in advance by 15th June, so we know numbers for the caterer.  Guests are welcome – no extra charge for entry, but they do of course have to pay for their buffet.  If you are not a member of the Society (and have not therefore received a covering email) but would like to join us, please email the Treasurer for details of how to pay.

This visit will also give us the opportunity to engage with others who have an interest in Admiral Collingwood and the chance to see the work of a successful Sea Cadet unit.

So…. clear your diary, purchase your buffet tickets, make your travel arrangements and….    enjoy our 2023 Summer Outing!

Fair winds!

Thomas RN

(for the Admiral)