A proud day for South Shields as Sea Cadets launch boat named after HMS Pickle
Sea Cadets are celebrating the launch of their new boat in South Shields.
South Shields Sea Cadets (TS Collingwood) has celebrated a landmark moment with the official launch of their brand new boat, Pickle into the River Tyne.
The successful launch was the culmination of more than a year’s work, community support and traditional boat‑building craftsmanship, and it took place in bright sunshine at the Cadets’ Wapping Street base and on the slipway at Satellite Quay.
As tradition dictates, Pickle was blessed before launch, with Padre Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) David Raine RNR carrying out the ceremony in the presence of South Tyneside Deputy Mayor, Cllr Alan Rice, and his wife Margaret.
The boat takes its name from HMS Pickle, the famous Royal Navy vessel that carried home news of the victory and Lord Nelson's death after the Battle of Trafalgar.
Fittingly, the new Pickle has been built by the North East Maritime Trust, whose workshop sits at the other end of Wapping Street.
The Trust specialises in restoring and conserving historic working boats, making this new build an unusual but welcome challenge.
The building of the new boat was made possible by a £10,000 donation from UK Docks Marine Services, whose national headquarters is just a few yards up the road at River Drive.
Harry Wilson, founder of UK Docks, is also honorary president of TS Collingwood, and his sons, Gary, Jonathan and Chris, who are directors of the company, have been available to help and support.
TS Collingwood chairman John Eltringham said: “Although the project was initiated by our President, Harry Wilson MBE, working alongside the Trust, it soon became very much a family affair, not only financially, but with directors and managers at UK Docks offering advice and support,” he said.
“The Maritime Trust took great care with the construction, both keeping traditional boat‑building skills alive and delivering a wonderful addition to our training fleet.
“I had the honour of attending the launching of the last ship built on the Tyne in 2006. I didn’t know then that I would be involved with the next Tyne launch 20 years later!”
The build saw the construction team working to meet stringent Royal Navy and Cadet Forces Training Afloat safety standards. Cadets themselves were involved throughout, using the project as a hands‑on learning experience.
“It has been a tough job,” John said. “But it was worth it because not only has the work been carried out to the highest standards, but the cadets have learned a lot from being involved.”
The Cadets’ existing Trinity 500 boats are now more than a decade old, and while still reliable, they naturally attract wear and tear.
The new boat will strengthen TS Collingwood’s already impressive rowing programme. The unit has a strong track record in junior and senior rowing competitions.
John was delighted the launch went off smoothly but pointed out that support from UK Docks had been vital in getting the project afloat in the first place.
“People often don’t realise that the Sea Cadets, as a registered charity, are not fully funded unlike the Army or Air Force Cadets, so having someone supporting us like Harry and his family is a big part of our success,” he said.
“It’s also great to have his genuine pride and passion in the Sea Cadets. We’ve relied on his wise counsel for many years.”