Facilities

Ashington has had a Sea Cadet Unit since the 1930's, when T.S. Seamew opened at Station Bridge in the Town centre. When the Sea Cadet unit designations were given alphabetically "Ashington" became "Unit 12 of the Sea Cadet Corps, a number we still hold today. In the early 1970's the name was changed to T.S. Tenacity when we moved location down onto the river bank where we remain to this day.

During the 1960's and the 1970's Ashington unit served as the District Boat Station hosting units from North Tyneside for residential courses. This function has now been taken up by T.S. Northumbria, a purpose built boat station on the River Tyne, however in 2005 Ashington has become the Boat Station once again, but this time for Junior Cadets.

Built originally as a wooden hut we have developed a 2 storey, flat roofed, self contained brick building offering 4200sq.ft. of residential training space. The building incorporates a Boat shed, Galley and Dormitories containing bunk beds for 20 cadets. Unfortunately there is no dedicated bunk space for staff, they sleep where they fall. There are 3 classrooms with overflow into the 2 dormitories giving 5 training spaces, the building is securely fenced and all doors and window have metal roller shutters.

The Wardroom is open plan with sitting area and canteen facilities, situated on the first floor between the male and female accommodation. The rest of the building is made up of stores and office spaces with toilets to the ground floor and first floor.

The Unit is easily accessed by car and parking is secure. The local bus stop is only 2 minutes from the unit and several major bus routes pass the building.

Boating is conducted on the River Wansbeck, a non-tidal river shared with Cambois Rowing Club. The water is an excellent place for novice boaters and offers a safe friendly environment to learn the basics. Most of the river is only waist deep and is ideal for sailing, pulling and canoeing. We have a purpose built safety boat to cover sailing and pulling but power boating as a sport is not allowed due to the Bird Sanctuary close by.

There are numerous places close by where AT and Camp craft type training can occur with the unit being a safe base to launch from.

Any enquiries as to the use of this facility should be directed to the Unit CO or Chairman, guest always welcome to use this facility.