Airdrie & Coatbridge win the Indefatigable Cup

Added 16/06/2009

Airdrie & Coatbridge Sea Cadet unit based in Mission Hall, Motherwell Road, Airdrie were recipients of the Indefatigable Cup on 15th June 2009.

The cup is awarded by the Indefatigable Old Boys Association to the Sea Cadet unit who in the opinion of the Captain of the Sea Cadets has improved the most over the preceding 12 months. This is only the third time the trophy has been awarded to a Sea Cadet unit.

Founded in 1864 HMS Indefatigable was fitted out by the Bibby Family, owners of the Merchant Shipping Company Bibby Line for the training of orphans and boys in poor circumstances whose only crime was that they were sons of seamen. She was moored off Rock Ferry Pier on the Mersey and later replaced by HMS Phaeton until the war time bombing in 1941 where she was ordered to evacuate. The school was then moved to the former Marquis of Anglesey’s stately home where she survived until 1995 due to financial pressures.

The Indefatigable Old Boys Association (IOBA) took it upon themselves to give something back to the youth of today and as such the presentation of the cup and a monetary award to a Sea Cadet unit was passed with a 100% majority of their membership.

The word Indefatigable meaning ‘never tiring’, ‘unremitting’, ‘that which cannot be wearied’ sums up the efforts of the Airdrie and Coatbridge Sea Cadet unit over the last few years and the efforts of the committee, staff & cadets has ensured that the unit received this award.

The Cup & cheque were presented by the IOBA Secretary Steve Humphries to the Officer in Charge of Airdrie & Coatbirdge Sea Cadets Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) Debbie Paterson RNR in front of distinguished guests, parents, cadets & staff members from all over Lanarkshire.

Of the presentation Officer in Charge Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) Debbie Paterson RNR said “The unit is proud of this achievement. We have worked extremely hard to turn the misfortunes of the unit round, which has earned us national recognition”

Pictured – IOBA Secretary Steve Humphries presents the Indefatigable Cup to Airdrie & Coatbridge Officer in Charge Sub-Lieutenant (SCC) Debbie Paterson RNR