SPIRITS were high amongst the Yeovil Sea Cadets as they welcomed two very special guests.

Yeovil MP Adam Dance and former town mayor councillor Evie Potts-Jones enjoyed a showcase by the cadets at Sutton Bingham Reservoir as they prepared for the District Regatta at Cheddar Reservoir.

The visit was under the watchful eye of district officer Lt Cdr Simon Vokes RNR and was led by S/Lt (SCC) Kerri Partington RNR.

Mr Dance proved he was no stranger to the waves as he joined cadets for some last-minute sailing and rowing drills.

Having honed his skills in international Dragon racing with his sister, Adam piloted the safety boat while chatting with cadets and instructors.

Not just a sailor, the MP also took time to speak candidly about his personal journey with dyslexia and the value of youth organisations like the cadets in building resilience, confidence, and community spirit.

He also used the visit to push for more reliable bus routes so more people can take part in cadet activities.

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Mr Dance said: “The cadets offer something really special – friendship, confidence and life skills that stay with young people for years.

“As someone who faced challenges growing up with dyslexia and ADHD, I know just how important it is to have safe and positive spaces like this where young people can thrive.

“I will also continue to push for better local infrastructure, such as reliable bus routes, so that more young people and their families in and around Yeovilton and nearby villages can access brilliant opportunities like the cadets.”

Call for volunteers

Mark Shelford, Somerset member of the Wessex RFCA, was on hand and even found himself lending a hand pulling dinghies up the ramp with Adam.

He praised the cadets’ determination and highlighted the importance of upcoming changes in defence policy.

“It’s fantastic to see our local MP so engaged,” he said.

“As we face a 30% expansion in cadet numbers nationally, due to the recently published Strategic Defence Review will mean we will need more adult volunteers than ever.

“Watching these young people develop resilience and teamwork—even in the rain—makes it all worthwhile.”

A spokesperson said: “The evening concluded with laughter, learning, and a healthy dose of rain—but thankfully no one (not even the MP) ended up overboard.

“While Adam’s staff may have worried for his dry suit, his boots remained dry and his spirits high.”

Anyone wishing to join the cadets as an adult volunteer is asked to email the Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets Association at wx-comms@rfca.mod.uk

No prior experience is needed to become an adult volunteer—just enthusiasm and a willingness to support the next generation.