Plymouth Division Royal Marines Volunteer Cadet Corps

02/09/2026

THE CHALLENGE! IS BACK! 🎉

The new-look The Challenge! Magazine has landed!

Packed with stories, opportunities, achievements and adventures from across the Volunteer Cadet Corps, this edition showcases just some of the fantastic things our cadets and volunteers have been getting up to over the last six months.

And with VCC125 celebrations taking place throughout 2026, there’s no better time for the return of our VCC magazine. ⚓️🎉

🔥 Don’t just hear about what’s happening across the VCC, see it for yourself!

👉 READ THE CHALLENGE! NOW
https://www.volunteercadetcorps.org/the-challenge

📲 Read it, share it and show your friends and family what the VCC is all about!

Want to see your unit, cadets or activities featured in a future edition? Get involved! Send your stories, photos and ideas to [email protected] 📸📝

📚 The Challenge! A magazine for the whole VCC.

30/07/2026

Yesterday evening Plymouth Division Cadets and Adult Staff assembled to bid farewell to our Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer 1 Oliver Epps, who has now reached the age of 18 and leaves the Volunteer Cadet Corps after six years.

Plymouth Band Cadets treated the Cdt RSM with a surprise Mess Beatings drum display during the presentation, which was attended by our Regional Officer, Lieutenant James Glass VCC. Plymouth Division's Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Tim Healy VCC, was pleased to present Cdt WO1 (RSM) Epps with his RSM's Cane as a leaving gift on behalf of the Unit.

During his time as a Royal Marines Cadet, Mr Epps has taken every opportunity offered to him and has risen through the ranks to attain the highest appointment open to Cadets within the VCC. Earlier this year Mr Epps has the honour to undertake his final official duty acting as the Parade Commander for the Ceremony of the Constables Dues at the Tower of London.

In addition to having served as both the Lord Mayor of Plymouth's Cadet (2024) and as a First Sea Lord's Cadet (2025) acting as an ambassador locally and nationally for both the VCC and wider naval service, Oliver also had the privilege to attend the King's Coronation service in 2023 and the 80th anniversary of VE Day service and concert last year in London.

We now wish Mr Epps all the best in his future endeavours and look forward to seeing him pursue his aspiration to join the Royal Marines 👏

Volunteer Cadet Corps

12/07/2026

Plymouth Division are attending the China Fleet County Club Family Fun Day today (Sunday 12th July 2026) with our recruitment stand and display.

Pop along and see us between 11am - 3pm. For more info visit: https://www.china-fleet.co.uk/events/event-calendar/family-fun-day/

If you have a child aged between 9-17 years who is interested in joining us or indeed any over 18 as a Cadet Forces Adult Volunteer, we’d be delighted to see you. More info can be found at: https://www.volunteercadetcorps.org

Royal Navy Cadet Forces
Volunteer Cadet Corps
Royal Navy
Royal Marines
The Bands of HM Royal Marines

07/07/2026

125 Years. 125 Days. One Incredible Challenge.

To celebrate the Volunteer Cadet Corps’ 125th Anniversary, we’re inviting our entire VCC family to take on the Challenge!

🏃 Complete 125 exercise reps a day for 125 days during 2026.

Whether it’s push-ups, star jumps, walking, jogging or cycling, every rep counts. Take on the challenge in your own way, at your own pace, and help raise vital funds for:

⚓ The Volunteer Cadet Corps
⚓ Royal Naval Association
⚓ The Royal Marines Charity

Everyone is welcome to get involved:
✅ Cadets
✅ Families
✅ Friends
✅ CFAVs
✅ Service Helpers
✅ Former Cadets
✅ Supporters

This is more than a fitness challenge - it’s a chance to celebrate 125 years of inspiring young people, support charities with strong links to our heritage, and show the strength of the VCC community.

📢 scan the QR code (or via the link below) or more details and unit fundraising pages.

Let’s get active, raise money for great causes and celebrate our anniversary together!

125 Years of Service. 125 Days of Challenge. One Incredible VCC Family.

23/06/2026

This week marks the start of Armed Forces Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the dedication, professionalism and sacrifice of the Armed Forces community.

At the Volunteer Cadet Corps, we are proud of our long-standing connection to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, and of the role our cadets and volunteers play in developing the next generation through adventure, discipline, leadership and service.

Throughout the week, we join the nation in thanking serving personnel, veterans, reservists, cadet force adult volunteers and military families for their commitment and contribution to our country.

From all of us at the Volunteer Cadet Corps, thank you for your service.

23/06/2026

A Red Extreme Heat Warning has been issued by the Met Office for Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures expected to exceed 39°C.

All cadets, volunteers and staff are reminded to take extra precautions and remain alert to the signs of heat-related illness. Activities must be continually assessed, with training adapted, reduced or cancelled where conditions make it unsafe to continue.

⚠️ Watch for:
• Headache, dizziness or confusion
• Feeling sick or loss of appetite
• Excessive sweating and clammy skin
• Muscle cramps

If someone shows signs of heat illness, stop the activity, move them to a cool shaded area, begin cooling measures immediately and seek medical assistance if required.

Stay hydrated, wear appropriate clothing, use sun protection and take regular breaks in the shade.

For further guidance, please refer to VCP203: Preventing and Managing Climatic Illnesses.

☀️🌡️

06/06/2026

Today we mark the 82nd anniversary of D-Day, the Allied landings in Normandy on 6 June 1944.

We remember the courage, sacrifice and determination of all those who took part in one of history’s most significant military operations. Their actions helped secure the freedoms we enjoy today and their legacy continues to inspire generations.

As we reflect on the events of D-Day, we honour the servicemen and women who served, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, and the veterans whose stories ensure their memory lives on.

We will remember them.

06/06/2026

27/05/2026

🧗‍♂️ Taking fundraising to new heights!

Brigadier Ged Salzano MBE, Commander Royal Navy Cadet Forces, is set to abseil down the iconic Spinnaker Tower in support of the Royal Marines Experience Museum on Saturday 13 June!

This incredible challenge will help raise funds for the future museum, preserving and sharing the proud history, heritage and stories of the Royal Marines for generations to come.

If you’re able to support this fantastic cause, donations can be made via the link in the comments.

Good luck Sir! 💪⚓

Royal Navy Museums