Bolton Sea Cadets have won funding for “desperately needed” repairs to prepare their historic building as winter approaches. The Sea Cadets are a Ministry of Defence-recognised group that allows young people to learn water skills and develop their confidence with Royal Navy training. Bolton’s branch, located on Castle Street in T he Haulgh , has received a £25,000 grant from the Asda Foundation.
The group’s First Lieutenant Elizabeth Ogden said: “As a charity, we have more freedom to offer our cadets a broad experience. "We train them in the manner of the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines commandos. And we have more flexibility in offering national awards.
"Our syllabus can lead to BTEC courses or a head start career in a naval career. “But being a charity has also meant we are responsible for maintaining our building.” And the Training Ship (T.
S.) Dido, their Grade II listed base, has needed a lot of maintenance. Mrs Ogden said: “Our old boiler system cost us £9,000 in energy bills last year.
“We have replaced them with the help of grants and cut our bills in half, but the T.S. Dido’s windows still don’t keep the heat in.
“They are old with often damaged or missing panes. Some of the frames are rotten. “Because of the restrictions on listed buildings, it costs a lot to repair them, about £40,000.
“They will need to look the same, but in better condition.” (Image: Henry Lisowski) Now, the Asda Foundation’s Investing in Spaces and Places grant.
