I have never been in a more friendly enviroment ! people moan at children for not doing something with their free time and causing trouble and when we do have somewere as good, friendly and enjoyable for us youngsters - you go and shut it down ! please dont shut it down its 1 of the best parts of the SCC and we love it ! 
 Michael Hayward Musical Director.x172.jpg)
Help Save TS Ganges ! - it is under threat of closure.
19/Feb/09- TS GANGES SPONSOR WEEKS 2009 - click here for the latest info
UPDATE! - 18/ Feb / 09
Just to bring you all up to speed regarding TS Ganges. The Boating Station Superintendant has received email confirmation from the MSSC that any decision on closure is being deferred until December. Early days yet, but I would like to thank those of you - and I know there are many, that voiced your opinion to the powers that be over this issue. Thankfull of the breathing space afforded, options on the way forward can now be explored.
Many thanks guys, we still have a long way to go.
UPDATE! - 5 / Feb / 09
Gentlemen, I have received a reply from MSSC today in answer to the Email I sent them on the 1st Feb (Check out the latest Forum posts 5/2/09 HERE ). It does not look very promising, but at least we got a reply, any comments? Regards, Ivan
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30/Jan/09 - Update sent in from Ivan Hayward
By now a lot of you will be aware of the situation that has developed with TS Ganges over the last 4 months. By the time this goes to press the final decision will have been made as to its future. Due to these problems we have had to put all bookings for the Boating Station on hold, including the two Sponsor Weeks held in June. To help you all understand the present dilemma that we find the Boating Station in the President of TS Ganges Support Group, Lt-Cdr. Stuart Wallace RNR, Superintendent Stena Line has submitted the following item.
TS GANGES – SCC NATIONAL BOATING STATION
INTRODUCTION TS GANGES is a Marine Society and Sea Cadet Corps (MSSC) National Boating Station located in Holyhead, Anglesey. For 20 years TS GANGES has provided Sea Cadets from all over the UK with the opportunity to engage in adventurous training primarily utilising the large expanse of safe water provided by Holyhead harbour.
TS GANGES is co-located with TS PRINCE OF WALES, the local MSSC Unit, in Holyhead, where TS GANGES rent some of the buildings that comprise the National Boating Station from TS PRINCE OF WALES. Attempts have been made to secure a lease from TS PRINCE OF WALES in order for the MSSC to invest money in refurbishing the buildings to bring them up to the required standard, but the current poor relationship between the two units is proving to be a major obstacle to negotiation. In NOV 08 the future of TS GANGES was called into question by the management of the MSSC and a deadline imposed for the Boating Station to secure a long term lease or face closure. Efforts to secure such a lease continue. The current deadline has been set at 24 FEB 09, which represents an extension of a previous deadline.
RECOMMENDATIONS All available options are fully explored to secure the long term future of TS GANGES. Regardless of the future location of TS GANGES within the Holyhead area the opportunity should be taken to restore a good working relationship between TS GANGES and TS PRINCE OF WALES.
BACKGROUND Relationships between the two units have been poor for sometime, despite efforts by the management of TS GANGES to improve the situation. In the current round of negotiations the Management Committee of the TS PRINCE OF WALES continue to be pressed for a meeting to discuss a lease, but, despite repeated attempts at communication by representatives of TS GANGES, there has been no commitment to a date by TS PRINCE OF WALES. In attempting to secure such a meeting the help of the local MP (Ynys Mon – Mr. Albert Owen) has been requested but despite Mr. Owen stating that a meeting will take place nothing has happened. MSSC also appear unable to influence TS PRINCE OF WALES.
OPTIONS Whilst the preferred solution would appear to be a negotiated settlement with TS PRINCE OF WALES other options are still under consideration. These primarily focus on the purchase of the ex Royal Naval Club in Holyhead and its subsequent conversion to be a new training centre. This option, however, will require a significant level of funding from MSSC and any decision will have to be referred to the MSSC trustees. The ex Royal Naval Club is due to be auctioned on 19 FEB 09. The MSSC have stated to the management of TS GANGES that a final decision on the future of the Boating Station will taken after the 24 FEB 09, the date of the next MSSC Council Meeting.
Other Options being pursued by the Boating Station’s Superintendent to relocate to a nearby adventure training school, but at the present time this option is being viewed less favourably, however MSSC have recently asked for details to be resubmitted. There is also the possibility of making use of a building within the Stena Line port estate, but to date investigations by the Port Manager as to who holds the lease have been unsuccessful. This possibility continues to be investigated, but with some prudence as it only represents a medium term solution, albeit at low cost.
RELATIONS WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITY The presence of smart, happy and well mannered young people in a Sea Cadet Uniform does much to enhance the Royal Navy’s local image. As well as providing an excellent facility for young people TS GANGES also employs four full time and three part time staff. In 2008 TS GANGES spent £45K in the local economy. Since the threat of closure became known the TS GANGES Support Group has been active in soliciting support for the future of the Boating Station within the local community, the Royal Navy, the Royal Naval Reserve, the Marine Society and Sea Cadets and ex Service Associations. Communications with the Chief Executive Officer of the MSSC (Mr. Mike Cornish) have been cordial and it is hoped that Mr. Cornish is supportive of a solution being found to the current problems. Morale amongst TS GANGES staff remains high and the level of interest in the Boating Station amongst the wider MSSC also remains high, with many bookings for the 2009 season already having been received.
Original story:
A recent review undertaken by SCC headquarters has determined that the National Sea Cadet Training Centre, located on the sea front in Holyhead, is to be de-commissioned by 1st April 2009. This decision is being taken on the inability of TS Ganges to secure a long term lease at the present site.
Every year - since inauguration in 1989 - Holyhead Training Centre has seen hundreds of Sea Cadets, from all over the country, travel to Holyhead to enjoy the benefits of learning new skills (practical and personal), and to learn first hand the ethos of what the Sea Cadet Corps is all about – Serious Fun.
The Boating Station’s Superintendent Lt/Cdr (SCC) Geoff Shaw RNR has been given a short time to explore the possibility of keeping the Boating Station open - time is running out. If a workable security of tenure on the current site cannot be achieved, or relocation to alternative premises cannot be attained, the Sea Cadet Corps will have lost a wonderful asset in its facilities and its staff.
The TS Ganges Support Group is doing all it can to highlight this issue locally, and throughout Sea Cadet Units nationally. Your support in any way, in helping to keep this National Boating Station ‘afloat’ and ensuring young people throughout the SCC can continue to benefit in the future - as they have done for the last 19 years – will be appreciated.
The FORUM is open for your comments – please register your support.
Testimonials:
" I thoroughly enjoyed the day... it gave me an insight into the
training and your very good facilities."
RJ Horner,
Lt Cdr RD RNR,
Chairman, Huddersfield Sea Cadet Corps
"While the party thoroughly enjoy the trips on the RIB, we also appreciate the active encouragement of your staff who made every effort to provide us all with an enjoyable experience."
Ian Ware, Assistant Club Leader, Menai Bridge Scout Group
" Thank you for a fantastic week. The Cadets (including me!) thoroughly enjoyed themselves and have not stopped talking about the week since they got back."
DJ Smith, Chief Petty Officer(SCC), First Lieutenant and RYA Principal, Doncaster SC unit.
A Place Where Kids Come First
I have been involved with the Holyhead Boating Station for well over 20 years and since its inauguration in 1989 as TS Ganges Training Centre I have had the honor and privilege to be the Support Groups Secretary and Treasurer. Over the years we have been very fortunate having the support of many ex service groups and other organizations backing us along with good volunteers to serve on the committee, helping to raise funds for the day to day running, also a team of 1st class dedicated instructors, all of whom have given their best to make TS Ganges what it is today "A Place Where Kids Come First".
To close TS Ganges for the lack of somewhere to house its facilities would be the loss of a first class Training Centre, and a kick in the teeth to all the above mentioned, but the biggest losers would be the cadets themselves, to close a place that gives them respect, a sense of achievement, and helps them gain confidence to go forward in life would be a great shame.
What can we do? with your help we can bring it to the attention of the powers that be, MPs, Charity Commissioners, Businessmen, Newspapers, Peers of the Realm, Admirals and anyone else you think may be able to help. We do not need money at the moment but a pledge to help when the time is right is all we are after. Anyone who needs further information please contact me through this site. Here
Ivan Hayward
Secretary TS Ganges Support Group
Following received from TS Ganges Support Group Chairman
Hi, Martin, can you put a notice of thanks from me on the site, thanking all those who have sent in letters of support, It is very much appreciated. I would like to suggest they send copies to MS-SC H.Q. as well.
Dave Poyser - Chairman TS Ganges Support Group
18/Jan/09 - Latest News posted on the forum. Take a look
30/Jan/09 - I thought you would like the photos of when I came up to the ganges week in 2008 it was the best week I have had - Jenny Kerchey...
