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TS Ganges Closure Dec 11th, 2009, 4:55pm   TS Ganges Holyhead   This week has seen the closure of TS Ganges. On Wednesday 9th December the keys to the North West Areas’ premier boating station were handed back to the landlords – They being the Management Committee of TS Prince of Wales.   Patrick Balfour (Chief of Staff MSSC) journeyed from HQ to officially decommission the boating station which has occupied leased premises on Holyhead’s Newry Beach for over 20 years.  Incongruous really, that the lessors could not be bothered to keep the appointment, a most disrespectful affair, but not altogether surprising to those of you who have been aware of the events leading to the closure of TS Ganges.   The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC), recognised Holyhead harbour as a safe haven for boating activities and numerous other outdoor pursuits, and was keen to improve the Boat Station facilities with a substantial investment in order that it remained an attractive maritime youth organisation. The MSSC also recognised and appreciated the very considerable support of ex Ganges boys, and the Ganges Association over the years, not only to TS Ganges but to the Sea Cadet Corps. However, in order for the MSSC to invest charitable monies a number of simple conditions needed to be met, essentially, a proper lease agreement with the landlords.     A response to the lease agreement tabled was never forthcoming, and no reason why has ever been proffered by TS Prince of Wales - in fact no communication has ever been received from them – not surprising really that no one turned up to take back the keys!!   And so – Holyhead Boating Station has been lost to hundreds of Sea Cadets, from all over the country – last year 2,902 training days. Seven professional staff have lost their jobs. £40,000 in food and facilities lost to the local economy annually. . . .     To lose this boating station through no other reason than the intransigence of another Sea Cadet Units’ Management Committee is downright disgraceful, unprofessional, smacks of neglect and is not in the sprit of the Sea Cadets or Holyhead youth.     Martin Randle TS Ganges Support Group

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