Skip to main content
MyTWBC

A special parade!

The Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets (TS Brilliant) were presented with the Freedom of the Borough on Sunday 12 October 2025.

Mayor David Osborne presented a commemorative scroll to the unit’s Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Matt Vanns RNR. A Scroll Party made up of Royal Marine adult volunteers accepted the scroll on behalf of the unit and then led the cadets in a parade through Royal Tunbridge Wells town centre.

For the special occasion, which also commemorated the unit’s 90th anniversary and the Battle of Trafalgar, the Tunbridge Wells Sea Cadets were joined by fellow cadets from across West Kent. As they paraded they were watched and cheered on by family, friends and many local residents who had gathered to watch the historic event.

The cadets’ day began with a formal inspection by senior Royal Navy officers. This was followed by a commemorative service led by the Tunbridge Wells unit’s Chaplain, Reverend Caz Mills RNR. Rev Mills paid tribute to those who fought at Trafalgar and reflected on the enduring spirit of naval service.

Lieutenant Vanns expressed his gratitude for the honour, saying the award was ‘a testament to the hard work, commitment, and community spirit of every cadet and volunteer in the unit’.

The Honorary Freedom of the Borough is the highest award the Council can give to an individual or corporate body. The award is not often made and is normally only conferred on local people who have made a significant contribution to the locality or have achieved something outstanding.


More from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council...