This Weekend, on Saturday November 16th there will be an Open Day taking place at the Old Harbour House in Port Talbot from 11am to 3pm.
In case you didn’t know, Harbour House is one of the oldest still inhabited buildings in Port Talbot. It was built in 1838 & appeared on the 1st Edition Ordnance Survey in 1876 and is currently used as a Training Centre by the Port Talbot Sea Cadets.
Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Morgan Williams who is the Unit Commanding Officer said:
“We’re inviting the community to join us as we open Harbour House to the public where they will be shown around the building and learn about the History of Port Talbot sea cadets.”
“Port Talbot Sea Cadets have been using the building since late 1960s and it once was the Harbour master’s house which is on the wharf side near the original lock gates. CADW have it as Grade II Listed because it’s “an unusual survival of a 19th Century Harbour house, retaining its character, and of historic interest”.
On the day, there will be guided tours of Harbour House, taking place at 11:30, 12:30, 1:30 & 2:30. These tours will last around 30 minutes. However do keep in mind that Harbour House is a old building and therefore not fully suitable for individuals with mobility issues. Also, there will be showings of a film interviewing several former/current members & associates of the Sea Cadets sharing their memories & stories of Harbour House and what their time with the Sea Cadets taught them and their fondest memories. These showings will be at 11am, 12pm, 1pm & the final showing is at 2pm.
On the day, as well as the tours & film showings there will be a display board of pictures/information relating to the history of the Sea Cadets & Harbour House. And cadets will also be holding demonstrations on the day as well to showcase some of the skills & activities they get up to.
The Cadets achieved double heritage grant success when they were awarded £5250 by The Heritage Lottery Fund and £7375 has come from UK Shared Prosperity Fund via Neath Port Talbot County Council’s Heritage Culture Tourism and Events Fund.
“We’d like to thank National Lottery Players and the Heritage Lottery Fund for giving us the opportunity to record and show to the public our heritage.”
Added Chief Petty Officer (SCC) Williams.
Attendees are welcome to & are invited to bring along any old pictures or items they may have from the Sea Cadets or anything relating to Harbour House. You can also contact CETMA on 01554 556996 or ewilliams@cetma.org.uk if you have any pictures or stories you would like to share about Harbour House or the Port Talbot Sea Cadets.
Port Talbot Sea Cadets
The Sea Cadets are open to children aged 9 to 17 and meet at the Old Harbour House, North Wharf, The Old Docks, Port Talbot SA13 1RH on Tuesday and Friday nights from 6.45 pm till 9pm.
To find out more about Port Talbot Sea Cadets, you can:
- email unit@porttalbot-seacadets.org.uk,
- visit www.sea-cadets.org/porttalbot,
- or www.facebook.com/porttalbotseacadets
- Telephone 01639 887139.
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Editors Notes
Port Talbot Sea Cadets was founded in 1968. It is based in Harbour House, which is the oldest surviving example of an inhabited building in Port Talbot. Each week young people regularly attend training sessions at Harbour House, where Sea Cadets offer recognised training and qualifications.
During Summer months water based activities are popular. Throughout the year land based courses such as First Aid, Meteorology, Catering and Mechanical Engineering are offered.
Our aim, as part of the National Sea Cadet charity is to support as many young people as possible to develop skills and qualifications that will benefit them in adult life.
The charity is entirely run by volunteers who give their time and expertise freely and there are two parade nights a week on a Tuesday and a Friday.
SCC – Sea Cadet Corps (it differentiates the ranks and rates from the Royal Navy).
