Local Freemason honoured for lifelong commitment to Chichester Sea Cadets
A respected local Freemason and community leader has been recognised not only for over a decade of service as Chairman of Chichester Sea Cadets, but for a lifelong dedication to the organisation spanning more than six decades.
W. Bro Graham Watson was recently presented with a 12-year service certificate, marking his commitment to supporting young people through the Sea Cadets. The unit provides opportunities for youths to develop practical skills, leadership qualities, and self-confidence through nautical training, teamwork, and community engagement.
Graham’s connection to the Sea Cadets began in 1958 when he joined as a 10-year-old cadet. His early experience helped shape a distinguished career in the Royal Navy, which he joined in 1965 and served for 24 years.
In 2013, while a member of the Selsey Royal Naval Association, Graham learned that the Chichester unit faced closure following the loss of its Chairman and a lack of volunteers to take over. Determined not to see his former cadet unit disappear, he stepped forward to lead it.
“When I became Chairman, I had two main objectives,” Graham explained. “To secure a new minibus and to find a permanent home for the unit so it could grow.”
Within two years, the minibus project was successfully completed. Attention then turned to securing a long-term base, with plans beginning in 2019. However, the Covid-19 pandemic dealt a significant setback, reducing the unit from 25 cadets and five instructors to just four cadets and two instructors.
Despite these challenges, Graham, alongside Commanding Officer Tim Collins and a dedicated team of volunteers, helped rebuild the unit. Today, it has recovered to 24 cadets and juniors, supported by six instructors.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed. In 2022, Graham was awarded a Lord Lieutenant’s Commendation in recognition of his outstanding service to the Sea Cadets and the wider community.
Further progress came in 2020 when the unit received a substantial legacy donation, earmarked for the development of a new building. Graham is now in ongoing discussions with Chichester City Council to bring these plans to fruition.
The proposed development aims to create a modern, permanent home for the Sea Cadets at the former site on Pound Farm Road, which will also serve as a community centre. If plans proceed as hoped, construction could be completed by late next year.
Colleagues and fellow volunteers have praised Graham as a “pillar of support” and a “role model,” whose dedication embodies the spirit of service and community central to Freemasonry.
A photograph accompanying the story captures the moment Graham received his service certificate, celebrating not just 12 years as Chairman, but a lifetime of commitment to nurturing future generations.
For more information about Freemasonry in Sussex and its community work, visit www.sussexfreemasons.org.uk. For West Sussex enquiries, visit www.wgsm.co.uk.