Sea Cadet Officer in Rochdale honoured with Royal commendation for exceptional service

Friday, 18 July 2025 19:26

By David Murphy

Rochdale’s PO (SCC) Sally Tisdall has received a prestigious Lord Lieutenant Commendation for her unwavering commitment to youth development, community service, and voluntary leadership at the town’s Sea Cadet Unit, TS Frobisher II.

On Wednesday, 16 July 2025, at a formal ceremony at Gorton Monastery, Petty Officer (Sea Cadet Corps) Sally Tisdall was recognised by His Majesty the King’s Lord Lieutenant of Greater Manchester. The award highlights outstanding acts of public service and volunteer dedication across the region.

Sally, a former Royal Navy Aircraft Controller, has been involved with Rochdale Sea Cadets since 2019. Following her departure from active naval service in 2022, she took on the role of Officer in Charge (OIC) at the Greenbank Road-based unit, which operates entirely on self-raised funds and volunteer staff.

The unit offers local young people aged 10 to 17 the chance to develop discipline, leadership, and seafaring skills. Under Sally’s stewardship, the cadet ship has become a well-attended, high-morale environment with growing numbers and an active programme reaching from unit to national level within the Sea Cadet Corps.

Rochdale Sea Cadets parade every Tuesday and Friday night between 7pm and 9pm, while junior cadets (ages 10 to 12) meet on Tuesday evenings. All staff, including Sally and the management committee, serve voluntarily. In addition to her leadership duties, Sally is currently studying full time for a law degree with ambitions of becoming a barrister. She also cares for her grandmother, balancing academic, family, and community responsibilities.

Sally’s service continues a long-standing family legacy within the Rochdale unit. Her grandfather, Lt Cdr (SCC) Lawrence Scholes, was a cadet there in 1953 and remained involved until his death in 2023. He was awarded Rochdale’s Man of the Year Award in 2021 for his lifetime dedication to the Sea Cadet movement.

The commendation has been welcomed with pride by the entire TS Frobisher II community. A spokesperson from the management committee said: “Sally has transformed the unit into a thriving, happy and prosperous place. Her dedication is tireless and inspiring. This award reflects her true character and the positive difference she makes to Rochdale’s youth.”

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