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Hinckley Victorious At Area .22 Shooting Competiton 2010
The Freestone RAISE trophy has come home to our trophy cabinet after a three year absence, after cadets from Hinckley shot their way to victory at the Eastern Area Smallbore shooting competition this weekend (7.2.10). The team competed against cadets from all over the Area, including cadets from as far as Barnsley and Cambridge, and after a weekend of training and practicing, achieved the highest score with standard service issue No.8 rifle. The team consisted on Cpl Tim Morten, Marine Cadet Second Class Connor Daldry, Cadet Noel, and Marine Cadet William Garwood.
Pictured is Cpl Tim Moreton and Cdt Harry Noel receiving the Raise Trophy from the Deputy Area Officer Cdr. Watt RN
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Hinckley Sea Cadets Host Regatta
Hinckley Sea Cadets played host to the Leicestershire And Rutland Youth Sailing Association at the begining of July. With a fleet of just ten boats a good days racing was had by all the competitors.
AC James Smith and OC Jasmine Smith joined in with the racing and did themselves and the unit proud with their results. With weather conditions proving to be very testing with the swirling wind.
If any Cadet is interested in taking part in these local regattas contact CPO Paul Kitchen for further information
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Unit Training Weekend: Thrapston May 2009
This weekend officially saw the start to the silly, sorry, boating season. For some of the Cadets that attended, it was their first experience of Thrapston Boat Station. It was hoped that all the cadets leave on the Sunday lunchtime tired but wanting to return for more. With the smiles on the Cadets faces during the weekend I think this was achieved.
Saturday morning brought very light winds, Ideal for the first time boater. However during the morning the wind died and the sailing dinghies drifted.
With the sun shining, formal sailing lessons were abandoned and FUN games were the order of the day. And the sailors had a very wet but enjoyable afternoon. Towards the end of the Afternoon the sailors were joined by the pullers, I think some wished they hadn’t. O/C Smith must have thought that he had upset someone, every time buckets of water where launched by staff (nothing to do with me) Smudge always seemed to be in the firing line.(see picture gallery)
The powerboaters and pullers used the great weather to their advantage and were able to gain valuable experiences.
Sunday brought much fresher winds. A good 2 hours sailing was enough to be able to assess and pass all the students for their stage 1 RYA (Royal Yachting Association) qualification.
The powerboaters also achieved their level 1 RYA Power qualification.
Well done to ALL the cadets and thanks to ALL the Staff.
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HMS Bristol: Combined Easter Camp 2009
During the Easter break several cadets from Hinckley Sea Cadets joined other from all over the Eastern Area to gain awards in many activities including sailing, powerboating, pulling, seamanship, engineering, cooking & piping. HMS Bristol is a guided misile distroyer and is birthed at Portsmouth Naval Dockyard alongside Whale Island.
Pictured is Cdt. Smith carrying out capsize and recovery training. Yes the water was very cold, so I'm told!!. Cdt. Smith successfully obtained her RYA stage 2 sailing qualification during the week.
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Laforey Parade 2009
On Sunday 29 March, Cadets and Staff from Hinckley joined forces with cadets and staff from all over the District to take part in the annual parade in honour to the sailors who lost their lives when HMS Laforey sank during World War 2. Four cadets formed part of the Guard that paraded the Colour.
Click on the link to see the March Past.
March Past
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Area Drill Competition 2009
Hinckley Cadets maintain the high standards set last year with coming runners up in the Colour Party competition. The team comprising of POC's Hartwell & Parry, AC Maine and OC's Smith & Bailey, competed against 8 other units in the Eastern Area. The team coach Petty Officer Laywood stated that the cadets had worked really hard, and were very proud of what they had achieved.
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Hinckley Assist Area Boat Station Re-build
During a weekend in early February Staff and Cadets from Hinckley Sea Cadets gave much needed assistance to the Staff from the Eastern Area Boat Station at Thrapston. The task was to demolish the upper boat shed and the toilet/shower block.
Under the watchful eye of our resident handy man, Steve Deeming, the team set to work on the upper boat shed. By lunch time, with the boat shed completed all hands moved to the toilet/shower block. Whilst sledge hammers were swung and sweat mopped from brows, a tear were seen from Lt. Neil Hartwell's eye. Was it sadness or joy!
The new toilet and shower block arrives late February. Complete with HEATERS.
The Hinckley team included Mr Steve Deeming (Boss),POC Adam Parry, OC Jake Deeming, PO Katherine Okenhie, PO Tom Griffiths and CPO Paul Kitchen.
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2008 Presentation Night
Friday 5 December saw the annual presentation of awards evening to the Cadets. It was a fantastic turn out of both Cadets and their families and supporters. The awards presented were.
O/C D Smith Canoeing
POC A Parry Boatwork
MC2 L Davies Endeavour
O/C D Smith Achievement
Jnr J Frost Jnr Sea Cadet of the Year
O/C J Smith Junior Cadet of the Year
L/Cpl J Stone Marine Cadet of the Year
POC L Hartwell Commanding Officers Award
POC A Parry Cadet of the Year
A special presentation was also made by the Cadets to Lt. Hartwell upon his retirement as Commanding Officer. Plus a presentation to Petty Officer Liz Taylor who received her Cadet Force Long Service Medal from the District Officer Lt. Cdr. Paul Perry.
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Five-a-side football success!!
On Sunday 12th October, Hinckley Sea Cadets competed in the Northants and Leicester District 5-a-side football competition at Bramcote Barracks. We entered a Junior Sea Cadets mixed team (ages 10-12), and a Junior Boys team (Age 12+). The Junior Sea Cadets team won in their class, and the Junior Boys missed out on winning their class by only 1 point, coming second! Well done to all that took part, and good luck at Area level!
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National Regatta Success 2008
On Saturday 6th October 5 of our cadets LC L Hartwell (Cox) POC A Parry LC L Watton AC A Dodds and AC L Dickins represented Eastern Area at the national combined regatta in the Sail Boat Handling competition. In a tight competition with fairly bad conditions with rain and fairly strong winds the cadets performed magnificently finishing 3rd and bronze medal winners. This was a fantastic result considering we have only our small lake to train on and the two teams that beat us have Portsmouth Harbour and Weymouth to use.
This is the first national medal in boat handling the unit has ever won and I am sure next year we could turn it into a gold medal.
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Farewell Shipmate: Lt. John Mapletoft
On Thursday 21st August Members of Hinckley Sea Cadets Paid a final farewell to one of its longest serving members, Lt (SCC) John Mapletoft RNR aged 83. Lt Mapletoft had been with the Unit since 1973 and even in his later years very rarely missed a parade.
The unit was honoured by the family who asked that we participated in the funeral as an honour guard and as pall bearers this the Unit was glad to do.
The Commanding Officer LT (SCC) Neil Hartwell RNR said of LT Mapletoft "John was an inspiration to all the staff and cadets in the unit he was one of the last members of the Sea Cadet Corps who saw active service in the Second World War. He would keep both cadets and staff entertained with his stories of his war time exploits and also his time with Hinckley Sea Cadets. John was something very special and will be sadly missed"
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Exchange Visits Summer 2008
Petty Officer Cadets Mark O'Conner and Jon Booker have recently returned from their respective visits abroad. Here are their stories.
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POC Jon Booker
South Korea 2008 International Exchange
I was selected to attend the international exchange program in South Korea. The South Korea exchange starts in the capital city of the country Seoul and we travel down the west coast to Mokp’o in the south of the country. Then we headed to Jeju Island. Now it was a very big culture shock for me when arriving in South Korea for our first meal. As at meal times we had to remove our shoes and then sit crossed legged on floor. We ate all our meals with chopsticks and a spoon. While in South Korea we had a fixed programme for most of the time, which consisted of Museums, a traditional South Korean performance which was a fantastic performance and showed the true culture of the Korean people. The three wonders of the South Korean island Jeju are the rocks, the weeds and the Women. That’s what we were told by the person in charge, Mr Shin. There where seven countries in the exchange program in South Korea. These consisted of the home nation South Korea, United Kingdom, Canada, Japan, Australia, china and Hong Kong cadets. While in Korea I had the chance to visit an amazing place called the Demilitarised Zone between North and South Korea. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see another culture. The days in Korea where very well organised as we had fixed events for every day. Now due to the special feature of Jeju island was the rocks we where taken to two rock museums to see why they are special to the South Korean people. It was a great experience due to most people spoke different language mad the trip more interesting. The trip was amazing and the people where great.
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POC Mark O'Conner
Bermuda International Exchange
Bermuda, a small island which lies off the eastern cost of North America was my destination for the 2008 Sea Cadet International Exchange. An 8 hour plane journey later, myself and three other cadets from across the UK accompanied by our escort officer arrived in Bermuda. Throughout the fortnight the exchange group, which consisted of cadets from the U.S, the UK and Canada undertook a variety of activities ranging from days at the beach to yachting around Bermuda, and when we didn’t have scheduled activities then we were free to explore the island. Everyone involved with the exchange had a fantastic time, and the 35 degrees we were in each day was a pleasant change from sundrenched Britain.
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Area Combined Regatta 2008
CLEAN SWEEP
Cadets from TS Amazon join forces with Cadets from Northampton to repesent the District, They combined to take all the honours at this years Area boating regatta held at Nottingham Sea Cadet Unit. In particular our sailing boat handling team came away with the top prize again for the second year running. L/C's Hatrwell, Watton, Parry. A/C's Dodds & Dickins were tested to the limit in their boat handling skills on the River Trent during the weekend. Commanding Officer Lt. Neil Hartwell said "This was a fantastic achievement for our Cadets They all had a great weekend. It was the result many hours training".
The pulling teams comprised of Cadets from Northampton Unit.
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TS Amazon Boathandling Team
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10.07.08: Congratulation Sir !
What a week Alex Taylor has had. 10 days ago Petty Officer Alex Taylor, our Unit Training Officer, after many months of hard work, successfully passed the National Officer Selection Board. On completion of this gruelling course he has now been promoted to Sub Lieutenant RNR.
WELL DONE SIR.
The news doesn't stop there.
Following a meeting of the Unit Management Committee held on the 8 July 2008 it was announced that S/Lt. Taylor is to be the Units Executive Officer and would be taking over as the Officer in Charge (OiC) in the New Year when our present Commanding Officer stands down to concentrate on other duties.
GOOD LUCK Sir, you have a hard act to follow.
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09/05/08: Thrapston Unit Boating Weekend
Cadets and staff from the unit had a great weekend at Thrapston following the hard work the previous month preparing for the units re-opening. They where treated to glorious whether.
The Saturday brought very light winds, ideal for the powerboaters but not so good for the sailors. However the cadets did enjoy some of the games the instructors laid on for them.
As a big thank you to Steve Deeming for all his hard work during the refurbishment of the unit, he was an invited guest of the staff. He had a great time sailing, but unfortunately was the only person not to get wet during the games. However he did have an unforced dunking some 2 hours earlier.
Sunday brought a stronger breeze. The cadets had a brilliant day. The instructors were very impressed with the quality of their sailing. Even the Commanding Officer Lt. Neil Hartwell managed to get into a boat for a sail, as he joined CPO Paul Kitchen in one of the Bosun Dinghy. Congratulation goes to all the cadets that achieved qualifications. Congratulations also to PO Tom Griffiths for passing his RYA Powerboat Instructors.
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23/02/08 Close to Glory
Cadets from Hinckley Unit took part in the Colour Party Competition at the end of February, they represented our District, doing battle against seven other District winners, in the Eastern Area Drill Competition.
The competition itself is a demonstration of teamwork, leadership, drill, both armed and unarmed, power of command and personal standard/colour (flag) drill.
This was the Unit’s first attempt at the drill competition for many years and they finished a very respectable runner-up to the eventual winners, who had finished runners-up at the National Drill Competition last year.
Their coach, CPO Paul Kitchen said “ This was a brilliant achievement, the Cadets put on a great display. They should be very proud of themselves. It was the result of hard work by all the cadets and staff involved. It was pleasing to be approached by many senior Area instructors with their words of praise for the cadets”.
The team was made up of POC Mark O’Conner, L/C’s Laura Hartwell, Lorraine Wotton, Adam Parry and John Trigg.
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12/12/07 Sea Cadets and Salvation Army join forces for Christmas parcel wrapping session.
The following press release was received thanking members of TS Amazon for their assistance in a recent present wrapping session:
A massive and much needed boost was given to Hinckley Temple Salvation Army Corps when its volunteers were engaged in the annual Christmas Parcel wrap. Due to increased demand for Christmas parcels for homeless individuals and families this year a request for assistance was passed to Hinckley Sea Cadets of TS Amazon led by Lt. (SCC) Neil Hartwell RNR, who rallied to the cause brilliantly by transporting a goodly number of cadets and staff to the Salvation Army hall in Hinckley where a production line awaited them. They set to with a will, working well with volunteers and members of the Salvation Army, headed by Captain Julie and Major Julian Rowley (COs). Major Julian Rowley is also chaplain to the Hinckley Unit of the Sea Cadet Corps. The boxes used for the parcels were kindly donated by Henry and Son Ltd, a local removal company based in Coventry Rd, Hinckley. The toys which went into many of the parcels intended for families were kindly provided by the local Volunteer Bureau, who headed up the town’s annual toy appeal. The food came through either donation from people or was bought through monies given for the purpose. Our thanks go to the cadets and staff of TS Amazon; Henry and Son Ltd, people who donated the food or monies to buy it and the staff of the Volunteer Bureau and the various agencies who have referred many people who are in need to us for Christmas parcels. Up to 89 parcels were prepared for delivery, assisting around 200 people (adults and children): so a BIG thanks to everyone who played their part in a great venture.
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09/12/07 Hinckley Sea Cadets go out of 2007 in style!!
Hinckley Sea Cadets have finished 2007 in style by winning the Colour Party trophy at the Northampton and Leicester District Drill competition.
The Cadets had to learn how to parade the colour which included learning new parade movements and hours of practice to perfect there display.
The colour is a flag that is awarded to a sea cadet unit by the Queen and therefore when it is uncased it requires a special guard.
At the competition Hinckley Sea Cadets competed against teams from all over Leicestershire and Northamptonshire. The next move is to compete in the Eastern Area competition which is in February.
LT Neil Hartwell the unit commanding officer commented "This is a fantastic achievement for the cadets it has taken a lot of hard work and dedication from all involved. It shows what team spirit the unit has."
The team were LC L Waton, LC L Hartwell, LC J Trigg, LC A Parry, POC M Oconner & OC A Dodds
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07/12/07 Presentation Evening and Christmas Party
Hinckley Sea Cadets held their Presentation and Christmas Party on Friday 7th June. The awards were presented to the winning cadets by His Worship Councillor Jeff Bannister Deputy Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth and Mrs Maureen Horton President of Hinckley Sea Cadets and holder of the sea cadet medal.
The event was well attended with over 100 family and friends attending. Lt (SCC) Neil Hartwell RNR started the evening off outlying some of the successes the unit has had this year which included the lottery grant for £50000 for the extension and £16000 from the voluntary youth council for a new mini bus. He also outlined some of the successes the cadets have had this included winning the Eastern Area Sailing championship in the Bosun and Laser Classes. Also the Eastern Area Champions at Sail Boat handling. Other milestones for the unit was the formation of the new Marine Cadet Detachment. The cadets managed to accumulate 141 qualifications this year and average over 50 hours per cadet afloat. Special congratulations went to POC J Booker (Mayors Cadet) and POC M O'Conner (Lord Lieutenants Cadet).
The awards that were presented were as follows
David Marsh Memorial Shield for Canoeing - Marine Cadet 2nd Class Rachael Singleton
Boatwork (sailing & Powerboating) - Leading Cadet Laura Hartwell
Endeavour (For the cadet who has put in the most effort) - Cdt Tom Place
Achievement(Cadet who has gained the most qualifications) - Cdt James Smith
Commanding Officers Award(Presented to the Cadet who in the opinion of the CO gave most to the unit) - Petty Officer Cadet Richard Allsopp
Jnr Sea Cadet of the year (10-12) - Jnr Jack Deaming
Jnr Cadet of the year (12-14) - Cdt Jason Graveling
Cadet of The Year - Petty Officer Cadet Jonathon Booker
There was a special presentation made by the Northants & Leicester District Officer LT/CDR (SCC) Paul Perry RNR to the retiring LT (SCC) Bob Bailey RNR of his second clasp to his long service medal this signified 24 years of adult service to the Sea Cadet Corps
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21/10/07 Trafalgar Day Parade
On Sunday 21st October 2007 Hinckley Unit was host to the Northants and Leicester District annual Trafalgar Day Parade. This event is held to commemorate the victory of Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson leading the Royal Navy at the battle of Trafalgar in 1805 at Cape Trafalgar against the combined French and Spanish Fleets. The parade was attended by approximately 100 Sea Cadets and Staff, and also the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth. The parade marched from the Co-op car park on Hill Street, down Castle Street and through the town to the Salvation Army church on Lancaster Road. There a brief service was held by our Padre, Major Julian Rowley SA, and the parade then reformed for a march through the centre of town and a salute to the Mayor. The parade was a great success and our thanks go to all those that took part.
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Weymouth Training 2007
What a difference a day makes. A fantastic day was had by all on the Saturday but the Sunday was totally rained out. The sailors were grounded, so to speak. The powerboaters did risk it and managed a couple of hours before heading back home. It was great to see some of the units area sailing team in action, with L/C’s Hartwell & Wotton pushing the Bosun to its limits (sorry about the knee). They were really enjoying themselves, but the sunbathers on the beach were wondering what was going on as they didn’t stop singing all day. A/C Parry had the honor of breaking in the units newly acquired Laser (old sail). I was hoping to get a look at the underside, it came very close a couple of time, but he managed keep it upright all day.
Towards the end of the day I did get a few minutes to see how everyone else was doing. PO Griffiths had a very busy day as our safety boat man, and did a great job in recovering all the waifs & strays. I also got a chance to catch PO Taylor as he carried out man overboard drills.
A good weekend. Shame about the weather. Hopefully we will return in October.
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23/09/07 Success at E.T Challenge!
This weekend a team from Hinckley Sea Cadets entered the Eastern Area Expedition Training Challenge. The team consisted of Leading Cadets Amy Dodds, Laura Hartwell, Jon Booker and Mark O'Connor entering as a Senior Team. The ET Challenge is a competition between the 60 units in our area and involves the cadets completing a lengthy exped on their own as a team, whilst also completing exercises at check points in every aspect of outdoor skills from first aid, stretcher making, map reading to river crossings! Our team did extrememly well and came 2nd overall in the senior competition which is an outstanding achievement! Well done to all involved.
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02/09/07 Campcraft Expedition
As part of their Advanced/Basic campcraft badges, 6 cadets from the unit went on a walking expedition at Bradgate Park and surrounding area. Those attending were Junior's Orton, Daldry, Doggett, New Entries Bailey and Lewis, and Cadet J. Smith, and also CPO Brocklehurst, his son Josh, PO Taylor and CI L. Gibson This was originally planned to be a full overnight expedition and walk in the north-west of Leicestershire, unfortunately the plans had to be changed at the last minute to a 5 mile local walk. Despite this, all involved had a great time and were successful in carrying out this part of their qualifications. The overnight camp, and a further walk will be scheduled in the near future.
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24/08/07 24hr Sponsored Sail
On the 24 August Staff and Cadets of Hinckley Sea Cadets took part in a 24 hour endurance sailing race at Bosworth Water Nr. Nuneaton. The race was to raise awareness & much needed funds for BLESMA (British Limbless Ex-Service Men’s Association).
The Unit recently became aware that Scott Blaney, an ex cadet of a neighbouring unit was severely injured in Afghanistan. Scott was a Petty Officer Cadet at Nuneaton Unit and joined the Grenadier Guards 18 months ago. Scott lost his right leg and lost the use of his right elbow in action last May.
Several local groups took part in this event. The Sea Cadet team was made up of staff members CPO Paul Kitchen, who was Scott's old Commanding Officer, CPO Simon Brocklehurst, and cadets including L/C’s Laura Hartwell, Adam Parry, Jon Booker, Mark O’Conner, Amy Dodds. And O/C Alex Dodds.
Paul Kitchen said "The event was a fantastic success. It was great to see Scott again, and his colleagues that joined us for the day on the water. It was also very humbling to hear his story. The cadets also enjoyed the experience of sailing in darkness, though the safety boats were kept busy throughout the night delivering the hot soup”.
The final total raised for BLESMA will be posted here once it is known.
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15/07/07 Hinckley Unit Success At Regatta!!
Last weekend Hinckley Sea Cadets competed in the Eastern Area Combined Regatta on the river Trent in Nottingham. For the third year running they were overall Regatta Champions! Cadets from Hinckley were Area champions in the Sailing Seamanship Class which tests the ability of the cadets to rig and sail to a high standard a large sailing boat. Leading Cadet Laura Hartwell, the crew coxswain said "This is a fantastic result we have been trying for 3 years to win this trophy now onto nationals" They competed against units from all over the east of England. Cadets also were involved in the Rowing seamanship class finishing fourth and in the Canoe Racing which they achieved a third.
The Sailing Team consisting of Leading Cadet's L Hartwell, L Watton, LC A Jordan, Ordinary Cadets A Dodds & L Dickins along with our canoeist Marine Cadet R Singleton will all now go forward to represent The Eastern Area at the National Competition at Excel Docklands London in early September.
In a previous article it was reported that Hinckley Cadets had a major success at the Eastern England Sailing regatta, and along with this latest achievement, the unit has now won 3 of the possible 5 sailing events and also come 2nd and 3rd in the other 2 events. This shows the high level of sailing and boatwork at Hinckley Unit.
LT Neil Hartwell the unit commanding officer said "The cadets train hard for all these competitions and this year they are getting their just rewards"
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07/07/07 Juniors visit Portsmouth Historic Dockyard
On Saturday 7th July, 6 cadets of the Junior Section visited Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. It was an early start leaving the unit just after 7am to reach Portsmouth in time. First of all was a trip around HMS Victory. This famous ship was Admiral Horatio Nelson's flagship during the battle of Trafalgar in 1805, where the Royal Navy defeated the combined French and Spanish fleets, saving England from the threat of invasion. After visiting the navy of the past it was time to meet the modern navy, with a trip to Action Stations! This involved various simulators including a Merlin helicopter, a bridge, an ops Room and weapons. There was also an exciting movie about the Royal Navy involved in fighting pirates and hostage rescue. Finally, it was time to leave. Everyone agreed that they had had a brilliant day and couldnt wait to go back again!
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16/06/07 Young cadets dominate the regional sailing finals
Sea Cadets from Hinckley Sea Cadet Unit dominated the Eastern Area Regional Sailing Finals and gained top positions in the Eastern Area Sailing and Windsurfing Regatta at SCTC Thrapston.
Cadets from Hinckley won the Bosun and Laser Class, they were also runners up in the pico class and 3rd in the topper and 3.5m windsurfing classes. This was a fantastic acuhievement for the cadets who competed against crews
from 60 other Eastern Area Sea Cadet Units. The Sea Cadets will hold their national regatta in Portsmouth Harbour and of the 9 boats that the Eastern Area are allowed to enter Hinckley Sea Cadets will be crewing 4 of them.
The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Neil Hartwell commented that "the impressive results are testament to the quality of the waterborne training conducted on the Lake and the canal at the unit and he was proud that the cadets spirits were not dampened by the poor weather". He went on to say that the cadets of Hinckley "maximise the waterborne opportunities available to them as the sport enables them to focus their drive and efforts into practical hands on skills, which is what the Sea Cadet Corps is proud to facilitate".
The winning trophies and runner up certificates were presented by Commander Clive Smith Royal Navy the Royal Naval Officer responsible for the Eastern Area.
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29/04/07 HMS York Visit
Due to the efforts of the Commanding Officer and CPO Dodds, Hinckley Sea Cadets received a kind invitation from HMS York, a Batch 3 type 42 destroyer for a ship’s visit. On Sunday 29th April a group of cadets and staff from Hinckley Sea Cadets including 3 cadets from Northampton Unit travelled down to Whale Island, Portsmouth. They were joined there by the Mayor of Hinckley and Bosworth, Mrs Mary Sherwin and also by the Mayor’s Consort, Mrs Jennifer Bell. The remainder of the day was filled with a visit to the Portsmouth historic dockyard to see Lord Admiral Horatio Nelson’s famous flagship HMS Victory. The cadets and staff then stayed overnight onboard HMS Bristol, the Royal Navy’s harbour training ship.
The next morning the group arrived bright and early at the dockyard alongside HMS York. Despite various maintenance work being carried out onboard at the time, LT Rowley of HMS York was kindly able to show the group around various parts of the ship including the Flight Deck, Helicopter Hanger, Bridge, Operations Room, Forecastle (including 4.5 inch gun), machinery control room and various other areas. The group were given detailed talks about each of the areas as well as plenty of opportunity to ask questions (O/C Watt you know what I’m talking about!!). The group were also given talks by various members of the ships company, which included undertaking practical activities such as first aid and weapons handling, and were also treated to a visit to the Wardroom, Senior Rates or Junior Rates Mess, depending upon rank.
As the group were making ready to leave the ship, HMS Westminster a Type 23 Frigate moored ahead of HMS York left for sea passing by HMS York. The ships company of HMS York and visitors from TS Amazon fell in to salute HMS Westminster as she passed. L/C Laura Hartwell was given the honour of piping the still on behalf of HMS York to salute Westminster as she passed, which she did very well and was a credit to the Unit. Finally it was time to say goodbye, and the only thing left to do was to have photos taken by the ships photographer – see above. Everybody really enjoyed the visit, and the unit will be looking to arrange further visits in the future if possible.
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