30 NAVY NEWS, NOVEMBER 2009
From puppy
Lusty’s
cyclists
to poppy
pedal on
FOUR intrepid cyclists from
HMS Illustrious pedalled from
John O’Groats to Land’s End at
a rate of 100 miles a day, in aid
of their favourite charities.
NOT so much puppy love as Lts Penny Armand-Smith
poppy love... (Groan – Ed) and Mike Proudman, CPO
Gulf War veteran CPO Allen John Potts and Leading Chef
Dixie’s beard
Parton brought along his new Will Landon cycled the 905-
assistance dog Endal Junior to mile route in nine days, facing
HMS Collingwood for the launch torrential rain across Scotland,
of this year’s Poppy Appeal. the perils of the Edinburgh
Allen first appeared with the by-pass, and finally the rolling
leads the way
Royal British Legion’s ‘Poppy hills of Dartmoor.
man’ in a poster campaign two The route was tailored
years ago to raise awareness of the around overnight
900,000 injured Servicemen and accommodation and took in
IN Ark Royal the marine engineers (pictured above by PO Jon Hamlet)
women in the UK. the picturesque scenery of
have been finding time during a busy trials period to do some charity
The reunion between Allen and the Scottish Borders, the Lake
fund-raising.
his statuesque partner was marked District and the Welsh Border
Or maybe saving time would be more accurate, as the sailors decided
by a parade at Collingwood’s along the way.
to forgo shaving to engage in a spot of competitive beard-growing.
parade ground, where they were The four arrived to an
Inspired by CPOET(ME) ‘Dixie” Dixon, who is extremely proud of
joined by local poppy collectors, enthusiastic welcome from
his ‘full set,’ the engineers got the CO’s permission to dodge the razors
Sea and Marine cadets, veterans, their support team, CPO Mark
for two weeks.
serving personnel and members of Lanfear and Band C/Sgt Ross
The event was a great success, even though the beard quality was
the RBL motorcycle club.
● ‘Poppy man’, Endal Junior and Allen Parton join Poppy Appeal
Hunt, who had kept them fed
sometimes in doubt. The judging was carried out by the ship’s chaplain,
And of course, Endal Junior,
volunteers to promote the RBL fundraising event
and watered at regular intervals
the Rev Richard Ellingham, ably assisted by Jane Williams and Emma
the labrador that has taken over servicemen and their dependants, and in the papers of injured troops, with the help of their trusty
Prince from the Naval Families Federation.
from the original Endal, Allen’s of which £30 million was raised some still in their teens. support van.
POMEM Richard Dorgan, from Neath in South Wales, was the
faithful long-time assistance dog, during the two-week Poppy “It is all too easy to forget that Penny said: “It was hard
overall winner of the ‘Best Beard’ section and ET(ME) John Scott, aged
winner of a PDSA gold medal, Appeal. those injured in World War 2 and work at times, especially
18, from Aberdeen, won the ‘Worst Beard.’
and star of many a TV report and “I am well aware that the appeal new conflicts were, at the time, across Dartmoor where the
Both were delighted with their results and were presented with
documentary, who died earlier each year is only for such a short young-faced teenaged Servicemen hills seemed never-ending, but
suitably-decorated cakes.
this year. and precious time, and if we can too. when we made it to Land’s
John remarked: “I’m lucky I don’t work in the fresh air, any stubble I
Allen said: “We are all just involve more people in giving their “The welfare needs of so many End, it was worth it.”
did manage to grow would have blown away!”
extremely grateful and indebted time to become a poppy collector injured Servicemen and of their The team raised more than
The hirsute (or not) competitors raised £275 for the Royal Navy
to the Royal Naval Benevolent than we can raise even more this families are not diminishing with £1,500 for the NSPCC, MIND,
Royal Marines Charity.
Trust for making today’s event the year.” time.” and Breakthough Cancer
success it was. Allen’s heartfelt plea called for If you think that you can give Research.
“And it really is another superb people to get involved, even if some time this year to be a poppy
■ BANDIE Hunt and his
example of what can be achieved their time is limited to a short collector or arrange to have a col-
colleagues in Lusty have also
when two of my most favourite contribution, as even a few hours lection box at your place of work,
been hard at work raising
Service charities work together.” can bring in much-needed cash then contact the RBL on 0800
money for Musequality, a
Allen added: “Last year, the for the military appeal. 085 5924 or visit http://www.
charity which helps children
RBL spent more than £80 million He added: “Today we see britishlegion.org.uk/support-us/
discover their potential and
on the welfare needs of injured graphic images on the television volunteers/find-out-more
develop their leadership skills.
Do you do enough?
The onboard events, which
included a marathon as well
as busking and other musical
activities, were organised by
C/Sgt Hunt, who was present
WOULD you like to help fellow ratings and former “It gives you tremendous satisfaction if you can when a cheque for £1,300 was
ratings and their families who find themselves in actually prevent someone from being evicted, or handed to the charity.
need? If so, the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust would provide a retired person with a limited income with a The National Association for
like to hear from you, for it needs more volunteers for new washing machine – I have seen instances of both Colitis and Crohn’s Disease
its grants committees. of these since I’ve been on the committee.” received a cheque for £1,000,
Last year the Trust gave grants and annuities She added: “The unique thing about being on the raised from various charity
worth £2.57 million, helping nearly 5,000 families in grants committee is that it is made up of both serving events organised by the ship’s
need or distress. and retired people helping those that have fallen on company, and presented
Each case is considered by one of the area grants difficult times and have a common bond, that of the
to Suzi Clark, the charity’s
committees, which meet twice a week to consider the Royal Navy.”
director, by Cdr Chris Groves,
● Bikers from 45 Cdo remember Sgt ‘Manny’ Manuel
latest requests and how best to offer assistance. Serving volunteers need permission to take part,
Illustrious’ XO.
The committee discusses each case, and three and it is only suitable for shore-based personnel.
Manny’s memorial
Lt Cdr Paul Burton, who
signatures are needed on each request, allowing for Anyone interested should contact the RNBT on
sponsored the charity and
a fair assessment. 02392 660296 or the Grants Committee Chairman
whose own child is affected
When an application is received and approved, a – Cpl Phil Barnes 023 9254 7206 who is based on
by colitis, said: “I know first-
cheque can be sent out within three days – a uniquely Whale Island.
motorbike mission
hand that this is a fantastic
speedy response. The Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Sir Alan
charity that does a lot of great
The Portsmouth Area Grants Committee Massey, told the annual presentation of the RNBT
work and I am delighted that
comprises volunteers who spend Monday and in October that he wanted far more sailors to sign up
we have been able to donate
Thursday lunchtimes every week at Castaway House, for SABS – the Sports, Amenities and Benevolence
ROYAL Marine Sergeant ‘Manny’
Thus a team of 25 riders, nearly
this money to this worthwhile
home of the RNBT, studying cases and deciding Scheme for voluntary pay-roll giving.
Manuel always planned to do
all of whom had known Manny, set
cause.
what action to take. Take-up of similar schemes in the Army and
a motorcycle marathon around
out from RM Condor, the home
CPO Sue Mark, who works at Superintendent Fleet RAF was up to 80 per cent, but the RN was lagging
■ ILLUSTRIOUS, like her
Scotland in aid of charity.
of 45 Commando, and headed to
Maintenance in Portsmouth, joined the Portsmouth behind, at about seven-and-a-half per cent.
sister carriers, has been
Sadly it was not to be, as the keen
the west coast of Scotland.
area committee a year ago. “A quid a week is all we ask – if everyone gave that,
immortalised in many paintings
biker was killed in action during a
On the way, the unit padre,
She said: “It’s a very rewarding thing to do we would be raising £1.8 million a year. The more
and photographs, but now
patrol in Helmand province. But
the Rev Bill Gates, held a small
because you are helping the naval family and giving we raise through SABS, the more we can give out in
she has a unique embroidery
Manny’s friends and fellow bikers
service of remembrance at the foot
something back. benevolence,” said the Second Sea Lord.
of her ship’s crest on display.
from 45 Commando Group Royal
of the Commando Memorial at The hand-stitched picture was
Marines, in Arbroath, decided Spean Bridge. worked by Pamela Roberts, an
the tour should go ahead in his The motorcyclists visited other enthusiastic needlewoman who
memory. Scottish service establishments, has created embroideries of
including HM Naval Base Clyde many crests, flags and logos,
Manchester
at Faslane, Royal Marines Reserve
Forward quick march
including Lord Nelson’s flag
Scotland in Govan, and the Army signal and the crest of HMY
pedals north
Personnel Centre in Glasgow.
RESERVISTS and staff from
Britannia.
Then the team went south of the
RNR unit HMS Forward in
Capt Ben Key, who received
border to visit the Defence School
Birmingham joined forces to
the tapestry, said: “It is a
CYCLISTS from HMS
of Transport in Leconsfield in tackle the Wolverhampton half- delight to receive this unique
Manchester were pedalling
Yorkshire, and the RMR unit in marathon. gift and we are very grateful
northwards as Navy News went to
Newcastle, before heading back Each person taking part carried to Miss Roberts for her time
press.
towards Arbroath, a round trip of on their backs a 15kg daysack and skill; the embroidery will
The team of 12 – 11 cyclists
about 850 miles. during the 3 hour 22 minute slog hang with pride onboard HMS
and one support driver – were
Organiser Major Gary Giles, through the city’s streets.
Illustrious.”
wending their way steadily up the
who had hatched the original idea The team (pictured right) – CPO
country, collecting for Help for
for the tour with Manny when the Gaz Kaunhoven, CPO Dean Hallett,
Heroes along the way.
two of them were serving in Sangin CPO Jimmy Green, PO Stan
Shawbury
On arrival at their destination,
together, said: “Sgt Manuel was Matthews, Logs Sophie Yarworth,
the cyclists were meeting up with
a real character who loved his LS Ian Hammond RNR, AB Paul
brew-haha
some of their fellow shipmates,
motorbike, and was known to us Sambrooks RNR, Flt Lt David
and visiting two of the Type 42’s
all. It seemed very fitting to raise Cowdray RAF, Sgt Kevin Charley
STAFF at RAF Shawbury have
affiliated charities: Redwood Park
money in memory of him, and to RLC, Shelley Darroch, Beth Welch-
enjoyed a cup of tea and cakes
School, and St Ann’s Hospice.
honour all our fallen comrades Aris, Stuart Beech and Clive Parker
as part of SSAFA’s annual Big
Before setting off, CPO ‘Arthur’
during conflicts overseas.” – stuck to their order throughout
Brew.
Fowler said: “The idea was to
He added: “It was a really the walk (despite some rumours of
The event was held in the
present the money raised from our enjoyable bike ride around the the Army leopard-crawling and the coffee shop at the airbase and
recent seven-month deployment to country and we would like to RAF getting a taxi...). attracted a huge gathering from
the ship’s charities in Manchester thank everyone who donated To date, the team have raised around the station, no doubt
– and by cycling up there to raise money to our causes, which are £1,574.60 in sponsorship for drawn by the cake sale.
more money in the process.” Help for Heroes and the Royal Help for Heroes, chosen due to Three large cakes were
You can pledge your support Marines Charitable Trust.” the unit’s close ties to the Royal raffled and the result was £312
online at www.justgiving.com/ The bikers raised more than College of Defence Medicine at for SSAFA Forces Help, a
garethfowler. £3,000. Selly Oak. record for Shawbury.
030-031_NN_Nov09 FFG.indd 1 20/10/09 13:35:03
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