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NAVY NEWS, SEPTEMBER 2011


A huntin’ we will go


Moore, whose brainwave the charity ride was, said: “The Second Sea Lord’s enthusiastic speech about the RNRMC at the Warrant Officers’ Conference was inspiring – so one man’s inspiration became another man’s challenge. “I decided there and then I


FROM hunting mines to walking foxhounds – it was a challenging change of scene for ten sailors from HMS Collingwood when they cycled over 1,200 miles to all 13 affiliated Hunt towns across England and Wales. The aptly-named WO1 Pony


CPO ‘Pinta’ Beer said: “From start to finish the team spirit and determination of the MW Charity Riders has been awesome. “The Hunts have been really


After crossing the finish line,


welcoming hosts and the generosity they have shown towards us and the charities has been beyond our greatest expectations. The team are keen on taking on a tougher challenge in 2012 so watch this space…!” The team raised over £2,000 for


would undertake a fundraising activity, and knowing that my shipmates at the Mine Warfare Operational Training Centre would also be keen, the MW Charity Riders were born.” The challenging route


the RNRMC and Project Vernon, the scheme to put a permanent memorial to the former Diving and Mine Warfare School in Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth. Also raising money for Project


followed a clockwise path around England and Wales from HMS Collingwood in Fareham to Cattistock, Dulverton, Berkeley, Brecon, Ledbury, Atherstone, Quorn, Middleton, Hurworth, Brocklesby, Bicester, Cottesmore, Chiddingfold and finally Gunwharf Quays. The diverse team was made


Kent’s peaks and troughs


WHEN HMS Kent received an invitation to Seafarers UK President’s Appeal at Buckingham Palace, hosted by the Duke of Edinburgh, CPOET Gary Wilson was one


of the lucky ones who went. And Gary was so impressed by


Vernon was a team of seven swimmers from the Minewarfare and Clearance Diving Branches, who swam the 13 miles around Portsea Island. Wearing wet suits and


up of serving personnel, veterans, reservists and civilians, with each day being split into four legs for a two-person team to tackle in a relay.


spent the evenings renewing old friendships with the hunts and making new ones with the hounds. Some also volunteered to conduct early morning hound walks, which involved taking 102 old English foxhounds out for exercise. The climax was to cycle back


through the old main gate of HMS Vernon in Gunwharf Quays to be met by family, friends, charity representatives and Cdre Tim Lowe, Commanding Officer of HMS Collingwood.


After a busy day’s ride the team


brightly-coloured hats, the team set out from Eastney beach in the morning, swimming north alongside the Eastern Road and past HQ Navy Command on Whale Island. At Gunwharf Quays they were


the charity’s staff that he decided to embark on his own fundraising drive. He explained: “Imagine my


delight when I discovered that Seafarers UK were offering the charity challenge of a lifetime, by climbing 24 peaks in the Lake District in just 24 hours. Thus the gauntlet was laid down! “At 0535 HMS Kent’s 24 Peaks


joined by 12-year-old Ella Hamza, who has cystic fibrosis and is training for the Paralympics. Ella joined them for the swim back to Eastney. The team, Lt Cdrs Richard


Watson, John Beavis, Micky Beale, Lt David Armstrong, WO(D) Steve Vernon, CPO(D) John Ravenhall, CPO (MW) Anthony Beer and former CPO Diver David Bond, were raising money for the Vernon Project; the Portsmouth-based charity Cystic Fibrosis Kids of Portsmouth, and the RNRMC. For progress and information


about Project Vernon, visit the website at www.vernon- monument.org


team – myself, WTR Richard Tomes, WO2 Simon Jessop, PO Richard Lea, LET Mick Vincent, LS Chris Butcher – set off in horribly wet and windy weather, to begin Day One of this mountain marathon. “Ahead of us was leg one of our


31-mile trek across the Lakeland Fells, with the monstrous peak of Red Pike, standing at 2500 feet, looming in the early morning mist. “If there was ever a reminder that


arduous with the wind and rain never abating. Once upon the summit, we no longer had the protection of the mountainside and we set out across the ridge, conquering High Stile and High Crag before heading for the might of Hay Stacks and the halfway point of Day One at Great Gable, standing tall at an impressive 3,000 feet. “We marched on through the


we were embarking on one of the toughest mountain challenges, then this was it. “The ascent of Red Pike was


 Finish of the challenge: WTR Richard Tomes, WO2 Simon Jessop, PO Richard Lea, CPO Gary Wilson (LS Chris Butcher and LET Mick Vincent out of shot)


heads down for a few hours before beginning Day Two. “Setting off on Day Two at 0500


we ascended Red Screes, a climb of 1,100 feet in half a mile. Though we could barely see 60 feet ahead of us, we reached the summit in 45 minutes, our morning warm up complete! “We knew that once Red Screes


was conquered, the rest of Day Two would not be so arduous; well, that is what we thought... “Having bagged Dove Crag, Hart


Crag and Fairfield, the weather then took a turn for the worse making some of the scree paths impassable, this was particularly evident as we approached Dollywagon Pike. “We had to take an alternative


mist and fog towards the highest point in England, upon Scafell Pike. As we reached the summit at 3,200 feet, there were tantalising glimpses of the beauty of the Lake District as we were teased by tiny breaks in the clouds. “From here, we set off for Esk


Pike and finally Bow Fell, where we began our descent to the finish of Day One. We dropped over 2,600 feet in 2.3 miles, and it felt like at eternity as our already battered knees took a massive pounding. “We crossed the finish line of


Day One, where hot drinks and the smiling faces of our support team and event organisers awaited us, in a time of just 12 hours. We had walked 18 miles and bagged ten of the 24 peaks, in conditions that were less than favourable, and now looked forward to getting our


route, meaning we had to climb 900 feet over a distance of 1,700 feet, almost a one-in-two slope. The elation of conquering such a challenging peak was so staggering that the feeling remained long after our descent from Dollywagon. “Heads down and hoods up we


crossed marsh and moor, ticking off Nethermost Pike, the mighty Helvellyn, Lower Man, Whiteside and Raise, before approaching the last three challenging peaks of the Dodds, Stybarrow, Watson and Great. “The driving rain had reduced


walking poles to enable me to make our slow descent to the finish line at Cockley Moor Woods. “As we descended from Great


Dodd and crossed Matterdale Common, the weather cleared and we glimpsed our first view of the staggering beauty of the Lake District, but more importantly, our first view of the finish line. “Our mood lifted considerably


in brief news


 TICKETS are now on sale for this year’s British Military Tournament at Earl’s Court in London on December 2, 3 and 4. With over 700 people taking


part, including active combat servicemen and women and musicians from RN, Army, RAF and US Army bands, plus skilled historical American Civil War re-enactors, this promises to be a spectacular event. There are matinee and evening performances, so it is suitable for all the family. Last year’s event sold


out quickly, so go to www. britishmilitarytournament.com to book. Money raised will go to the RNRMC, the Army Benevolent Fund, the Soldiers’ Charity and the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund.


 CHRISTMAS planning is starting early for a team raising money for wounded Royal Marines and their families. The organisers, who include


Gordon Summers, the father of Royal Scott Summers who was killed in Afghanistan in February 2007, will be pulling a sledge from London to Brighton to raise funds and Christmas presents for Royal Marines’ children who have lost their fathers. On the same weekend, proud


mums of Royal Marines currently serving in Afghanistan will be running stalls across Sussex and Kent. To get involved, visit the website at http://www.wix. com/commandoraid/how-royal- marines


at this point and despite the pain I increased the pace of the team. We crossed the line to rapturous applause an hour later, finishing in a time of 8 hours and 25 minutes, having bagged 14 peaks over 13 miles. “We had done it, 24 peaks, 31


miles, a total ascent of 13,133 feet, all in 20 hours and 25 minutes, the fastest of all ten teams that took part.


to the support of each other and the wonderful staff at Seafarers UK and Global Challenge UK, to say nothing of dogged determination of the team and in my case a lot of ibuprofen.” Gary added: “HMS Kent was


our visibility further, leading to some crafty compass work and exceptional team work. We knew the end was near and that only spurred us on further. “My knees were especially


battered at this point, and I had to resort to the use of our emergency


proud to represent the Royal Navy as well as our ship, and all our friends and family. We have raised £1,200 for Seafarers UK so far and urge you to help us reach our £5,000 target by the end of September 2011. “Please donate to this very


worthy cause, which helps all serving and retired seafarers and their families, at our JustGiving website: http://www.justgiving. com/Gary-Wilson555.”


Ian’s close shave


CLUBSWINGER Ian Rooney had a close shave with a senior officer after he organised a boxing match with a charity auction. One of the lots in the auction


was the chance to shave the head of an un-named Physical Training Instructor – and it proved quite popular. The winning bid of £40 came


from the Commanding Officer of HMS Raleigh, Capt Steve Murdoch. Then it was a case of choosing


which lucky PTI should have the haircut. Ian, 32, currently serving at


Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, said: “After the auction there was a selection process to decide who would have their hair cut and I drew the short straw.” Capt Murdoch swapped his


job at the helm of HMS Raleigh to carry out the task personally. HMS Raleigh’s parade ground became the barber’s shop and members of the establishment’s


PT department were keen to lend a hand. Capt Murdoch said: “I did


think that some people would bid more for this particular lot and that maybe the PT staff would gang up and outbid me. But that didn’t happen and I’ve now paid my £40, the cheque has been cashed and therefore I was entitled to carry out the haircut.” Commenting on his handiwork,


Capt Murdoch continued: “LPT Rooney is very brave to put himself up for this to raise money for charity and to put his trust in me to cut his hair knowing I have never cut anyone’s hair before. “He deserves a big thank you


for putting himself forward in this way and for ensuring the RNRMC benefits.” And Ian’s reaction to his new


grade one haircut? “I’ve had better haircuts. But


it’s for a good cause and hopefully it will have grown back by the time I’m back in Liverpool to see my family.”


Ups and downs of tough bike ride


A 20-MILE bike ride sounds innocent enough, but the annual “Petersfield Ups and Downs Ride,” is a bit of a killer. The clue is in the title - the ride has a lot of downs, and some gruelling ups. Warrant Officer ‘Mac’ McKenzie


and Chief Petty Officers Andy Bibb and Dan Janicki, all from the Weapon Engineering Training Group in HMS Collingwood, decided to take on the route, which starts and ends in the town’s market square, to raise money for the RNRMC. The riders met up in Petersfield


and made their way into the main square to check in and check out the competition. Andy said: “Eventually over


500 riders were crammed into the square, ranging from the professional cyclists aiming to complete the full 30 miles, through to the families taking part in the five-mile fun ride around town. “By 1000 the first batch of


“elite” riders were lining up on the start line and the countdown began, 500 voices counting down from ten, as the horn went off the first riders were given a rousing send off to Queen’s Bicycle Race. “Next up was the Collingwood


group with an equally loud send- off, down the High Street and off up the main road towards the A3.” The riders quickly spread out


over the first couple of miles with Dan and Mac swiftly making their way up the pack already overtaking some of the “elite” riders who set off a good five minutes before them. Once out of town the route took


them out in to the South Downs North of Butser Hill, with Andy commenting: “Little did we know what was in store there, past the villages of Weston and Ramsdean before heading South to the far side of Butser Hill and one very long, slow and hard climb to the top! “As we fought to make it up the hill at little more than a snail’s pace,


sweat pouring off our foreheads, we would pass the odd sign offering encouragement to keep going and how far was left to go.” At the 16-mile mark the roads


were slowly beginning to ascend and the three found themselves riding through the picturesque woodland of the Queen Elizabeth Country Park before dropping down into Buriton. In what seemed like no time


at all they had passed through Buriton, headed back up the main road into Petersfield and were cycling up the High Street lined with well-wishers cheering them on to the finish line. Andy said: “In total we raised


£50 in online donations with as yet an unknown amount in cash in the donations box. Myself along with Dan Janicki and others are hoping to raise more for the RNRMC by taking part in the Robin Hood Marathon in Nottingham later this year.”


“We’d made it to the end, thanks


 CPO MARK Baxter and PO Richard Hemstock will be swimming the Channel this month to raise funds for charities including the RNRMC and Endometriosis. The two will cycle from London to Dover, swim the Channel, cycle from Calais via Normandy to Cherbourg where they will lay a wreath, and then catch the ferry to Portsmouth and cycle back to London. See their website: www. swimmingthechannel.co.uk for more details.


 SCOTT Jamieson, a PO Medical Assistant from RNAS Yeovilton, and POMA Stuart Campbell ran 47.1 miles from Weymouth to Lyme Regis along the SW Jurassic Coast Path to raise money for the Forces Children’s Trust. They have very nearly reached their target of £3,000. To donate, go to: www.virginmoneygiving.com/ ScottJamieson


 A ROYAL Marine Land Rover battled it out with 60 classic cars on the Isle of Wight to raise the profile of the RNRMC. The Land Rover, from RNAS


Yeovilton, was taking part in the Historic Endurance Rallying Organisation Summer Trial, which saw cars from all over Europe meeting 60 classic yachts.


 SGT Alex Robertson, an MOD policeman at Clyde Naval Base, is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro next year in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. Alex, 43, was diagnosed with


cancer two years ago but has made a good recovery and is currently hitting the local hill and mountains in preparation for his big climb. Visit his website: www.justgiving.com/alex_ robertson1600 for more details.


 A TEAM from Gallagher Security Management Systems raised over £4,800 for the RNRMC in the Three Peaks Challenge, in memory of work colleague Chris Marsh, who served in the New Zealand Navy and died last year.


 FORMER RM Colour Sergeant Pen Farthing and his wife, Lisa, founders of Nowzad dogs char- ity, were invited to be guest speakers at the RBL annual con- ference to raise the profile of their charity, which raises money for stray and abandoned ani- mals in Afghanistan and Iraq. See www.nowzad.com for more details.


 RNAS Culdrose is holding a ‘Party in the Park’ music festival at the Kingsford Venue, Flambards, Helston, on Friday September 9 at 3pm in aid of the Royal British Legion and Help for Heroes. Email culdrose-band@mod.uk for more information and tickets.


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