Sailors from HMS Sultan completed a 56-mile slog around the New Forest – hauling a field gun.
The run has so far raised just over £900 for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity. The team has set a target of £2k, and is continuing its collecting at various Diamond Jubilee and Falklands anniversary events over the summer.

To read more click here.

Now is your chance to see your design in print for Christmas 2012 and help raise funds for the Corps.The rules are very simple. Design a Christmas card for 2012 depicting the Navy training Corps, serious or comical.   Size; Folded A4 maximum   The competition is open to all cadets

Each Unit will hold its own competition, running over the next few months. The Unit(s) will send their best 2 designs to HQ for judging by the end of June.

The winning card will go to print and be sold to all members of the Corps, families and friends; with the proceeds going into the Corps Central fund.

So get designing and hand in your entries to your Unit.

For guidance on doing so, there is now a guide under the Admin area in the “downloads list”.

The Captain of the Corps has joined the fight to save the Falklands veteran HMS Plymouth from the Breakers yard.

It is understood that the ship which was bombed in the Falklands conflict in 1982 and one of only three Royal Navy Ships that fought in that Campaign still afloat, the others being  ex HMS Hermes and ex HMS Andromeda both now with the Indian Navy, has been sold for scrap.

The HMS Plymouth Action Group has been formed to put forward a good case for saving The Plymouth and a long term plan for her preservation.

The ship is currently in Birkenhead Docks, and cosmetically needs work to be done, but from a stability point of view I am assured is in good condition. There is therefore not a good case for scrapping what is a sound ship. The long term future for the ship, providing she can be saved from the breakers would be as an alongside Training Ship for Naval Youth Training Organisations. She would also serve as a permanent memorial to those who lost their lives in the Falklands Conflict. The long term berth or the lack of one which has caused the ship to be in this predicament also looks more positive, with a berth being identified. As well as a Training Ship, HMS Plymouth would also be open to the public which would help generate the funds necessary to maintain her. She could also become a recognised RYA training establishment and run powerboat and other courses again benefitting Youth. She would become a living ship again, manned by volunteers.

You can help by signing the Governments e-petition at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/32526

Please also consider joining the Action Group, by emailing the Captain at captain@navytrainingcorps.org

We will keep you up to date with progress with an e-mailed newsletter. It is your support we want, not your time.

Please support this cause. HMS Plymouth has a glorious past; please help us to make sure she has a useful and worthwhile future.

Thank you.

Captain Richard Tyrrell, Navy Training Corps

The opportunity was also taken to try out Phoenix Companies’ new Field Kitchen which has been donated to the Company along with ponchos, mess tins etc.

Cadets and Staff from Malvern, Worcester and Wednesbury Detachments, along with a prospective new Detachment from Derbyshire all took part in various exercises.

Catering was done by the Navy Training Corps newly formed catering team.

Click photo(s) below to enlarge view.

13th – 15th April:

A 3rd class cook/steward weekend was held by PO Shane Griffin at TS Legion.

15 cadets attended from TS Ark Royal, TS Revenge TS Legion and TS Ocean.

I am happy to report that all 15 cadets passed the course with flying colours, three of them with 100% marks.

S/Lt J Cooper

Below are the pictures of the weekend.

Click photo(s) to enlarge view

Judging by the comments – a successful time was had by all

Comments by staff and cadets:

• PO Dance

What can I say that hasn’t already been said? Well done to PO Griffin for organising and running the course. All of the cadets worked very hard and did their units and the Corps proud. Well Done to all !

It was really nice to be part of such a well organised and friendly team, some of which I met for the first time. Although not a student, I learnt a lot during the course, and can’t wait for the next one !

Finally, thanks to the OIC and Staff at TS Legion for making us all so welcome, and the course possible.

It was certainly a weekend to fondly remember

• S/Lt J Cooper

Teamwork!! That is what the Cook/steward weekend was all about, the staff worked as a solid crew, and the cadets, I must say have worked like I have never seen them work before, with such enthusiasm and diligence, BRAVO ZULU to you all. It was so rewarding to see them all achieve both on a personal level and 3rd class specialisation level. There were times over the course of the weekend that will stay in my memory for the rest of my life, and I thank you all for this. Congratulations to you all.

• Clarke T.S Legion

Great weekend at TS Legion thanks to PO griffin and the rest of the staff for being there and helping out. I had a good time with the other cadets, really getting on well.

• PO Cadman

This weekend I have taken part in the Cook Steward course. The cadets looked very smart in their chef whites. I have had a great weekend and thoroughly enjoyed the course. Learned lots too!! A big thank you from me to PO Griffin and Sub LT Cooper for organising a lovely weekend also thank you to the galley staff for the lovely food finally a massive well done to the cadets on their achievement on the course and for the way they carried themselves throughout the weekend.

• C I Purchas

Well, half way through the Cooks steward weekend, it’s been hard work but the cadets have so far shown effort and standard far beyond what was expected. Following a visit from the Captain at evening meal time the cadets and staff are tired but enjoying the tasks. BZ to all involved.

• O/C Lawrence

I am really looking forward to the Cook Steward course this weekend, I hope that I will pass the course because I think that it is a first, second and third class course. I also enjoy doing GCSE catering at school.

The trip will be taking place on August 11^th 2012 in London as H.M.S Ocean is the Flagship for the 2012 Olympics.

As it is during the Olympics the ship will be on full alert, so we can observe a Royal Navy Ship and it’s crew at work on-board.

I would therefore like to offer places to all units in the Navy Training Corps and Executive Committee as well. There is no age restrictions on this visit so it is open to junior cadets as well.

Anybody interested in attending will need to submit the following information

• Cadet/Adult Name
• Cadet/Adult Age
• Cadet/Adult Unit
• Whether Transport Is Required (costs will apply)

to Sub Lt Mike Green at  co.ocean@navytrainingcorps.org by June 3^rd 2012 to secure positions that we have made available.

Sub Lt Mike Green

Navy Training Corps

Officer In Charge

Wyre Forest Unit

It’s not too late to sponsor the Commander, you can send him an email of your pledge – xo@navytrainingcorps.org.

The Commnader set off on the 25th from Chipping Campden. He walked into Bath on 31st March. Scroll down to see how he got on!

Picture & Word Log by the Commander: (click pics to enlarge)

Commander Eric Moore – raising funds for Help for Heroes and The Navy Training Corps

Day 1 – 25/03/12: Chipping Campden – Winchcombe Not only did the clocks go forward, cheating me out of an hours sleep, but when I set off from Chipping Campden it was only three degrees!! To try and gain some support I bought a Help For Heroes flag, although I did not check the size, it hangs over my rucksack like a cape.A nice leisurely stroll through Campden and then out up the tracks towards Broadway Tower. I bet the Romans didn’t devise the route, it meanders about like a drunken stream!!! Met a nice lady who was walking her dog. She wished me the best of luck, and asked if I was training for the marathon, didn’t think I was going that fast!!On the drop down to Broadway I met a number of people who wished me well on the walk, and one nice gentleman gave me a donation!! Thanks you sir. A nice young lady also asked for details of my website or blog!? I hope she found it! (Although my IT directions are worse than my map reading one.)The walk was quite good except for a mile or so after you leave Stanway. This is really steep, just as well I had refuelled before this section!! Finally got to Winchcombe at 1620, I have the beginnings of a blister on both feet, and my lukewarm bath – problem with our hot water – did not do much for me. I AM having an early night as it is the climb over Cleeve Hill tomorrow.

Day 2: 26/03/12

Winchcombe Church

Cleeve Cloud

Nice flat terrain then

A nice gentle risejust right after lunch

Aha, that caught you as you expected me to finish at Dowdeswell if you have been keeping up with the day to day route.

It was 4.5 degrees when I set off this morning across a field that was still covered in frost!! Mind you it soon warmed up and I have been layering on sun lotion as if it is going out of fashion. (Although my legs are still a ghastly white!)

A bit of a hard task climbing out of Winchcombe, but the route sorted itself out and I walked through an area I am very familiar with, over Cleeve Hill and past the golf course. The feet were fine today, so the early application of the blister plaster worked! Some cracking views from the hill, followed by some lane and road walking DOWN to Dowdeswell. Which of the cadets said this was flat?!?! Remedial map work for them!!

I did so well that I got to Dowdeswell really early, so I decided to carry on to Severn Springs. (For Tony’s benefit) either stop would have been at a hostelry (and I don’t mean youth!) What a mistake to make. The climb up from the reservoir was pretty steep, followed by some real inclines. Nearly had to get the crampons out! It drives home Naismith saying that you can do 5 km on the flat but for every 300 metres you go up add half an hour. One and a half miles in one and a half hours!!!

But ahead of schedule, so hopefully another good day tomorrow. And finally, a big thank you to the 50 to 60s luncheon club who sponsored me to the tune of £12.

Day 3 27/03/12:

Coopers Hill

Painswick Church

The Devil’s Chimney

The weather was extremely warm again, even from the off this morning, unless I was not awake enough to notice

The start was NOT at the pub, that was only where I got picked up from yesterday! The first hour was comfortable walking although somewhat exasperating as I finished the best part of a circle, heading back down the road towards where I started. Fortunately this was the route I was supposed to take and it allowed me to get the views over Cheltenham and a picture of the Devil’s Chimney. (You will see why it is called that in the photos.)

I have walked quite a bit of this day’s route before, just obviously, (by chance or design,)managed to avoid the hard parts. It shows that you should never assume you know an area as the walk from Crickley Hill (around the Devil’s Elbow) to Coopers Hill was particularly hard, not helped by the fact that my left knee started playing up. It got really sore at one point whether I was going up, down or on the flat. I had felt a bit of pain going downhill but this was not at all welcome.

I bumped in to a friend I had not seen since he retired from work, he unfortunately was doing one of the circular routes, but in the opposite direction. The break whilst we chatted was really important as it was at the bottom of Coopers Hill, (where they do the cheese rolling,) and whilst the climb was not up that actual slope it was steep enough, see the photo.

I got to Cranham early and then had a decision to make, finish then or crack on into Painswick. This was only 2 1/2 miles and mostly comfortable walking – except at Painsiwck Beacon – so I carried on and finished at Painswick Church. (I needed some positive input after my knee problems and walking round the Devil’s paths.

Hopefully a better day tomorrow, it will start with some hill work, surprise, surprise, but at least I have knocked a couple of miles of it.

Day 4: 28/03/12 – Painswick to Coaley Peak

Marker Post – 55 to go

Haresfield Beacon

Look Back in …..

A good day, although it started badly, for some reason I was having to rush to get everything ready. I then realised I had left my leg brace at home!! So a not very happy bunny starting out, concerned about my leg.
The good news – it hurt to start off, particularly on the downhill bits, but seemed to pick up later. Mind you today was the easiest walking, tomorrow there are a lot of contours close together at a few places. At least the route is a little shorter. It’s what you call planning, I worked on the premise that as you get older you get more tired, especially doing something on consecutive days!! Hence the big start and push for the last couple of days and the tapering towards the end.
Another hot one, fortunately through a few woods for quite a way. Very much a zigzag route today following the high ground (with a number of dips!) around the edge of the escarpment. It then dropped down twice in time to give the climbs, but these were not as bad as previous days.
Managed to meet two people whom I had worked with before, a real surprise, especially as the route went past the bottom of the garden for one of them!! Not many pictures, very hazy weather due to the heat.
I will be out of contact from now and until I finish so no more photos. I will try, however, to get the blog updated during this time.
Thanks for the support and will speak soon.

Day 5: 29/03/12-  I knew it was going to be a hard day today and it did not disappoint ! There were some steep gradients starting with the decline from Coaley Peak. This was followed by the climb up cam Longdown straight after. Then once you have got down you have to climb back up a steep slope to Stinchcombe hill. Don’t recall the top being so big! Once round there then down to Nibley up the monument and down a steep slope into Wotton. Did it in a decent time but both feet need TLC!!!

Day 6: 30/03/12 - Wotton to Old Sodbury

A good start this morning, cracked on a pace with only a couple of steep sections. Totally different landscape, no cliff edges and panoramas. To make up for that the route meanders all over the place. After doing the first 7 miles quickly I seemed to lose a bit of drive not helped by a double blister on the ball of my right foot. The blister plasters are not sticking, possibly the sweat due to the heat! Just under 20 miles to go now +1 to start of tomorrows walk !!

Day 7 – 31/03/12: Arrives in Bath ahead of scedule

Good day all,

In case you have been wondering where I have been today let me tell you, BATH

Yes, I know that I was supposed to stop at Cold Ashton but sometimes you are having a good day and on a roll. I got to Cold Ashton at 1320 and that was just to early too finish, so guess what, I carried on into Bath.

I have just returned home, eaten had soak in the bath and am off to bed, I will fill you in fully on Sunday 01 April. For those looking at it on Sunday, no it is not an April Fool’s joke, Captain Dave will vouch for that.

Regs Eric

They think it’s all over….. Part 1

by Eric-Moore @ 01/04/12 – 18:04:00

Many thanks to Kenneth Wolstenholme for that marvellous headline!!!

Well, what can I say? I completed the walk at 1820 on Saturday 31 March 2012 outside Bath Abbey, (lovely building but could not fit it all in in a photo,) having started it at 0810 on Sunday 25 March at the church at Chipping Campden. Along the way there have been some marvellous views, memorable times and features and one or two surprises.

I set off slightly late on Saturday but soon caught up on time. The start of the day, at Old Sodbury and through Doddington Estate was quite comfortable walking. Lots of rolling fields with gentle slopes. After climbing out from there the route crosses the A46 and continues in to Tormarton. Here is one of the most stupid bits of the route ever. You cross a stile and on looking right, in the direction you would expect to go you see the local pub, The Major’s Retreat, some 200 yards away. However the route takes you straight on, away from the pub, and then round in a circle coming out about 20 yards the other side of the pub!! Who thought that one up?

From Tormarton you cross the M4, with a sign indicating Bath, perhaps after all you are getting nearer!? The route goes south, turns west, then north, back towards the motorway and then west, running alongside it, but slowly moving back southwards. Until you get to the A46 which you cross and then go back north towards the motorway?!? The person that designed the route must have had a dodgy map or compass.

Anyway, back south we go following the path as it skirts Dyrham Park, well known for tis deer. Shame I did not see any, probably because of the 8 foot wall!! So, sorry no wildlife shots!

From there it was a couple of miles to Cold Ashton where I was due to finish. I decided to continue as I had arrived there at 1310, and Captain Dave, who was going to pick me up probably would not want my company for the whole afternoon AND evening. Besides, the weather was fine for walking, cooler than previous days, and I had a choice, carry on a bit and see how I am feeling. Discussed this with Dave and he was more than happy for that. So, onwards and downwards, in height and miles.

They think it’s all over….. Part 2 ….It is now!!!

by Eric-Moore @ 01/04/12 – 21:23:24

So having completed another couple of miles and traversed the incline into Lower Hamswell I had to decide how far to go. I declined the chance to pop into the farm shop where they sell “special plants” so have no idea what one of those is!!

Looking at the time and distance to go, plus the topography (up and down bits,) I decided to slog on and finish it today. I had felt the blister on my left foot burst, searing hot pain followed by a bit of dampness, and the one on the ball of my right foot was hurting, but not as much as my right heal, (which decided to join in, obviously felt left out!) If they hurt now they will still hurt the next morning, so why put it off???

Well that was my thought process, also, I’m so close it would be mad not to give it a go! Although the terrain is rather undulating, not least of which is the area around the battle site at Lansdown and Primrose Hill in Bath.

What the hell, I decided to go for it, but you knew that now. The area surrounding the battle was very interesting, and covered a large area, (but not as big as the (yet another) golf course!! There was a lot of downhill stuff, and obviously some uphill, but the former was much harder, bearing down as it did on the front of the feet and my knees. Thank God for walking poles!!

The panorama of Bath is quite unusual, it looks as if the city is split in two, and that is probably right due to the river running through the middle and the hills. There is, however a distinct difference between the two bits. One regal and elegant, the other much less so and with industry.

The way down into Bath was a lot less well signposted, although Primrose Hill was obvious! That darned great thing to the left of the city that climbed on and on. (Well it seemed that way!) Coming down via Sion Hill you see the Georgian Bath in its splendour. You walk beneath a crescent of houses, but these are a mere impersonation of the Royal Crescent. (Unfortunately I took the lower path that did not give any good photo shoots of the crescent! Oops!

It was amazingly quiet in the city centre, but I found my way to the end of the walk at the Abbey. Lovely building, and not just because it was the end of the walk.

I was met there by Captain Dave, who, after a week overseas had a better tan than me!!! He also had some wine and a glass, pity for him, he was driving, for me to celebrate the end of the walk, thanks Dave.

So that was that, 102 miles, seven days, three different beds, no alcohol between 23 March and the end of the walk, despite staying in a pub and hotel!! What will power! Cracking views, great weather, interesting times and all in a good cause. Shame I have to go back to work on Monday!! I have uploaded some photos of the last three days! (can be seen on the Commander’s blog)

Some big thank yous

by Eric-Moore @ 01/04/12 – 21:34:21

Thank you to all of you who have taken the time to read this, and for Alaina to be my ghost writer for two days!! The rest in no particular order:

Claire (Mrs Moore) for putting up with me during the planning and execution, (or just putting up with me,) driver days 1 to 4 and for extracting money from some sources I would not have been able to tap into.

My family (not the TV show) for their unfailing support,

The luncheon clubs and Aschurch Brownies, see Claire above!!

Claire Hood, Jackie Cooper and Jeanne (aka webmaster) for their support via posts and emails

Andy, emergency ‘phone call (used to work with him, met him at Coaley Peak when my ‘phone packed in!! Handy or what?)

Malcolm Shute, driver (day 4)

Captain Dave, driver day 7, provider of wine and sandwiches, moral support

The Swan Hotel, Wotton Under Edge – an upgrade to a private ensuite;
The Cross Hands, Old Sodbury – an upgrade from a single room without bath to a family room with one, and the extremely helpful staff there!

(Both the above at no extra cost!)

All those who have pledged money, we are now out to get you of course!!

The various people and animals who have not been mentioned, particularly:

Robins, Blue tits, sparrows, wrens, chaffinches, bullfinches, great finches, kestrel, buzzards, grass snake, fox, doe (at Coopers Hill – sorry forgot to mention her, and even missed out on the doe, a deer… joke!) my constant companions – pheasants, and anybody/anything else I have failed to mention. (Blame it on the age!!)

~~~~~~~~

To sponsor the Commander, it’s not too late, you can send him an email of your pledge – xo@navytrainingcorps.org.

See his route below:-

TS Bulldog’s Annual Presentation night was held on Monday 23rd January to celebrate, recognise and reward cadets for all their hard work in 2011. The Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire, Dame Janet Trotter joined us for the evening and was kind enough to present the awards to cadets as well as presenting the unit with its Standard (flag). We first met Dame Trotter in Cirencester at the Trafalgar Parade last year, that some of the cadets marched at, she spent a lot of time talking to each cadet and parents, and agreed to come along in January to make the presentation of the standard.

Parents attended the evening, which started off with an informative presentation on evening colours, and then went onto the formal awards.

Bob Perkins, County Standard Bearer, Gloucestershire and West Midlands Area’s Royal British Legion, officially handed over the Standard to Dame Trotter who then presented it to Able Cadet Lottie Davies.

Dame Trotter then went onto to make the following main awards in addition to promotions and good conduct awards.

	Cadet of the year – Able Cadet Lottie Davies
	Junior Cadet of the Year – Dolphin Cadet Tashi Davies
	Barbara Perkins Memorial Award for Endeavour – Dolphin Cadet Rhys Lewis
	The Glevum Target and Sports Club Shield was presented to Cadet Luke Stone

The unit is split into three divisions and once again Royal Sovereign came top and won the award sponsored by Sainsburys, Gloucester.

The evening also saw command of the unit pass to Officer in Charge, Sub. Lt Bev Chaston, and Sub.Lt. Tony Chaston is now First Lieutenant.

The evening finished with off with everyone enjoying a fantastic cake, an edible replica of the standard, made especially in honour of the presentation of The TS Bulldog Standard by Cathy Hyett.

Below are more photos of the evening – click photo(s) to enlarge

The evening was held to congratulate cadets on their achievements offshore and for the presentation of the National Cadet of the Year Awards.

The evening started with ceremonial colours followed by a formal inspection by the Executive Officer of the Corps. Cadets from TS Ocean then performed a seamanship evolution before the presentations were carried out.

The offshore awards were presented by Jeremy Sharpe of the Tall Ships Youth Trust, Hereford and Worcester Branch. He presented certificates and badges to those cadets who had been at sea on the Tall Ships.

Peter Coleman, Director of the Tall Ships then presented the awards and certificates to the National Cadet of the Year and runner up, and certificates to all the cadets who had been nominated for the award.

The Tony Smith Trophy for Cadet of the Year went to Able Cadet Lottie Davies from TS Bulldog.

The Bainbridge Trophy for Runner Up went to Marine First Class Luke Foreshew from TS Ark Royal.

Also nominated were Ordinary Cadet Euan Morgan from TS Ocean and Cadet Chrsitina Trinder from TS Raleigh.

All the cadets should be very proud of their achievements and the guests were extremely impressed by the quality and commitment shown by the staff, cadets and committees.

Special thanks should go to PO Stacey Green for her efforts in making the evening a success and Captain David Bainbridge for putting the event together.

Well done everyone.

Eric R Moore

Commander

Executive Officer

Below, are some of the photographs of the evening. Click here to view all.

A/C Lottie Davies, receiving The Cadet of the Year trophy from Peter Coleman of the Tall Ships Youth Trust

MC1 Luke Foreshew; Runner up Cadet of the year award with Captain Bainbridge

Ordinary Cadet Euan Morgan being presented with his certificate from Peter Coleman, for being nominated as Cadet of the Year

Sailing Awards:

MC1 Jack Ormsby; receiving his sailing award from Jeremy Sharp, Tall Ships Youth Trust,

A/C Charlie Cooper receiving her sailing award

Oceanne Gallagher being presented with her sailing certificate

Abigail Morgan being presented with her sailing certificate

Ordinary Cadet Charles Lawrence; being presented with his sailing certificate

MC1 Jack Ornsby; being presented with his sailing certificate