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WELCOME TO OUR NEWS ARCHIVE Rather than have to search through many pages to look back through our news, we have given it an archive page of it's own. We hope that you will enjoy reading through our successes since 2006, when we published our first web pages. June 2010 On Saturday 19th June, Capt. Herb Carol represented us
by attending an Official Reception on board
HMS Severn. This warship is an
Offshore Patrol Vessel and is the latest addition to the Fisheries
Protection Squadron. Our sincere thanks to Lt Cdr Catherine Jordan and her
crew for their hospitality. This was an opportunity to meet with old
friends and make some new ones. Amongst the guests attending were
the Chairman of North Tyneside Council and his 'chain gang', the
Commanding Officer of HMS Calliope, not forgetting Lt Cdr Charles Wood
MBE, and the Captain and crew of the Dutch minesweeper 'HMNLS Zeekerzee'
which was moored downstream. As you can see from the picture, Herb
had to be content with a glass of 'water' as he was driving home after the
event! After listening to a wonderful recording of 'We Are Sailing'
by the Band of HM Royal Marines, On Sunday 13th June we attended the Blyth Heritage Fair at Fort House (Roberts Battery), Old Hartley, Seaton Sluice, where we set up our stocks and heaving lines and sold some of our world-famous Grog at a two guinea a shot. Unfortunately, it rained on and off throughout the day. but the spirits of those attending were not dampened by the weather! Backworth Brass Band played in one marquee, and a young lady Northumbrian Piper played in the main tent. I am pleased to announce that by finishing time, the stall raising funds for the charity 'Help the Heroes' sold out completely! Others in attendance were, the RSPB, Northumberland Wildlife Trust, Blyth Battery, Blyth Local History Society and the Northumberland Family History Society. All in all, a good day was had by all, and we look forward to the next event. 14/6/2010 May 2010 Thanks to the Sunderland Trailer & Towing Centre, supplying us with our brand new trailer for 'Blyth Venture', we are now able to get back on the water after our old one became unfit for our continuing use. 25/5/2010 Friday 30th April to Sunday 2nd May 2010 Once again we provided our services to the Scottish Garelochhead 2-Day Marches. On Saturday 1st May, Colonel Donald Ross of the Argyle & Sutherland Highlanders presented our 'Cadet Achievement Trophy' to Cadet Craig Allen. As he was off site assisting at the Rest Areas, the 'Blyth Trophy for Excellence' was presented upon his return to LS Michael Allen by our own Herb Carol. This year marked the 10th Anniversary of this event, and it was celebrated in style with a dinner on the Sunday evening, with the Team being represented by Capt. Herb Carol, LS Dave Turnbull and Cadet Craig Allen. Due to unfortunate circumstances and at very short notice, AB Dave Tudor and Cadet Craig Wilkinson carried the evening by waiting on tables - and as can only be expected of the Team, they did it extremely professionally! After the dinner, we were presented with a commendation for our "Outstanding effort and contribution to the Scottish Garelochhead Marches"! 4/5/2010 April 2010 We are in the news! Capt. Herb Carol, our CSO has been featured in the Northumberland Journal Extra in an article entitled, "Why I Love Northumberland". He apologises for the photograph which, he says, does him no favours! Follow the link above and see for yourself. 22/4/2010 Scuttlebutt Volume 7 Issue 2 has been published, and Issue 3 is currently being written. If you do not already receive 'Scuttlebutt' and would like to, contact us through this link and we will add you to our mailing list. 6/4/2010 March 2010 Thursday March 25th 2010 Capt. Herb Carol attended a course on PR & Media at the Briardale Community Training Centre. It was organised by CVABV and facilitated by Mr Brian Bell of Be Brave Fundraising Consultancy Hopefully, we will now be able to make more effective use of available free publicity resources. We are pleased and proud to be able to include Newcastle Trinity House on our Links page, and look forward to developing a close working relationship with them. 23/3/2010 Sunday March 7th 2010 We went to Collingwood's Monument to watch the original cannon fire a salute at 1500, followed by a return salute from HMS Cumberland at 1530 as she left the Tyne to return to her base on the South coast. Saturday March 6th 2010 Our Team took their RYA Level 2 Powerboat practical training in Hartlepool, with Cheryl, Sam and Mark of Longscar Powerboating once again providing their excellent tuition. See our page in 'Gallery' for 'RYA Training' Friday 5th March 2010 We had a guided tour of Her Majesty's warship HMS Cumberland when she visited Northumbrian Quay at North Shields. Our thanks to Captain David Dutton RN OBE and our Petty Officer hosts for such an enjoyable event. See our page in 'Gallery' for HMS Cumberland January 2010 Friday 29th January 2010 Capt. Herb Carol and Capt. John Thomson represented us at a reception which was held on board the Assault Ship L15 HMS Bulwark during her visit to North Shields. Our thanks to Captain Gavin Pritchard OBE RN and his crew for their hospitality and making us feel so welcome, also to Lt Cdr Wood MBE, the Royal Navy Liaison Officer, for inviting us to visit this wonderful warship - the seventh warship to proudly bear the name of 'HMS Bulwark'. 30/1/2010 Weekend 9th & 10th January 2010 Six of our Members took their RYA Powerboat Level 2 theory and VHF Radio courses with Longscar Powerboating, who provided them with first class tuition in Seaton Carew. Unfortunately, the Powerboat Level 2 practical part has had to be postponed until late February or early March, due to severe icing on and around the slipways over the weekend they spent down there. The Team was accommodated at the Trinity Guest House in Seaton Carew over the weekend. 11/1/2010 On 3rd January 2010 we received our 27,000th 'hit' on this site December 2009 We would like to thank Chief Executive Martin Lawlor, and the Blyth Harbour Commissioners for inviting our C.S.O. to their annual Christmas Reception, which was held on board the RNYC club ship 'HY Tyne' on Tuesday, 15th December. Saturday,12th December 2009 Now that the steering cable on 'Blyth Venture' has been replaced, we went out for a training and exercise day. On our return the trailer collapsed, and we had to be quite inventive to carry out makeshift repairs to enable us to get back to base. We now need a new trailer, which will cost around £1000, so if any of our readers find that they have a bit of spare cash, all donations would be gratefully received. 14/12/09 We have been requested to start up a new Branch in Scotland ... Further details will be published as soon as we have them. 9/12/09 November 2009 Sunday 8th November 2009 Once again we attended the Remembrance Day Service at the Ridley Park Cenotaph. The salute was taken by the Lord Lieutenant, Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland. Afterwards we enjoyed a curry and the hospitality of 203 (Elswick) Battery, Royal Artillery at their Blyth HQ. Sunday, 1st November 2009 Due to the driving rain, the Submariner's Remembrance Day Service took place in the church beside the Tiptoe Anchor Memorial. Again it was good to see so many of the veteran submariners in attendance. Lord Ridley, the Mayor of Blyth, representatives of Northumbria Police also attended, along with Alwyn and Ros from MVS Tyne Unit. Unfortunately, we were not able to welcome a contingent of serving submariners from HMNB Clyde, due to transportation problems. October 2009 Wednesday 21st October 2009 was Trafalgar Day. We met up at Collingwoods Memorial in the rain, and toasted Admiral the Lord Cuthbert Collingwood at noon with a tot of rum. We then went on to visit the Tynemouth Volunteer Life Brigade Watch House. Next year they will be holding a special Trafalgar Day service, which will finish at 1145, allowing everyone to be at the monument in time for the Collingwood Toast at 1200. (Pictures will be posted as soon as we have them) September 2009 Sunday 20th September 2009. The Unit went to Sunderland to pay a visit to HMS Ocean. Once again, our thanks to Captain Simon Kings RN and the ships company for making this visit so enjoyable ... Some photographs have been added to the Gallery without compromising the security of the vessel. During the afternoon we were instructed in 'Heart Start' techniques by a Special Operations Paramedic Trainer who came down from Scotland to present this course. On Saturday 19th September, during a MoB exercise, we lost steering on Blyth Venture when the engine failed to respond to the wheel! In true seamanship manner we disconnected the drive linkage and continued by using one man on the throttle whilst the other steered by moving the engine manually. This is what our training is all about! Friday 18th September 2009. Captains Herb Carol, MIoS and John Thomson represented us on board HMS Ocean during her visit to her 'home port' of Sunderland, by attending an evening reception. Our thanks to the Captain and crew for their hospitality. Their driver for the evening was Cdr. John Nattress. Saturday 5th September 2009 As the Old Sea Dog promised, there was less rain on the day than last year and the Annual MSTS Fun Day took take place as planned. We had 'Splat the Rat', 'Heaving into a Bucket' and of course the Stocks - where people threw soggy sponges at the 'victims' - especially at Cadet Craig Wilkinson, as it was his birthday! How many can say that they have had Happy Birthday sung to them by around a hundred people, whilst dodging wet sponges? Our thanks go to Lt. Mosley RN for her stint in the stocks, and of course the rest of her Team for putting on such a wonderful display. The Briardale Team did themselves proud, even though Jean Bell managed to break her wrist whilst chucking a bucket of water over our Head of Training & Development! Thanks also to Ian Grigg and HM Coastguard, the crew of the Blyth RNLI Inshore Lifeboat, and Northumbria Police for being involved and getting into the spirit of the day by doing silly things that they would not normally do! There are all the others who should also be thanked, for example, the Cat & Dog Shelter and Body Shop for their support. If your organisation has been missed out, please consider this as our thanks, otherwise we would have to fill the page with all of your names!. Unfortunately, the Lord Lieutenant, Her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland was unable to attend, and so missed being a part of this successful fun event. August 2009 Saturday, 15th August Once again we went out for some on the water training on and in the River Blyth. It was Manuela's first time out, and after 4 hours of Man Overboard exercises, she thought that the session was absolutely fabulous, and is now thinking of joining us as a new member of the Team. Unfortunately, we didn't have a camera with us, as there would have been some wonderful action shots taken! We had to abandon our usual high-speed dash to the Fairway Buoy, as the Harbour Master informed us that the wind speed was 25 gusting 40kts. Safety always comes first! (16/8/09) Over the weekend of 1st/2nd August, we took to the water with 'Blyth Venture' and the Rubber Duck. Unfortunately, the only pictures available are those taken from the land. If anyone has any photographs of the Man Overboard exercises, we would love to be able to show them here - especially if they show the man in the red drysuit bouncing along the surface after stepping off Blyth Venture whilst she was going quite fast (we won't say exactly how fast because the Harbour Master might see this!!) 2/8/09 July 2009 On Saturday 18th we spent the day exercising both in and on the water, gaining experience of floating, getting in and out of a rubber dinghy, and transferring people between boats. Valuable lessons were learned regarding why, if you find a group of you together in the water, it is vitally important to form a circle and stay together. This enables the accumulated body warmth to heat up the pool of water inside the circle which will help to keep you alive! This month we received grants via the Community Foundation, from the Adderstone Fund and the Prime Fund. These extremely generous donations have helped to ensure that each member of the Team has their own personal drysuit. The funding will also contribute towards the Team gaining their RYA Powerboat qualifications. Our heartfelt thanks go out to both providers. At some time during this month the ships bell which we were to have been donated, 'disappeared' when the Low Lights Tavern closed. Even after extensive enquiries, it seems that no-one knows anything about where it has gone! If it ever does turn up, our Cadets will be able to continue to enjoy polishing it up and keeping it shiny. On Monday 13th July, we were fortunate to be able to have a tour of HMS Blyth, as she was visiting Blyth. Our thanks go to her Commanding Officer, Lt.Cdr. Des Donworth and her Crew for their friendliness and hospitality, especially as the visit was arranged on our behalf at extremely short notice! On Sunday, 5th July we assisted the Blyth RNLI at their Open Day, by marshalling passengers and mooring and slipping the boats which were being used to raise funds by providing pleasure trips to the public. This was an excellent and enjoyable training opportunity for our Team. June 2009 Unfortunately, we were off the water for most of the month due to problems with props ... we had 'slightly bent' them, and had to wait for one to be repaired, and for a new one to be delivered. Garelochhead, May 2009 Once again, we did our bit for the Scottish Garelochhead 2-Day Marches by providing security for the duration of this prestigious tri-services event. which meant that we were able to free up personnel who were better occupied as Event Marshals and Monitors. Our members went out and assisted at Rest Area 2. We would like to link you in to the video, and upload it onto YouTube, but at the moment, we seem to be having a little difficulty ... any suggestions gratefully received! One of the highlights was having 'Reveille', played on a euphonium, for Colours! Our Ensign was Cadet Allen, and the Colours Bo'sun was Cadet Wilkinson. All the members of our Team were presented with SGM Medals by Capt. John Thomson, by way of thanking us for our professional approach to the event. Our Cadets were presented with trophies by Col. Donald Ross OBE, of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, to mark their outstanding achievements over the past year. EGM 2nd February 2009 This meeting was held so that we could make the MSTS open to adults as well as young people. The reason for the change was because the 'Definition of a Young Person' had been lowered from 28 to 18, due to a recent government change in policy. Christmas 2008 to date Throughout these months and whatever the weather, Members have been training and exercising on board 'Blyth Venture'. December 2008 We have now taken issue of our new wire beret badges. These were supplied by the Gold Wire Badge Company who have faithfully transferred our 'old-style' embroidered logo into a very impressive wire badge. Our thanks for their patience and help in carrying out that process. November 28th 2008 We had The Happy Cats, Marty Craggs, Les Dodd and Brian Duffy performing at a benefit evening for us at the Briardale Community Training Centre. Also appearing was an up-and-coming young singer, Gavin Mumby who started the evenings entertainment. At the half-way stage, the local singer/songwriter Mark Cocking sang some of his own work, and has been likened in style to David Bowie, and went down extremely well with the audience. The full Civic Party attended and thoroughly enjoyed the evening, as did everyone else. Herb Carol 'auctioned' a bottle of Famous Grouse Whiskey for £55-55p! We must also thank Jean Bell and the staff of the Briardale Community Training Centre for the use of their facilities. We raised just over £340 on the evening. Thank you all for your support November 9th 2008 The Blyth Remembrance Day Service took place at the Cenotaph, Ridley Park - We formed up at 1030 to remember the dead of all wars and conflicts, and afterwards enjoyed the hospitality of the TA at their barracks on Cowpen Road. 3rd November 2008 13 year-old Craig Wilkinson was welcomed into the Unit. He also has the honour of being the first to successfully complete his initial training period as a Cadet Candidate. Capt. Herb Carol presented him with his beret, badges and epaulettes. November 2nd 2008 Today we supported the Submariners at their Remembrance Day Service at the Submariner's Tiptoe Anchor Memorial in Blyth, to remember the service that the Submariners have given to this, their country. We formed an 'Honour to the Standards', and were joined by two serving members of the Royal Navy, an Army Cadet and two members of the Tyne Unit of the Maritime Volunteer Service. Lord Ridley was in attendance, along with the Civic Party from Blyth Valley. The Service was also attended by a contingent from the Blackpool and Fylde Submariners Association. Naturally, the hip flasks of rum were passed around those assembled. Photographs will be published as soon as possible. October 21st 2008 We toasted the memory of Admiral Lord Cuthbert Collingwood with rum at 12 noon, to coincide with the time that he fired the first shots of the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. We were joined by a number of people who 'just happened to be passing by' and shared a tot with them, we have arranged to meet again in a years time at the same place. September 6th 2008 Our Fun Day in Blyth on Saturday, 6th September, was a victim of the weather, as torrential rains soaked the area. Our sincere thanks go to Cllr. Kath Nisbet, the Deputy Mayor of Blyth Valley for braving the conditions so that she could name our boat "Blyth Venture". The Briardale Community and Training Centre, Blyth Junior Wardens and HM Coastguard also attended. Even though the weather was quite foul, we managed to drum up some entertainment, and an enjoyable time was had by all. July 22nd - 30th 2008 Our members walk Hadrian's Wall - there and back! They made it, and raised over £1000 - Well Done to the Team! June 2008 June was quite a busy month, as the planning for Walking the Wall was almost completed, along with sorting out the logistics for our Fun Day in September. On 30th June, as part of our ongoing programme of personal development (OPPD), we put our members through a First Aid course. Every one of our members is now qualified as an 'Appointed Person in First Aid', with their certificates valid for the next three years. Our thanks go to Gerry Hands of Priory Training for providing such an interesting course. May 2008 We went to the Garelochhead Tri-Services Training Base, and provided security for the Scottish Garelochhead Two-Day Marches. We also held 'Colours' at 0700 and 1900 each day. Photographs should be posted in our Photo Album soon. As this is an annual event, we are looking forward to being invited again for the event in 2009. March 2008 On Monday, 31st. we held our AGM, which was well attended by, not only ourselves, but also by representatives of the local community and Global Maritime. Our primary concerns were when we would take delivery of our training vessels and our intention to register with the Charities Commission. It was agreed that we register within the next 2-3 months. As part of our ongoing training and development programme, we hope that we will be visiting Northumbria Police Marine Training Centre and one or more of the Svitzer Tugs. January 2008 This month sees us installing dado trunking in our HQ to provide networking and power to our PC's. We also took part in a Fire & Safety Training course in Seaton Sluice and in Seaton Delaval, which has been organised through Blyth Valley CVS and funded by the Fairshare Programme December 2007 We would like to thank all of our supporters and sponsors wish each and every one of them a very Happy Christmas and a wonderful 2008. Erika Bowker was presented with a certificate to thank her for her ongoing support. Although she lives in Hebden Bridge, she has maintained an interest in our activities and receives regular updates on our activities. November 2007 In either August or September next year, three of our members, John, Lance and Chris are 'Walking the Wall', from one end of Hadrian's Wall to the other ... and back!! At the 'other end' they will be joined by 14 year old Cadet Craig for the return journey. Their aim is to complete this epic 'stroll' within 10 days, and are currently looking for individual and corporate sponsorship to cover the event. The proceeds will go towards funding members through their RYA qualifications. With the MSTS we provide all our training at no cost to the individual , and so raise sufficient for our needs by (almost) any means available. Should you or your company wish to make a pledge towards this event, please click here. After the Submariners Remembrance Day Service, our members presented the Submariners Association with a framed picture depicting a wartime submarine with a view of the River Blyth. Once again, it was good to see members of MVS Tyne in attendance at the service. October 2007 Members are currently 'square bashing' in preparation for the Remembrance Day Parades. These will take place in Blyth on Sunday 4th November for the Submariners at the Market Square, and on the 11th at the Cenotaph adjacent to Ridley Park. September 2007 Due to our outstanding success with Bounty, SV Estelle from Finland has been brought into Blyth for some routine maintenance work and crew training, which is to be provided by the MSTS ... our reputation is spreading! By the way, we are now on the world-wide news from the News Post Leader - click here to see Bounty and Blyth together . One of the young people from the Brairdale Community Centre assisted with the on-board catering, and is now sailing with the Bounty for the full 18-month voyage to the Pitcairn Islands. All the members of the MSTS wish him the best of fortune. Thanks to the support and encouragement of the Port of Blyth and Blyth Valley Borough Council, the Port of Tyne Authority, Newcastle City Council, the Bounty will be coming to visit both ports. (Click here to have a look at the 'Bounty' website.) We brought her into Blyth, where she stayed on the 4th & 5th, and left on the 6th for Newcastle, where she remained open to the public before leaving for Southampton on the 8th. For quite a large ship, she has had many 'bit parts' in the film industry. She is currently raising money for the 'Cutty Sark Appeal', and is well worth a visit. August 2007 If all goes well, by the end of the year we should have our own vessels. A multinational shipping company is due to donate two cutters to us as they are 'surplus to requirements'. We have put a bid in to A4A to cover the costs of sailing them around the coast, and have our fingers well and truly crossed that we will receive the funding. July 2007 This month sees the start of chart-work, where members will learn about how to work out the mass movements of the sea using Tidal Stream Charts, parallel rules, dividers, and plotters. Eventually, everyone will be able to navigate their way around a chart, and pilot their way around the coast. It really isn't a 'Black Art' where things happen by magic! A few simple rules and a lot of practice is all it takes. June 2007 This is the month when we take part in, and support the RNLI in Blyth on their Open Day. We have taken our stocks out of storage, given them a good going over ready for Saturday 30th June. We will also have a Tombola and a Grog Stall. The Grog is made from a recipe dating back to the days when Nelson and Collingwood whupped Old Bonie's fleet at Trafalgar. The price per tot has been set at 2 guineas. May 2007 Two of our members took part in a Child Protection Course, so that we will have experienced people in charge of the new Cadet Section. During May, our training has concentrated on radio-telephony (RT) procedures - from making simple, routine calls through Securite, Pan Pan and Mayday - including Mayday Relay. In the early stages the exercises were quite fun, especially when everyone had to get used to using radios with a built-in 1-second delay between push-to-talk (PTT) and actually transmitting the message. It is surprising how much can be said - and lost - during that critical first second of the broadcast! April 2007 This month saw our AGM. David Turnbull has been duly elected as Hon Secretary and Michael Allen as Hon Treasurer, and they will hold office until 2010, with Herb Carol remaining as Head of Unit. It has been decided that we cancel our dedicated telephone line, as that will save us a substantial amount each year. You will still be able to contact us by e-mail enquiries@mstsblyth.org.uk or by phoning 0786 603 9753 We have been asked to start a Cadet's Section, and all of our members are currently undergoing CRB checks so that we can progress this exciting new development, and bring in some 'young blood' to train to be leaders in the future. Our new uniforms should be ready for us within the next few weeks, and suppliers are currently being sought for breast and cap badges. Then the Drill starts!! We will be attending both the Submariner's and the Blyth Remembrance Day Services in November, ready for Parade. January 2007 This year has started well, and we welcome aboard all our new members. We hope that we will soon be able to announce that we soon have a new ropework specialist, who is keen to pass on his skills and experience. We could still use the services of anyone who wishes to run sessions on:- Marine electronics; Radar; Diesel and petrol engines; Logistics; Navigation: Shanties; or any subject which might be of general interest. If you are interested, please give us a call, or click on the e-mail link November is the month for remembering those who gave their lives in wars and conflicts, and those who were left behind. 4/11/06 - 6/11/06 Training course on "Fuel Injection Systems" attended by members. 5/11/06 Submariners' Remembrance Day Service took place at the Submariners' Memorial in Blyth. It was attended by Capt Herb Carol on our behalf. The Submariners are always cheerful, and a toast was made "To absent friends" prior to the service. As well as Lord Ridley and the Blyth Valley Civic dignitaries, it was good to see members of Tyne Unit MVS attending. 10/11/06 Merchant Navy Remembrance Day at the Stag Memorial in North Shields 12/11/06 The main Remembrance Day Parade at the Cenotaph in Blyth October 2006 'Celebrating Success' Conference at the Sage Gateshead, Over 160 delegates attended, representing the Voluntary Sector throughout the North East. The keynote speakers were Fiona Ellis (Northern Rock Foundation, Director), Simon Hebditch (Capacity Builders, Chief Executive), Rosie Chapman (Charity Commission, Head of Policy & Effectiveness), Sally Hiscock (Governance Hub, Implementation Manager) and Kate Welch (Acumen Trust, Chief Executive and OneNorthEast Board member).
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