Collingwood thanks visitors for open day success

By Marie Arnott

HMS COLLINGWOOD have thanked both local and Armed Forces communities as thousands of visitors attended their highly anticipated annual Open Day at the Fareham based training establishment, which took place in warm weather on Saturday (June 28) and also helped to commemorate Armed Forces Day.

Similarly to events held in previous years, the highlight proved to be the prestigious Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Field Gun Competition (RNRMC). This featured a total of sixteen crews from across the UK and as far afield as Cyprus and Naples with teams competing for the coveted Brickwoods Trophy bragging rights.

In a thrilling final, the REME crew pipped local crew HMS Sultan to confirm their sixth success since first competing back in 2003. Their Number 1 Trainer, Major Ben Thomas, said of their win: “HMS Seahawk have won it for the past three years, but we’ve come back bigger and stronger and clearly, it’s paid off. It’s brilliant to get the win today, we’re over the moon.”

HMS Collingwood Commanding Officer, Captain Tim Davey, expressed his delight at the day’s success: “We have had a brilliant day here at HMS Collingwood, which has been very well supported by the local community. Many congratulations to the REME crew for their brilliant win today. We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2026.”

Visitors were permitted to enjoy a wealth of attractions throughout the day including the military zones, alongside displays / demonstrations by the BMX Display Team, the Royal Navy Parachute Display Team and RN Divers’ Diving Tank. Children were entertained with a free funfair and Mini Monster Truck Mania, while guests could also explore the Navigation Training Facility’s Bridge Simulator.

The HMS Collingwood Volunteer Band provided musical entertainment and numerous charity / commercial stalls were on site to offer merchandise, as well as refreshments during the day as temperatures went above twenty-five degrees for long periods. Organisers have pledged to bring back the event back in 2026 as it continues to showcase the Royal Navy as Global, Modern, and Read; which helps to defend the nation, promote prosperity, and embrace tomorrow’s technology / skills.

PICTURED BY KEITH WOODLAND: Victorious REME crew in action during the final of Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity Field Gun Competition.