Personnel use annual inset day for community work
PERSONNEL FROM HMS Sultan deployed across Gosport and surrounding areas on Monday (July 7) as they supported multiple community projects as part of their annual inset day, which saw instructors at the naval establishment engage in professional development activities instead of their traditional schedules.
Approximately 240 trainees from both the Marine Engineering Training Group and the Royal Naval Air Engineering and Survival Equipment School broke into teams to tackle twelve separate community improvement projects across the region. This follows a long-celebrated commitment from HMS Sultan, who pride themselves on supporting the people in their areas and beyond.
Teams participated in a wide range of initiatives including the Gosport Waste Walk which saw 80 personnel removing litter from local areas, maintenance and improvement work at the 6th Gosport Scout Group. There was also support for community facilities including the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust’s Admiral Jellicoe House in Southsea and the Royal Air Force Association Club in Gosport.
Additional projects included gardening work at St Matthew’s Church, improvements to outdoor spaces at St Mary’s Primary School, Brockhurst Primary School, Peel Common School, Grange Junior School, King’s Academy Gomer School, and Alver Valley Schools. A team of 25 personnel further supported the Growing in Gosport initiative at Brockhurst Allotments, removing old structures, building a shed, and preparing plots.
Luke Spence, Site Manager at Alver Valley Schools, said: “I wasn’t expecting this amount of people, that’s for sure. It’s making very quick work of what we’re trying to do. They’ve managed to clear in about five minutes what would have taken me quite a bit of time. The area they’re clearing is going to help towards the children’s educational needs, particularly for our Forest School where we’re trying to make more space for the children to play and work in.”
HMS Sultan Base Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer 1 Marty Wallace said: “The INSET Day has provided a fantastic opportunity to represent HMS Sultan and contribute positively to our local community. These projects help strengthen our bonds with Gosport and demonstrate our commitment to being good neighbours. The teamwork and enthusiasm shown by our trainees today reflects the core values of the Royal Navy, and everyone involved should feel proud of what they’ve accomplished in just one morning.”
Following completion of their community projects, personnel returned to HMS Sultan for a team-building BBQ to celebrate their achievements. This proved to be a welcome reward for all those involved throughout the day, particularly in warming temperatures and the occasional difficult breeze / rain shower.
PICTURED BY HMS SULTAN: Royal Navy trainees clear litter during the Gosport Waste Walk as part of their annual INSET Day community outreach programme.
