VOS staff members have a thoroughly well-earned day out!
On Tuesday 19th July, VOS staff team had some time away from the office at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard to have some fun, connect with each other and prioritise their own mental health – after all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
Having made our way to Boathouse 4 and been fitted with lifejackets, we started the morning with a trip out on LCVP F8, with Michael as our guide and Diggory as our coxswain. This was one of the days that temperatures in Portsmouth were forecast to go above 30ºC, but luckily it wasn’t quite that hot first thing in the morning! Nevertheless, we did all welcome the cooling spray that occasionally came over the sides. To find out more about LCVP F8 herself, read this blog about Armed Forces Day 2022 when some of our veterans had trips out on F8 in the Harbour.
We had an hour-long trip booked, so we were able to go all the way up to Portchester Castle. On the way we passed various naval ships, including both aircraft carriers (HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Queen Elizabeth); HMS Tracker P274 alongside HMS Queen Elizabeth; two Type 45 Destroyers (Duncan and Defender); and HMS Bristol, who saw action in the Falklands in 1982. Some staff members were able to reminisce about their time serving on some of these ships or others like them, while others could remember family members being on them.
Michael was very informative and entertaining, providing us with very detailed information about these ships and the other sights we saw in the Harbour, as well as telling us about himself and why he loves working as a guide on F8 and the other boats available for tours from Boathouse 4. Diggory gave us a very comfortable journey and expertly navigated the Harbour and other vessels. It was a lovely trip and a great way to get a different perspective of Portsmouth Harbour.
Once we’d returned and disembarked F8, we met Ron, who would be our guide for our tour of Boathouse 4. Inside the Boathouse we were able to see wooden boatbuilding and restoration at various levels of progress and completion. Boathouse 4 is where IBTC Portsmouth has functioned since 2015, but unfortunately it will be closing in March 2023. We felt privileged to be able to see some of what they’ve achieved and it was very interesting to gain a better understanding of the process of wooden boatbuilding.
One of the most impressive things we saw was a replica of a WWI Coastal Motor Boat (CMB), a torpedo boat, which is in the process of being built and had been turned the right way up only a week before our visit. The replica is modelled on the hull of CMB 4, which was also restored at Boathouse 4 and is on display. CMB 4 was used in a raid on Bolshevik ships in Kronstadt in 1919. In CMB 4, Lieutenant Augustus Agar sank the cruiser Oleg, and was later awarded the Victoria Cross.
Ron is a volunteer at Boathouse 4 and he gave us a brilliant tour which clearly showed his personal interest and passion. He provided us with a huge amount of information about the history and current workings of the Boathouse.
After a highly educational and enjoyable morning, we headed up to the Boathouse 4 restaurant for lunch. Along the back wall was a display of the badges of ships used in the Falklands War, and some staff members were able to find their own ship’s badge. The restaurant was very nicely decorated and had brilliant views out into the Harbour, and the food was beautifully presented and greatly enjoyed by everyone. It was a great chance to all sit down together, chat about anything and everything, and get to know each other a bit better.
This wellbeing day was thoroughly well-earned by all staff members, as well as highly appreciated all round! It’s so important for those whose jobs are to care for others’ wellbeing, ensure that they take care of their own wellbeing. Additionally, it was valuable for us to base our Wellbeing experience around what we offer to our veteran community.
Well done to everyone for all their hard work and a big thank you to Ian (CEO) and Pips (Wellbeing Manager) for arranging the day.
(Written by Saskia Egeland-Jensen)
If you’re a veteran from the UK Armed Forces or the Merchant Navy (from any time of service) or a partner to one, VOS would love for you to join our community. We are here to offer our support: call us on 02392 731 767, visit an upcoming drop-in, or email admin@vosuk.org.
VOS is immensely grateful for the support and funding we receive from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.