The Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS), a recognised national maritime training organisation founded in 1994 after the disbandment of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS) has turned 25 years old and to mark the event, the charity held a service of thanks in the very church where plans were drawn up for its formation.
The service took place at All Hallows by the Tower, the oldest church in the City of London founded in 675AD, 300 years before the Tower of London.
The MVS has 25 active units around the United Kingdom including Northumbria Unit which serves from the Tweed to the Tees and provides nautical training to nationally and internationally recognised standards. It also serves local communities especially in times of need or emergency and takes part in resilience exercises both ashore and afloat.
A small number of founder members of the MVS were in attendance including one from Morpeth, Volunteer Officer Keith Newman from the Northumbria Unit based in Newcastle.
“I joined the MVS 25 years ago when the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service was disbanded. I wanted to keep the skills alive that I had gained in my time at sea and help in my local nautical community.
“I’ve enjoyed meeting new people and taking part in events such as the Tall Ships Race and the International Festival of the Sea. I’ve a host of nautical qualifications including RYA Level 2 power boat, First aid and VHF DSC radio plus a wealth of experience handling boats, liaising with other organisations and individuals and gained many lifelong friends throughout the country.”
The organisation’s aims are to help to keep the UK’s maritime tradition alive by training and delivering practical seamanship, communication and engineering skills. These skills are put to good use in the community at events and at times when called upon by the appropriate authorities. The charity operates a number of vessels ranging from small rigid inflatable boats primarily for harbour and river use to larger vessels capable of longer voyages and extended training periods at sea. Each vessel is maintained to a high standard with safety being of the utmost importance.
The thanksgiving service was attended by members from all around the UK as well as distinguished guests including Rear Admiral Andy Kyte Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Logistic Operations) representing the First Sea Lord, Captain Christopher Lamb representing Commodore Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Captain R.B. Booth from The Honourable Company of Master Mariners, Dr Iain Reid from The Honourable Company of Watermen and Lightermen, Alison Millburn UK Border Force and Captain John Sail, Merchant Navy Association.
The Northumbria Unit of the Maritime Volunteer Service are holding an informal information night on Thursday 11 April at 6pm to let prospective new volunteers see what the charity does on the region’s rivers.
As well as finding out more about the MVS, attendees will have the unique chance of a guided tour around one of Newcastle’s most historic buildings. The event on Thursday 11 April at 6pm at The Custom House on Newcastle Quayside also includes a tour of the building.
To register for the free event: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/mvs-information-evening-plus-tour-of-the-custom-house-quayside-tickets-58396636913?utm-medium=discovery&utm-campaign=social&utm-
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Group Photo shows the founder members (Keith Newman left) and individual photo shows Keith Newman with Northumbria’s Acting Head of Unit Angela Carrington at the service.
Media – Keith Newman 07814 397951 Photography by The Bigger Picture Agency