How do you move 12 years of nautical memorabilia, training equipment and boats from a three story lighthouse when you are a small maritime charity?
That’s the problem that faced North Shields Unit of the nautical charity the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) when the lease ran out on the Old Lowlights building on the Fish Quay.
The answer was a phone call to HMS Calliope, the Royal Naval Reserve headquarters at Gateshead who were only too happy to lend a hand by supplying crew members from their logistics branch.
The strong armed sailors helped to move heavy outboard engines, a 12ft boat and various heavy items of furniture including a huge chart table.
Petty Officer Jim Hudson from RNR Tyne was delighted to help the charity with their move.
“This has been a worthwhile and valuable exercise from all angles,” he said. “Firstly the charity has managed to remove their heavy assets from the building and secondly, our team have had a chance to practice the skills we train them to use such as planning, problem solving and teamwork.”
Transport on the day was provided in the form of a lorry from Newcastle based taxi firm, LA Taxis while temporary storage was provided by Newcastle Business Village.
MVS Northumbria is part of a national organisation with more than 30 units across the country.Each unit trains their members in valuable maritime skills both afloat and ashore which can be called upon by the community in times of emergency. MVS members are trained in handling boats, seamanship, basic marine engineering and operational support skills including radio and telephone communications, all of which can be put to good use in times of natural disaster or emergency. No experience is needed as full training will be given.
Head of Unit, Volunteer Officer, Nigel Campbell is looking for new members and a base on Tyneside where members can meet and store their equipment.
Anyone wishing to join or know more about the MVS can see www.mvs-northumbria.org.uk or email Nigel on nigel@mvs-northumbria.org.uk
Photo 1 (LA Taxi lorry) L to R MVS members Chris Todd, Paul Hutchins Jimi Tubman, Nigel Campbell Steve McGuinness and Keith Newman RNR members PO (logs) Jim Hudson AB(Sea) Glenn Hudson,
Photo 2 L to R Nigel Campbell Jim Hudson PO(Logs) AB(Sea) Glenn Hudson, AB (NE) Aaron Douglass. Chris Todd and Paul Hutchins