Big Breakfast Event for HMS King Alfred’s Naval Reservists and families

As the nation woke up to celebrate Armed Forces Day on Saturday 24 June, naval reservists from the Solent region with their families and friends were treated to a “Big Breakfast” at Emirates Spinnaker Tower followed by free private access to the viewing platforms overlooking the approach to Portsmouth harbour, before the iconic 170m tall Spinnaker Tower opened to members of the public.

The Lord Mayor of Portsmouth, Ken Ellcome and his Lady Mayoress joined Colonel Jeff Moulton RMR, Deputy Commander of the Maritime Reserves, Commander Chris Webb RNR (Commanding Officer of HMS King Alfred), Colonel Charles Ackroyd TD RD DL and Honorary Captain Sir Robert Knox-Johnston CBE RD* RNR to celebrate the work of the Royal Naval Reserve as an integral part of the whole Armed Forces. 

Over 100 guests, including reservists and their families and friends were treated to this special event, kindly made possible by the management team of Emirates Spinnaker Tower, the idea was inspired by Sub Lieutenant Graeme Nolan RNR and his wife Jenny, Marketing Manager at the Tower who coordinated the event. 

The event was generously funded by both the South East Reserve Forces Association and Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency Search and rescue helicopter paid a special tribute dropping by to salute the occasion on their morning flight from their Lee on Solent base.

Several members of the on-call Coastguard Duty Search and rescue team are veteran aircrew from the Armed Forces.

For those interested in finding out more about part-time careers in the Royal Naval Reserve there is an RNR LIVE event on Saturday 8 July 2017 at HMS King Alfred, Whale Island, Portsmouth.

To register to attend this informal Open Day contact: 03456 0032 22 or visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk/navyreserves