A group of trainee Naval Officers at Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC), have taken two days out of their busy programme to lend a hand at Watcombe Primary School in Torquay.
The team from BRNC’s Astute Division spent their time building raised vegetable enclosures, refurbishing the playground equipment and clearing and renovated the school’s grounds.
The vegetable plots will be used by the after-school Gardening Club and also to emphasise the practical elements of the curriculum that includes healthy eating, self-sustainability and the environment.
Astute Divisional Training Officer Lieutenant David Clark said: ‘Although the main focus of training this far has been to deliver courageous leaders with the spirit to fight and win, it is equally important that we develop men and women of good character that will actively embrace any community either locally or overseas.”
The trainee Officers were invited to have lunch with some of the children, who were excited to have the opportunity to sit with the Officers and ask questions about their chosen career path and training so far. This theme continued as three of the Officer Cadets and Lt Clark were invited to host the end of week assembly.
Headmaster of the School, Mr Adam Morris, said, "It has been a real pleasure to welcome the Royal Navy personnel to the school and the children have enjoyed the chance to meet them and learn about the Navy.
"The recruits have made an amazing difference to the environmental and gardening areas which means the children can now start their planting with a view to growing vegetables for the school kitchen. A huge thanks must go to all of them for their help.”
The opportunity to work at the school came just after the Cadets had finished the final major test of their 30-week initial naval training course; a four-day exercise living and operating on the River Dart.
Lt Clark said, “We have thoroughly enjoyed taking a break from the high intensity of the last few days to be part of such a wonderful school and would like to thank the staff and pupils for making us feel so welcome. This project has been a huge success and the Officer Cadets are immensely proud of what they have achieved in the two days.”
Officer Cadets from BRNC’s Diamond Division have also been helping out at Maker Heights in Cornwall, where they spent a day clearing the vegetation from three World War Two gun mounts to allow public access.
The group were led by Warrant Officer Darren Paskins, the College Ceremonial Training Officer who has been spending much of his free time working at Maker to restore the military sites.
He said, “This is all part of our history and our heritage. I think it’s very important to remember our past and restore these areas to their former glory as best we can.”
