The crew of Britain’s next hunter-killer submarine pose ahead of their inaugural mess dinner in Barrow – which opened catering students’ eyes to a career in the Royal Navy.
Although she’s still a year away from being formally named – the equivalent in the Silent Service of being launched – HMS Anson already has more than a dozen crew.
To start work on forging the boat’s spirit and soul, they decided to leave the imposing Devonshire Dock Hall behind for an evening and enjoy a traditional mess occasion, hosted half a mile away at Furness College on its Channelside campus.
More than 20 catering and hospitality students were invited to look after the dining submariners – and did them proud.
They cooked and served ham hock terrine with malted bread and apple chutney, followed by pork fillet with a red wine jus and a trio of mouth-watering mini desserts for the submariners, including Anson’s Senior Naval Officer Lt Cdr Mark Moulding and guest of honour, Capt Nigel Bower, the senior RN officer in Barrow.
Anson’s WO and senior rates’ mess president CPO(Wtr) David Ramsey said the event – partly funded by the RNRMC – had been “a huge success”.
He continued: “As well as providing an opportunity for Anson’s crew to socialise and reflect on the important role of a submariner, the event also gave catering and hospitality students the opportunity to gain some practical work experience.
“The Submarine Service’s ethos of absolute professionalism embraces a culture of high and constant learning, following five key themes: unity, adaptability, responsibility, humour and heritage.
“The Navy is actively recruiting chefs and stewards for ships and submarines, so we were able to give the students an insight into some of the career opportunities available to them once they successfully complete their course.”
Over the course of two evenings, the crews of Anson and her older sister Audacious – who also chose the college as the venue for their mess dinner – raised £171.76 for the RNRMC.
The students’ tutor Clare Moncrief said her trainees truly benefitted from laying on a significant function.
“The dinner has given our students the chance to experience a large event and use their skills to provide high standards of catering and service,” she added.
Anson the fifth of seven Astute-class boats being built by BAE in Barrow for the Navy, while Boat No.4 Audacious completed her maiden test dive at the beginning of 2018 and is due to begin sea trials ahead of joining her three operational sisters Astute, Ambush and Artful at Faslane.
