Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
Christmas cheer comes to Clyde
11 December 2024
On Tuesday, December 10, personnel from across HM Naval Base Clyde took part in some festive fun. The first event that kicked off the day was the annual Santa Dash, which took place at the Supermess. Captain of the Base, Captain Elaine Boyd saw the runners off and was also there to cheer them on as they arrived at the finish line.
Participants were invited to dress festively to run, jog, or walk the mile and half course, finishing back at the Supermess. Through the crowd of Santa hats, some runners embraced the Christmas spirit and among them there was a Christmas cracker, a snowman, a present, and Christmas wouldn’t be Christmas without a turkey.
Although individual runners participated, many departments also ran together. Among those were the Dental Department, 43 Commando (Cdo) Royal Marines, and the Unit Personnel Office (UPO).
Following on from the successful Santa Dash, Natalie Lewis of the Royal Navy Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) organised a Snowball Race that invited staff to purchase a numbered snowball.
The aim was for your ball to get from the Sportsdrome to the Supermess the quickest with a £1,000 cash prize for the winner, with all remaining proceeds from entries going to the RNRMC. Overall, the sum raised was £4,430.
Natalie said: “The Snowball Race has been an incredible event, made possible by the outstanding support from the Civil Amenities Fund team. We are also deeply grateful to our sponsors—Indigo Fitness, Kier Graham, and The Gingerbread Man—for helping make it all happen.”
“Their generosity and dedication have been instrumental in the event's success. We’re thrilled to share that we’ve raised over £4,000, which will go directly to supporting our sailors, marines, and their families. Thank you to everyone who participated and contributed—you’ve truly made a difference!"
Whilst these events kept the festive spirit up among staff, a new addition to the celebrations this year was causing quite a buzz in the Supermess. For the first time at Clyde, a Christmas market was held and opened to staff throughout the day. On offer were local crafts, unique holiday gifts, and tasty treats; some of which included hot dogs and a BBQ truck.
Other stall holders were Knots & Crafts, Suz Poms, Submarine Souvenirs, Helensburgh and District Branch of Enable (HDBE). At the end of the day, stall holders donated part of their takings to the RNRMC.
In addition, Coulport staff got together for a Christmas quiz, organised by Linda Haworth of Lockheed Martin UK. There was prize for the winner with all money raised being donated to the Ardgowan Hospice, Inverclyde to assist those who need additional help and support to live out their lives.
Most of those taking part in today’s events have supported the Continuous At Sea Deterrent (CASD), including Royal Navy Submariners. It is important that at this time of year they are given the chance to come together for some festive fun before they have some well-deserved time off to spend with their families and friends over Christmas.