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Tyneside reservists open the doors to friends and families as a thank-you
2 July 2025
Tyneside naval reservists thanked friends and families for their support by inviting them into their home.
HMS Calliope in Gateshead acts as the base for around 100 Maritime Reservists (plus several P2000s from the Coastal Forces Squadron) and is the principal RN establishment between Liverpool and Scotland.
The unit enjoys a plum location on the right bank of the Tyne between the iconic bridge and the more recent Millennium (‘blinking/winking’ eye) Bridge.
The doors were opened to the wider Calliope family to give them an insight into the work carried out by personnel, chat and see some of the kit used, including the small boat simulator.
There was entertainment and refreshments laid on too: face painting for youngsters, a sail past by the unit’s RIB and other activities, funded through a grant from the RNRMC.
The open day drew in guests from just a few months old… to one visitor who’d received a birthday card from the King.
“We cannot perform effectively or efficiently without the continued support of our friends, families, employers and wider community,” said Lieutenant Commander Paul Ladislaus.
“It is important that this contribution, which often goes unseen, is recognised and valued. When a reservist leaves their home and community to undertake military duties, friends, families, neighbours and work colleagues remain behind to keep things going.
Reservists also give up their time to train on evenings, weekends and during school holiday periods; this often impacts their friends, families and employers, who routinely accept this with good grace.
“Reservists also give up their time to train on evenings, weekends and during school holiday periods; this often impacts their friends, families and employers, who routinely accept this with good grace.”
Able Seaman Mel Simm, undergoing Initial Training with a goal to becoming a mine warfare specialist, took the opportunity to show her daughter around the unit.
“My daughter has wanted to be a pilot from an early age. She enjoyed visiting the unit and was thrilled to learn that you can fly aircraft in the navy. This has inspired her to start her journey by joining the Sea Cadets,” she said.
Guest of honour was the head of the Maritime Reserves, Commodore Jo Adey – a former Calliopean – who echoed the thanks of the Gateshead reservists for the breadth and depth of support they enjoy.
Commander David King, HMS Calliope’s Commanding Officer, said: “These events are very important to promote unit cohesion and to strengthen links and build friendships amongst the ship’s company.
“When our Reservists leave home for exercises or live operations, our team is on hand provide support. Our door is always open to relatives and friends of our reservists.”