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Gateshead reservists honoured by town for commitment to community life on the Tyne
23 April 2026
More than half a century of commitment to community life in Gateshead will be recognised when its Royal Navy Reserve unit HMS Calliope is honoured by locals.
The name has been associated with Tyneside for nearly 120 years via various ‘Calliopes’ – from training ships to the shoreside establishment at Gateshead since 1968.
Although the headquarters have occupied the same location on the right bank of the Tyne for more than 50 years, the current complex is only a decade old following a £3m revamp.
Today, it’s the hub for training for more than 100 reservists who make use of a range of facilities including accommodation, classroom, gym/fitness suite, RIBs on the river. In addition, four P2000 fast patrol boats call the Tyne their home.
The good folk of Newcastle granted the establishment and its men and women the freedom of their city back in the mid-80s.
Now civic leaders in Gateshead have agreed to award HMS Calliope the Freedom of the Borough in recognition of the long-standing ties with the community.
We’re proud to grant them Freedom of the Borough, the highest honour we can bestow on them in recognition of the consistent support that they have provided.
The unit joins a long list of celebrities – from sporting heroes such as Olympians Jonathan Edwards and Brendan Foster to Byker Grover/Coronation Street/EastEnders actor Jill Halfpenny, film director David Puttnam, historian David Olusoga and Angel of the North sculptor/artist Antony Gormley – and ‘local heroes’ to receive the honour.
After 72 Engineer Regiment and the Royal Northern Sinfonia, Calliope is only the third public body/organisation to be so recognised by the borough. It will be formally bestowed later this year – allowing the reservists to march through the heart of Gateshead with full military pomp and ceremony.
"We are delighted and honoured that Gateshead Council have granted us Freedom of the Borough,” said Commander David King, Calliope’s Commanding Officer.
“We have always enjoyed a strong relationship with Gateshead and are proud to play an important role in the community. The honour recognises the importance that the council places on the Royal Navy's contribution to the region."
Council Chief Executive Dale Owens said the authority cherished its “long-standing relationship with HMS Calliope.
“We’re proud to grant them Freedom of the Borough, the highest honour we can bestow on them in recognition of the consistent support that they have provided.”