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Gateshead Naval Reserves receive Freedom of the Borough
16 October 2026
After nearly 60 years on the Gateshead waterfront in the shadow of the world-famous Tyne Bridge, the town’s Royal Navy unit at last received its highest honour.
Another, newer icon of the Tyne, the Millennium Bridge, tilted in honour as HMS Calliope received the Freedom of the Borough of Gateshead, recognising the unit’s outstanding service to the nation and its enduring connection with the district and the wider North East.
A formal ceremony brought civic leaders, full-time and reservist Royal Navy personnel, members of the Cadet Forces, veterans and guests together to witness the formal act of Freedom – the borough’s highest honour – being bestowed.
That was followed by a ceremonial sunset on the quayside in front of the naval establishment.
Calliope has been associated with the Tyne for more than 120 years, courtesy of an old cruiser which served as training ship for the local Royal Naval Reserve until the beginning of the 1950s, when it was replaced by a sloop.
That lasted until 1968, when the unit moved ashore to Gateshead.
The current complex is only a decade old following a £3m revamp. It’s the hub 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, several P2000 fast patrol boats from the Navy’s Coastal Forces Squadron 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.
Gateshead has now followed suit, making the RNR base one of only three public bodies to receive the Freedom honour, joining a mix of unsung local heroes and a broad mix of celebrities: Olympians Jonathan Edwards and Brendan Foster, businessman and former Newcastle United chairman Sir John Hall, Angle of the North sculptor Sir Anthony Gormley, actress Jill Halfpenny and historian David Olusoga.
"We greatly value our strong and ongoing partnership with the Borough of Gateshead,” said Commander David King, HMS Calliope’s Commanding Officer.
“Their support is vital to ensuring we can operate effectively on behalf of the Royal Navy in the North East of England and we look forward to continuing to strengthen ties.”
Council Leader Councillor Nick Allan added: "HMS Calliope has a proud history and a strong connection to our region. Its reservists make an invaluable contribution to national defence while also playing an important role in our communities, workplaces and public life.
“This honour recognises the dedication, professionalism and service of the unit's members who have served, and continue to serve, through the unit. It also recognises the important contribution of friends, families, employers and the wider community, who also play an important part in supporting the unit.”