HMS TRIUMPH'S AFFILIATION VISIT TO BLACKPOOL
3 DECEMBER 2010
After a week of visiting HMS Triumph's varied affiliations, members of the crew, led by Lt. Nick Stone, ended up in Blackpool for the final weekend. On Friday, they visited Arnold School's CCF. (More to follow)
A trip around Blackpool FC's Bloomfield Road ground followed. It was good news that they were to be VIP guests at Saturday's home-tie against Manchester United. This quickly paled into disappointment when the match referee called the match off that same evening. So, let's explore Blackpool!
A trip around Blackpool FC's Bloomfield Road ground followed. It was good news that they were to be VIP guests at Saturday's home-tie against Manchester United. This quickly paled into disappointment when the match referee called the match off that same evening. So, let's explore Blackpool!
ARNOLD SCHOOL (BLACKPOOL) COMBINED CADET FORCE Link
HMS Triumph visit - 3 December 2010
The school was delighted to welcome nine members of the crew of HMS Triumph led by the Casing Officer, Lt Nick Stone. The submarine is the most advanced in the Royal Navy and has recently undergone an extensive refit. Earlier in the year the boat became affiliated with Blackpool Borough Council and crew members have spent the last week visiting all the organisations with which they have such affiliations, including Henry Cort Community College and Malvern St James School. This is the first time a unit of the armed forces has undertaken such an exercise and it was a great privilege for us to be involved.
After being welcomed by the Headmaster the crew were given a tour of the school and then spent time with members of Year 5 and Year 6. The Junior School pupils were keen to ask questions about life on board a submarine and whether the crew had ever seen any sea monsters! After lunch, several members of the crew left for a tour of Blackpool Football Club and the rest spent time with the CCF NCO cadre. The cadets were divided into teams and set the task of designing a submarine. Whilst none of the designs were in danger of leaving the drawing board there were plenty of imaginative ideas which impressed Lt Stone sufficiently for him to award several cadets with 'Dolphins', the badge issued to British submariners on completion of training. A quick change-over in the Lecture Theatre and the crew were now faced with the school's Y12 students. Lt Stone gave an account of the role of the 'Silent Service' and in particular HMS Triumph. The students asked a variety of questions about such things as seasickness, claustrophobia and the likelihood of women serving as submariners.
Before joining the Royal Navy Lt Stone attended the Summer Camp at Britannia Royal Naval College as a Sea Cadet, his Divisional Officer was a certain Lt Treharne. This did not dissuade him from joining the Senior Service so we hope this impressive young officer will support the proposal that HMS Triumph becomes affiliated to Arnold School Combined Cadet Force.
The school was delighted to welcome nine members of the crew of HMS Triumph led by the Casing Officer, Lt Nick Stone. The submarine is the most advanced in the Royal Navy and has recently undergone an extensive refit. Earlier in the year the boat became affiliated with Blackpool Borough Council and crew members have spent the last week visiting all the organisations with which they have such affiliations, including Henry Cort Community College and Malvern St James School. This is the first time a unit of the armed forces has undertaken such an exercise and it was a great privilege for us to be involved.
After being welcomed by the Headmaster the crew were given a tour of the school and then spent time with members of Year 5 and Year 6. The Junior School pupils were keen to ask questions about life on board a submarine and whether the crew had ever seen any sea monsters! After lunch, several members of the crew left for a tour of Blackpool Football Club and the rest spent time with the CCF NCO cadre. The cadets were divided into teams and set the task of designing a submarine. Whilst none of the designs were in danger of leaving the drawing board there were plenty of imaginative ideas which impressed Lt Stone sufficiently for him to award several cadets with 'Dolphins', the badge issued to British submariners on completion of training. A quick change-over in the Lecture Theatre and the crew were now faced with the school's Y12 students. Lt Stone gave an account of the role of the 'Silent Service' and in particular HMS Triumph. The students asked a variety of questions about such things as seasickness, claustrophobia and the likelihood of women serving as submariners.
Before joining the Royal Navy Lt Stone attended the Summer Camp at Britannia Royal Naval College as a Sea Cadet, his Divisional Officer was a certain Lt Treharne. This did not dissuade him from joining the Senior Service so we hope this impressive young officer will support the proposal that HMS Triumph becomes affiliated to Arnold School Combined Cadet Force.
Brian House, Blackpool Trinity Hospice Santa Dash.
Brian House Link
Saturday morning started with a visit to Brian House Children's Hospice, which Triumph has made the Charity of their choice, local to Blackpool. There, they presented a cheque to the Charity's fundraising Managers.
From there, the crew made their way to Blackpool Town Hall for a Carol Concert by a local school, held in the Council Chamber, and a formal introduction by Nick as to what and who was HMS Triumph. Fundraisers Linzi Young and Lisa Martin were also in attendance to accept a presentation from Nick.
After refreshments in the Mayor's Parlour, and the disappointment of no Premiership match, the crew had to make do with a sociable time in Blackpool again. (No photos of that..... again!)
Sunday morning, the stalwarts took part in the 'Santa Dash', an event to raise funds for Brian House. This was a race from South Pier to Central Pier and back again............ dressed as Santas.
They arrived in time for the start (although the Satnav told them it was twenty minutes from their hotel, they set off on the Prom at a brisk pace. Alas, the Satnav was still set to 'driving' mode.) Long walk!
Lunch was taken at a local tavern in the town centre called 'Toast', where they met up with our Members and wives. To make a 'Merry Luncheon', our table for twenty was next to another table for twenty, consisting of female Santas who had taken part in the Santa Dash! What a noisy but great lunch.
After a Town Centre farewell to Nick Stone, (he needed to get back to Guz) we descended on the Comrades Club, minus the Lady Santas.
What a brilliant afternoon. I have even had to make a separate section dedicated to the game of 'Spoof' which figured greatly during the following hours.
As per the norm, I need to list the most welcome crew that proved a credit to HMS Triumph:
Lt. Nick Stone; Cox'n Ginge Clifton; CPO Jakey Foran; PO Tab Hunter;
LLOGS Mark Youngs; AB Jan Newson; AB CISSM Martin Pimm; AB TSM Jon Surgey; ET Matt Corner.
From there, the crew made their way to Blackpool Town Hall for a Carol Concert by a local school, held in the Council Chamber, and a formal introduction by Nick as to what and who was HMS Triumph. Fundraisers Linzi Young and Lisa Martin were also in attendance to accept a presentation from Nick.
After refreshments in the Mayor's Parlour, and the disappointment of no Premiership match, the crew had to make do with a sociable time in Blackpool again. (No photos of that..... again!)
Sunday morning, the stalwarts took part in the 'Santa Dash', an event to raise funds for Brian House. This was a race from South Pier to Central Pier and back again............ dressed as Santas.
They arrived in time for the start (although the Satnav told them it was twenty minutes from their hotel, they set off on the Prom at a brisk pace. Alas, the Satnav was still set to 'driving' mode.) Long walk!
Lunch was taken at a local tavern in the town centre called 'Toast', where they met up with our Members and wives. To make a 'Merry Luncheon', our table for twenty was next to another table for twenty, consisting of female Santas who had taken part in the Santa Dash! What a noisy but great lunch.
After a Town Centre farewell to Nick Stone, (he needed to get back to Guz) we descended on the Comrades Club, minus the Lady Santas.
What a brilliant afternoon. I have even had to make a separate section dedicated to the game of 'Spoof' which figured greatly during the following hours.
As per the norm, I need to list the most welcome crew that proved a credit to HMS Triumph:
Lt. Nick Stone; Cox'n Ginge Clifton; CPO Jakey Foran; PO Tab Hunter;
LLOGS Mark Youngs; AB Jan Newson; AB CISSM Martin Pimm; AB TSM Jon Surgey; ET Matt Corner.
SPOOF
Spoof is played by any number of players in a series of rounds. In each round the objective is to guess the aggregate number of coins held in concealment by the players. At the beginning of every round each player may hold any quantity of coins, from zero to a maximum of three in their closed fist, extended into the circle of play. The coins may be of any denomination, and indeed the values of the coins is irrelevant. In fact, any suitable objects could be used in place of coins.
Each player may hold zero, one, two or three coins.
For the first round an initial guesser is selected in some fashion. This first guesser has the initial advantage in that all possible sums are available for his guess, but also lacks insight into what the others might be holding, as indicated by their subsequent guesses. Play proceeds clockwise around the circle until each player has ventured a guess regarding the total number of coins, and no player can guess the same total as any other player. The call of "Spoof!" is sometimes used to mean "zero". After all players made a guess, they then open their fists and display their coins for the group to count the total. If any player correctly guesses the total, that player is eliminated from the game. The remainder of the group proceeds to the next round. If no player guesses correctly, the entire group continues play in the next round. The starting guesser for each subsequent round is the next remaining player, clockwise from the starter of the previous round.
Play continues until all players have been eliminated except for one, whereupon that last remaining player pays the stipulated stakes to each other player. In some versions of the game additional rules such as "no gloating"; a leaving player is not allowed to celebrate, or left-handed play, are used.
There now follows a selection of random 'Spoof' photos that took place in the Comrades Club on Sunday 5 Dec. 2010. HMS Triumph leading the way.
(Two of the trays of drinks forfeits were double Ports and Tia Marias!!)
Each player may hold zero, one, two or three coins.
For the first round an initial guesser is selected in some fashion. This first guesser has the initial advantage in that all possible sums are available for his guess, but also lacks insight into what the others might be holding, as indicated by their subsequent guesses. Play proceeds clockwise around the circle until each player has ventured a guess regarding the total number of coins, and no player can guess the same total as any other player. The call of "Spoof!" is sometimes used to mean "zero". After all players made a guess, they then open their fists and display their coins for the group to count the total. If any player correctly guesses the total, that player is eliminated from the game. The remainder of the group proceeds to the next round. If no player guesses correctly, the entire group continues play in the next round. The starting guesser for each subsequent round is the next remaining player, clockwise from the starter of the previous round.
Play continues until all players have been eliminated except for one, whereupon that last remaining player pays the stipulated stakes to each other player. In some versions of the game additional rules such as "no gloating"; a leaving player is not allowed to celebrate, or left-handed play, are used.
There now follows a selection of random 'Spoof' photos that took place in the Comrades Club on Sunday 5 Dec. 2010. HMS Triumph leading the way.
(Two of the trays of drinks forfeits were double Ports and Tia Marias!!)
Lt. NICK STONE R.N. (CASO HMS TRIUMPH)
Sporty Nick.
Nick.
We hear that you may be off on a short change in your career. Well, it has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance during 2010 and congratulations for all the hard work that you have achieved in steering this Affiliation with Blackpool.
Please keep in touch and I speak on behalf of all the members of the Blackpool & Fylde Submariners Association and their wives when I say that you are welcome back to Blackpool at any time.
Pete Swift
Chairman.
NEWS
2nd APRIL 2011
Welcome home Triumph, Captain and Crew. A job well done. (more than once)
She fired the first British Tomahawk missile at Libya as Operation Ellamy began, now she has returned home flying the Jolly Roger – the submariner’s traditional battle ensign.
Six small tomahawk axes on the flag reveal the role the hunter-killer took in disarming Colonel Gaddafi's air defences. Her cruise missiles were fired during three nights of firings.
Her first action paved the way for a successful RAF bombing raid on an underground ammunition dump at Sebha, 300 miles inside Libya.
HMS Triumph returned to Devonport on Saturday having spent the entire period on Operation Ellamy – the British codename for the mission to enforce the UN resolution – undetected by land, sea or air forces.
Triumph’s Cdr Rob Dunn (pictured on the fin wearing a submariner’s trademark jumper beneath his jacket) praised the actions and resolve of his 120-plus crew.
He said: “They went about their duty and carried out all I asked of them in the most professional way.
“They are naturally satisfied that they carried out an operational tasking using our Tomahawk missiles – which does not happen very often – but for which they are highly trained and prepared for at any time.
“This was a short-notice mission for which Triumph and her ship’s company were perfectly ready for in terms of their training and the boat being at a the peak of combat readiness and at sea. We received our orders and made at high speed to our location to carry out our duty as only the unique capabilities of a Royal Navy submarine can do."
FACTS AND FIGURES:
* It is the first time the Jolly Roger has been flown since operations against Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003.
* The tradition dates back to World War 1 when submarine pioneer Max Horton ordered his men to craft the flag after a successful mission. It was a snub to dead hands at the Admiralty who considered submariners as little better than pirates.
[Source: BFBS]
This years Operational Awards List saw Commander Rob Dunn awarded the OBE for his part in Operation ELLAMY.
Also, commendations from The Chief of Joint Operations were awarded to Lt Cdr Bass, Cox’n Thurston, CPO Hunter and RS Willans.
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Six small tomahawk axes on the flag reveal the role the hunter-killer took in disarming Colonel Gaddafi's air defences. Her cruise missiles were fired during three nights of firings.
Her first action paved the way for a successful RAF bombing raid on an underground ammunition dump at Sebha, 300 miles inside Libya.
HMS Triumph returned to Devonport on Saturday having spent the entire period on Operation Ellamy – the British codename for the mission to enforce the UN resolution – undetected by land, sea or air forces.
Triumph’s Cdr Rob Dunn (pictured on the fin wearing a submariner’s trademark jumper beneath his jacket) praised the actions and resolve of his 120-plus crew.
He said: “They went about their duty and carried out all I asked of them in the most professional way.
“They are naturally satisfied that they carried out an operational tasking using our Tomahawk missiles – which does not happen very often – but for which they are highly trained and prepared for at any time.
“This was a short-notice mission for which Triumph and her ship’s company were perfectly ready for in terms of their training and the boat being at a the peak of combat readiness and at sea. We received our orders and made at high speed to our location to carry out our duty as only the unique capabilities of a Royal Navy submarine can do."
FACTS AND FIGURES:
* It is the first time the Jolly Roger has been flown since operations against Saddam Hussein’s regime in 2003.
* The tradition dates back to World War 1 when submarine pioneer Max Horton ordered his men to craft the flag after a successful mission. It was a snub to dead hands at the Admiralty who considered submariners as little better than pirates.
[Source: BFBS]
This years Operational Awards List saw Commander Rob Dunn awarded the OBE for his part in Operation ELLAMY.
Also, commendations from The Chief of Joint Operations were awarded to Lt Cdr Bass, Cox’n Thurston, CPO Hunter and RS Willans.
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NOW TRIUMPH'S BACK ALONGSIDE....... August 2012
Not much first-hand details at present, but here is a fascinating link to an article in the Telegraph .
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HMS Triumph Visit Brian House Hospice Again. 17 August 2011
BRIAN HOUSE, CHILDREN'S HOSPICE
Blackpool was once again on the charts for a team from Triumph to visit the Children's Hospice again and to present a cheque which represented their sterling fund-raising efforts whilst still manning and running a very busy operational boat.
After an evening re-acquaint with the Comrades Club, we all mustered the next day at Brian House to present the cheque to Brian House. Also in attendance was The Worshipful the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Mrs Joan Greenhalgh and Councillor Chris Ryan.
Crew : Lt.Cdr. Andy Sharp : Cox'n Tim 'Ginge' Clifton : ETSM Liam Pound
After an evening re-acquaint with the Comrades Club, we all mustered the next day at Brian House to present the cheque to Brian House. Also in attendance was The Worshipful the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Mrs Joan Greenhalgh and Councillor Chris Ryan.
Crew : Lt.Cdr. Andy Sharp : Cox'n Tim 'Ginge' Clifton : ETSM Liam Pound
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REMEMBRANCE WEEKEND 2011 IN BLACKPOOL
Crewmembers of HMS Triumph arrived in Blackpool late on Thursday, November 10th, for another productive weekend with their affiliated town of Blackpool and their adopted charity, Brian House.
Friday found the lads 'Turned-to' at Brian House for a full days' work at the Hospice. Quite a lot was achieved. A detail even found time to attend the Armistice Service at Blackpool's Cenotaph. Well done.
Saturday included a tea-time appointment at T.S. Penelope, home of Blackpool's Sea Cadet Corps.
Triumph duly mustered, along with members of the Blackpool Submariners Association, but, although a buffet was organised, the turn out was a disappointment, due to the fact that there were no Cadets present to meet HMS Triumph. (Maybe not my place to comment.)
Then came the next session of P.R. The gentlemen of Triumph had to represent HMS Triumph and the Royal Navy as guests at 'FUNNY GIRLS', courtesy of Blackpool's Chairman Peter, Club owner Basil Newby and his manager, Celia Walsh.
Remembrance Sunday saw a full turn out at the Cenotaph, during which, Lt. Dougie Laird laid a wreath on behalf of the Ships Company. After the well-disciplined March Past, the crew then mustered at..................................... The Comrades Club.
A convivial afternoon was spent, with lots of networking and hearty pre-Christmas games..................... the main one being a 'Dolphin Drinking' game. (Separate photos and explanation later)
On leaving the Comrades at tea-time, young JK Foran felt it necessary for all to go and thank the RBL and the Blackpool Guards Club for their kindnesses this weekend........................ which they did! Thanks for an enjoyable weekend boys.
Who Came? Lt. Dougie Laird : CPO JK Foran : PO Muzzy Musgrove : LH Zooy Twycross : LH Suds Sudlow : LH Mark Youngs : AB Barney Pointon : AB Jan Newson : AB Topsy Turner : AB Biggy Small : AB Jamie Sowden : AB Tug Wilson : LH Goldy Goldsmith.
Friday found the lads 'Turned-to' at Brian House for a full days' work at the Hospice. Quite a lot was achieved. A detail even found time to attend the Armistice Service at Blackpool's Cenotaph. Well done.
Saturday included a tea-time appointment at T.S. Penelope, home of Blackpool's Sea Cadet Corps.
Triumph duly mustered, along with members of the Blackpool Submariners Association, but, although a buffet was organised, the turn out was a disappointment, due to the fact that there were no Cadets present to meet HMS Triumph. (Maybe not my place to comment.)
Then came the next session of P.R. The gentlemen of Triumph had to represent HMS Triumph and the Royal Navy as guests at 'FUNNY GIRLS', courtesy of Blackpool's Chairman Peter, Club owner Basil Newby and his manager, Celia Walsh.
Remembrance Sunday saw a full turn out at the Cenotaph, during which, Lt. Dougie Laird laid a wreath on behalf of the Ships Company. After the well-disciplined March Past, the crew then mustered at..................................... The Comrades Club.
A convivial afternoon was spent, with lots of networking and hearty pre-Christmas games..................... the main one being a 'Dolphin Drinking' game. (Separate photos and explanation later)
On leaving the Comrades at tea-time, young JK Foran felt it necessary for all to go and thank the RBL and the Blackpool Guards Club for their kindnesses this weekend........................ which they did! Thanks for an enjoyable weekend boys.
Who Came? Lt. Dougie Laird : CPO JK Foran : PO Muzzy Musgrove : LH Zooy Twycross : LH Suds Sudlow : LH Mark Youngs : AB Barney Pointon : AB Jan Newson : AB Topsy Turner : AB Biggy Small : AB Jamie Sowden : AB Tug Wilson : LH Goldy Goldsmith.
'DOLPHIN DRINKING'
It started quite innocently ............................. somebody dropped a set of Dolphins into someone's drink, and the drinker had to empty the glass, catching the Dolphins in the traditional way. Pretty soon, two sets of Dolphins were on the go. I think that was why the majority switched to Magners as the bottle neck was too narrow to take said Dolphins.
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TRIUMPH'S QUICK VISIT AUGUST 2012
Eleven members of Triumph's crew came to Blackpool on Friday August 31.
The OC was Triumph's CORRO, Sub Lt John Gabb with 10 younger, but 'Dolphin' qualified members of the crew, who arrived with the intention of taking part in Trinity Hospice's "Illumathon" walk along the promenade (of which Brian House is a part), which started at midnight on Saturday (poor move, as it meant staying sober on a Saturday night in Blackpool!).
As courtesy would have it, they mustered at the Comrades Club on Friday evening and met some members of the Blackpool Submariners Association. (Again? I hear you say. It's as though we are never out of the place!)
What a good evening and what good behaviour, which befits the members of HMS Triumph.
Saturday night they mustered for the "Illumathon" which started about midnight. I have nothing to report on this matter as we were probably all tucked up drinking our cocoa by this time.
I believe they all completed their task with ease.
The highlight of the night was when CORRO presented our Branch with a limited edition bottle of Pussers commemorating HMS Triumph's involvement in 'Operation Ellamy'. (See pic below) What an honour, tho' I cannot think of any event that's going to be special enough for us to open it!
Next visit is a brief one for the Hospice Ball on 27th October, followed by a longer visit for Remembrance Weekend, commencing 8th November.
The visitors were as follows:
Sub Lt John Gabb (CORRO) : ET(WE) Hill : Chef Evans : WTE Williamson : SSM Jerram : SSM Henning : SSM Hanslip : SSM Milburn : TSM Small : TSM McNair : SSM Lawton
The OC was Triumph's CORRO, Sub Lt John Gabb with 10 younger, but 'Dolphin' qualified members of the crew, who arrived with the intention of taking part in Trinity Hospice's "Illumathon" walk along the promenade (of which Brian House is a part), which started at midnight on Saturday (poor move, as it meant staying sober on a Saturday night in Blackpool!).
As courtesy would have it, they mustered at the Comrades Club on Friday evening and met some members of the Blackpool Submariners Association. (Again? I hear you say. It's as though we are never out of the place!)
What a good evening and what good behaviour, which befits the members of HMS Triumph.
Saturday night they mustered for the "Illumathon" which started about midnight. I have nothing to report on this matter as we were probably all tucked up drinking our cocoa by this time.
I believe they all completed their task with ease.
The highlight of the night was when CORRO presented our Branch with a limited edition bottle of Pussers commemorating HMS Triumph's involvement in 'Operation Ellamy'. (See pic below) What an honour, tho' I cannot think of any event that's going to be special enough for us to open it!
Next visit is a brief one for the Hospice Ball on 27th October, followed by a longer visit for Remembrance Weekend, commencing 8th November.
The visitors were as follows:
Sub Lt John Gabb (CORRO) : ET(WE) Hill : Chef Evans : WTE Williamson : SSM Jerram : SSM Henning : SSM Hanslip : SSM Milburn : TSM Small : TSM McNair : SSM Lawton