19 April 2018
Her Majesty's Lord-Lieutenant for Bristol, Mrs Peaches Golding OBE, was represented by the Vice Lord-Lieutenant, Dr Timothy Chambers, at a ceremony on 19th April 2018 marking the grand opening of refreshed and new facilities at HMS Flying Fox, Bristol's Royal Navy Reserve Training Centre. He was welcomed, with other guests, by the Ship's Company and its Commanding Officer, Surgeon Commander Richard Graham. There was an immaculate turnout and parade of officers and ratings before the ribbon cutting ceremony was performed by Captain R Anderson RN. There followed a tour of the new facilities: classrooms, gym, ratings bar (the officers' ward room will be upgraded last of all) and the highlight, a highly polished Drill Deck. One of the many original features still intact from the building's construction in 1941, it has been in use for the training of servicewomen and men ever since; drill will now become even more pleasurable. Training has continued during this renovation period with the ship's company proving to be extremely flexible and innovative in ensuring a high standard of training has still been delivered. The assistance and support of the Wessex Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association was acknowledged with pleasure and thanks. The evening closed with refreshments and time to mingle with reserve Navy personnel - who come from an astonishing range of backgrounds. All were enthusiastic about both the refurbishment and their experiences in the Unit, confirming the benefits of reserve service, not only to the country but to their employers and to their own personal and professional development.
The group photograph includes four Unit members who are preparing for a fund raising bicycle ride.