On 9 July we made our way to the Marchwood Military Port and went through tight security to enter. We were then taken under the wing of Major Spencer LeGrandethe Officer Commanding 73 Training Squadron and after excellent presentation we toured the Port in a bus, getting out at the key areas.
During the presentation Major leGrande explained that his Squadron trained military personnel, from all services, including Navy,Marines, S.A.S. and R.A.F in the use of a huge range of vehicles as diverse as mobile cranes, ribs and watercraft, tanks and bulldozers. These would be transported around the world, curreltly being brought back from Afganistan, and would then be driven or unloaded from the ships at Marchwood, driven to storage areas or onto railway flatbeds. Those trained, depending on their level, would be not only drive but be able to operate every vehicle transported.
We were intreagued to hear that the Squadron were OFSTEAD inspected.
During the tour we saw a variety of the equipment, the difficult terrain practice area, the port itself (sadly no ships wer being unloaded) and an interesting old ship, the Seagull, well planted on dry land and wilth a concrete bottom, used to train the crane drivers in unloading and loading containers and other equipment.
A very interesting and well worthwhile afternon. Eddie organised and Arthur (mainly) and Kevin provided the photos.
'What We Do' Main Pages:
Flyer shows some charities supported recently.
moreChristmas Party pictures
moreWe assisted the Totton Spiritualist Church in their project to give an Easter Egg to all children being supported through the Churches food bank. Also additional food and clothing for the Food Bank itself.
moreGateway Annual Games-press article attached
moreSupported by New Forest Rotary the Annual Gateway Games at Brockenhurst College attracted over 40 competitors with learning difficulties. Eastleigh won with New Milton 'M Chicks' winning the annual Rotary trophy for team spirit.
more'Treasure gathered by our Rotary Club from Rotarians, schools and scouts for children who are carers for their loved ones.
moreChristmas Party
moreOur Christmas Collections at Asda & Morrisons 18-22 December supporting Totton Foodbanks and other Rotary local charities, raised £2,849 (with Gift Aid) up on last year. You can still contribute-scroll to 'DONATE' button.
morePresentation by Tina Richardson of Wessex Heartbeat to President Ian Frame of Certificate of Support on completion of pledge to raise £1,500.
moreOutgoing President Tina hands over the chain of office to new President for 2023/24 Ian Frame of Lyndhurst & Brittany after rip-roaring year as our FIRST Lady President (but not last!)
moreThe following document by Laura Luff, the Senior Development Manager, sets out the LifeLab initiative.
more