Family Weekend at BRNC

We have just come to the end of the most wonderful weekend, spent with Alex down in Dartmouth. The Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) hosted a Families' Weekend, with various events going on over the two days, and the officer cadets were also allowed out of the college for the first time in over a month. The children and I picked up a hire car from Gatwick on Friday morning and drove to Dartmouth via Bristol (to collect some formal clothes, which my sister kindly took delivery of for us) and then collected Alex from outside the college after checking into our Airbnb. Actually, we completely failed at collecting Alex, since we didn't quite park in the agreed spot (due to so many other cars being there with similar intentions) so we finally managed to meet him down at a car park in Dartmouth town centre, which was only a few minutes walk away. It was so wonderful to see him again, and he looked so smart in his uniform! 

We were blessed with nice weather whilst visiting Alex in Dartmouth

The college are very strict about how the officer cadets must dress when outside of the college in public; they must wear their uniform at all times, and cannot wear anything other than their issued uniform. We went for a walk along the quayside in Dartmouth on the Sunday afternoon and it was rather chilly. The children and I wore gloves and warm coats, but Alex was not able to since he hasn't been issued any suitable gloves that would go with his standard uniform, and he would not be allowed to borrow mine. He was also unsure about whether to wear his foul weather jacket (since it wasn't really foul weather, but had just got a little chilly) so in the end just went out in his standard issue shirt and jumper. Thankfully, we weren't outside long before settling down to eat some fish and chips in a nice pub overlooking the river, so he didn't get too cold.

We cooked Alex gözleme (Turkish pancakes) for dinner on Saturday

Whilst Alex did get leave to stay overnight with us at our Airbnb on the Friday and Saturday nights, he had to be back very early both mornings, so was up at 06:15 both days and headed straight off without having any breakfast. As it happens, the children are still partially tuned into the Turkish timezone, so they were up and able to see him both days before he headed off, and then we drove to the college ourselves to meet up with him there shortly after 08:00. The college is absolutely stunning and steeped in history; it was a real privilege to be allowed onto the grounds, and we very much enjoyed being shown around by Alex. In between the organised events, he showed us where he eats, sleeps and generally talked us through how and where he spends his time, which was interesting and insightful.

Taking the cabin inspection very seriously!

As we explored the college, we were introduced to a great many of Alex's colleagues and their families, as well as some of his superiors. In chatting to them, I was struck by how highly everyone thought of Alex and how well-liked and respected he appears to be there. Of course, I would expect nothing less; I well remember my early years at IBM when he was my colleague, and how much I enjoyed his company on a purely platonic level, but it is very pleasing to see that this is also the case at BRNC. Being the oldest in the intake could have made it difficult to fit in, but Alex is clearly very happy, has made a lot of friends and is easily one of the fittest there. He is also one of the most knowledgeable when it comes to all things nautical, and it was lovely to hear from others in his division (and their families) about how they look up to him and appreciate his support in this area. I could tell how much everyone valued him and it made me feel incredibly proud.

The children were fascinated by all the model ships around the college

Alex got permission to take the children to the playground on the Saturday morning, allowing me to enjoy a couple of presentations in the lecture theatre without worrying about entertaining the children. These I found very informative; it was interesting to see what how important the Royal Navy is in today's modern society. By maintaining a global presence and position of operational readiness, the Royal Navy is able to protect UK interests as well as supporting other countries around the world. It is easy to overlook the importance of having free access to the sea, but the reality is that over 97% of our internet and voice data travels to us via a network of undersea cables, and the Royal Navy is tasked with protecting this infrastructure. Additionally, 95% of Britain's economic activity depends on the oceans, so the strategic positioning of the Royal Navy around global choke points (such as the Strait of Gibraltar, Suez Canal and Strait of Malacca) helps to safeguard these vital areas, promising safe passage and encouraging free trade. Other very interesting topics included international partnerships between the Royal Navy and other countries, the importance of the Royal Navy's role in NATO, information about humanitarian assistance provided worldwide and some news about new technology being used by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines. By the end of the 45 minute presentation I felt very proud of our Royal Navy and was almost tempted to sign up myself.... then I had flashbacks to my very short naval career at HMS Raleigh back in 1998 and came to my senses. Alex is far more suited to the military lifestyle then I ever was!

Whilst I enjoy some presentations, the children set to work hotwiring a helicopter

We were also shown a video covering what the cadets have been up to over the past 5 weeks, which was enjoyable to watch. I thought it was fitting that Alex featured in the video doing some chart work, and I also caught a glimpse of him helming a motor whaler at one point. Unfortunately, there weren't many other clips of his division, since the officer cadet who was tasked with taking a GoPro around during their training in order to get some footage did not often think to bring it along. To be honest, I can hardly say I blame him - I can imagine that with life being as hectic as it is during this initial militarisation phase of training, capturing it on camera is not going to be one of the top priorities in the eyes of most officer cadets!

Exploring the college with these crazy kiddywinks

In the afternoon, there was a very interesting tour of the college, which sadly I had to leave partway through because the children were getting tired and finding it difficult to stay still for so long. Apparently, you can pay to have a guided tour as a member of the public, so I hope to return and do that in the future. The gentleman giving the tour was very charismatic and captivating, giving an interesting account of the college's inception and formation. I would very much like to hear from him the details of how the original HMS Britannia, which was moored in the River Dart, transformed into the impressive shore-based establishment which so grandly overlooks the river today. 

Alex, taking part in the IMF demonstration
(he is in the fourth row back, fifth column in from the left hand side) 

Following the tour, we were taken to the parade ground where the officer cadets gave demonstrations of their IMF (initial military fitness) and ceremonial training, before being dismissed for the day. Sunday morning, we were back to the college bright and early for a Sunday Church service in the College Chapel, followed by tea and biscuits on the Quarterdeck. Prior to the service, Alex introduced me to the Royal Navy Chaplain, or "Bish" as they are informally known; a lovely man called Peter. I had already met a "Bish" in training, who is part of Alex's division, and he is also a lovely man called Peter. How funny that our vicar in Oxford, who married me and Alex and christened both the children is also a lovely man called Peter! It seems that Peter is a very popular name for religious leaders, certainly in our circle!

It's lucky that Beth can read this book without Alex's help!

After being dismissed by the Captain of the college, we spent the rest of the afternoon together with Alex, making the most of his company before he was due back at college at 20:00 on Sunday evening. It was really lovely just to relax together. Although, Alex got a little carried away with his relaxation during a reading session with the children; the poor guy is so shattered he just couldn't keep his eyes open any longer! After a 45 minute power nap, he was up and about again and the children soon had him attending a tea party in a makeshift den in the bedroom. Finally, he took them to bed for the last time this weekend, then headed back to his own bed BRNC, but not before ironing all of his bedding, of course.

A rare picture of the entire family looking smart!