AN annual 40-mile sponsored walk took place earlier this month with a successful team finishing from HM Naval Base Clyde.

The 56th Keswick to Barrow (K2B) walk set off early with a team of five made up of Royal Navy, Royal Navy veteran and Lockheed Martin personnel.

Setting out at 3.40am, they travelled by bus to the starting line for the route, which was slightly shorter than usual because of damage caused by Storm Arwen.

But the team said the route was much tougher, including two miles of "brutal, never-ending hills", on May 13.

Debbie Walker, from Lockheed Martin, who was completing her 11th K2B challenge, said: “Before lockdown we had 25 walkers on Team HM Naval Base Clyde and although just a small team this year, our t-shirts were easily recognisable and received a lot of attention – we certainly put HMNB Clyde on the map.”

“It would be brilliant to get a large team together for the next one and continue taking part for many years to come. Not only is it a great way to meet people in the Naval Base, but it’s also an excellent opportunity to raise funds for various charities.”

The team this year raised funds for North West Air Ambulance to show their thanks for the support provided to an HM Naval Base Clyde team member who had a medical emergency at the finish line of a previous Keswick to Barrow walk.

 

A team from HMNB Clyde are preparing for the Brickwoods Field Gun Competition

 

A team from HMNB Clyde are preparing for the Brickwoods Field Gun Competition

A team from HMNB Clyde are preparing for the Brickwoods Field Gun Competition

A team from HMNB Clyde are preparing for the Brickwoods Field Gun Competition

 

Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin UK Strategic Systems is also a sponsor of the HMNB Clyde entry to the upcoming Brickwoods Field Gun Competition.

The company presented a cheque for £3,000 to Commander Gareth Batsford, Clyde’s Field Gun Officer during the team’s first training session on May 22.

The HMNB Clyde Field Gun Crew will take part in the competition which begins at HMS Collingwood on June 26, with the final on July 1.

Captain Nick Gibbons, captain of the base, added: “We are extremely grateful again, for Lockheed Martin’s support that enables us to enter this prestige event.

"Field Gun showcases the very best of the Service in terms of courage, discipline, teamwork and leadership and I wish the team the very best of luck for the season.”

The Navy said the Field Gun competition simulates the Naval Brigade’s mission to relieve the besieged British Army during the Second Boer War.

During the conflict, the sailors offloaded guns from HMS Terrible and HMS Powerful, manhandling them over many miles to come to the Army’s aid.