On Saturday, ten members of Bristol Unit volunteered at the AJ Bell Great Bristol Run. Their tasks included signposting runners, handing out finisher packs and encouraging and congratulating runners throughout the course. Unit member Ruben Trovoada even ran the race with his special MVS running T-Shirt. Head of Unit Elana Howard said "I’m so proud to be part of our groundbreaking Bristol team that’s mindblowingly amazing!". The unit was joined by National Fundraising Manager David Bell and Trustee Edward Wolton who also got involved and were delighted to see the Bristol Unit in action; working as a team in the community. (fb)

The Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Dave Shields, who serves as the Honorary Admiral of the Port of Southampton by dint of his position was taken on a tour of jurisdiction by water on Monday 28th April by the Maritime Volunteer Service. Steve Collins, Head of Unit of the Southampton Unit of the MVS was inspired to organise the trip after meeting Cllr Shields at the City’s annual Trafalgar Night Dinner. The Admiral of the Port has his own Flag and a ceremonial oar dating from the 18th Century which is brought out on special occasions. Steve commented: “we don’t know when the flag was last flown over the water, so that made me determined to take it onboard a MVS vessel. I would have like to have taken the oar onboard as well, but it was considered to be too valuable to be risked”. Nevertheless, the Mayor’s Town Sargeant did bring the oar to Town Quay to show off on land. Cllr Shields said: “the tour was wonderful and a great opportunity to spend some quality time with some key players who help make our amazing port what it is. A big thank you to Steve for making this trip possible and to Steve Masters, Harbour Master for approving the trip, and leading the convoy on the water. I got a whole new perspectiveon the significance of this magnificent stretch of the water”. The vessels in the Convoy in order of procession were: “Swift” (Harbour Master’s Patrol Launch) and “Willing” (owned by Williams Shipping). Then three vessels representing MVS Units: “Wizard” (Southampton), “Arkwright” (Portsmouth) and “Wight Spirit” (Isle of Wight). “James Wright” (crewed by Southampton Unit members) acted as a safety vessel. Photo: L-R Harvey Henderson, Cadet Deck Officer (Warsash Maritime School); Steve Collins, Head of Unit (Southampton MVS); Cllr Dave Shields, Lord Mayor of Southampton and Admiral of the Port; Lawrence Murray, Town Sergeant (with the Ceremonial Oar); Steve Masters, Southampton Harbour Master (ABP); Lauren Scott, Trainee (ABP). (fb)