1. For the Naval Service
Spring 2016
ASHORE
AFLOAT

2. Thank you to all those supporters
and colleagues who have welcomed
me so warmly into the Aggie’s
family; it is great to be here. Some
of you may recall that my name
has appeared in this august journal
before, but it might be polite for
me to introduce myself.
I am a retired submarine warfare
officer, and served for 33 years in
the Royal Navy. However the reason
that my name might be familiar
is less to do with any outstanding
exploits at sea and more to do with
the fact that I was a Trustee with
Aggies from 2004-2012, and for
the last few of those years as the
Chairman.
Having decided that my post-
Navy career would be in ‘charity
management’ I completed a post-
grad diploma in that subject, but
have to admit that it was not my
intention to move straight into a
Navy focussed organisation. I felt
it might be a little too comfortable
and personally unchallenging. The
desire to move out of my comfort
zone led to me taking up a position
in a large London based foundation
that seeks practical ways to prevent
religious prejudice, extremism
and conflict. However, whilst the
Foundation’s vision was admirable,
the role into which I was recruited
did not really develop as I had
expected, and I was looking to
move on.
So although I had not planned
to move into a Navy charity, and
especially not one with which I had
previously been connected, when I
was informed that there was a short
notice vacancy at Aggie’s it seemed
right to see if my experience and
skillset could be of service. It seems
that God’s plan was different to the
one which I had thought out for
myself! I was reminded that James
4:14 says “Why, you do not even
know what will happen tomorrow.
What is your life? You are a mist
that appears for a little while and
then vanishes. You ought to say, “If
it is the Lord’s will, we will live and
do this or that.” ….Whoever knows
the right thing to do and fails to do
it, for him it is sin.” And so here I
am!
I am hugely thankful to the Trustees
for entrusting me with the role,
and also to Simon Springett, my
predecessor, for the wonderful
work that he did here during his
tenure. Believe me that I am not
here because I think it will be
comfortable or unchallenging, on
the contrary I sense that there are
some wonderful opportunities
coming over the horizon. I am
hugely excited to be back in the
fold.
The value of the work which is done
by our teams around the country
shines out from the pages of this
edition of ‘Ashore and Afloat.’ The
day in Tracy’s Iife (Pg. 4-5) gives a
feel for the breadth of a Pastoral
Worker’s role at the sharp end. The
work in Champions and ‘Montage
Mondays’ (Pg. 7-8) with some
personal reflections and thoughts
demonstrates some of the real
value in our continuing mission. I
hope you enjoy reading them, and
if there are any other parts of our
work that you would like to know
more about then just let us know.
Thank you for your continued
support and God bless.
HMS PROTECTOR
completes historic, and
record breaking patrol.
HMS PROTECTOR, is the Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship, and earlier this
year, she completed a five week patrol to the East Antarctic and Ross
Sea. In this time, the ship and its 88 crew, became the first Royal Navy
or UK Government vessel to have visited the region in 80 years, and to
have travelled so far south, dipping below 77 degrees latitude.
The ship’s mission was to provide support, with Australia and New
Zealand, to protect the work in the delicate ecosystem of this area.
This included inspecting fishing vessels to ensure they adhered to strict
licencing regulations, and visiting the Italian Antarctic research Station,
Mario Zucchelli. Members of the ship’s company, also paid respects to
the legendary British Antarctic explorers; Captain Robert Falcon Scott
RN, and Sir Ernest Shackleton.
Lieutenant Commander Ross Hickey of the Royal New Zealand Navy,
said: “It was a pleasure and a privilege to join HMS PROTECTOR in the
Southern Ocean Patrol, and to the Ross Sea”.
NAVYfit is the name for a new website within the Defence Gateway,
dedicated to providing a hub for all things sport, adventure training
and physical education for Service personnel. The strategy behind the
initiative, is to encourage participation through ease of accessibility.
The initiative was launched early January this year, and though it is
only available to Service personnel, social media saw a plethora of the
community getting involved on Twitter and Facebook. Some posted
photos and anecdotes of what they think it takes to be #NAVYfit; from
skiing, and insane arm strength, to daily workouts, and stretching
personal limits.
If you are among those who made the New Year’s resolution to get
fit this year, why not up your benchmark, challenge yourself, and get
involved in some great events on offer? Better yet, why not do it for
a great cause, and raise money for charity? The RNRMC’s exhilarating
annual challenge, ‘Road to Twickenham’ is due to take place in time
for the Army v Navy Rugby Match on 30 April this year. Various teams
and individuals gather together to complete the Challenge. The journey
begins at your starting point (your workplace, hometown, unit or ship’s
current location) and finishes at Twickenham Stadium where the match
will take place. The way you complete the journey is up to you; run,
swim, cycle, row, or all of the above. For more information visit www.
rnrmc.org.uk/road-to-twickenham-challenge.
The Royal British Legion also has a host of events dedicated to fitness
challenges, including the prestigious ‘Pedal to Paris’. The event are
suitable for a wide range of ages, ability and fitness levels. Visit their
website, www.britishlegion.org.uk/get-involved, to find an exciting event
that inspires you to get involved, and get fit!
from Craig Fulton
- Interim Chief
Executive Officer
Dame Aggie Weston’s
Royal Sailors Rests
(Generally known as Aggie’s)
Registered Charity No 238748
Scottish Charity No SCO39718
PATRONS
Her Majesty the Queen
Ministry of Defence
CHAIRMAN OF TRUSTEES
Lt Cdr Paul Nelson RN
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Craig Fulton MSc
Contact Us
Aggie Weston’s
Castaway House
311 Twyford Avenue
Portsmouth PO2 8RN
T 023 9265 0505
E office@aggies.org.uk
www.aggies.org.uk
Editorial Team
Temitope Manning
Cover Photo
CTCRM Photographic Section
LA (Phot) Dean Nixon
The Royal Navy has upped the fitness
benchmark; from fit, to NAVYfit!
©UK MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT
©UK MOD CROWN COPYRIGHT
RNRMC Road to Twickenham
The Royal British Legion
(www.britishlegion.org.uk)
Hello
Braeholm Closure
With great regret the Trustees
have made the decision to
close Braeholm, our family
and accommodation centre
in Helensburgh. The cost of
maintaining this listed building
was significant, and the number
of beneficiaries who used it on
a regular basis could not justify
that expense on a long term
basis. As a result, Braeholm
will close its doors as an Aggie
Weston’s facility for the last time
on 30th June this year. We are
in close contact with the various
stakeholders in the area to see
how, after the closure we can
best continue and develop our
work in the Faslane area.
The Trustees are hugely grateful
to the staff at Braeholm who
have done such a great job in
supporting our beneficiaries over
the years. We will take a look
back at some of the great work
in the next edition of Ashore
& Afloat.
aggies.org.uk aggies.org.uk

3. So, what is the pattern of a basic day?
Tracey Harvey, who has worked for Aggie’s for just over a
year, is one of our Pastoral Workers based at HMS NELSON.
We hear from her about what is involved in supporting some
of our beneficiaries.
0800 I arrive and set up the fresh coffee; always a must for
those needing their caffeine fix.
0815 At Trinity Chapel we gather as a team of chaplains
and pastoral workers to share in leading our Morning
Prayer and Worship time.
0830 Time to get the table and the hot plates set up for making
bacon butties. This is often targeting a specific department
for their standeasy. Then the tempting smells…
0945 Folk start to arrive and we dish out the “scran” (food).
This week we were just short of triple-figures in
attendance!
The standeasy is a chance to make eye contact with
those we serve and for them to know we are here
should they need support. Many requests for help and
advice come from these conversations.
During this busy drop-in period, we still get people
coming in who are asking for immediate pastoral
support. It’s an interesting balancing act, as one of
the team feeds the physical need (the belly), whilst
someone else is focussing on the emotional or
spiritual needs.
The bacon butties have always been a real hit, and
bring a lot of the trainees from the RM School of
Music over, as well as a mix of civilian and Service staff
from every department.
A day in the life of......
Alternatively, a morning may have involved a session at one of the community centres: I drive over to the community
centre to talk to the service families. I love interacting with the children and watching their antics as they play! As a result
of these low-key visits, the families have gotten to know us well. They open up and talk about life as a Service spouse,
about the isolation and loneliness that can worsen over a deployment, and the challenges that can arise being alone with
the children. Sometimes it is struggles in a relationship or a change in circumstances, and maybe even health concerns. We
can respond with a well-timed home visit or telephone call. For some families it’s as simple as showing them that someone
cares and taking them out for a cup of tea.
The service environment is a real “goldfish bowl”. It is useful to be able to off-load worries and fears to an independent
Pastoral Worker who can be “a friend and advisor” outside of any chain of command; isn’t a personal friend and so can
be someone who can be totally non-judgmental, brings an ease, whilst giving a sense of their privacy being respected.
Close to £1000 raised
for charity at HMS SULTAN!
Congratulations to Bobby Tait and the team at Sultan,
who managed to raise close to £1000 for charity, through
donations from Bacon-Butties-in-the-Haven, over the
autumn term. Well done hungry sailors – and not a few
staff!
Glyn Hughes and the team at HMS COLLINGWOOD who
began the venture of bacon-butties in the Haven, have
also recently had a successful bacon-butties charity event,
and are hoping to re-establish this as a more regular
venture once again!
The Naval Christian Fellowship, is a Christian
charity that also provide support for serving personnel
and their families. One of the highlights of the NCF week
is the Tuesday lunchtime fellowship share meal. Hosted by
the NCF, supported by Naval Chaplaincy and attended by
any Naval Christians that may be around that day. John
Gueran at NCF said: “It is always a pleasure that Aggie
Weston’s Pastoral Workers also feel it right to get along.
The word is shared, and all feel able to contribute”.
On a Thursday, the“Mums and Bumps” group is an excellent resource for RN personnel, led by an inspirational
woman, WO1 Rosie Dodd from the Maternity Cell. The service mums (and dads) receive visits from a plethora of outside
agencies, as well internal support groups such as RNRM Welfare. During their time with us we attend their sessions. These
involve lots of cuddles with the babies, affirmation to the young mums, and maybe giving mum a break whilst she attends
appointments or chats to her Divisional Officer uninterrupted. Again we may get a request for time out on a one to one
basis or a request to meet for coffee and cake with a walk thrown in to work off the calories.
Our Pastoral Workers are an integral part of the work we do as a charity. At the
moment, we have 20 Pastoral Workers around the country, based within Chaplaincy
teams, working in establishments and in the community.
As well as running Haven drop-in centres, and seeing individuals who need support,
involvement in the community is an integral part of the role. Our Pastoral Workers visit
community centres around their base area. The community centres provide much needed
respite for those who are needing company, and a means for those new to the area to meet
other Service families. A day in the life of an Aggie’s Pastoral Worker is always unique and
challenging!
On a Monday, we greet the New Joiners, some of whom are straight from their initial training, and others
who are coming off ships from anywhere in the world and starting a new draft (job) in Portsmouth. This is
our chance to get the word out that Aggie’s Pastoral Workers are available for support and advice. Along with
our drop in Haven, which is a place of comfort and supplies of tea and coffee, we have a fantastic Storybook
Waves recording suite.
1130 We clear away the debris left behind while interacting
with those who are still coming through the doors.
1215 More scran! This time it’s an open invitation to attend
the Naval Christian Fellowship (NCF) lunch, held each
week. It’s good to catch up with the other Christians
working on base. It allows time for those with hectic
days to take time out of their busy schedule, and talk
about a Bible passage, reflect, and pray together.
1315 Time for a brief staff meeting to discuss the diary for
the coming fortnight.
1415 By now I’m back in the office, either after the staff
meeting, or returning from a community centre visit.
It’s time to get on with a few bits of admin, catch up
with emails, and paperwork. This is an unpredictable
time, at which personnel may come in to see me. I’m
visited by a young sailor, and end up spending two
hours just being a listening ear and providing support
over a cup of tea.
1615 After a quick scan of the Haven, and a clear up in the
kitchen, it’s time to head home. After a day like that,
I feel like I have achieved much, and that there is real
purpose and value to my role. Bring on another day!
Storybook Waves continues to be an ever
growing success, during 2015 the project completed
462 recordings, ‘employed’ an additional six volunteer
editors and established a new recording centre at HMS
COLLINGWOOD with a thirteenth centre at HMS
RALEIGH coming online in April 2016. Kathryn Hearn,
Project Manager of Storybook Waves has received many
touching messages from naval families about how the
service has impacted their lives:
“I just wanted to express my thanks for the beautiful
Aggie’s Storybook Waves, that I have just received from
my husband…The Gruffalo is my children’s favourite
book, and listening to it at
bed time tonight was quite
emotional, but so lovely and
special…Thank you again for
your part in creating a lovely
family bedtime from across
the Atlantic. We are a very
grateful and happy family. “
Tracey Harvey, an Aggie’s Pastoral Worker
CTCRM Photographic Section
Photography by Temitope Manning
aggies.org.uk aggies.org.uk

4. Earlier in January, the Armed Forces Covenant revealed its new logo.
The Armed Forces Covenant ensures that the Government is committed to
delivering the best possible outcomes for the Armed Forces community, by working
with a wide range of partners including businesses, local authorities, charities and
the public.
The new Covenant logo, replaces the three C’s logos, which represented the
Community Covenant, the Employer Covenant, and the Armed Forces Covenant.
It is not just a new look, but Minister for Defence Personnel and Veterans, Mark
Lancaster said: “The brand gives us a clear visual identity, encapsulating what it
stands for”.
Aggie’s is proud that as well as having signed the Covenant, we now hold a Bronze
Award as part of the Employer Recognition Scheme. The award recognises that we
as a charity pledge, demonstrate and advocate support to the Defence and Armed
Forces community, and align our values with the Armed Forces Covenant.
Impact at
Champions Clubs,
Gosport
The family of Champions Clubs based at St Mary’s Church
in Gosport continue to be a thriving, active, warm and
welcoming service to the naval families, and the local
community in Rowner. Each week, the team sees hundreds of
people in and out of the doors, and has formed a base where
individuals of all ages can go, for fun and activities, events,
guidance, and support.
Champions run many regular and successful events, including
this Easter’s Messy Church, in partnership with St Mary’s
Church. The event was a great success and saw over 100
children with parents and carers attend. They enjoyed an
evening of games, an Easter talk, and a wide range of crafts
and activities including cookie decorating, and an egg hunt!
The event also provided a free meal for the families, and a
chance for the adults to relax, and see their young ones have
a brilliant time. We spoke to some of the adults, and found
out what Champions, and these events mean to them:
“It’s friendship and companionship. If not for Champions
I wouldn’t feel part of a community. It’s a chance for me
to spend quality time with my family. My son can be quite
closed and keep himself to himself, but even he has come
along today!”
“We’re like a family here, I can really trust the group. It’s a
time for me to get away from it all and have a break. I think
it’s wonderful!”
Reflection – Becky Baird
Becky Baird has has worked for Aggie’s for three years,
and is based at Champions Clubs in Rowner. As well as
getting involved in the clubs, and general running of
activities, Becky helps to manage the administration for
the community team.
I really enjoy working for Aggie’s, and recently I had the
honour of being able to lead one of our beneficiaries through
the Sinner’s Prayer with a friend. What a privilege it is to play
a part in bringing people to know Christ, and to help them
grow their faith in a loving Father.
In this period of Lent leading up to Easter, with supermarket
aisle’s already laden with Easter eggs hot cross buns, it’s the
perfect opportunity to share the real meaning of Easter and
what the cross means to us!
How do we do this? Recently while on a course, I was
challenged with five words: “Can I pray for you?” We meet
people every day; what if we were courageous to pray with
them? What if we were ready to take Jesus with us to the
supermarket, work, the gym, as well as home & church and
be open to the leading of God? What if we were willing to
meet with people where they are, just like Jesus did, and
see what happens? In Luke 10:25-37 Jesus was asked by an
expert of the law: “Who is my neighbour?” Jesus answered
using a parable the Good Samaritan I encourage you to read
this lovely story of compassion over the Easter period. It is a
great example of love in action.
Marianne Williamson said in her poem ‘Our Deepest Fear’:
“We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to
make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just
in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light
shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do
the same”.
This is what we do when we come alongside people we give
them a glimpse of God maybe for the first time and that’s
priceless.
Ma’ Weston’s legacy is honoured by First Wessex
First Wessex have conducted a building regeneration project
that saw a piece of Aggie’s legacy, restored to its former glory.
The building situated close to Portsmouth city centre, has
been named Aggie Weston House to commemorate its proud
connections to the work of our founder. The building which
is a part of Portsmouth’s maritime heritage, and a former rest
of Aggie Weston’s, now houses 29 high quality affordable
apartments for rent, and a commercial unit.
First Wessex is a Hampshire-based housing developer
providing homes and services to local communities
throughout Hampshire and parts of Surrey. They work closely
with residents and surrounding communities to deliver high
quality homes and services.
Peter Walters, chief executive at First Wessex, said: “Residents
moving into Aggie Weston House mark a new chapter in a
very distinguished story for this building, which carries so
much local history”.
Aggie Weston took over the building in 1951, after the
previous rest was destroyed in an air raid during the Second
World War. Now new life has been breathed into the
building, as the last of the residents moved into their new
accommodation in December last year.
Simon Springett, former CEO of Aggie’s said: We are
delighted that the name of Dame Agnes Weston, and
her compassionate work, has been honoured in this way.
It is a genuine pleasure for us to be associated with an
organisation that itself provides homes, shelter, and rest for
the community as a whole.” We think Aggie would have
approved!
Revd Simon Springett, outside Aggie Weston House
Revd Simon Springett, with First Wessex and First Wessex Homes
employees. Photography by Matt Stretton http://www.imagecreative.eu/
A New Look for the Armed
Forces Covenant, and a Bronze
Award for Aggie’s
Photography by Temitope Manning
aggies.org.uk aggies.org.uk

5. Montage Mondays is a new course for naval family members in Plymouth, designed to be a fun, creative way to
come together and develop new friendships, and coping strategies for life in the service community. The sessions
run for 8 weeks, and those taking part create an artistic montage, with photographs and personal memorabilia
such as letters, maps, and song lyrics, as a way of illustrating their family background to the other participants.
We heard from one of our Pastoral Workers, Victoria Logan,
and some of the ladies at Montage Mondays, on what the
course has meant to them, and how it has impacted their
lives.
What was good about Montage Mondays?
It gave me the opportunity to think about who I am as a
person, and why I am the way I am, not just focusing on
being someone’s wife.
Having a group of people there that I can talk to about
literally anything, knowing it was not going to be held
against me or gossiped about. I knew I wasn’t going to be
judged. I would often find that people had the same issues,
or that it had happened to them previously, so it validated my
emotions, and what I was feeling.
What was your favourite part of the course?
It was nice being able to get together and work on
something I could take home and show everyone proudly
that I worked on. I made friendships where I could talk about
anything and everything, and it’s not just about the kids, and
husband, but also about you, and the things you were going
through. And the cake helps. Cake always helps!
How did you like the creative aspect of the course?
I really liked it. I’m as talented as a two year old so it was
nice to be able to do that and get help with it, and share
ideas.
How was the support that was given from other
networks?
Having RNRM Welfare come in and speak to us, helped us
find out a lot more about the Navy website, and how it could
help us to find out what the ships are doing. We found out a
lot of useful information.
It was good having another set of Navy wives around.
Everyone has different and useful information. Some of them
had been around much longer than you have, and they’ve
all been through different stages so they knew different
things to us. Montage Mondays brought a different group of
people together.
How do you think Montage Monday’s has helped you
as an individual?
It’s given me a lot more confidence. I was really scared to
do it at first, and to go into a different group where I didn’t
know anyone, but now I feel like I want to give something
back, and help someone else now.
When the course was going on, it was another reason for me
to get out of the house as well as the coffee morning. While
the course was going on, their deployment got extended,
and there was a lot going on in the media concerning what
they were doing, so it was nice to get out a second time, and
get my mind off what was going on.
Before, I would have never gone to that class unless someone
I knew was going with me. Now I’m getting a lot more
confident. Having my husband come and see the end result
was really nice, and that he was able to see me do something
for myself, he was quite proud of me.
Spotlight on.... Montage Mondays
Email Updates
At Aggie’s we are continually looking for the best ways keep in touch with our supporters, and communicate all that we do
as a charity. With this in mind, we are eager to update our means of getting in touch, and hearing from you, and this now
includes emailing. If you would like to update your information with us, please email us at office@aggies.org.uk, and let us
know that you would like to hear from us via email. Communication will include, a monthly prayer diary, monthly links to news
on our website, and other important updates and events. We will never bombard you with information, or pass your details
on to third parties, or pester for donations. We are thankful you for all the support you faithfully give us as a charity, and will
always put great thought into communicating the positive impact we are having on the lives of our beneficiaries.
aggies.org.uk