HMS Mersey Visit 11th September 2009

The Master has been singing the praises of this ship like a broken record.  So, despite the risk of overdosing on matters naval (having been to the Chatham dockyard earlier in the year) this event then became a firm fixture in my diary.  I invited a guest, a Lieutenant in the Royal Naval Reserve, not being too sure who else might enjoy such an event.  I was encouraged by his enthusiasm and confident that he and the Master would enjoy themselves.

Arriving promptly at 6.15 at the quayside at ExCeL, I was impressed by the fact that three warships were moored up in support of the defence and armaments exhibition that had been taking place at the exhibition centre.  HMS Mersey, primarily a fisheries patrol vessel, may not have been bristling with the same armoury as the frigate behind her, but to my surprise she was not much smaller and as we went aboard it was immediately apparent that we were in for a treat.

The Officers were extremely welcoming and given the relatively modest number of officers and ratings extremely attentive.  From the moment we arrived we were incredibly well looked after.  We had a guided tour - plenty of facts and figures were rattled off and questions were eagerly answered.  I am not sure that I can recount these details, partially for reasons of national security and partially because of the generous nature of the hospitality that followed the tour.  Given the attentiveness of our hosts it seemed difficult to find time to speak to fellow members of the company.

For anyone thinking that HMS Mersey is an old tug that ploughs our coastal waters, then think again.  The Officers and crew were perfect hosts and the reception was fantastic.  It is a shame that they will not be back in London until 2011, at the earliest.  I now understand the Master's enthusiasm and, having withheld many of the details of the evening, would encourage members of the company to make this an event to attend when the opportunity next arises.

Liveryman Simon Underwood