75th Anniversary of HMS Sherwood

I was honoured to represent Derbyshire Jewish Community at the recent 75th anniversary of HMS Sherwood on 20th March at Nottingham Council House. The invitation came through community member Mike Redgate, whose wife Louise works for the Royal Navy. HMS Sherwood is a naval reserve unit based in the East Midlands and covers both Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire. Whilst these counties have no coastline and may not seem obvious candidates for naval tradition, there has been an active Royal Navy reserve presence since 1950.

The Royal Navy Reserve was established in 1859 to identify those who could be called on in the event of war. It includes Navy reserve officers and Marines, and has 16 units around the country. Reserve personnel commit time outside of their civilian jobs, typically one night a week and the odd weekend. They could be called at anytime to support personnel on ships and so keep their training up to date. Reservists include those who have served and those looking to support who have not previously served, as well as a number of University based reserve units. They also support Sea Cadet activities for young people.

Faith representatives from a variety of traditions had been invited. The Jewish community was well represented by myself, Mike Redgate, and Nick Rubins who is currently serving as High Sheriff of Nottinghamshire. In conversation with a Navy chaplain, I learned how Jewish members of the Navy now have access to a Rabbi. Our daughter’s partner is a serving Submariner in the Royal Navy, so I know how valued pastoral support is by those serving. It is good to know that our Armed Services are responding to the diverse make up of modern Britain.

We were treated to a ‘mess beating’ from the Royal Marines Corps of drums, which is a drum display often associated with mess dinners or formal events. My Grandfather Jack served with the Royal Marines during World War II, so I was glad to be able to wear his Crete Veterans tie pin, and I think he would have appreciated the performance. Other entertainments included a Jazz Quartet and Our Dementia Choir. This was an ideal opportunity to show DJC’s involvement in the wider community and to show our support for the work done by the Royal Navy.