Royal Navy Day Jubilee Celebrations – HMS Excellence, Portsmouth!

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HMS Excellence

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It has been twelve days since I last sat down and wrote a blog entry, which is highly unusual for me. The truth is I have been busy, really busy, and haven't had a lot of time for myself, so finding even an hour to blog, has been a real challenge. Like most people at the moment, I have been feeling the pinch in the cost of living, so any overtime I can get, the better. I have a lot of things to save for, especially as I want to go on holiday in September. I am looking at Crete currently, but also one of the beautiful lakes in Italy; wherever I go with Darrell, I want it to be relaxing, so we can both take some time out and chill together, after the turmoil of the last few years!

Despite my busy schedule, I did manage to find some time to spend with family this Saturday. Celebrating The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the Royal Navy had organised an amazing day for the families of those serving in the military or working at HMS Excellence on Whale Island. Along with my Aunt, Cousins and friend Pat, I tagged along and enjoyed a thoroughly entertaining day in the sun.

To my surprise The Sunshine Sisters were playing for the families on the base and as usual they were fantastic. For those of you who don't know these two lovely girls, they used to be members of staff, during the pandemic, at the supermarket where I work. Usually in the acting profession, they came from The King's Theatre here in Portsmouth, to work with us, when the theatre was closed due to Coronavirus restrictions. I recall many occasions when these two amazing young girls played in the foyer of the supermarket, celebrating momentous milestones, with customers and staff alike. Zoe and Rachel were inspirational at a terrible time in history, shining light where there was darkness and brightening everyone's day. Seeing them both on Whale Island was a special reminder of a strange period in my life; it was great to see them both!

The Royal Navy band was tremendously uplifting, playing many popular seafaring songs in celebration of The Queen's Jubilee, including a rather emotional, stirring rendition of the national anthem. Patriotic and champion of the Royal Family, I was happy to listen and sing along with the rest of the crowd. Not only was the music inspiring, it was also rousing and a reminder of just what makes our country great. Our military in all its forms is the best in the World, and we should be very proud to have them. With the war in Ukraine still raging on, they are also a symbol of resistance against the Russian onslaught. I was happy to take part in such a special day, surrounded by family and friends!

As we approach HM The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, the celebrations will become more widespread. With time off work, I have been asked to help out at The Newcome Arms, where I worked until last month. I have agreed to do a couple of shifts, as The Newcome celebrates the Jubilee with the rest of the local residents. Despite serving behind the bar, I look forward to spending time with old friends from the pub, even though I will technically be on holiday. The Newcome will certainly be the place to be over that long four-day weekend. With The Queen looking more and more frail, the hope is, she manages to attend some organised national events, after seventy years on the throne!

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Charles Dickens Birthplace, amid the brutalist architecture of the last century!

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After leaving HMS Excellence, we walked the short distance home, via the pub of course. Interestingly, just around the corner from my Aunts house is the old childhood home of 19th century author Charles Dickens. To be honest, I had no idea he was born in the Portsmouth, so this was a bit of a shock for me.

Walking along the road, past row after row of brutalist social housing, architecture I am familiar with and a design concept I have a fondness for, we stumbled upon Old Commercial Road. This was the street where Mr Dickens was born in 1812 and the house stands perfectly preserved in this quaint side street, surrounded by large tower blocks.

As a 'book person,' I was in awe of the revelation that this author was born in Landport, Portsmouth, and the fact you can visit his home was even more mind-blowing. I suppose, because the area is so built up now, a concrete jungle of 60s flats, it is even more amazing to think this little house is still there, perfectly preserved, for all to see.

The longer I live in Portsmouth, the more I discover about this great city I now live in. There are many aspects of my home I can't stand, but there is also much I love. It is a great historic city on the south coast of England first and foremost, but it is also a home for two hundred thousand people, many of whom work in the Royal Navy. The event at HMS Excellence brought together the naval community and showcased its commitment to all those who are a part of its extended family. Saturday I felt a part of something special, living and working in a wonderfully eclectic, gritty, consequential city. It does have many downsides, but the welcoming nature of those who live here and their dedication to friends and neighbours is truly heartening and really, who could ask for more, when deciding where to lay down roots; Portsmouth will certainly be home for many more years to come!

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