Onward Christian sailors …
Seasonal singalong to carols in in the Faslane Navy Base.
By Kim Hardie
The true spirit of Christmas came to HM Naval Base Clyde on Thursday when the annual Christmas Carol Service was held in the Naval Base Chaplaincy.
Sailors, Marines and civilian personnel gathered in the Chaplaincy where there was the opportunity to enjoy a coffee and a bacon roll before joining colleagues in a seasonal sing-song.
The physical training staff brought some festive fun to the occasion, wearing their Santa hats and helping the Naval Base Chaplains to boost audience participation.
The service was led by Reverend (Revd) Tommy Goodwin, Revd Mark Allsopp, Revd Robert Jackson, Revd Mark Davidson and Father Michael Maloney and Base staff raised their voices and joined them singing some of their favourite Christmas Hymns, including O’ Come all Ye Faithful and Once in Royal David’s City.
It was also an opportunity to pause and think of the many Service personnel who will be serving during the Christmas period so the opportunity to come together to celebrate the season at HM Naval Base Clyde was particularly welcome.
In the pictures: Chaplains the Rev Robert Jackson, the Rev Mark Allsopp, Father Michael Maloney, the Rev Mark Davidson and the Rev Tommy Goodwin lead the singing of Christmas Carols. HMS Neptune Physical Training staff in their Santa hats. And, thirdly, Captain Craig Mearns, Rear Admiral John Weale and Commander Mark Fitzsimmons enjoy the Carol Service.