No birthday, no party for Faslane submarine service kids …
by Carys Williams
It wouldn’t be a birthday without a party, and that’s why the Submarine Flotilla teamed up with the Drumfork Community Centre to hold a special SM125 birthday bash.
The event, which was for the children of serving submariners, gave the youngsters a chance to join the celebrations marking 125 years since the silent service was formed.
Sisters Jess and Josie, aged 10 and 7, went along to the party with their Submariner Dad.
Jess said, “My sister and I had fun at the party. There were lots of people and lots of food – I loved the cakes! My sister’s favourites were the slider burgers and getting her face painted.”
Dozens of young people gathered at the Drumfork Community Centre in Helensburgh to mark the special occasion with a host on entertainments, including: face painting, a circus skills workshop and entertainer, a virtual “life onboard a submarine” presentation, and arts and crafts activities to keep the partygoers entertained.
WO1 Neil Brownson, Warrant Officer Submarines for the Flotilla, said: “As the Submarine Service marks SM125, the focus extends beyond those in uniform to the families who support them every day.
“At Drumfork, staff have shown outstanding commitment in recognising the importance of Service children within that community.
“By actively including them in celebrations, they have ensured these young people feel connected to, and proud of, the service lifestyle they are part of.
“They are part of a submarine family with a remarkable legacy—14 Victoria Crosses and countless acts of gallantry since the First World War—built not only by those who serve, but by the families whose resilience underpins every mission.”
Since 1901, the Royal Navy Submarine Service has provided an invaluable defence capability, helping to protect our country through two World Wars, the Cold War, and other conflicts.
Members of the Submarine Service continue to protect us today, operating the nation’s Continuous At Sea Deterrent and our Astute Class submarines.
Extensive work is currently underway at HMNB Clyde to prepare the base for future classes of submarines, meaning that Royal Navy submariners will remain vital to our defence for decades to come.
But none of it could be done without the Service families whose love and support provide the resilience that allows submariners to go to sea.
Helen Duggan, the Drumfork Centre’s lead coordinator for the event, said: “We wanted to create something special to recognise the significance of SM125 while bringing families together in a relaxed and enjoyable way.
“This event is about celebrating our Service community, providing opportunities to connect, and helping families learn more about the support available to them. We’re delighted with the level of interest.”