Each year the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity distributes thousands of pounds across naval ships and establishments, ensuring top-quality facilities for Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel and their families.
The principal charity of the Royal Navy, the RNRMC, helps the entire naval fleet, be they officers, other ranks or specialisations. The charity is there from day one and every day after, delivering everything from life changing grants during times of need to smaller operational grants that aide morale and retention whilst at sea.
Since the start of the year, the RNRMC has awarded grants to multiple ships and establishments to assist with renovation and construction projects. From large refurbishments that provide families with much needed support centres, to smaller Mess improvements that boost morale on board ships – the RNRMC works hard to ensure that no one is forgotten.
By July 2018, the new Royal Marines Families Centre in Taunton will have been completed, thanks in part to funding provided by the RNRMC and The Royal Marines Charity (TRMC). The original 40 Cdo Royal Marines Families Centre was built in 1939 and has since fallen into a serious state of disrepair. The site for the new centre will be a disused medical centre that is to be structurally repaired and appropriately modified through funding by the TRMC and the chancellor’s Libor funds. An additional grant of over £30,000 given by the RNRMC will enable the new centre’s interior to be completed to a high standard. Once finished, the Taunton Families Centre will be used by over 1000 serving personnel and their families, providing a space for family and welfare facilities.
“This will enhance community spirit, lifelong friendship opportunities and build resilience, all of which are vital ingredients to both new and established service personnel and their families” — RNRMW Specialist Case Worker, WO2 Darren Joyce
While top-notch family spaces are important, so too are the quality of the facilities for those serving away from home. Britain’s flagship aircraft carrier, HMS Queen Elizabeth, will be a leading maritime force for the next 50 years. It is vital that those who serve on board for up to nine months at a time are able to unwind after busy periods of high tempo operations. An operational grant by the RNRMC will enhance the facilities of the Warrant Officers and Senior Rates Mess so that the area can be enjoyed for many years to come.
From the very big to the small; this year the RNRMC assisted HMS Neptune with the cost of a new static caravan at the site in Aultbea. Situated on the West Coast of Scotland, HMS Neptune is the Fleet Accommodation Centre for HMNB Clyde and is home to some 3500 service personnel. The static caravans on site are often hired by serving personnel and their families and are booked throughout the year. In providing close to £15,000 for a replacement unit, the RNRMC has helped ensure that those who need somewhere to stay in Scotland will continue to have access to the excellent facilities on offer at Aultbea.
Additional grants that have improved the quality of life for sailors and marines includes the Junior Rates Dining Hall refurb on HMS Excellent and Mess improvements on board the mine hunter HMS Grimsby. The charity has also provided funding for the extensive renovation of the Officers’ Mess in Lympstone, creating a warm and welcoming space for the Officers at the Royal Marines Commando Training Centre.
For more information on how to apply for a Quality of Life grant from the RNRMC, visit https://www.rnrmc.org.uk/forms/grant-enquiry or call 023 9387 1520 today.
