From time to time one of our members will share a story from their lives, we are privileged to reproduce the latest contribution here
A Trip Down Memory Lane with Nancy Steven
One of the perks of being a primary school teacher was organising educational visits to coincide with learning. Especially if you were able to have a guided tour "behind the scenes "of places where ordinary members of the public were rarely admitted. I have toured fire stations, police stations, a milk bottle factory, MacDonalds and even RAF Leeming tornado base.
One of the more memorable excursions, however, was visiting HMS Cochrane, the Royal Navy name for Rosyth Naval Dockyard. On arrival, my group of 9 year olds was met by a rather dashing lieutenant who was to be our guide for the day. First stop was the navy police dog section for a display, then it was off to view a frigate. Our guide apologised that there wasn't more to see because, due to Queen Elizabeth's jubilee, the majority of Her Majesty's ships were taking part in a sail-past in the south of England.
He then had a lightbulb moment, however, and excused himself to make a phone call (no mobile phones in those days). He returned looking very pleased with himself and said "Follow me", then led us along what seemed to be an empty quayside. I soon realised from the reaction of the children that there was something in the water. That "something" turned out to be HMS Odin, a nuclear submarine which was undergoing a refit.
Before I knew what was happening, the children were quickly taken on board by passing them one by one from sailor to sailor. I was left to descend the metal ladder, and by the time I was on board the children had scattered to the far corners of the submarine.
Getting everyone safely on dry land was no mean feat, but everyone - including me - went home with a smile and a tale to tell. I often wonder how many of those children remember that visit. I certainly do.
Nancy