Melton's affiliated warship HMS Quorn welcomes Mayor and borough councillors on board

Mayor of Melton Jeanne Douglas, consort Robert Abel-Smith, Deputy Mayor and Melton Council’s lead member for armed forces Simon Lumley and councillor John Wyatt were among 35 guests from the ship’s affiliated organisations who spent a day at sea off the Isle of Wight.

They spent five hours on board the Portsmouth-based minehunter on Thursday to learn about the ship’s capabilities and role in the wider Navy.

During tours they were given demonstrations of fire-fighting, the weapons on board, the role of the ship’s divers and what happens on the bridge.

HMS Quorn, which was awarded Freedom of the Borough of Melton in 2007, is one of eight minehunters based in Portsmouth.

It uses powerful sonar, underwater mine disposal vehicles and embarked mine clearance divers to locate and destroy mines.

Coun Douglas said: “This was the second time I’d been on board HMS Quorn but the first time I had the pleasure of actually sailing in her. The affiliation between HMS Quorn and Melton Borough Council has existed for a number of years and it was a real honour to be on board and to take part in team building exercises with the ship’s company.”

After returning to Portsmouth Naval Base HMS Quorn’s commanding officer, Lieutenant Commander John Cromie, invited the Mayor to present the ‘sailor of the month’ award to engineering technician Grant Thorne on behalf of the Royal Navy and Royal Marines charity in recognition of his services above and beyond the call of duty.

Lt Cdr Cromie said: “Due to the nature of work and operations undertaken by HMS Quorn, it’s rare that we have the chance to demonstrate the capability of her platform to our affiliates or to the general public. Bright sunshine and calm conditions added to the pleasure of hosting our affiliates for a day at sea.”