A Scout group from Ravenshead learned about being a Royal Naval Reservist when they visited a military training event in Nottingham.

HMS Sherwood, the East Midlands only Royal Naval Reserve (RNR) unit, invited 1st Larch Farm Scouts to visit a reservist training event at Foresters House,Chilwell, where military personnel practised weapons handling and improved their drill technique.

Weapons handling is an important skill that all reservists must practise to be ready for any potential operations.

Explaining why the Scout group was invited along, Warrant Officer Sean Jones, of HMS Sherwood, explained: “As we have hosted local sea cadets many times, I felt it might be a good idea to open the invitation to other youth groups who wouldn’t normally get the opportunity to mix with the Armed Forces.

“The offer was enthusiastically received and four members of staff attended with around 26 Scouts for a tour of the unit and to take part in world class parade training from one of the few state ceremonial trained reservists, Petty Officer Jason Kingham.

“HMS Sherwood is made up of volunteers, many of whom have a variety of civilian careers, so all our training happens in the evening.”

Scout Leader Andy Chick said: “Being a Scout is all about being outdoors, travelling to new places and experiencing new things.

“We had a wonderful time and it’s great to see what ordinary people can achieve.”

A plaque was also presented on the evening from HMS Sherwood to the Scout group as a memento of their visit.

To learn more about being a Scout in Ravenshead visit www.larchfarmscouts.co.uk

To find out more about HMS Sherwood visit www.royalnavy.mod.uk or email [email protected]