MARITIME VOLUNTEER SERVICE
Supporting Your Community with Our People
Royal Patron and Hon Commodore: HRH The Prince Michael of Kent GCVO
STRICTLY EMBARGOED UNTIL TUESDAY 6thSEPTEMBER 2022 at 17:00
PRESS RELEASE:
At a reception held at Cayzer House this evening, Admiral, The Rt Hon. The Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC was installed as Honorary President of the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS). In this role, the former First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff, will act as an ambassadorial figurehead of the charity.
Speaking on behalf of the MVS National Council, MVS Chair David Hughes said:
"We are immensely proud that Admiral, Lord West has been installed as our Honorary President. This appointment marks an important moment in our charity's history, and we look forward to working with Admiral, Lord West to meet our charitable objectives. The National Council of the Maritime Volunteer Service would like to thank Admiral, Lord West for supporting our cause of serving maritime communities across the UK."
Upon becoming Honorary President of the Maritime Volunteer Service,Admiral, The Rt Hon. The Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC PC said:
"We are an island nation encompassed by the sea on which we depend for our wealth and security; and the world has become a more dangerous and unstable place. There is a need for resilience and organisations that can help provide it. The MVS is one such organisation and I have been involved in the periphery of the RNXS that was and the MVS as it has morphed and changed. As in all such organisations it depends on the splendid men and women who volunteer to train future generations and protect our harbours and coastline. It is a great honour to become their President."
Notes to the Editor:
Alan West, Baron West of Spithead, is an Admiral of the Royal Navy and formerly, from June 2007 to May 2010, a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Home Office with responsibility for security and a security advisor to Prime Minister Gordon Brown. During this time, Lord West served as Chairman of the National Security Forum. Prior to his ministerial appointment, he was First Sea Lord and Chief of the Naval Staff from 2002 to 2006.
The Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS)is a recognised national maritime training organisation and a UK registered charity with more than 20 units around the country providing training to nationally and internationally recognised standards. The MVS serves local communities especially in times of need or emergency and takes part in resilience exercises both ashore and afloat.
The Maritime Volunteer Service was founded in 1994, following the disbandment of The Royal Naval Auxiliary Service (RNXS). In 1998, the Royal Navy formal recognised the Maritime Volunteer Serviceas a tribute to the important role that the MVS play in the education and training of young people in nautical skills.
On 2ndSeptember 1998, a Warrant was issued giving permission for the MVS to wear a Red Ensign bearing the Service's "V" and "Anchor" logo and naval crown.
Our Royal Patron and Honorary Commodore is HRH The Prince Michael of Kent GCVO
In January 2016 the First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC, issued a new Defence Instruction and Notice again recognising the MVS. The MVS received The Queen's Dimond Jubilee Award in 2012.
The Maritime Volunteer Service is a registered charity in England and Wales (1048454) and in Scotland (SC039269). A Company limited by Guarantee No. 3003565.
Website:www.mvs.org.uk
FOR MORE INFORMATION / PLEASE DIRECT ANY ENQUIRIES TO:
Cllr. Jordan Meade FRSA (MVS External Trustee and Public Affairs Lead)
Email:jordan.meade@mvs.org.uk Mobile:07977 367013
