Mayor welcomes HMS St Albans crew to City
The Captain of HMS St Albans was given a warm welcome by the Mayor when he visited St Albans for the first time last week.
During a flying visit to the City, Commander Chris Ansell and five members of his crew dropped by to see St Albans Sea Cadets. They gave a talk to the cadets about life at sea on board the Royal Navy frigate and the various duties they perform.
The crew also presented a cheque to Rennie Grove Hospice Care for £1,000 while visiting St Albans.
The Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Mohammad Iqbal Zia, said:
I was pleased to welcome Commander Ansell and his crew to our beautiful City and to show them some of the sights, including St Albans Cathedral. It was fascinating to hear what HMS St Albans has been doing since I visited the ship last July for an Armed Forces Day event.
HMS St Albans ship’s company was granted the Freedom of the City of St Albans at a special ceremony in 2004.
HMS St Albans, a type 23 'Duke' Class frigate of the Royal Navy, is currently part of the Fleet Ready Escort. It is tasked with responding at short notice to maritime threats to the UK, including acts of terrorism and the smuggling of drugs or arms. The Fleet Ready Escort is also involved in training and exercises with various UK military agencies and organisations.
Commander Chris Ansell, the Commanding Officer of HMS St Albans, said:
Although we’ve been very busy this year, it’s also important for us to explain what we do to both the general public and especially our affiliates. I take great pride in what my ship’s company has achieved, and hopefully we can go some way to inspire the next generation of sailors and engineers into joining the Royal Navy. I value hugely the relationship we have with our namesake City; we were wonderfully looked after by the Mayor and his team and we both look forward to working together over the next few months.
Gillian Barnett, Director of Marketing and Fundraising at Rennie Grove Hospice Care, said:
We were absolutely delighted to receive such a generous donation from the Captain and crew members of HMS St Albans. Rennie Grove provides care and support for adults and children diagnosed with cancer and other life-limiting illness. We rely mainly on donations to fund our services that give patients the choice to stay at home, surrounded by their families and friends.
The Right Worshipful the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Mohammad Iqbal Zia
Contact for the Mayor’s office:
Alison Orde, the Mayor’s Civic Officer
Tel: 01727 819544, Email: mayoralty@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson, Senior Communications Officer, St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317, E-mail: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
Photo caption:
Welcoming the Captain of HMS St Albans, Commander Chris Ansell, to St Albans were the Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Councillor Mohammad Iqbal Zia, Lord McNally and the Chief Executive of St Albans City and District Council, Amanda Foley.