Ship’s Crew Pay Surprise Visit To Local Navy Veterans

Royal Navy veterans John Mundy and Peter Jeffreys received a special visit at their West Sussex care home, from a group of officers and sailors currently serving on HMS Shoreham.

Both men are residents at Croft Meadow nursing home, in Tanyard Lane, Steyning, and often talk about their experiences of serving at sea. When staff heard that the Royal Navy mine-hunting ship was returning to its namesake port of Shoreham after a recent NATO deployment in the Balkans, they contacted the local harbour master and requested a visit.

“We initially asked about arranging to visit the ship but came across a few logistic issues,” explained care home activities manager Barbara Buchanan. “After speaking with the harbour master, we managed to arrange for some of the crew to visit Croft Meadow, which turned out to be a fantastic surprise for all the residents.”

“The officers and sailors spoke at length to John and Peter, answered questions about their travels and life at sea, and spent time singing and chatting with the residents. The visit certainly caused a stir and will live long in the memory.”

Croft Meadow was then presented with a signed flag, with Mr Mundy also receiving a HMS Shoreham medal. After leaving Shoreham, the ship headed north to her Faslane home, where the crew will begin further training, ahead of her next deployment.

Julian Seaman, Harbour Master and Director of Marine Operations at Shoreham Port, who helped to arrange the visit, said, “It has been a pleasure to welcome HMS Shoreham back to her namesake port again and to arrange the visit to Croft Meadow. The fact that the crew were happy to spend their shore leave visiting two veterans from local community, just demonstrates the strength of the camaraderie that exists in the Navy.”