A very special visit to HMS St Albans

What an honour. I was invited to a reception and capability demonstration on HMS St Albans. Unfortunely it coincided with the tube strike so we were all encouraged to arrive by boat, so I did. The boat definitly beats the tube, it's more pricey but much better than being squeezed in the tube. I boarded HMS St Albans after going through lots and lots of armed security. Up the walkway and then I was greeted by 6 people saluting me! I didn't know what to do, so instead said a nervous giggle 'hello'.

The reception was in a marquee on the deck. We heard about the Royal Navy and the hosts were second to none. All were so so attentive. Even to the point that everyone was escorted to the group, then introduced to the Cammander and then paired up with others to speak to them! We had a tour of the ship, had a talk about the guns, saw a mock operation, went up and down the very steep ladders in a cocktail dress! and then saw the marines do a capability demonstration of catching criminals.

I'm so amazed by the Royal Navy, I absolutely love it. The work they do is astonishing.