At a recent ceremony in Stone, Chief Petty Officer (CPO) Leigh “Bobby” Ball was proud to represent HMS Collingwood, which holds the freedom of the Borough of Stafford and Stoke.
The official “swearing-in” of the new mayor of Stone, Councillor Mark Green, at the Parish Church of St Michael and St Wulfad, was followed by a march through the town by serving members of the military, civic officials, local army and sea cadets and members of the St Vincent Association.
HMS Collingwood is privileged to hold the freedom after inheriting the honour when Gosport training establishment HMS St Vincent closed in 1969. The Base was named after Stone-born Admiral of the Fleet John Jervis, 1st Earl of St Vincent, who served alongside Nelson and Collingwood and a figurehead depicting the Admiral still welcomes visitors to HMS Collingwood today.
CPO Ball was the first representative from HMS Collingwood to take part in the ceremony for 5 years and was honoured to be asked to ring “eight bells” on the St Vincent bell which hangs in the church. On ship, this signifies the end of the watch and officially marked the end of the previous Mayor’s tenure and the start of the new.
Bobby said, “I thoroughly enjoyed the event, and despite the rain, it was an impressive sight to see everyone marching through the town. I live in Staffordshire, which is why I was asked to attend on behalf of HMS Collingwood. Even though I am due to leave Collingwood in October, I’m keen to continue to represent the Royal Navy in future ceremonies here. I was proud to have Cory with me, even if he did march with the police section!”
Accompanying Bobby to the event was Cory, his eight-year-old son, who proudly marched in the parade wearing his father’s mess medals on his waistcoat.
Photographs courtesy of CPO Leigh Ball.
