Present from left to right in the below photo were Bev F, Jenny N, Bev U, Kristie H, myself Hilary P, Rachel B, Bel P, Philomena H, Cathy Hpr, Lois S and Clarissa L.

Garden Island is a busy place, so there was much to observe while we waited to board. We were welcomed onboard by the Commanding Officer and crew were appointed to the various groups.

We had Michael W and Joel H to escort us around the vessel. All of the staff were very friendly and welcoming. The tug boats escorted the ship out of the wharf area and Navy protocol was observed, whistles blown and replied to on passing other Navy vessels.

The Warramunga was to follow us out, and there were several occasions where each vessel manoeuvred , practicing their techniques. The Warramunga is a frigate, one of ten built for the Australian and New Zealand navies, commissioned in 2001 . The name is derived from the Warramunga people of Tennant Creek.

It was a relatively calm day which was nice. We were invited down through a labyrinth of corridors to the lounge area where we had a scrumptious morning tea. Scones, cakes and cookies were available, The crew were pleased we were visiting because the spread is not usually so extensive.

After morning tea we presented our quilts and laundry bags. Bev F presented a wonderful quilt featuring black and white stripes and Yorkshire puddings. The recipient follows the English Newcastle football team, and Bev’s idea of a magpie with Yorkshire pudding in its beak made for a very amusing scene. Needless to say the recipient was stoked.

Some of the recipients were not onboard. I gave my laundry bag to his room mate, and he was happy to have a photo!

Philomena surprised the Commander Officer with his quilt during the day.

And Bel presented Elsi with the quilt she had made for her.

Some very happy recipients were happy to pose with their new quilts and bags.

Bev U was able to present her LB too…

Cath Hpr managed to catch up with her recipient in person also.

Sheena could not be present on board so entrusted Clarissa with the responsibility of presenting a quilt on her behalf.

Bel also managed to present this lovely happy Laundry bag to her recipient.

There were a few activities to watch and the fire hoses were brought out. Bev F was the first to have a go at manning the hoses. Jenny and Hilary were next, we certainly looked the part, wearing jackets and helmets with visors. We were struggling to stand up at first. We quite enjoyed our brief encounter. It takes a bit of strength to manage a full hose under pressure.

We had a look at the upper deck, which of course involved some metal ladders and a journey through narrow corridors, valves, knobs and gadgets tantalising us along the way. The Warramunga was still tailing us and changed course and sailed beside us for a while. There were pelagic seabirds flying nearby, and the cool breeze made it very pleasant sailing. By this stage the sky was looking a bit grey.

We managed to chat with quite a few of the crew, many of whom were showing their families around. Lunch was served out on the deck, bread or bread rolls could be filled with spicy chicken, sausages, onions and salad of your choice. We sat on piles of ropes and enjoyed the meal with our friends.

We assembled after lunch to watch a display by a Seahawk helicopter, which had flown up from Nowra. We all watched in awe as it went through its paces, flying back and forth past both sides of the ship, hovering, letting down a ladder and causing much spray to fan out as it came lower towards the water. Of course the TOP GUN theme played which really set the scene.

We sailed back in through the heads to a gloomy grey sky which made the white Opera House and cruise ship nearby a very pretty picture. We had had a wonderful day and met many grateful recipients. As we were about to leave we chatted with Joel H. He mentioned that he did not have a laundry bag. Jenny N produced one from her bag,and he was delighted to have it. His previous bags were standard issue and had not survived the ravages of the navy laundry. Thank you Jenny for saving the day. Joel was delighted with the design.

We can’t emphasise enough what a wonderful experience it was to meet the crew and sail through Sydney Heads on such a lovely day. Their hospitality was so welcoming and we have an insight into the daily routine and living conditions of our Navy.

Thank you so much everyone, the volunteers had a wonderful time and we will continue to make laundry bags and quilts into the future.

Great post Hilary, thank you.

Till next time… keep spreading the word and happy stitching!

Jan-Maree xx