Ex Navy lads big day out

ALL ABOARD: Hurricanes captain Dane Coles with ex Navy men, from left, Allan Watt, Barry Hurdle, John Granville, Dick Rigarlsford, Grattan Lyng and Lindsay Carter.

Stepping into the wardroom of the offshore patrol vessel HMNZS Wellington, Dick Rigarlsford's eye's gravitated to a calendar on the wall.

The photo for April featured the HMNZS Achilles, a light cruiser he served on during World War Two.

Also zoning in on the calendar was Grattan Lyng, who also served on the ship.

The special moment was one of many for a small group of ex Navy men from Paraparaumu RSA who visited the offshore patrol vessel on Friday afternoon, which was berthed at Queen's Wharf, for the lead up to Anzac Day.

The special trip was spearheaded by retired captain John Granville, who followed up an idea from Paraparaumu RSA past president Billy Powell.

The contingent, which also included Barry Hurdle, Allan Watt and Lindsay Carter, were shown around HMNZS Achilles by marine engineer Cameron Ogle, some Sea Cadet Corps and some female midshipmen.

The tour covered various parts of the vessel from the engine room, the damage control room, ward room, the bridge to the bow.

There was also a chance for a quick chat with Hurricanes captain Dane Coles, who grew up in Paraparaumu. He was also checking out the vessel with some team mates.

After an afternoon tea in the ward room with the vessel's lieutenant commander Matt Kaio, the party were each given a special Navy medallion before leaving at 4pm for their mini van trip back up the coast.

Fears of a long trip because of holiday traffic evaporated and, after bypassing a long line of traffic by going along Waterfall Rd, they were back in Paraparaumu within an hour.

Everyone enjoyed visiting the patrol vessel.

"I really enjoyed it but it's so different from my day," Dick said .

"Leaving the ship aside, I really enjoyed the friendliness onboard."

"It was the first time I've been back on a Navy ship since 1952," Grattan said.

"You can understand how different the feeling is."

Allan described the visit as excellent, Barry thoroughly enjoyed it, Lindsay felt it was very well done and John said it was very well organised.