HMS Brocklesby arrives in Alderney. (Picture supplied by Chris Morshead, 0613785)

ROYAL NAVY minesweeper HMS Brocklesby visited Alderney at the weekend.

The ship was on her way back to the UK from Bahrain, where she had been stationed for six months.

Commanding officer Tom Tredray said Alderney’s summer is much more amiable than the Gulf’s, where the temperature can reach 45C.

‘The dust and heat over there made life very difficult at times. It feels good to be in a place where you can relax to a degree. Being in the Gulf means you have to be on your guard 24 hours a day, as you never know when something might happen.’

HMS Brocklesby arrived last Friday and left three days later.

Some of the crew took on Alderney at football but ended up on the wrong end of a 4-0 thumping, thanks to two goals from Joe Parilla and one apiece from Matt Diamond and Jamie Laband.

A special reception was held on board the ship on Saturday evening and was attended by representatives from the States, education, business, sports groups and the press.

Members of the crew told guests that Brocklesby is the fifth of the navy’s 11 Hunt Class vessels and is a member of the Second Mine Countermeasures Squadron based at Portsmouth.

Those on board were also told she has the ability to conduct both minesweeping and mine-hunting operations, while the addition of a 30mm gun enables her to be tasked with the role of patrol craft.

Everyone was then treated to a guided tour of the ship, plenty of wine and a hearty navy spread, after which Alderney President Sir Norman Browse thanked CO Tredray for docking Brocklesby in the island.

Sir Norman presented an Alderney shield to CO Tredray to mark the occasion and encouraged him to make a return visit in the near future.

On Sunday, islanders were invited on board the vessel shortly after a VIP lunch had been served. Locals were ferried to the ship 12 at a time by Lady Marais II but some had to be turned away towards the end of the afternoon, such was the demand for a look around.

Flock ’n’ Fly, which includes 12 tracks written by the band, will be released later this month.

The four-piece, which lists Black Keys, Dr Feelgood, White Stripes and The Kills as its influences, will play at the Fermain Tavern on Saturday 16 August. A day later it will appear on Island FM show The Edge, which is hosted by Simon Charlwood.

Rawcuz Crowzz comprises vocalist and guitarist Rob Hunter, drummer and percussionist Helen Williams and slide guitarist, vocalist and harmonica player Derrick Williams. Neil Adsett is also a member of the band but has not been involved with the album.

Visit www.myspace.com/rawcuzcrowzz to listen to free tracks from Flock ’n’ Fly.