HMS Raleigh has had some special visitors recently to see how the establishment trains their new recruits. A delegation of seven people from the Kazakhstan navy spent a day in Torpoint where they met some of the Royal Navy's newest recruits and were briefed on the latest training methods. The were able to witness elements of the phase one training course including an exercise in the ships' damage repair unit where sailors learn how to shore up damaged vessels in a realistic training environment. Commodore David Pond, commanding officer of HMS Raleigh, said: 'The Royal Navy is widely respected for its training and effectiveness at preparing its people for the varied operational environment they will encounter. 'The Kazakhstan delegation left here having been given a valuable insight into our training methods and were particularly impressed with the emphasis we place them on team work, which is fundamental to everything we do. 'It is a pleasure to be able to share our knowledge and experience with other navies.'

Night at races planned THE next meeting of the Rame Peninsula branch of the Royal Naval Association will take place on April 1 at the Torpoint Comrades and United Services Club. The following meeting will take place on April 29 and will incorporate a horseracing night among the programme of events to take place every month throughout the year. All monies raised from this year's events will be going to the Bells of Madron at Penzance, as part of the 200th celebrations of the victory at Trafalgar. The branch welcomes all members of the association old and new.