Tiverton turns out for Enterprise Freedom Parade

If you were to pick a ship with the best chance of getting good weather, would you choose the one with no fewer than six qualified weather forecasters on board?

Well it didn’t work too well for the crew of HMS Enterprise who exercised their freedom of the town of Tiverton on a rather damp day in April.

Having arrived home in Devonport after three years away in brilliant sunshine, the weather could not last. On the day, despite a fairly constant downpour, there was plenty of local support.

The Mayor and Councillors turned out in their full ceremonial uniform and the local Sea Cadet unit TS Hermes did themselves great credit with an excellent turn out in numbers and a great display of drill.

Even the horse "Zabor" from the RNRM Stables at Brickleigh came along although he wasn’t a big fan of the rain!

Following an inspection, the Mayor gave a speech congratulating the ship on her achievements during her epic three year deployment.

Commander Philip Harper, the captain of HMS Enterprise, replied explaining that when sailors are away for long periods of time they think a lot of home and for Enterprise the market town of Tiverton is her spiritual home.

The parade commander and ship's Executive Officer, Lieutenant Commander Matt Warren, then sought permission to exercise the freedom of Tiverton.

Led by the Royal Marines Corps of Drums, the ship's company marched off through the streets of the town with the Queen’s Colour flying and bayonets fixed.