Reverend Simon Beveridge, Chaplaincy Team Leader at HM Naval Base Clyde, bid farewell to the site and to the Senior Service last week when he retired.

Colleagues and friends gathered in the Naval Base’s Chaplaincy to say goodbye to the Padre, with Captain of HMS Neptune, Captain Craig Mearns, presenting the Reverend with a certificate from the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Jonathan Woodcock OBE, thanking him for his 22 year service and praising his “loyalty, courage and good conduct”.

Captain Mearns said: “I know from those I have spoken to and from my own short time at HMNB Clyde that you have been a wonderful Chaplain.

"The support, guidance and advice you have given during your four years at Clyde has been of the highest order. It almost goes without saying that you will be missed.”

Reverend Beveridge, who was joined during the occasion by his wife Sarah, explained how his first job with the Navy left him cold – both literally and figuratively.

He said: "After attending the Commando Training Centre I was sent to Norway.

"I remember it was minus 10 and I was queuing to use the phone box to call home.

"When I got through Sarah asked me how I liked it.

"I told her that I really hated it and just wanted to return to be with her and the kids.

"She said that as I was there I might as well give it a try. I did, and luckily grew to enjoy it.

"I’ve been enjoying it ever since.”

Thanking his wife for her love and support over the years, he went on to explain how he was looking forward to the challenges retirement would bring.

He said: “We have bought a derelict water mill in Galloway.

“We plan to spend the time converting it so I’ll be operating the power tools for the foreseeable future.”

Revd Beveridge has been Chaplaincy Team Leader at Clyde for the past four years, spending his time co-ordinating and providing pastoral care to sailors and their families at HMNB Clyde and nearby Churchill Square in Helensburgh.

Replacing Revd Beveridge as Chaplaincy Team Leader will be Revd Mark Dalton.