Navy News
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.
The “Doug Wylie Suite” was officially opened on Monday, April 18, and is the culmination of many months of hard work by both Physical Training Instructors (PTIs) at Clyde and members of HMS Neptune.
Named after Lieutenant Doug Wylie, a much respected Royal Navy PTI who sadly passed away last year, the facility was officially opened by his wife Elaine, accompanied by Doug’s family, personnel from HMS Neptune and members of the Royal Navy Physical Training Branch Association (RNPTBA).
Speaking at the opening, Captain Craig Mearns, Captain of HMS Neptune, said: “I would like to thank Chief Petty Officer Matt Brown and the entire Physical Training staff for excellent planning and their nimble-footed administration skills. Thanks also to the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity, the Rebalancing Lives Fund and Royal Navy and Royal Marines Sports Lottery for helping.
“I have fond memories of Doug, having played rugby with him both at Rosyth and Gibraltar. His commitment to the Royal Navy and the Physical Training Branch was tremendous. This new facility is a fitting tribute to him and means he will be remembered at Clyde for many years to come.”
The Doug Wylie Suite is an incredible tribute to Doug and I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made it possible
Elaine Wylie, wife of Lieutenant Doug Wylie
The project to revamp the existing weights room and Cardio Vascular facilities began in June 2015. Financial assistance was provided by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity (RNRMC) and Rebalancing Lives Fund, with an additional £12,000 donated by the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Sports Lottery.
The new fitness suite boasts the latest weight lifting and Cardio Vasuclar equipment, provided by TechnoGym, and improved flooring in the weight room, allowing PTIs to host much sought after Olympic lifting classes and Cross Fit sessions.
The Suite also features a wide selection of graphics of Doug Wylie, pictures supplied by his family which trace his entire naval career.
Elaine Wylie, Doug’s wife, said: “Doug loved working at Faslane. During his naval career he served at the Clyde a total of six times and quite a few people still remember the badgering he would give them during physical training in order to push them to their limits.
“The Doug Wylie Suite is an incredible tribute to Doug and I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has made it possible.”
During the opening, Captain Mearns presented Elaine Wylie with a canvas print of Doug supplied by shutter media, who designed and installed all of the wall media, and also dedicated a plaque paid for by the RNPTBA – to be displayed outside the facility - in his honour.
Direct from the front-line, the official newspaper of the Royal Navy, Navy News, brings you the latest news, features and award winning photos every month.