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Sailors and Marines forge links with Birmingham's Muslim community through mosque visit

16 May 2017
Sailors and marines brought a taste of the RN to Britain's second largest - and most landlocked - city.

Half a dozen sailors and Royal Marines from Wales and Western England Outreach Team dropped in on Birmingham Central Mosque to give one of the country's largest Muslim communities an insight into their daily work around the globe.

Two presentations were laid on by the team: one aimed at young people, the second at adults and community leaders - more than 150 souls in all.

The team ran through RN history and the need for naval power, before focusing on today's roles, the training sailors and Royal Marine receive and likely career progress. 

It was interesting to find out about the RN's role around the world protecting our security, both today and in the future.

They also staged a Q&A session, fitness workshop and healthy eating/cooking demonstration.

"The Mosque were so supportive and welcoming to the team," said PO 'Fred' Perry, in charge of the Youth Engagement Team.

"We are delighted to have been invited. The presentations were extremely well received and we aim to develop our relationship with Birmingham Central Mosque throughout the year."

As the sailors left the mosque - only the second purpose-built Muslim house of worship in the UK - one of the elders told them: "I really enjoyed meeting members of the RN and finding about their training and careers.

“It was interesting to find out about the RN's role around the world protecting our security, both today and in the future."

The next goal is to organise a visit to one of Her Majesty's ship for some of the mosque's congregation.

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