Ex pupil enjoying her life at sea
A SAILOR returned to her Wear Valley school this week to tell pupils about her life in the Royal Navy.Eighteen-year-old Danielle Patchett who is currently a stores accountant at Faslane Naval base in Scotland visited Bishop Barrington School Sports With Mathematics College which she left in 2006.
Danielle, who is an Able rating, said: “I’m so glad I joined the Navy. “I love it, I really do. My job is interesting and I have made lots of friends. You also get to meet people from different countries.
“I help out with the ships and replenish their stock, anything from screws to RIBs (rigid inflatable boats).”
Bruce Guthrie, headteacher, said: “It was good to see Danielle again. We are delighted she is enjoying her career in the Royal Navy and doing so well. “She looks very smart in her uniform.
“We are always pleased to hear about the achievements of our former students.” It was while studying at Bishop Barrington that she first became interested in a Navy career. The former fish and chip worker said: “The school held mock interviews to give us interview experience. My interview was conducted by a colour sergeant from the Armed forces Careers Office and he mentioned the Navy.
“I didn’t rush into anything. I signed up to join in April last year and I am so glad I did.” Danielle completed her basic training at HMS Raleigh in Plymouth and her family, including proud parents Brian and Angela, a former school governor of Bishop Barrington School, witnessed her passing out parade.
Danielle is an important link in the supply chain at HMS Neptune which supports naval personnel at the Faslane base, which is also home to the UK’s nuclear deterrent. In September she expects to be assigned to a Type 42 destroyer based in Plymouth. Danielle, who was on leave to celebrate her sister Cylie’s 20th birthday, said: “I don’t know which ship yet; I expect to find out soon. I will then go out to sea and basically live on a ship for the next four years.”
