The First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins KCB OBE ADC RM, has visited China Fleet Country Club to meet with the China Fleet Trust and learn more about the charity’s expanding support for Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel, veterans, reservists and families.
Sir Gwyn and his team stayed at the Club on 22 January ahead of the visit, during which he met the Trust’s Chair, Rear Admiral John Weale CB OBE, and Chief Executive Gordon Hannah. The First Sea Lord received an overview of the Trust’s heritage, charitable impact, and plans to enhance welfare and wellbeing provision across the Naval Service.
Built on the legacy of the original China Fleet Club in Hong Kong—funded by sailors and marines more than a century ago—the Trust today plays a unique role in supporting the Royal Navy family. In 2025 alone, over 55,000 beneficiary visits were supported through welfare initiatives, discounted breaks, respite opportunities and wider family support programmes.
Sir Gwyn heard how the Trust’s work reinforces family resilience, wellbeing and recovery, particularly for those facing the pressures of service life and deployment. The visit also highlighted the positive feedback and testimonials received from Royal Navy and Royal Marines units, who increasingly describe the China Fleet as “part of the family,” recognising its contribution to morale and recovery.
During the meeting, the Trust shared updates on its new fundraising initiative, launched to expand the level of support available to serving personnel and families. Sir Gwyn also heard how future funds will enable broader assistance to Naval units and help strengthen the welfare network available across the Fleet.
The First Sea Lord was further briefed on the Club’s recent renewable energy investments and sustainability improvements, reflecting the Trust’s commitment to responsible stewardship of assets entrusted by generations of sailors and marines. The Trust also highlighted its close collaboration with other Royal Navy charities and its active role within the wider Armed Forces charity sector.
Rear Admiral John Weale CB OBE, Chair of Trustees, said:
“It was a privilege to welcome the First Sea Lord to Saltash. His visit underlines the importance of the China Fleet Trust’s role within the Royal Navy family, and we were delighted to share how our work continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s serving personnel and their loved ones.”
Gordon Hannah, Chief Executive of the China Fleet Trust, added:
“We were proud to show Sir Gwyn how the Trust and the Club support wellbeing, recovery and family resilience—services that make a meaningful difference every day. We remain committed to honouring our heritage while strengthening the support we provide to the Naval community.”
This visit marks only the second time a serving First Sea Lord has visited the Club, the first being Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC in 2018.
