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Portsmouth

Episode 3 of 5

Series meeting the people who live and work around Britain's port cities.

The Royal Marines Band Service auditions for new recruits, and maintaining the rigging of a historic ship needs a head for heights.

59 minutes

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Sea City - Portsmouth

Sea City - Portsmouth
Around the coast of Britain are cities where the sea shapes people鈥檚 lives. This programme takes a trip听to the naval port of Portsmouth.

With unique access to Her Majesty鈥檚 Naval Base, Sea Cities follows three candidates battling it out for places at the Royal Marines School of Music. During audition week they鈥檙e tested for musical ability, physical fitness and determination.

Who will make the grade and look forward to a career in a Royal Marines Band, one of the finest military bands in the world?

As the week reaches its climax, head of the School Major John Ridley delivers good news and bad, to young people whose dreams are fulfilled or dashed.

Meanwhile, Mathew Read, a banana quality control inspector, tells of his 20-year career keeping the vast majority of Britain鈥檚 supply of bananas in ship shape. 鈥淚 like bananas 鈥 they don鈥檛 answer back.鈥

And 94 year-old Maurice Owens tells of his passion for a life on the sea.听We meet the听families reunited with loved ones when HMS Severn returns home after a seven month mission away patrolling Caribbean waters.

Credits

Role Contributor
Producer Richard Townsend
Series Producer Adam Keelan

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