Brussels banned on Bulwark

BRUSSELS sprouts have been banned from a Plymouth-based warship with its captain describing them as the “devil’s vegetable”.

Wayne Keble OBE, who is the Commanding Officer of amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark, said he hates the small leafy green vegetables.

The warship is currently playing host to military chiefs in its role as the Commander Amphibious Task Group’s Flagship for the Taurus 09 deployment to the Mediterranean and Far East.

Rumours had circulated around the ship that Capt Keble – a fitness fanatic – had banned fried eggs from being served to the ship’s company of city sailors and Royal Marines during its six-month deployment.

But scotching the rumour, he revealed he had in fact banned sprouts.

“The only thing I have banned on board is Brussels sprouts,” he said.

“They are the devil’s vegetable and the only thing I do not like, and the only thing I hate.”

He added: “Brussels sprouts are absolutely banned on board HMS Bulwark.

“I do not eat them so I do not know what the after-effects are.”

Capt Keble said he is very keen on seeing his ship’s company of 390 – a quarter of whom are made up of 4 Assault Squadron Royal Marines – eat healthily and carry out fitness while deployed.

“Healthy eating is something I promote as is ‘fit to fight’,” he said.

“I do promote that and I do a lot of exercise myself. I also promote adventure training and try to eat healthily.

“One of my roles as a Commanding Officer is to ensure that we are fit and healthy and that we have a healthy lifestyle, moderate our alcohol intake and make sure we are not overweight.”

Taurus 09 features around seven Devonport-based ships and submarines and more than 3,300 personnel. The Royal Navy, Royal Marines and RAF have been conducting exercises with countries ranging from the United States to Yemen.

The six-month-long exercise, which is nearing its finish, will see the task group complete a 20,400-mile round-trip.

The task group is expected to return to the UK in August.

Yesterday The Herald revealed how a Plymouth school has banned bananas as one of the teachers has an allergy.

BRUSSELS SPROUTS: The facts

The Brussels sprout was cultivated in Belgium (hence the name) during the 16th century from cabbages.

They were introduced to England and France in the 19th century.

They're packed with Vitamin C, Vitamin D and folic acid, with just six lightly-cooked sprouts containing an adult's recommended daily allowance.

The unpleasant smell of sprouts is caused by sulphur compounds, released when cooked.

A 2002 survey found Brussels sprouts are the most hated vegetable in Britain.