I never served on Ark, but on her two sisters. I very well remember the day she was launched on Tyneside, two Sea Harriers flew part of racetrack pattern over our house and were buzzing down over Wallsend (Summer 1981 anyone, nice day), and also well remember the day she came alongside in Portsmouth (Summer 1985 and to a grand fanfare). Nice day that as well I recall. Seems a while ago and then perhaps not.
Their must be millions of people can remember many random events like that about that particular ship.
Some countries I have lived in would give anything to have a maritime history and a Navy like we had.
Hope they know what they are doing. Hope the cabinet are as bright as they think they are.