FLAGSHIP WINTER 2013

the magazine of Seafarers UK

issue 23

winter 2013

Beating the drum

Celebrating a new season of HM Royal Marines Band concerts in aid of Seafarers UK the leading charity for seafarers in need

!* IN £6 TS E om KE SAV w.c ho TIC K ND gs O A uisin BO CEw.cr N A ww DV it A v is

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The UK’s biggest event for discovering a world of voyages

Visit www.cruisingshow.com or call 0871 620 4024 *Tickets £4 when booked in advance (quote ‘FLAGSHIP’) £10 on the door per person.

Calls cost 10p per minute plus network extras.

Organised by

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16/09/2013 01:13 15:36 04/11/2013

issue 23 | winter 2013

highlights

5

8

9

12

ISLAND NATION Promoting

BATTLE OF THE ATLANTIC

HELPING THE BEREAVED The

RAISING STANDARDS A new ‘Bill of Rights’ for seafarers.

the vital role of seafaring across the UK.

70th anniversary commemorations.

Royal Navy & Royal Marines Widows’ Association.

inside From the Bridge .............................. 3 Grants News..................................... 4 Campaigning.................................... 5 Fundraising....................................... 6

Charity Focus.................................... 9 Community News............................ 10 General News.................................. 12 Gifts in Your Will/In Memoriam....... 14

Review............................................ 17 JackChat......................................... 20 Crossword ...................................... 20

Visit our website at www.seafarers-uk.org for up-to-date information on fundraising events, campaigns, ways to donate, how to apply for grants, get help for seafarers in need, or to sign up to our Flagpost e-newsletter for regular updates about our work.

Follow us on Twitter: @Seafarers_UK Flagship magazine is published by

Like us on Facebook: facebook.com/SeafarersUK

Editor

Editorial inquiries/submissions flagship@seafarers-uk.org

Patron

Associate Editor

Change of address notification paola.martin@seafarers-uk.org

President

Maria Higham Craig Ryan

Art Director 8 Hatherley Street, LONDON, SW1P 2QT T: 020 7932 0000; F: 020 7932 0095

James Sparling

Seafarers UK (King George’s Fund for Sailors) is a Registered Charity in England & Wales, No. 226446, incorporated under Royal Charter. Registered in Scotland SC038191.

www.lexographic.co.uk

Design & production

Advertising

SDB Marketing, Brighton T: 01273 594455 simon@sdbmarketing.co.uk

Printers

Warners UK, Lincolnshire

Her Majesty The Queen His Royal Highness The Earl of Wessex, KG, GCVO, ADC

Chairman Please recycle this magazine once you have finished with it.

Thank you.

Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, CB, CVO

Director General

Commodore Barry Bryant, CVO, RN

The London CRUISE Show – Olympia Thanks to our partners, Escape Events, Seafarers UK will be taking part in the 6th annual London Cruise Show at Olympia from 22 to 23 March 2014. Please visit our stand to meet our staff and find out about our work and the many charities and projects we supported this year, all thanks to your invaluable support.

The show will be a great day out for anyone looking for their ideal cruise experience, from small ship adventures and all-inclusive luxury voyages to cultural river cruises and modern resort style ships perfect for the whole family. Meet over 100 cruise lines and specialist operators under one roof, get impartial advice you won’t find in brochures, and save thousands of pounds with exclusive ‘show only’ offers. And with a very special offer for Flagship readers of £6 off every ticket booked in advance, this is an opportunity not to be missed. To book, visit www.cruisingshow.com or call 0871 620 4024 and quote ‘FLAGSHIP’ to qualify for the discounted ticket price.

We look forward to seeing you there!

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THE BANDS OF HER MAJESTY’S ROYAL MARINES

CONCERTS IN AID OF SEAFARERS UK 2013 Truro Hall for Cornwall

Sun 17 Nov

01872 262466

www.hallforcornwall.org

Edinburgh Usher Hall

Tues 19 Nov

0131 228 1155

www.usherhall.co.uk

Barnstaple Queen’s Theatre

Sun 24 Nov

01271 324242

www.northdevontheatres.org.uk

Carlisle Sands Centre

Sun 1 Dec

01228 633766

www.thesandscentre.co.uk

Bristol Colston Hall

Sun 1 Dec

0844 887 1500

www.colstonhall.org

Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall

Wed 4 Dec

01303 228600

www.leascliffhall.co.uk

Worthing Assembly Hall

Fri 6 Dec

01903 206206

www.worthingtheatres.co.uk

Southampton Guildhall

Tue 10 Dec

023 8063 2601

www.livenation.co.uk

Dunfermline Carnegie Hall

Thurs 23 Jan

01383 602302

www.onfife.com

Watford Colloseum

Sun 9 Feb

0845 075 3993

www.watfordcolosseum.co.uk

Aberdeen Music Hall com

Wed 26 Feb

01224 641122

www.aberdeenperformingarts.

2014

Ipswich Regent Theatre

Sun 2 Mar

01473 433100

www.ipswichregent.com

Dunfermline Carnegie Hall

Thurs 6 Mar

01383 602302

www.onfife.com

Dorking Dorking Halls

Fri 7 Mar

01306 881717

www.dorkinghalls.co.uk

Inverness Eden Court Theatre

Wed 14 May

01463 234234

www.eden-court.co.uk

Eastbourne Winter Garden

Tues 15 July

01323 415500

www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Guildford G Live

Sat 18 Oct

0844 7701 797 www.glive.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall Sun 19 Oct

01892 530613

www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Isle of Wight Medina Theatre

01983 527020

www.medinatheatre.co.uk

Thurs 30 Oct

FOR TICKETS PLEASE CONTACT THE VENUES DIRECT. For further information about how seafarers in need benefit from these Royal Marines Band concerts, please contact Alexandra Sard on 023 9273 6101, email alexandra.sard@seafarers-uk.org (for concerts in England and Wales, shown in yellow) or Nick Davies on 07885 555760, email nick.davies@seafarers-uk.org (for concerts in Scotland and Carlisle, shown in white).

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EDITORIAL

From the Bridge Welcome to our slightly slimmer Flagship, which hopefully retains all the vital information you need to remain aware of and continue to support our seafaring community, while cutting down on the lessproductive advertising and thereby reducing our postal costs. We have Commodore Barry Bryant CVO RN Director General Seafarers UK

always been grateful that so many commercial organisations have supported our message with their advertisements but, with increasing paper and production costs, a slimmer magazine and more emphasis on digital communication through our website and Flagpost e-newsletter seemed to make sense. I apologise to those of you who are not online, but that in itself draws attention to the efforts the charity is making to ensure that digital training is available to everyone in the maritime community who needs it – more about this on the website very soon!

We seem to live in a world of constant change, adapting to rapid evolution in the welfare state and the economic landscape while still remaining loyal to the constant certainties and demands of a life at sea. Both commercial and military ships get ever-bigger and more efficient, but even the latest Maersk mega-ship and the potent T45 destroyer have to battle with elemental forces undreamed of by the majority of the public, and the months away from family and loved-ones are still as heart-rending today as they have ever been.

Fortunately, seafarers from the UK and much of the Commonwealth enjoy some of the more enlightened welfare facilities around our coasts, but commercial shipping must now be seen in a global context, and we shall continue to strive with our international colleagues to ensure that the best practice laid down in the recent Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC2006) spreads across the world’s shipping lanes. MLC2006 has been aptly described as a long-awaited ‘Bill of Rights’ for all seafarers and, while our primary focus will always be the UK and Commonwealth, we are also determined to play our part as the UK-end of what must become a global welfare network.

The British seafarer going ashore in Nigeria or the United States must be assured of the same warm and safe welcome and comprehensive port facilities that his Nigerian or American counterpart enjoys in Felixstowe or Liverpool. Easy to say, but much work remains to be done over the next few years.

I’m sure it will not have escaped your notice that next year, 2014, commemorates the start of the First World War. In our original guise as King George’s Fund for Sailors, we were born out of that conflict, and specifically the slaughter in the first Battle of the Atlantic, when the German U-boats waged unforeseen and indiscriminate warfare against our supply routes and other shipping, sinking warships, merchantmen and fishing boats alike. We are thus proud to have always continued the tradition of supporting the whole UK maritime community.

However, we do not wish to see our own centenary in 2017 submerged by the barrage of commemorations of the Western Front, no matter how worthy they may be. Specific plans for 2017 are under consideration, but I have asked the team to construct an integrated strategy for the period 2014-18, putting in context the maritime struggle and ensuring that your charity plays a full part in the Royal and Merchant Navies’ plans for an integrated commemoration.

We will use future issues of Flagship and Flagpost* and the website to keep you up to date.

Finally, as another festive season approaches, please spare a thought as always for those at sea over Christmas and New Year, and thank them, and all their seafaring colleagues, for the constancy and courage that keeps our island nation afloat. Let me join with my staff, our trustees and all our beneficiary charities in thanking you all for your generosity, without which we would find it impossible to help those in distress and, in the sincere hope that you will all be with us for another year, wish you all a very Happy Christmas. * You can sign up to Flagpost via the homepage of our website at www.seafarers-uk.org

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GRANTS NEWS

grants news

by Dennis Treleaven, Director of Grants and External Operations

Applications surge as all-yearround grants introduced Toe in the Water aim to inspire ex-service people, many of whom have sustained traumatic injuries, including the loss of limbs, to move beyond their disability through re-hab training and competitive sailing.

“In this year’s four grant rounds we had a total of 121 valid applications, compared to 89 in 2012, seeking a total of £3.7 million.”

In

January 2013 we introduced continuous grant-making, which is tailored around the changing needs of our beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries, and offers more flexibility. Applications have surged as a result. To date, not including December’s applications, we have funded 72 grants worth £1.392 million.

We expect to make grants of £2.5 million in total for 2013.

In this year’s four grant rounds we had a total of 121 valid applications, compared to 89 in 2012, seeking a total of £3.7 million. This means our grants applications will have increased by almost 36 per cent this year.

An interesting small grant from our 4

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June round was awarded to Toe in the Water, who aim to inspire ex-service people, many of whom have sustained traumatic injuries, including the loss of limbs, to move beyond their disability through re-hab training and competitive sailing. They have been charity of the year at Cowes Week since 2010 and have an ‘exit strategy’: they aim to cease operations when the number of patients in the recovery pathway drops below the level before the first Gulf War. Another new beneficiary was The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME), the only UK charity dedicated to helping the over 50s become established through business entrepreneurship. They were awarded a grant for a seafarers-specific project.

Providing training, mentoring and much more, PRIME has helped 25,000 over 50s since its inception in 1999. You can read

more about PRIME’s work on page 13.

A grant of £5,000 went to the Sri Lanka Ex-Servicemen’s Association, who were seeking support for a mobile visiting health service for their 636 veterans, who served the Crown prior to independence.

This grant was brokered by the Royal Commonwealth Ex-Services League.

Further details and application forms for both the main grants and small grants programmes are available to download at www.seafarers-uk.org

CAMPAIGNING

Keeping the UK afloat

by Nick Harvey, Campaigns Manager

The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society welcomed the Mayor of Reigate and Banstead, Councillor Dr Lynne Hack, at their ‘open afternoon’, when children from Woodmansterne Primary School came dressed as seafarers and sang sea shanties!

As

regular Flagship readers know, Seafarers UK is the only grant-making charity that works for the whole maritime community, supporting seafarers in greatest need, their families and dependants, across the Merchant Navy, Fishing Fleets, Royal Navy and Royal Marines.

That unique position, coupled with our Royal Charter Objects, explains why we take a leading role in raising awareness of seafarers and our dependence as an ‘island nation’ on the vital work that they do. Now in its fourth year, Seafarers Awareness Week (24-30 June) successfully promoted the fact that seafarers ‘keep the UK afloat’, as 95 per cent of imports and 75 per cent of exports are carried by ship.

This year we encouraged our beneficiary charities and other welfare organisations to make the most of the opportunity provided

by Seafarers Awareness Week to raise their own profile and, where appropriate, to raise funds. Nearly 40 local events were staged, including some co-ordinated by local Port Welfare Committees with funding offered by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board.

VIP support for Seafarers Awareness

Week came in the form of warm words from Shipping Minister Stephen Hammond MP and an Early Day Motion (‘This House supports Seafarers Awareness Week…’) signed by 35 MPs in the House of Commons on 19 June.

Second Sea Lord Vice Admiral David Steel enthusiastically promoted the importance of seafaring in a video, which we filmed when he was onboard HMS Illustrious for a fundraising dinner to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the Battle of the Atlantic.

BBC TV ‘Coast’ presenter Neil Oliver (pictured) kindly agreed to launch Seafarers Awareness Week and helped us to secure £120,000 worth of radio, TV and web media coverage.

He said: ‘As an island nation we absolutely depend on seafarers and the work they do 365 days a year. They handle 95 per cent of our imports, deliver fuel for our power stations, protect our shipping and provide food for our tables.

Seafarers Awareness Week is about

“As an island nation we are absolutely dependent on seafarers and the work they do 365 days a year...

Seafarers Awareness Week is about acknowledging their impact on our daily lives.”

acknowledging their impact on our daily lives.’

Alongside Seafarers UK Director General Barry Bryant, Neil Oliver was interviewed by 16 radio stations, including BBC 5 Live, BBC Radio Scotland and BBC Radio Wales, plus ITV Anglia. Thirty more radio stations broadcast a pre-recorded audio feature. And media websites that showed our campaigning video included the hugely popular Govtoday public sector news platform and the Daily Record in Scotland.

A survey sponsored by Seafarers UK revealed that a third of UK children know little about our maritime world, leading to a call during Seafarers Awareness Week for education about our rich maritime heritage and dependence on seafarers and shipping to be included in the National Curriculum.

www.seafarersawarenessweek.org SeafarersAwarenessWeek @SeafarersWeek

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FUNDRAISING

A very special Another great year for memory our successful eventers

When Philip and Ray Lindley’s children, Richard and Jeremy, insisted that their parents celebrate their golden wedding anniversary, Philip and Ray agreed on the proviso that they receive no presents. In lieu of gifts they asked friends and family to make a donation to Seafarers UK for a very special reason: Philip’s father, Roland Lindley, was financial secretary for King George’s Fund for Sailors.

Roland took on the job just after war had broken out in 1939, when a BBC appeal on behalf of KGFS received a record response, prompting the need for a full-time financial secretary. Roland also took on responsibility for organising fundraising events. Among these were ‘The Royal Navy & Merchant Navy Ball’ at the Dorchester Hotel, where tombola prizes included packs of cigarettes and home perm kits; glittering film premieres where Roland and his wife rubbed shoulders with Jack Hawkins and Sir John Mills; and pantomimes where the audiences included the very young Princess Anne and Prince Charles.

We at Seafarers UK felt truly honoured that Philip and Ray were happy to share their story with us and most grateful for the donations we received in lieu of gifts for their golden wedding anniversary.

Should you have any memories or stories about our charity, we would love to hear from you. Please call us on 020 7932 0000 or email seafarers@seafarers-uk.org.

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This has been another busy year for the Seafarers UK Events Fundraising Team, with over 110 individuals taking part and raising more than £150,000. Challenges included the London Marathon, 24 hour triathlons, swimming in London’s Docklands, going stripy on Nautical Friday, and the Fish & Chip Feast.

Once again, the ever-popular London Marathon was a great success, with 24 runners pound-

ing the streets to raise money for seafarers in need. We were very lucky to be able to invite all the participants’ families to HQS Wellington, where they could watch the runners and celebrate their success. The men and women who ran for us raised over £40,000 to help fund projects supported by Seafarers UK. Some of our other brave eventers enjoyed swimming one mile in the River Thames at Millwall Dock. The sun shone and the water temperature rose to a balmy 19

degrees making the conditions slightly more desirable than expected – most are planning to take part again!

Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our events this year.

It’s been great to have you in our team and we look forward to seeing you in 2014.

For more information about our events in 2014, contact our Events Team on 020 7932 5961, email events@seafarers-uk.org or visit www.seafarers-uk.org/events

Making a difference to young lives

Launched in March 2012, our Children’s Appeal aimed to increase the profile and level of support we give to charities that look after the welfare needs of our seafarers’ children, and to organisations that provide activities and personal development opportunities for children in a maritime environment. Thanks to the generosity of our individual, corporate and trust supporters, as we bring the Children’s Appeal to a close, we have raised in excess of £150,000!

Since the launch of the appeal we have directly aided 17,205 young people through our grants to

charities supporting the children of seafarers and to maritime youth organisations, providing vital support to individuals and the seafaring community. It is humbling to hear how the support we give children can literally change their lives.

Luke grew up in a deprived area with high rates of crime and drug use. Inevitably, he began to get into trouble with the police, his attendance at school was poor and he left without any qualifications.

Luke took a positive step towards taking a different road in life when he joined the Sea Cadets. The Sea Cadets introduced him to an environment where, with self-discipline and leadership, he could develop his skills and build his confidence. He was encouraged to study for qualifications and work towards achieving a Duke of Edinburgh’s award. Luke eventually re-sat his GCSEs and is continuing his studies through the Marine Society’s College at Sea. The donations we have received will enable us to continue our work with other charitable organisations in changing lives and making a difference. We would like to thank everyone who supported the Seafarers UK Children’s Appeal.

FUNDRAISING

Stripes for Nautical Friday

The Victory Squadron Team (from left to right) Able Seaman James Bowmaster, Able Seaman Hannah Aaser, Able Seaman Ben Harvey, and Able Seaman Shaun Blythe with their collecting buckets in Southampton City Centre.

Many of you joined in our ‘Get stripy’ campaign on Seafarers UK’s national fundraising day – Nautical Friday on 17 May 2013.

Thank you all for your

fantastic support and brilliant photos you sent to us as part of our ‘Best Nautical Dress’ photo competition.

As well as getting ‘stripy’ many of you got involved in

Staff from Headland Media got ‘stripy’ to raise funds for seafarers in need.

other activities to raise funds in support of the maritime community, including street collections, quiz nights, the drinking of ‘Pirate Punches’ and cake selling, to mention

just a few. A special thank you goes to the Victory Squadron Trainees from HMS Collingwood for raising £600 by collecting money onboard the Isle of Wight ferries and in

Merchant Navy Fund makes first grants The Merchant Navy Fund, launched in November 2012, is a collaboration between the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and Seafarers UK to create a fund specifically for the support of UK Merchant Navy seafarers and their families. From the amazing response we have received in just a year it is apparent that many people want to see their donations support the UK Merchant Navy community. We are delighted that the donations received to date have enabled us to start allocating grants, helping to improve the lives of those who have served or are serving in the UK Merchant Navy.

A grant of £10,000 went to Care Ashore (formerly known as the Merchant Seamen’s War Memorial Society), a charity that provides comprehensive support to former seafarers, including sheltered housing, holidays, facilities and entertainment.

‘The grant will go towards meeting the costs of providing respite breaks for seafarers and their dependants,’ said Trevor Goacher, chief executive of Care Ashore.

‘While benefiting from the peaceful and tranquil setting our residents also have access to the other support services we provide. The grant we received has ensured we are able to continue providing

our services to our grateful beneficiaries.’

Mariners’ Park, a care home in Wallasey for retired seafarers and their dependants, run by Nautilus Welfare, wanted to create a safe and secure garden for their ever-increasing number of residents with dementia. Research indicates that the sensory experience of a garden can help improve the sense of well-being for people with dementia. A grant of £4,920 from the Merchant Navy Fund will be spent on a secure gate and benching.

Thanks to the grant, work on the garden can be started and should be complete by the end of the year.

Southampton city centre.

Next year’s Nautical Friday will take place on 16 May 2014. We hope you will ‘jump aboard’ and help us to make it a success again!

KEEP IN TOUCH/ KEEP INFORMED

To keep up-to-date with all our fundraising activities and to find out how to get involved, sign up to our regular email newsletter Flagpost.

Go to: www.seafarers-uk.org or email: seafarers@seafarers-uk.org

If your organisation would like to apply for a grant from the Merchant Navy Fund please contact our grants team at grants@ seafarers-uk.org or call 020 7932 0000.

More information on the Merchant Navy Fund, including information on how to support the Fund, can be found at www.merchantnavyfund.org.

MERCHANT NAVY FUND IN MEMORIAM We acknowledge with honour and respect the special donations we receive in memory of the deceased from their families and friends.

Mr Edward (Ted) Joseph Brice Brother of Mr F Hawley Mr Ernest Charles Page

If you are interested in reading our 2012 Annual Report, or our recently published 2012-13 Impact Report, please visit www.seafarers-uk.org/ about-us/publications W I N T E R 2013

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FUNDRAISING

Seafarers UK joins Battle of the Atlantic 70th anniversary commemorations

As an ‘island nation’, Britain is just as dependent on seafarers now as it was 70 years ago when the balance in the Battle of the Atlantic tipped towards the Allies during 1943, helping to end World War II. With 70th anniversary commemoration events taking place in London and Liverpool in May, it made perfect sense for Seafarers UK to join in, celebrating the still vital role of seafarers, and taking the opportunity to educate the 8

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HM Royal Marines Band plays on the deck of HMS Illustrious; the Seafarers UK stall at the commemorations in Liverpool; young and old seafarers meet.

WINTER 2013

great British public about the huge contribution seafarers make to the UK economy.

In the capital, a reception and dinner were held on 9 May onboard the aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious, moored on the River Thames at Greenwich, raising over £200,000 for Seafarers UK and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity.

Fleet Commander Vice Admiral Philip Jones welcomed 350 guests for a splendid evening that

began with a champagne reception on deck to view a fly-past featuring a Fairey Swordfish, a Catalina flying boat and naval helicopters, with stirring music played by the Portsmouth Royal Marines Band. The BBC’s One Show, with comedian Eddie Izzard, also broadcast live from the flight deck. The dinner took place in the main hangar with Merchant Navy and Royal Navy veterans from the Battle of the Atlantic present

as VIP guests. HRH The Duke of York, KG, was the guest of honour and TV presenter and historian Dan Snow was the afterdinner speaker. The gala dinner was sponsored by Johnnie Walker Whisky and also featured a fundraising auction that raised £87,000, with prizes including a day at sea in a warship, kindly donated by the First Sea Lord.

In Liverpool, Seafarers UK invited 250 guests to a reception in the Merseyside Maritime Museum on 24 May. Welcomed by the newlyelected Lord Mayor, Councillor Gary Millar, veterans and VIPs enjoyed speeches from First Sea Lord Admiral Sir George Zambellas and Seafarers UK’s Chairman Peter Wilkinson. Elsewhere, Seafarers UK staff and volunteers ran a stand on Liverpool’s Pier Head, where numerous displays and activities attracted an estimated 300,000 visitors, before joining 2,000 people for a moving commemorative service in Liverpool Cathedral attended by the Princess Royal.

Seafarers UK also joined The Royal British Legion and the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity in sponsoring a Veterans Welcome Centre in the historic Port of Liverpool Building. Many Merchant Navy and Royal Navy veterans enjoyed free refreshments supplied by local Sea Cadet units, providing an opportunity for some of our oldest and youngest seafarers to chat about their common love of the sea.

CHARITY FOCUS

Royal Navy & Royal Marines Widows’ Association Left: Two members of the RNRMWA enjoy a Family Activity Break with their children. Right: Members from the Portsmouth area visiting the beautiful grounds of West Dean.

T

he Royal Navy & Royal Marines Widows’ Association (RNRMWA) was set up in 2008 as a response to the growing need for a support group for those widowed within the Armed Forces Naval community.

Starting with just four ladies, we now have more than 70 members and welcome anyone who has lost a husband, wife or recognised partner while they were serving. In addition we have associate members who have lost their partner after they left the service. We cover a wide age range, from ladies in their eighties to young women sadly widowed in their twenties. Our members have been bereaved in many ways – from operations in the Falklands, Iraq and Afghanistan, or as a result of natural causes or accidents.

The RNRMWA is run by a group of volunteers and we rely on a small income from donations and grants which we use to produce a newsletter,

maintain our website and attend meetings and acts of remembrance. Seafarers UK was instrumental in providing a generous grant to help us with setting up the Association.

Friendship and Support

One of the most important aspects of our work is to provide friendship, support and comfort to those in need. While you can read lots of books on bereavement and grief, it is support and contact with those who have themselves been through the same experience and can share with you how you are feeling, that is most beneficial.

We can put widows in touch with each other, if that’s what they want and, although we are not trained counsellors, we can provide a listening ear.

We also run social events and have a lively Facebook page.

Information and Signposting Over the past four years we have built up a considerable degree of knowledge.

However, if we don’t have the answer to a question, we have a wide contact list and should be able to signpost widows in

“I will never be the same, but somehow I am learning to live with this new life.

Having met with other widows, I feel less alone.”

—RNRMWA Member, 2008 the right direction. We also have a close working relationship with the War Widows Association and the Army and RAF Widows’ groups.

Representation

Considering the sacrifice made by members of the Naval Service, the opportunity for our members to be represented, or indeed represent themselves, at national and local acts of remembrance and commemoration is one of the most important parts of our remit.

We also represent widows at meetings in Westminster

and with the Navy and Royal Marines in an attempt to improve the lot of the military widow. Although lobbying is not a specific aim of the Association, we do support various campaigns along with our Army, RAF and War Widows colleagues.

Being married to someone in the Armed Forces very quickly becomes part of your own life. When tragedy strikes and bereavement occurs, losing this link can be keenly felt by the widow or widower left behind. In a small way we can provide that link. The Royal Navy & Royal Marines Widows’ Association is here to help but more importantly it can provide friendship and support to those in need.

For more information about the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Widows’ Association visit www. rnrmwidowsassociation.org or email rnrmwidowsassociation@ hotmail.com.

With help from the Naval Personal and Families Service and RAF Welfare, the RNRMWA has recently produced ‘A Bereaved Families’ Guide’, which provides some answers to the difficult questions often asked when tragedy hits. To order a copy, please e-mail rnrmwidowsassociation@hotmail.com.

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community news SEAFARERS UK ANNUAL GOLF DAY

PERTH BAND CONCERT

Once again, the annual Golf Day at Southwick Park Golf Club near Portsmouth in aid of Seafarers UK was a great success, with a full complement of teams taking part in a Texas Scramble, followed by a refreshing pint of Seafarers Ale (courtesy of Fuller’s) and an excellent curry supper. The ABarBistro in Old Portsmouth kindly donated this year’s polo shirts.

Next year’s annual Golf Day: 21 July 2014.

Seafarers UK was the beneficiary of a performance in Perth Concert Hall that featured the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland and the Perth Choral Society.

The Provost of the City, Liz Grant, hosted a Civic Reception prior to the concert.

Provost Grant is pictured with members

Early July saw the Royal Marines Band Scotland perform at the Villa Marina Theatre in Douglas, Isle of Man for Seafarers UK. The band also provided music for the island’s Annual Tynwald ceremony and Beat Retreat, which took place the following day. Again, the sun shone throughout!

The Eastbourne Summer Royal Marines Band concert in the Winter Garden Theatre in July proved to be one of the best attended this year.

The Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Portsmouth,

Sea Cadets from TS Manxman

ROYAL MARINES BAND CONCERTS ENGLAND & WALES (& MALTA!)

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of the Seafarers UK Perthshire Committee led by Hon Vice President of the charity Admiral John Mackenzie, with Alicia Rootes, Richard Dorman, Tony Herdman and Ewen Honeyman. (Picture

by Louis Flood.)

SCOTLAND

NEW REPRESENTATIVE IN MALTA!

THE ROYAL EDINBURGH TATTOO 2013

Seafarers UK now has a representative in the Maltese islands! On a recent trip to Gozo, Alexandra Sard mentioned Seafarers UK, and the work that we do, to an old friend Peter Pisani, a successful local property developer who lives and works in Gozo. As a former P&O Steward many years ago Peter is keen to fly the flag for Seafarers UK.

Seafarers UK was again honoured to be allowed the use of the VIP box at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo 2013.

Led by the Chairman, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, the Seafarers UK party of supporters and sponsors enjoyed a fantastic display of pageantry and colour. The Tattoo has taken place on the Esplanade under the walls of Edinburgh Castle since

directed by Captain Pete Curtis MBE, provided an excellent programme of music and the audience entered into the spirit of the event by waving their Union Flags enthusiastically during the Band’s rendition of the Britannic Salute at the close of the evening. Sea Cadets and Royal Marines Cadets from TS Eastbourne were on hand to sell programmes and raffle tickets – their persuasive powers must have worked well as we made a record front-of-house profit!

1950, and raises funds for several charities, including Seafarers UK. ENGLAND & WALES

NATIONAL ARMED FORCES CELEBRATIONS National Armed Forces Day took place in Nottingham at the end of June, where committee members from Nottingham and Lincoln kindly volunteered to run a stand for Seafarers UK. Representatives

COMMUNITY NEWS SUMMER PARTIES

TITANIC BELFAST

Chairman of the Pembroke Committee, John Thomas Ferrand, and Mrs Tamzin Lewis.

The Seafarers UK Pembroke Committee held their everfundraising team: Keith Frizzell, Sarah Melville Watson, Nick Davies popular Summer Garden Party in Upton Castle at the The (Seafarers UK), Bronagh O’Hagan, Rebecca Simmons, Steven Frizzell. end of June, by kind permission of the castle’s owners, Mr and Mrs Stephen Barlow, who have spent six Titanic Belfast is an iconic years restoring the castle. Over 150 guests enjoyed the In recognition of Seafarers UK’s posisix-floor building featuring nine tion as the leading charity for seafarers ambience of this superb venue and were able to make interactive galleries exploring the in need, staff from the Titanic Belfast the most of the dry weather to spend the evening in (pictured below), a major tourist sights, sounds, smells and stories the pretty courtyard garden.

Another successful summer party was held by the attraction for Northern Ireland, of the Titanic, as well as the City Seafarers UK Felixstowe Committee who had their chose Seafarers UK for their cha- of Belfast and the people that Riverside Strawberries and Music evening at Felixstowe rity fundraising effort in 2013.They built her. Visitors learn about the Ferry Sailing Club in June. The speaker was Captain have raised over £1,000 through construction of the ship and the Ian Gibb MBE, Commodore Captain of P&O Cruises. sales of Christmas cards, a charity rich story of Northern Ireland’s It is always a lovely event and this year was no disap- football match, and by taking part industrial and maritime heritage.

There are many fascinating stories pointment. Well done to Derek Peters and his team for in this year’s Belfast Marathon. their organisational skills! Not content with one success, Felixstowe Committee followed this with their own ‘Last Night of the Proms’, featuring the Felixstowe Festival Orchestra, soloists and children’s choir, at St Johns Church in Felixstowe on 21 September. Another great evening, with wine kindly donated by Mariner Limited of Marsa, Malta, and served by the very smart and efficient Sea Cadets of TS Landguard.

about people involved in the epic feat of engineering to build such a beautiful ship, and most moving accounts of the lives of those lost in her tragic sinking.

This world-class exhibition opened in March 2012, and an amazing 800,000 people visited in the first year. If you haven’t been to Titanic Belfast yet – go and see – it really is a fantastic day out!

Tenby Sea Cadets at Upton Castle

from Plymouth and Cornwall committees also flew the Seafarers UK flag for their local Armed Forces Days during the same weekend, so our charity was well represented!

ENGLAND & WALES

CDR JOHN CURTEIS Chris Rankin/Plymouth Armed Forces Day

It is with profound sadness that we have to report the sudden death on 13 September of Cdr John Curteis RNR,

Seafarers UK Vice President and long-term member of the Cardiff Committee. As Deputy Lieutenant of South Glamorgan and a former High Sheriff, John was a well-known and popular figure in South Wales. He will be greatly missed by many. Our thoughts are with his widow Fiona and the family.

England & Wales Alexandra Sard MBE, Community Support Manager: alexandra.sard@ seafarers-uk.org 023 9273 6101 Scotland & Northern Ireland Captain Nick Davies, Regional Representative: nick.davies@ seafarers-uk.org 07885 555760 W I N T E R 2013

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New ‘Bill of Rights’ for seafarers

Seafarers UK welcomed the news in August that the Maritime Labour Convention 2006 (MLC) has been ratified by the UK. This new International Labour Organization convention updates more than 68 labour standards in the maritime sector. It sets minimum standards for seafarers’ living and

working conditions. Notably, the MLC 2006 defines seafarers as “all persons who are employed or are engaged or work in any capacity onboard a ship”, which includes not just the crew navigating or operating the ship, but also, for example, hotel staff on cruise ships or yachts.

The ratification of the MLC involved several UK government departments, the UK Chamber of Shipping, Nautilus International, the RMT trade union and other ‘stakeholders’. The UK currently has 1,383 vessels on its register, totalling 16.57 million gross tonnage. There are approximately 89,000 seafarers working on UK-flagged ships and more than 24,100 UK nationals work as seafarers.

Revd Canon Ken Peters, director of justice and welfare at The Mission to Seafarers, said: ‘There is now an equal system of justice for the world’s 1.3 million seafarers. The MLC enshrines in law a seafarer’s right to access shorebased welfare facilities, which is a significant step and one that is essential to protecting the physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of seafarers.

‘Seafarers need to be granted time

off their ships to rest and recuperate and our chaplains will be there to assist them in 260 ports in 71 countries around the world, whether they need to use our centres to communicate with their families, talk to someone about their experiences onboard, or simply to relax in a welcoming environment. Access to medical care is another important aspect of the MLC, and now seafarers have the right to onboard medical care and can access qualified medical personnel in ports when needed.’

Stephen Hammond MP, UK Minister for Shipping, said: ‘I am pleased to adopt this convention. This will ensure that there are globally agreed standards for seafarers and their right to decent working conditions.

It also ensures a level playing field for the UK merchant fleet because the convention will require ships registered in other states to meet internationally agreed standards.’

Seafarers hit by benefit reforms

Miles Cowley, Manager, Seafarers Advice and Information Line

In April 2013, there were huge changes to the benefits system for adults below retirement age. The government claims the benefit reforms would ‘encourage people into work’ while opponents said that the changes would be ‘destabilising’ and ‘devastating’.

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The Seafarers Advice and Information Line (SAIL), which is partly funded by Seafarers UK, has examined the early impact of these changes on the seafarers helped by the charity.

Of all the changes, the ‘Bedroom Tax’ has caused most disruption so far. People ‘under-occupying’ social housing have seen their Housing Benefit cut. Some charities have challenged this reform as they believe it discriminates against those with disabilities.

SAIL has advised many former seafarers on this issue. Nearly all are struggling financially as the ‘Bedroom Tax’ results in a large drop in their income. Most would like to move to smaller properties, but there is a huge UK-wide shortage of one-bedroom properties.The government has given extra money to local authorities to help with the ‘Bedroom Tax’ but they have been overwhelmed with applications. A number of SAIL clients have been

caught in the resulting delays.

Reform of the Social Fund has led to a large increase in demand for local charity support in England and Wales. For example, the Trussell Trust has reported that the number of people using its food banks has more than doubled in the last year.

Personal Independence Payments (PIP) have replaced the Disability Living Allowance (DLA) for workingage adults. New applications across the country started in late June, so SAIL has seen little impact on clients so far, but PIP will be harder to get than DLA, so in the long term disabled seafarers will suffer.

Changes to Council Tax Benefit mean that most English adults below retirement age now have to pay some Council Tax. SAIL has helped a number of seafarers who have seen their income reduced by this change. In some circumstances non-payment of Council Tax can result in prison, so the consequences are potentially extremely serious.

In the long term, the introduction of Universal Credit will be the biggest change of all. It will affect those in work too as it replaces Child Tax Credits and Working Tax Credits.

But the roll out has been extremely slow with widespread reports of IT problems.

SAIL is run by Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureau on behalf of the Seamen’s Hospital Society with contributory funding from Seafarers UK. If you want to know more or are concerned about how the changes are affecting you, contact SAIL directly by calling 08457 413 318 or emailing admin@sailine.org.uk.

NEWS

The first London International Shipping Week (LISW) took place from 9 to 13 September. It successfully brought together the many components of the maritime sector, to learn, network, do business and celebrate the international shipping community.

While the unabashed aim of LISW was to ‘propel world trade’, it is worth remembering that any propulsion in the sector depends on seafarers. For this reason LISW recognised the important work of Seafarers UK and three other leading maritime charities.

The week provided Seafarers UK with some good fundraising opportunities, including a Charity Golf Day and a collection at the Gala Dinner. The charity also benefited from being invited to a number of highlevel events, which provided some invaluable networking opportunities.

The impact of the ‘human element’ on maritime safety is widely discussed

Trevor Marsh of ED and F Man Shipping Ltd who provided the winning bid for a bat signed by Darren Gough at the LISW Charity Golf Day

and recognised within the industry.

Seafarers UK supports projects that benefit individual seafarers and their families, and create a happier, more efficient and safer environment at sea.This is a practical way to support

the successful ‘propulsion’ of world trade.

Seafarers UK is very grateful to LISW for having given us the opportunity to inform and remind the international shipping

community of the vital work we support in helping to provide welfare assistance to those most in need within the maritime community. We greatly look forward to being involved in the next LISW!

New business: help for older seafarers Seafarers UK has teamed up with one of The Prince of Wales’s enterprisethemed charities to support ex-seafarers, and their families and dependants, in setting up their own businesses.

The Prince’s Initiative for Mature Enterprise (PRIME) is a national charity that helps people over the age of 50, who are unemployed or out of work, explore selfemployment. It has recently been awarded a grant from Seafarers UK to deliver their specialist business start-up services designed exclusively for older people.

Working together with Seafarers UK, PRIME will be visiting traditional maritime cities including Portsmouth, Liverpool, Bristol and London, to offer aspiring

mature entrepreneurs with a seafaring background, or in a relationship with someone from the seafaring community, the opportunity to take part in workshops, training courses and mentoring programmes.

This is the first time PRIME has delivered facilities for people from the Services and aims to address the lack of support for ex-seafarers, and their families and dependants, who want to transform their lives by starting their own businesses as a route back into sustainable employment.

Julie and Mark Bestford, from Dronfield, Derbyshire, set-up their own company, Boatwork Ltd, assisting private boat owners, boatyards and water sports centres in the building,

repair, maintenance and support of their water-based craft. Both served in the Royal Navy and Mark was able to grow the company thanks to the training he had received from PRIME following a course in Sheffield in February 2013.

PRIME’s director of client services, Teresa Folkes, said: ‘The number of unemployed over 50s in the UK is rising and our aim is to help this group of people realise that there is an alternative to securing sustainable and fulfilling employment

through setting up their own businesses.

‘We’re looking forward to working with the seafaring community and we would like to hear from people who are over 50 and want to know how to set-up a business.’

For further information call 0845 862 2023 or visit prime.org.uk W I N T E R 2013

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LEGACIES IN MEMORIAM

Leaving a gift in your will

As

a charity, we rely heavily on bequests to enable us to maintain our long-term support for the organisations and projects that support seafarers in need.

In particular, gifts in wills help us to plan and maintain services in a consistent way. A bequest may not be available to us for some considerable time, but it will provide a vital source of income in the years ahead, helping us to withstand difficult economic conditions in the future.

We are very grateful to those who remember and acknowledge Seafarers UK in this way. In 2012, our legacy income amounted to £864,000.This represented 35 per cent of the grants we awarded in the same year.

If your total estate is worth in excess of the current inheritance tax threshold, it could be liable for 40 per cent tax. However, since 6 April 2012, people who leave 10 per cent or more of their net estate to charity can choose to pay a reduced rate of inheritance tax of just 36 per cent. So if you decide to leave 14

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a gift in your will to Seafarers UK, money that might otherwise be taken in tax will benefit seafarers in need. You can be assured that we will put your kind donation to very good use, no matter how big or small it is, and it will go a long way to supporting our future work.

When you are drawing up your will, we would of course recommend that you make adequate provision for your family, before considering making a charitable gift. Your solicitor will be able to advise you about this.

If you have already drawn up your will, you can use a document called a ‘codicil’ to make alterations, including adding new beneficiaries. Your codicil must be signed by you and witnessed in the same way as your original will.

Generally codicils are used for straightforward changes, but if a complicated change is involved, it is usually advisable to seek advice from your solicitor.

If you would like to find out more about leaving a gift in your will to Seafarers UK please telephone Chris Brown on 020 7932 0000 or email chris.brown@seafarers-uk.org

We thank most sincerely the families and friends of those recently deceased, who have chosen to support Seafarers UK in their memory.

Mrs M W Ballantyne Captain Michael Barrow CVO DSO RN Mr John Arnold Bate Mr Kenneth Budd Mrs Olive Burns Admiral Sir John Bush GCB DSC RN Mrs Margaret (Peg) Chambers Mr Alan Cooper Lt Cdr James Bernard Crick Mrs Beryl Dimmock Mr John Donnelly Lt Cdr Geoffrey Mortimer Heneage Drummond RN LEM Eric Duncan RN 1954-1963 Sir Norman Ross Dutton King KBE Mrs Jean Ethel Elliott Mr Derek Neil Gayler Mr Ernest Sidney Walter Gilchrist Mr Arthur John Hallitt Mr Will Headon Mr Ronald Howe Mr David Frederick Lane Captain John Pym Loughan Cdr Brian Stansfield Mallory Mr Peter Barrett Miles Mr George Parker Mrs Norah Pickering Mr Alan Edward Pothecary Mr Morris Rush Mr Clement Norman Saull Mr Raymond Scott Mr Reginald Shutlar Mr Pierce David Stapleton Lt Cdr James B Stokes Lt Cdr Jeremy ‘Jem’ Tetley RN Mrs Evelyn Thomas Mr Thomas Walsh Mrs Irene Margaret Warren Mr Peter John Watchous Mr Clifford Welch Admiral Sir ‘Sandy’ Woodward GBE KCB Mrs Katherine Wykes-Sneyd We also thank those people who have chosen to make a quiet personal remembrance of a friend or relative anonymously; we may not have their names but we acknowledge them all with honour and respect.

The Royal Alfred Seafarers’Society

www.royalalfredseafarers.com

Providing quality residential nursing, dementia and short term respite care primarily for seafarers and their dependants. The nation owes a great deal to its seafarers and our home provides them with a safe haven in old age and adversity. If you know of someone that needs our help please contact us.

We offer modern en suite rooms and sheltered flats set in 14 acres of lovely Surrey countryside on the edge of Banstead. Donations and legacies are vital to us and help ensure that our residents continue to receive the best possible care.

For further information about the services we provide, or for advice on tax efficient giving, please contact the Chief Executive, Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt OBE, at Head Office, Weston Acres, Woodmansterne Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3HA.

Reg Charity No 209776. Est 1865

01737 353763 01737 362678

Phone: Fax:

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REVIEWS

Book reviews RECOMMENDED READS: reviewed by Barry Bryant

A Certain E.R.A: the life and times of Engineer RearAdmiral George Leslie Stephens 1889 – 1979

By Robert Stephens

Several years ago, I knew Vice Admiral Bob Stephens, the author of this biography, as a much valued trustee of KGFS following his very distinguished career in the Royal Canadian Navy (RCN).

What I didn’t know then was that he was following in the equally distinguished footsteps of his father George, who began his professional life as an apprentice in Devonport Dockyard before signing on as an Engine Room Artificer in one of the first ships of the RCN. Just over 32 years later, he was promoted to

Engineer Rear Admiral – from ERA to ERA! In the fledging RCN engineering branch, George’s leadership and innovation did much to lay the foundations of the potent fighting force that played such a pivotal role in the Battle of the Atlantic. I much enjoyed Bob Stephens’ detailed but warm and engaging story of his father’s struggle to create the support structure of a new Navy, and the book provides a fascinating reflection – not least on relations with the British Admiralty – from the other side of the pond. Royalties from sales will go to the charity set up in memory of Bob’s late daughter Jeanne, helping to reduce poverty in rural Mozambique.

stark reminder of the Royal Naval Division’s struggle on the Western Front, facing both an implacable foe and the sometimes downright hostile culture of the British Army.

Sub Lt. Edwin Dyett RNVR was the only naval officer executed for desertion during WW1, and Cdr Bill Evershed has written this two-act play after some meticulous research as a tribute to a hapless victim, often compared to Admiral Byng and shot ‘pour encourager les autres’.

Although written to be performed by schools or amateur dramatic groups (with any Performing Rights going to Seafarers UK!), I found it a moving and sensitive story

and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in social, military and naval history.

The Choir Press, 106pp, £6.99 ISBN: 9781909300088 Available from amazon.co.uk

Seawaves Books/Jeanne Stephens Foundation, 274pp, £20 ISBN: 9781894147057 Available from: seawavespress.com

Flanders Poppy: The Court Martial of Edwin Dyett

By Bill Evershed

As we approach the centenary commemorations of the First World War, A Flanders Poppy is a

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PROVIDING A SAFE HAVEN FOR SEAFARERS SINCE 1920 www.cyyyyyyyyy.yyg Rygiytyyyd Cyyyity Ny. 207500 / Rygiytyyyd Cyyyyyy Ny. 0428236 18

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Fyy yyy yyqyyyyyy yy yy yyky y yyyytiyy yyyyyy cyyyycy: Tyy Officy Ayyyyyyyyyyyyy Cyyy Ayyyyyy Syyyyybyk Eyyyyyy Ayyyyyy Syyyyyy GU6 8EX Tyyyyyyyy: 01403 752555 Eyyyy: yyyy@cyyyyyyyyy.yyy

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Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest The Seamen’s Mission of the Methodist Church

Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest is a national charity based in the East End of London.

As we enter our 170th year QVSR continues to see a requirement for its work amongst those in need.

Originally set up exclusively for seafarers, today we assist seafarers (both active and retired) ex servicemen and other adults in need of accommodation.

Established 1843 Patron: HRH Princess Alexandra

Barbara Windsor MBE* at the Opening of QVSR’s Royal British Legion Wing in 2011 *by courtesy of the RBL

If you are interested in supporting the work of QVSR and would like a copy of our latest Annual Review please contact Alexander Campbell: alexcampbell@qvsr.org.uk

121–131 East India Dock Road, London, E14 6DF Tel: 020 7987 4622 Registered Charity: 1106126

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CROSSWORD & JACK CHAT THE CUTTY SARK PRIZE CROSSWORD

Atlantic by Celticus Five clues refer to British warships linked by a common theme and lack further definition. The heading should help. There will be a bottle of Cutty Sark whisky for the first correct entry pulled out of Flagship’s bicorn hat after the closing date of 15 December 2013. Post your entries to: Flagship Crossword, Seafarers UK, 8 Hatherley Street, London SW1P 2QT. 1

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JackChat

cartoons by Paul Thomas term for Naval pensioners, as such men were employed by the Admiralty as coastguards until 1923. Elderly civilian men employed by the Navy for cooking, cleaning and general maintenance duties during World War II were also widely known as ‘gobbies’.

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Go faster stripes

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Skyscraper

The widely-used term for a tall, multi-storey building has a nautical origin. It originally referred to a small triangular sail set seventh in ascending order from the deck, which could only be used in fine and steady weather.

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Blimp 25

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ACROSS

1 Alloy a tad icy, uranium found inside (8) 5 None left in race, gods’ word! (6) 9 Last social climber embraces monarch in official garb (6) 10 Look, Ray, a brew! (5,3) 11 More than one reminder from creditor coming back with spoken estimate (6) 12 Aircraft variation (6) 14 Slate receptacle? (3) 16 Narcotic shrub without condition found in a part of France (7) 17 Francis hides Frenchman with Latin couple in ancient town (7) 19 She was tempting the night before (3) 20 Dump spinner for the very best (3-3) 22 Clear French from Michigan Street (6) 23 Cheap, yet refit is a blinder! (8) 24 Girl, first shepherd said, is profitable! (6) 25 Jumpy head of Yahoo goes after union leader and tipsy Irishman (6) 26 Hire phone company for hand (8)

Solution to the crossword from Flagship 22, Spring 2013.

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DOWN

1 Titanic last work from NATO enthusiast (11) 2 Read novel about avid hospital playwright (5,4) 3 Hague’s staff almost replaced after setback at work (6,9) 4 Navy moves around before Eurasian capital (7) 6 Studying what’s relevant? This will get you up to speed (7,8) 7 All singing from the same hymn sheet, one hopes (5) 8 Heads of executed Stuart kings (3) 13 Hear, hear! Former Scottish speaker is England batsman! (5,6) 15 Japanese entry refused for starters - note in visa unknown (6,3) 18 A Terrible fourth on the green at Plymouth (7) 21 Annoy US number two doing U-turn over drug (5) 23 Old coin was virtually worth a euro (3)

A small, non-rigid airship, originally used by Royal Navy aviators in World War I, now commonly deployed for mounting aerial cameras at sporting and other major events. Stuffy and incompetent senior military officers were often referred to as ‘Blimps’, particularly during World War II, after Low’s famous 1930s cartoon character ‘Colonel Blimp’, whose rotund dimensions resembled an airship. The apocryphal story is that the name comes from a War Office manual which stated that airships came in two forms: (a) rigid and (b) limp.

Gobby Older nickname for a member of the Coastguard Service, now generally supplanted by ‘Coasties’. The term’s origin is unknown, but probably derives from an old slang

Ironic name for the strengthening plates welded and bolted to the sides of Type 21 and Type 42 destroyers. As well as detracting from the aesthetically pleasing appearance of the Type 21s, their weight, together with the additional ballast required to maintain stability, actually caused a slight reduction in speed.

Queen’s hard bargain

Originally, a sailor who elected to join the Navy rather than go to prison. Later, used as a dereogatory term for an officer or rating who serves his full time to pension without doing anything very useful, and then goes on to draw his or her pension for twice as long. Of course, in today’s Navy, such personnel are likely to see their service terminated with ‘the Order of the Golden Toecap’.

You can order a signed copy of Jackspeak: a guide to British Naval Slang and Usage, by Dr Rick Jolly OBE, for just £10 including p&p, a saving of £2.50.

Send cheque for £10 to Palamanando Publishing, PO Box 42, Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 2YR, marking your order “Flagship Offer”. The author will personalise copies being bought as gifts on request.

A FUTURE WORTH FIGHTING FOR

We provide treatment and support for Veterans suffering from psychological injuries and have supported more than 100,000 ex-Service personnel since 1919.

Last year alone 1,700 Veterans sought our help and today we are working with 5,400 ex-Service men and women aged 18-101. Your support can help give Veterans, who have given so much for us, a more hopeful future.

For further information on ways to donate visit www.combatstress.org.uk Ex-Services Mental Welfare Society.

Company Registered in England & Wales No. 256353.

Charity Registration No. 206002.

Charity Registration Scotland No. SC038828.

Paul, served in Bosnia and Northern Ireland

Are you an ex-Serviceman/Woman?

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