Flagship magazine, Winter 2011

the magazine of Seafarers UK

issue 18

winter 2011

Destination ‘civvy street’

Coping with the real impact of defence cuts

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22/02/2011 09:18

art p e k a T of our

in one e Events ng Challe 2012! in p18

issue 18 | winter 2011

features

16 FUNDRAISING 2012 What we’ve got planned and how you can help

24 20

28

COVER STORY: Helping exnaval personnel make the transition to civilian life

Rainy days?: Report from the Maritime Charities Funding Group conference

30 CHARITY FOCUS: Welfare on

wheels - delivering help where it’s needed most

inside news

Grants news................................... 4 Community news.............................. 6 Scottish news................................... 9 Introducing our new President....... 13 Legacies and Individual donors...... 14 24 Peaks..................................... 20 Great South Run........................... 21

regulars

Flagship review. ............................. 38

From the bridge. .............................. 2 Letters. ............................................ 3

Scott 100 & the latest maritime books

Times past...................................... 46

JackChat......................................... 35 Crossword. ..................................... 35

Hull’s triple trawler tragedy, 1968

Meet the committee. ...................... 48

Writes of passage........................... 36 An embarrassing navigational error

the latest news and updates: www.seafarers-uk.org Flagship magazine is published by

Editor

Editorial inquiries/submissions flagship@seafarers-uk.org

Patron

Associate Editor

Change of address notification kirsty.aldis@seafarers-uk.org

President

Kirsty Aldis Craig Ryan

Art Director

James Sparling

8 Hatherley Street, London, SW1P 2QT T: 020 7932 0000; F: 020 7932 0095 www.seafarers-uk.org

Design, production & editorial www.lexographic.co.uk

Seafarers UK (King George’s Fund for Sailors) Printers ads cmtpw 30x185 16:38 Page 1 is30960 a Registered Charity in England & Wales,13/12/07 Warners UK, Lincolnshire No. 226446, incorporated under Royal Charter. Registered in Scotland SC038191.

MARINE DISTRESS SIGNALS

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Chairman

Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, CB, CVO

Director General

Commodore Barry Bryant, CVO, RN

www.painswessex.com wintER 2011

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EDITORIAL

From the bridge Quite frankly, if I was on the bridge, I wouldn’t have had time to look out of the windows for the past couple of months! The period between summer hols and Christmas is always busy, but this year has really brought home the breadth of Seafarers UK activity.

Commodore Barry Bryant CVO RN Director General Seafarers UK

Perhaps the centrepiece was the Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG) Conference in October, as we and our MCFG colleagues reflected on nearly five years of project activity, attacking what we saw as the greatest weaknesses in the overall nautical welfare coverage. There’s more detail later in the magazine, but I’m particularly grateful to our own Stacey Addison for some brilliant organisation, and to Martyn Lewis, the veteran broadcaster and now Chairman of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations, for giving his time and advice so generously. While clearly impressed with what we had achieved, he urged us on to even greater efforts and more ‘blue sky’ thinking – and that we certainly hope to do. Seafarers UK (i.e. me!) takes over the MCFG Chairmanship at the end of this year, and I must pay huge tribute to David Parsons of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board for his leadership of the Group over the past five years.

Two other major events were the Confederation of Service Charities (COBSEO) AGM at St James’ Palace, attended by The Prince of Wales as Patron; and an innovative Away Day held at Trinity House, where almost a full house of our Trustees examined several new initiatives for fundraising and campaigning. You will be hearing more of what was discussed in the months ahead, and quite a lot of thought went in to both our evolving relationship with the Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity and how we increasingly have to face the fact that commercial shipping is now a truly global business. I believe that Seafarers UK can no longer hide behind the white cliffs of Dover; we have to be seen as the UK and Commonwealth end of an international seafaring welfare coverage if we are to attract funding from the industry – and we have a few 2

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“We are asking all our client charities to explain in more detail exactly what difference our grants make to the lives of their beneficiaries. This enables us to make more informed decisions on where the money should go, and also helps us explain to donors what their generosity has achieved.” ideas about how we are to do that!

Mention of COBSEO reminds me that we’re boosting our income by providing ‘back office’ services (HR, financial and grants management) to both that organisation and the new Forces in Mind Trust, a scheme whereby £35 million of Big Lottery Fund money will be used to help the psychological wellbeing of servicemen making the transition back to civilian life. Using spare capacity and economies of scale are exactly what all charities should be doing to improve their own powers of benevolence.

Closer to home, we welcomed our new Corporate Partnerships & Fundraising Manager Jos Standerwick, joining from The Fishermen’s Mission. One of his first tasks is to take our highly successful relationship with Fuller’s Independent Family Brewers and Seafarers Ale to even greater heights - it’s a tough job! Donations from the sale of this excellent brew have now topped £74,000, which I reckon equates to nearly a million gallons of beer over the last few years. Bottoms up for the next million!

As I have suggested before in this column, any organisation that isn’t moving forward is inevitably stagnating at best and probably going

LETTERS

half-astern. Aside from the several headline issues above, we are constantly examining our routine internal processes, attributing costs more accurately (and thereby reducing them), introducing perhaps unwelcome but absolutely necessary checks on such things as data protection, and evolving more objective ways of looking at grants distribution to ensure that we’re making the most of our money or, more accurately, your money! We are asking all our client charities to explain in more detail exactly what difference our grants make to the lives of their beneficiaries. This enables us to make more informed decisions on where the money should go, and also helps us explain to donors what their generosity has achieved.

Finally, a word about campaigning and awareness. Plans are already well advanced for next year’s Seafarers Awareness Week (25 June-1 July). Joining the summer’s other great attractions of our Patron’s Diamond Jubilee and the London Olympics, Seafarers Awareness Week will be chock-full of exciting events culminating with Armed Forces Day in the iconic maritime setting of Plymouth – book your hotel early! In a more strategic sense, Seafarers UK is preparing to put its weight behind the reinvigorated Sea Vision campaign, which we now see as being the launch vehicle for a whole range of data and communication modules concerning the sea and its people. I’m convinced you’ll be hearing a lot more about this potential partnership in the future – not least how you will be able to use it to spread the word. Might we just begin to have ‘sea blindness’ on the run by this time next year?

My Flagship production team will be threatening me with the ‘delete’ button if I go on much longer, but I hope you’ll all appreciate being part of a relatively small organisation that punches above its weight – and we have fun doing it! May I wish you all a very happy and relaxed Christmas season, but spare a thought for those on watch as you attack the turkey!

Soon 2012 will be upon us, and may it be a prosperous New Year for all those in our great seafaring family.

Letters Do you have something to say about what you’ve read in Flagship or something you’d like to see included? Or perhaps you just want to get something off your chest? Please write (maximum 400 words) to the editor at Flagship, Seafarers UK, 8 Hatherley Street, London, SW1P 2QT or email to flagship@seafarers-uk.org, marking letters ‘for publication’. The editor reserves the right to condense letters.

Stolen caption The front cover of issue 17 shows a sailor showing a thief-knot. It is a variation of a reef knot used to tie kit-bags so that you knew whether it had been tampered with. I expect you knew that but it is a pity that it was not explained in the text.

Moray Rash

Bonnie and Forth?

Prince of Wales may well be building on the Clyde but the photo on page 10 (Flagship Summer 2011) shows the crane between the bridges on the RIVER FORTH rather than arriving on the River Clyde as captioned. Hopefully the Master and navigator on the Chinese merchant vessel knew where they were at the time the picture was taken!

Neil Cowan Lt Cdr RNR

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grants news Making the money go round significantly reduce the time bidders have to wait before learning if their applications have been successful.

Another important change was confirmed at the charity’s General Council meeting on 1 December. From 1 January 2012, beneficiary charities may apply for both Main Grants and Small Grants in the same year. Small Dennis Treleaven, Director of Grants and External Operations, makes grant recommendations to Seafarers UK Trustees based on greatest need grants (up to £5,000) may be applied for at any time Having agreed to continue paying grants and decisions are typically made within totalling £2.5 million per annum for the three months. foreseeable future, Seafarers UK Trustees Seafarers UK does not tend to give are pleased to announce a streamlining grants to individuals. As the UK’s of the charity’s Grants Programmes, leading maritime welfare grant-making with effect from January 2012. charity, Seafarers UK supports more Main Grants will in future be than 70 other charities and organisations awarded bi-annually. The Spring/ working with UK and Commonwealth Summer window opens from 9 January seafarers, ex-seafarers, their spouses to 9 March, with decisions made by 25 or dependants. Funding bids are June. The Autumn/Winter round runs also welcomed from maritime youth from 2 July to 31 August, with decisions organisations. announced in December. This will This year Seafarers UK received

applications for grants exceeding £4m.

Successful bidders will be contacted during December. Of the £2.5m available this year, approximately £178,000 has already been allocated, including 18 Small Grants plus a two-year grant to the Seafish Industry Authority that has launched a Refresher Safety Training Scheme for experienced fishermen (see page 5).

The average grant paid by Seafarers UK this year is approximately £45,000.

75% of grants were for revenue support and 25% for capital expenditure. Of the £2.5m total, approximately 43% will fund projects in the merchant sector.

37% will support schemes helping Royal Navy and Royal Marines seafarers and their dependants. 15% goes to ‘frontline’ charities that provide practical assistance to fishermen and their families, and 5% to youth development organisations including Sea Cadets. In all cases, decisions about where to allocate funds are made on the basis of greatest need.

For Main Grants and Small Grants, further details and application forms are available to download at www.seafarers-uk.org

Making Little Merlins safe Alex Sard, Seafarers UK Community Support Manager, with staff Tania Burton, Emma Harvey and Marie Wright and some of the Little Merlins 4

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Thanks to a Small Grant from Seafarers UK, improved security systems have been installed at the Little Merlins pre-school and nursery, as well as a fence around the garden play area at this busy centre adjacent to RNAS Culdrose at Helston in Cornwall.

GRANTS NEWS

Seafish Fishermen’s Refresher Safety Training

Cruse Bereavement Care

A Seafarers UK Small Grant is part-funding the production of a training DVD and audio podcast for military families affected by a death in Service, including helping orphans of servicemen killed in Afghanistan come to terms with bereavement. www.crusebereavementcare.org.uk/Military.html

The League of Venturers Search and Rescue Fishing is officially the most dangerous job in the UK, with a workplace fatality rate 115 times the UK industry average.

Over the last decade we have lost on average one fisherman every month.

Clearly there are many factors that affect safety at sea, but up-to-date knowledge of safe working practices and emergency procedures are vital. By law, all commercial fishermen on UK registered vessels are required to undertake five one-day basic safety training courses covering health and safety, sea survival, fire fighting, first aid and safety awareness.

However, there is no requirement for fishermen to keep their safety knowledge and skills up-to-date, a problem highlighted by the Marine Accident Investigation Branch in its 2008 publication entitled ‘Analysis of UK Fishing Vessel Safety 1992 to 2006.

Seafarers UK is contributing £70,000 to a two-and-a-half year project being run

by Seafish, which will provide experienced fishermen with the opportunity to voluntarily re-attend these basic safety training courses free-of-charge. Seafish Operations Manager Simon Potten said: ‘To receive support from Seafarers UK for this important project is fantastic.’

By combining various contributions and using them as match funding for a pan-UK European Fisheries Fund (EFF) application, Seafish hopes to create a pot in excess of £1m for this project. EFF funding has already been approved in England and Scotland; decisions in Wales and Northern Ireland are expected shortly.

Simon added: ‘All being well we will have sufficient funds to deliver 7,200 training places. This gives us the opportunity to make a huge contribution to efforts aimed at reducing the number of deaths and injuries suffered by the estimated 12,700 UK fishermen.’ www.seafish.org

The Venturers is a teenage youth organisation dedicated to ‘Helping People and Animals in Danger or Distress on Land and Sea’. Volunteers provide fast rescue craft afloat, 4WD ambulances and First Aid teams for sporting and charity events, most of which for insurance purposes could not take place without safety cover. A Small Grant from Seafarers UK was used to replace the petrol tanks that had become dangerous in their rescue boat. www.venturers-search-and-rescue.org.uk

St Loye’s Foundation

St Loye’s Foundation is a national charity based in Exeter, with satellite offices in Warrington and Cardiff, that helps disabled ex-Service men and women return to work. A Small Grant from Seafarers UK is funding a mentoring programme using ex-Service volunteers to help others adapt to life on ‘civvy street’. www.stloyesfoundation.org.uk WINTER 2011

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community news IoM Trafalgar Night Ball

our Isle of Man Committee hosted their annual Trafalgar Night Ball this year at which the principal guest was the First Sea Lord Admiral Sir Mark Stanhope (pictured centre), who gave the Immortal

Memory address. Governor of the Isle of Man, His Excellency Lord Lieutenant Adam Wood also attended. Committee Chairman David North and his committee were delighted that this year’s event

proved to be as popular as ever and is one of the island’s main events on the annual calendar.

Julie Soper and Kevin O’Keeffe of the Guildford Committee with a member of the Sea Cadet Corps

Guildford’s GLive Hosts Royal Marines Band Guildford Committee members were on their mettle this year as their annual concert moved from its previous location at the Cathedral to Guildford’s new and exciting theatre GLive. The concert was excellent and all who attended were full of praise for the musicians and the wonderful music they provided, which included a rendition of Andrews Sisters numbers by three of the female members of the Band! The star raffle prize of the evening was a huge attraction too, with two tickets for a forthcoming recording of Top Gear, kindly provided by committee member Mike Evans. This was such a successful event it has already been booked for next year, on 4 October. Congratulations to Reg Miles, Chairman of the Guildford Committee, and his hard working team for providing us with such a super evening!

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Cdre Steve Jermy (right) presenting Captain Peter Murison with his silver quaich

Cornwall Committee Chair Change In September this year, Captain Peter Murison RN handed over the chairmanship of Seafarers UK Cornwall Committee to Commodore Steve Jermy RN after ten years in post. Peter was immediately unanimously appointed as Vice President of this busy and successful committee; he and his wife Sandra will continue to support Seafarers UK as much as possible from their new home in Somerset. Peter was presented with several gifts from his fellow committee members and also received an engraved silver quaich and a bottle of whisky to go with it from Seafarers UK.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Committees Come Together Meeting of minds Attendees from left to right: Stuart Garrett, Isle of Man Roger Sutton, Isle of Wight Ashley Colborn, East Yorkshire Peter Clark, East Yorkshire Richard James, Cardiff Peter Moore, Nottingham Diana Wyatt, Bristol Christine Rankin, Plymouth Iain Smith, Plymouth Julie Soper, Guildford Janet Bootherstone, Dartmouth Margaret Turner, Dartmouth Peter Murison, Cornwall David Layte, Three Rivers Derek Peters, Felixstowe David Drury, Lincoln

At the invitation of Community Support Manager Alex Sard, Seafarers UK Committee Chairs and Representatives from England and Wales gathered in the Naval Club in London on 1 November for a general meeting.

The last Committee Chairs’ meeting was held over three years ago so it was certainly time for

another one! The meeting included presentations from Commodore Barry Bryant, Director General; Kate Brown, Executive Manager; Nigel Shattock, Director of Fundraising and Communications; and Ian Wardle, Finance Director.

The agenda for the day also included an open discussion and exchange of ideas session. Judging

from feedback received, it seems that attendees are agreed that the day had not only been worthwhile but also most enjoyable. Commented Commander David Drury, Chair of Lincoln Committee: ‘It was a really useful day and of great benefit to everyone who attended. We all left on a high note!’

Yarmouth Sailing Club

Alex Sard and a prizewinner helping to draw the raffle with Josephine Hall, JST

Jubilee Sailing Trust Cocktail Party On 14 July, Seafarers UK and the Jubilee Sailing Trust (JST) jointly hosted a cocktail party at Gunwharf Quays in Portsmouth, on board the JST sailing ship Tenacious. Each charity invited around 40 guests and all who attended were most enthusiastic about the evening, generously supporting the two charities. Guests not only enjoyed the party, but also had the opportunity to have a guided tour around this wonderfully equipped vessel. Seafarers UK is most grateful to the JST for offering us a slot in what is the Trust’s busiest time of year.

Members of the Isle of Wight Committee were in attendance once again this year at Yarmouth Sailing Club for the annual KGFS Sailing Event.

Seafarers UK Community Support Manager Alex Sard presented one of the trophies to Mrs Pat Lester, whose boat Iseult was the class winner.

Pat’s husband Joe has owned the boat for over 40 years, so he should know how to get the best out of her by now – well done!

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COMMUNITY NEWS OBITUARY Captain Malcolm Whiteley Seafarers UK East Yorkshire Committee is sad to report the death of highly respected committee member Captain Malcolm Whiteley who was 81 years of age. Despite suffering ill health during the last 12 months, Malcolm was keen to contribute to the work of the committee and he will be much missed.

Malcolm joined his first ship at the age of 16 where he spent over 40 years at sea, the last 15 of which as Master. Malcolm was a Liveryman and Freeman of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners, a Freeman of the City of London and a fellow of the Nautical Institute. He became an Elder Brother of Hull Trinity House in 1989 and was Master Warden of the House five times. His funeral took place in the Chapel of Trinity House. Members of East Yorkshire Committee of Seafarers UK attended.

Scottish celebration for Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces weekend was held this year in Leith, Edinburgh, where Seafarers UK was represented by Captain Nick Davies, Alex Sard and Captain Robin Sard. Charity stalls were situated within the Ocean Shopping Mall adjacent to the

Bumper Bristol Bash

Royal Yacht Britannia, which proved to be an excellent location. Members of the Edinburgh Committee were on hand to help with the running of the busy stall and greet the public, as was L/Reg Allen from Plymouth.

Bristol Committee held their Annual Party at HMS FLYING FOX on 12 October this year and over 170 people came to support our charity. The consensus of opinion from those who attended was that ‘it was the best party for years’ and indeed committee members and others were kept very busy serving drinks and delicious food prepared by the committee. After supper, the Corps of Drums from Her Majesty’s Band of the Royal Marines, Commando Training Centre Lympstone, beat retreat. The Deputy Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Colin Smith, attended as did the High Sheriff of Bristol, Dr John Cottrell and his wife. Other VIPs included the Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, Lady Glass and Cdr David Gammans DL RNR who represented the Lord Lieutenant for Bristol. Seafarers UK Christmas cards proved popular as did the raffle at what was a highly successful evening. Well done Bristol Committee!

Dartmouth Sea Shanty Weekend Dartmouth Committee had an enjoyable day in the Royal Avenue Gardens in Dartmouth for the Sea Shanty Weekend this summer. The weather held and those who attended very much enjoyed listening to the shanties sung in the nearby bandstand. The committee not only ran a stall selling Seafarers UK items but also served drinks and snacks. Hard work but worth while!

The High Sheriff of Bristol, Cdre Gerald Wood RNR Bristol Committee Chairman and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Bristol.

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SCOTLAND NEWS SCOTLAND

S C O T L A N D

Captain Nick Davies Scottish Charity No: SC is the Seafarers UK Regional Representative for Scotland. Nick can be contacted on 07885 555760 or at nick.davies@ seafarers-uk.org

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

Grand Pittenweem Somewhat off the beaten track, the East Neuk of Fife is a hidden scenic gem, and the coastal villages of the area including Pittenweem have a rich seafaring tradition. The region has bred fine sailors over the years, particularly amongst the fishermen, but also many of the captains of the 19th Century clipper ships came from the East Neuk.

In recognition of the contribution made by sailors past and present, Pittenweem held its annual coffee morning and social gathering at the end of August which included a raffle, sale of wares and excellent coffee and cakes, all served by the redoubtable crew of the sailing drifter Reaper. Our thanks go to Miss Jessie Lyon for once again organising another highly successful event which raised the magnificent sum of £1,000 for Seafarers UK.

A pageant of colour, music and movement, the Tattoo is a major highlight of the Edinburgh summer season, attracting a full house for every performance. This year it was the Royal Navy’s turn to be the lead, and so the massed bands of HM Royal Marines were a particular highlight.

But the Tattoo is more than just a military show; performers are invited from all over the world to take part. An entertaining contrast to the traditional

military bands was the bicycle band from the Netherlands, who brought the house down with their musical expertise whilst riding their bikes in formation.

The event raises money for service charities. Seafarers UK is lucky enough not only to be a beneficiary, but also has the privilege of inviting a VIP party to enjoy the event. If you have never seen the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo before, do buy a ticket for 2012!

Anstruther Maritime Fun Day Raises £1,000 Seafarers UK is of course a maritime charity, so how appropriate to see our local committee members afloat in a ‘St Ayles skiff’ competing against a ladies crew in a rowing challenge! This was but one event at the Anstruther Maritime Fun Day organised by Dr Robert Prescott of our Perth & Fife Committee on 11 September.

Hundreds of visitors enjoyed a display by the local RNLI, tours of the restored sailing drifter Reaper and a lucky few had the experience of getting afloat. Meanwhile ashore there were stalls selling various wares, home baked goods, and a raffle with the star prize being a bottle of Cutty Sark single malt. Rosyth Sea Cadets added a bit of uniformed presence.

Much enjoyed by all despite the breezy weather, the event raised £1,000 for Seafarers UK.

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NEWS

The Seafarers UK Annual Golf Day, as ever a popular date in our events calendar, once again took place at Southwick Park Golf Club in June, on what turned out to be the only fine day in a week of torrential rain!

Teams arrived before lunch and set off to

their appointed tees at 12.30 for the shotgun start. As part of the day’s enjoyment, all players were given a free polo shirt to wear on the day and a welcome pint of Seafarers Ale on return from their efforts on the green;

both courtesy of Fuller’s Independent Family Brewers.

Next year’s Golf Day is on 19 June – see www.seafarers-uk.org for further details.

GOLFERS TEE OFF FOR TROPHY

The Seafarers UK Golf Trophy was presented by Seafarers UK Chairman Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson to the winning team: Mark Williams, Jim Tatum, Owen Port and Mick Baker.

Drink up, me hearties!

Seafarers in need continue to benefit from sales of Seafarers Ale, as independent family brewers Fuller Smith & Turner PLC made their latest donation to Seafarers UK. Sales Director Richard Fuller (left) presented a cheque for £16,210 to the charity’s Director General Barry Bryant, bringing the total raised by this corporate partnership to £74,000 Fuller’s kindly make a donation to Seafarers UK for every pint of Seafarers Ale sold in pubs and clubs around the UK. Richard Fuller said: ‘We are delighted to support the UK’s leading maritime charity in this way, and Seafarers Ale is now one of our most popular beers’. With thanks, Barry Bryant said: ‘We’re absolutely delighted with this partnership with Fuller’s, and next year we want to explore new opportunities to increase the sales of Seafarers Ale to bring even more benefit to seafarers and their families’.

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Dishing up success for the Fish & Chip Feast

Companies and chippies around the UK got involved with the Seafarers UK Fish & Chip Feast during one week in October. Donations are still being received but the event is expected to raise in the region of £15,000 for seafarers in need, with chippies fundraising in a variety of ways including putting special dishes on their menus with a donation from each going to Seafarers UK. Around 100 businesses took part this year, with money coming in from across the country. It was fantastic to have so many people taking part and to see that fishermen employed in the UK’s most dangerous occupation are not forgotten by the industry that benefits from their hard work.

DFDS Seaways again supported our annual event, donating a percentage of every portion of fish and chips sold on their Dover-Dunkirk ferries over a 24hour period, raising £300. Russel McKelvey, Onboard Sales Director for the English Channel, said: ‘We were proud to be involved with such a great event and

e-Flagship goes live!

Flagship magazine is now available to read online at www.flagshipmagazine.org.uk Using ISSUU, one of the most popular ‘page-turning’ software services, e-Flagship is free to view, alongside hundreds of other magazines. The content is identical to the printed version, but with the

delighted that our passengers and onboard staff were able to raise money for such a worthwhile cause.’

Giant shipping company Maersk showed how the Fish & Chip Feast provides a great opportunity to get involved in fundraising at work. The company served fish and chips in their office canteens in London and Newcastle, where they successfully raised £400. The event was a good excuse for employees to enjoy an indulgent lunchtime treat whilst supporting Seafarers UK. The event also appealed to Dermot O’Leary’s Fishy Fishy restaurants in Brighton and Poole, where over £275 was raised during the Feast week. A special mention also has to go to The Chip Box in Stewarton, Ayrshire, who raised money by donating a proportion of all fish sold throughout the week, showing that the ‘support sustainable fish stocks’ message can go hand-in-hand with raising money and awareness for the welfare of fishermen.

While the Fish & Chip Feast was a week-long event, some dedicated supporters have shown

added benefit of live links to web pages and email addresses. In addition to this Winter edition, you can review our Summer and Spring 2011 issues.

Seafarers UK supporters can help the charity reduce costs by opting to receive e-Flagship in future instead of a printed copy. If you would like to do this simply email your name, Postcode and email address to flagship@seafarers-uk.org. Your request will be acknowledged and then when each issue is published we will send you an email with a link to www.flagship-magazine.org.uk

NEWS

that the fundraising doesn’t have to end there.

Fish’n’Chick’n, the UK’s largest chain of independent fish and chip shops, are extending their Feast to last for a whole six weeks.They will be holding a raffle in their 31 stores until 11 December, with all proceeds coming to Seafarers UK.Tickets cost £1 each and the lucky winner will walk away with an amazing £1,500 worth of electronics, including plasma TVs, games consoles and much more.To find out more about the Fish‘n’Chick’n raffle visit www.fishnchickn.co.uk If you didn’t manage to make it to one of the businesses taking part in our Fish & Chip Feast, why not organise your own Feast at home? It’s the perfect excuse to gather together friends and relations to eat some tasty fish and chips whilst doing your bit for charity.

For more information or to request a free fundraising pack please contact Events Officer Stacey Addison, 020 7932 5963, stacey.addison@seafarers-uk.org

On 25 October, Seafarers UK Trustees attended an ‘Away Day’ at Trinity House to discuss future fundraising and campaigning initiatives. From left: Tim Warren, Peter Mamelok, Paddy Dunn, Christine Gould, Barry Miller, Peter Wilkinson, David Parsons, Dyan Sterling, Jeffrey Evans, Anthony Lydekker, James Saunders Watson, Roger Barker.

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NEWS

Interactive Maritime Charities Welfare Guide launched

An online guide to the UK’s maritime welfare charity sector was launched at the Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG) Conference on 18-19 October (see report on page 28). The ‘Maritime Charities Welfare Guide’ is an interactive tool available to anyone searching for

assistance from a maritime charity. It replaces the Nautical Welfare Guide previously compiled and printed by Seafarers UK. In the UK there are nearly 150 charities providing a wide range of important support services to seafarers from the Merchant Navy, Royal

Crew changes Dennis Treleaven, previously Head of Grants at Seafarers UK, is now Director of Grants and External Operations The new job title reflects the role Dennis now has, helping the Maritime Charities Funding Group, Trinity House and the embryo Forces in Mind Trust, as well as forging links with other external organisations.

Dennis will continue to administer the Seafarers UK grants programme; the charity’s Trustees have confirmed that grants totalling £2.5 million will be paid annually for the foreseeable future.

Jos Standerwick has joined Seafarers UK as Corporate Partnerships and Fundraising Manager (replacing Elma Glasgow, who left the charity earlier this year). Jos’s focus is to seek greater support and 12

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partnerships with maritime businesses and to encourage their staff to get more involved with the charity’s fundraising work. Previously Jos was Regional Manager at the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.

As Flagship went to print Gurvinder Gregson was about to join Seafarers UK as Fundraising Manager – Events. Gurvinder was Events and Partnerships Officer at VSO, where she worked in various event-related roles during the past five years. She has an established relationship with a number of key event suppliers including Global Challenge (our 24 Peaks facilitator) and the London Marathon organisers. Gurvinder joins the Seafarers UK Fundraising Team at an exciting time, as plans for additional Challenge Events are being made.

Navy, Royal Marines, fishing fleets, and their dependants. In 2009, Seafarer Support was created to act as a referral service for the entire maritime charity sector. The service was set up in response to research that found that seafarers are more likely to face poverty, homelessness, bereavement, loneliness, debt and marriage breakdown than other occupational groups; but are often unaware that there are charities dedicated to helping them.

The web-based guide at www. seafarersupport.org offers three ways of finding help; ‘Quick Search’, ‘Key Words Search’ and ‘Advanced Search’. Using a weighting system, the guide differentiates between charities and directs users to those best suited to help. Seafarers without Internet access can use a Helpline telephone service operated by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board. Phone 0800 121 4765 between 09:30 and 16:30, Monday to Friday. At other

times a message can be left.

Captain David Parsons, MCFG Chairman, emphasised that: ‘The Maritime Charities Welfare Guide provides an outreach service to seafarers and their families who are looking for help and guidance. We have been concerned that too many within the maritime community are slipping through the net. The guide offers an intuitive way of supporting those seeking assistance.’

Seafarer Support is funded by the MCFG, a partnership of seven maritime charities: ITF Seafarers Trust, Merchant Navy Welfare Board, NUMAST Welfare Funds, Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, Seafarers UK, Seamen’s Hospital Society and Trinity House. The group is working to deliver a range of efficient welfare projects across the UK maritime sector.

Seafarer Support: 0800 121 4765 www.seafarersupport.org

Open Up A World Of Possibilities

Wellesley House Independent Co-educational Prep School Boarding & Day 7-13 years

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Wellesley House School | Broadstairs Kent CT10 2DG t: 01843 862991 | e: hmsec@wellesleyhouse.net

www.wellesleyhouse.org

NEWS SPECIAL

New Seafarers UK President, HRH The Earl of Wessex In June 2011, Seafarers UK was delighted to announce that HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, KG, GCVO, ADC, has agreed to succeed HRH The Duke of Edinburgh as President of Seafarers UK. The Prince Edward is the third son and youngest child of The Queen. On his marriage in 1999 he was created The Earl of Wessex.

HRH The Prince Edward, Earl of Wessex, KG, GCVO, ADC

© Royal Household Bagshot Park, only to be reproduced with permission

Following his father and brothers, His Royal Highness was educated at Gordonstoun in Scotland.

He spent a year as a House Tutor at Wanganui Collegiate School in New Zealand, and then read History at Jesus College, Cambridge, graduating in 1986. He joined the Royal Marines as a University Cadet but left in 1987, and moved into theatre production through the Theatre Division and Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Really Useful Theatre Company. He wrote and narrated two films about The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, shown on BBC television in April 1987, and was involved in an earlier series made by TV-am. In 1993, he formed Ardent Productions, an independent television production company. The better known programmes produced in the United Kingdom are ‘Edward on Edward’; 30 half-hour programmes of ‘Crown and Country’; the ‘Cater Street Hangman’; and a programme on the restoration of Windsor Castle after the 1993 fire.

In 2002 His Royal Highness withdrew from Ardent Productions in order to support The Queen during the Golden Jubilee and beyond.

The Earl of Wessex achieved the Gold Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in 1986. Since then he has been heavily involved with the Award both as a UK and an International Trustee, and as Chairman of the International Council, the operating authority which controls the programme and standards in 134 countries. The Earl of Wessex’s other interests include music, the performing arts, horse-riding, sailing, skiing, and the unusual game of Royal or Real Tennis.

His patronage of organisations reflects these interests as well as his support for opportunities for the young.

His Royal Highness married Miss Sophie RhysJones in St George’s Chapel, Windsor in June 1999.

They have a home at Bagshot Park in Surrey, and have two children, Louise, eight, and James, Viscount Severn, who is nearly four.

Since 2006, as Commodore-in-Chief Royal Fleet Auxiliary, The Earl of Wessex has shown great concern for the welfare of our merchant seamen, both serving and retired, and their families. With his close interest in the development of young people, he gives enthusiastic encouragement to the Cadet Forces. He is a firm supporter of the maritime message and of our nationwide campaign to increase awareness of the sea and our seafaring community.

Seafarers UK is delighted to welcome His Royal Highness to the charity, and looks forward to welcoming him to our events. We hope that it will be a long and happy association.

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LEGACIES

A long career leaves a longer legacy Robina Whitehorn, Fundraising Manager – Major Gifts In 2010 Seafarers UK received nearly £900,000 from gifts in Wills, almost one-third of our income for the year. Each bequest, however large or small, is highly valued and we never forget that behind every single one is an individual - either the actual donor or the person who inspired the gift. Sometimes we receive letters which give us a background history, or a personal memory of human kindness and public spirited generosity, which resulted in a donation to Seafarers UK. More often than not though, we know far too little about the people who have been so generous.

So we were really pleased earlier this year to receive a lovely letter from Commander David Blythe, Executor of the Estate of the late Sidney Drewett, and his wife Joan. Mr Drewett generously remembered Seafarers UK in his Will. Having served in the Royal Navy before and during the Second World War, he was a pillar of his local community, and the Chichester Royal Naval Association, until his retirement. Sidney and Joan Drewett were a fine couple, much admired, and now obviously greatly missed. Their story touched our hearts and, with Commander Blythe’s approval, we felt that our best tribute to them and our greatest expression of thanks would be to share it with our supporters.

Sidney Drewett was born in 1915, in very humble 14

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circumstances. Despite this he performed extremely well at school and could have attended University, had not family circumstances required him to start earning a living. After a short spell as an invoice clerk, he joined the Royal Navy in 1936 as a Sick Berth Attendant – allegedly because in the Medical Branch he would be able to wear collar and tie! He nonetheless seems to have found his niche, and went on to serve in the Far East until 1942, when he transferred to service with the Royal Marines. He was serving in the Pacific at the time of the Japanese surrender. At the same time he was pursuing his medical studies, with a view to becoming a specialist in Pathology. In 1944 he obtained the only Distinction awarded that year for Pathology Techniques at the Royal Naval Hospital, Haslar. Despite the loss of an eye on active service, by 1947 he had attained the rank of Chief Petty Officer in charge of the Physiological Research Laboratory in Singapore.

During this time he had met and married Joan. In 1948 he retired from the Royal Navy, attaining further qualifications at Degree level and pursuing a civilian career in Pathology. A seven-year stint of distinguished service in Nigeria was just one stage in a career that culminated in Sid becoming the Portsmouth and Isle of Wight Principal Bio-medical Scientist.

On leaving the Royal Navy, Sid and Joan Drewett settled in West Sussex. Sid joined the Chichester Royal Naval Association and, by the 1990s, had become its longest serving member and subsequently President.

Both were active members of the local community, their interests extending from the ex-Service network to music and gardening. They were highly regarded and much respected, and this is how Commander Blythe wished them to be remembered – as a delightful couple who led a full and busy life, with many interests, but who never forgot Sid’s early days in the Royal Navy and the service and comradeship of the sea, which laid the foundations of a successful professional career.

Sid was inspired to remember Seafarers UK in his

£1,000 can provide monthly Grants to three

widows of deceased merchant seamen for a year.

£5,000 would supplement the Basic State

Pension of over 200 retired fishermen and their widows for a year.

INDIVIDUAL SUPPORTERS

A great big thank you

£10,000 will contribute towards the annual cost of a trained member of staff in a care home and day centre for retired and frail mariners, providing a person-centred and dignified quality of life.

£50,000 will help over 100 children of

deceased fishermen to complete their education and fulfil their potential to Degree level.

£100,000 would support the work of Community Outreach Teams nationwide helping Veterans suffering from acute mental stress to re-build their life skills and undertake training programmes and employment schemes.

Will because in giving to one charity, he could support many in the years ahead. Thanks to him, we can continue to take care of the wartime generation who have given so much for this country, and also look after the children of today’s seafarers who may be adversely affected by a parent’s absence. We can further commit to the future through the development of young people in maritime youth organisations.

We are very grateful to Commander Blythe for helping us to get to know Sid and Joan Drewett just a little, and for sharing his many happy reminiscences of a charming and remarkable couple. The greatest tribute we can pay is to keep that memory alive for the future through the work that we do.

For further information, phone Robina Whitehorn on 020 7932 5981 or email robina.whitehorn@seafarers-uk.org

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

Mr Walter Ascroft Mrs Vera Churchill Mr Bryan Court Mr George Crisp Mr David Daniels Mr Burt Davey Mr Charles Dickinson Mr Robert Edwards Mr Will Headon

Lt Cdr M W Henley DSC Mr D Howard Mr Eric Milligan Mr Harold Minns Mr Victor Ramsay Cdr Hamilton Ridler OBE Lt Dennis Tibbles Mr Brian Walder

Julie Behan, Fundraising Manager –Individuals Welcome once again to our feature for all of our individual supporters.

During 2011 we have received many donations from individuals, some of whom choose to remain anonymous. Our President’s Appeal has prompted many of you to make incredibly generous donations enabling us to achieve some fantastic results. A great big thank you to everyone and we hope that you will continue to support us in 2012!

Our regular, loyal supporters continue to be a significant mainstay for our charity. All of you seem to have your own personal reasons for supporting Seafarers UK and we always enjoy having the opportunity of meeting you when we can.

I recently visited HMS Collingwood and was able to catch up with Leading Seaman Joanne Downie. Joanne has been in the Royal Navy for 10 years. When not working or looking after her two young children we are very lucky that Joanne is able to find time in her busy schedule for charitable work. Joanne is an avid supporter of Seafarers UK and this will be the second year that she, together with a team of runners from HMS Collingwood, has entered the Great South Run and raised funds for Seafarers UK. Joanne is also responsible for organising a programme of visits from serving personnel at HMS Collingwood to Pembroke House, the care home run by one of our beneficiary charities, the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust. The visits are very popular with the residents.

Joanne says it is important to her that she supports the charities that provide benevolence to seafarers and their families, including those from the Royal Navy. Seafarers UK and many of our beneficiary charities are reliant on the support of individuals like Joanne and we are extremely grateful. Thank you!

This year we have the seen the economic climate take its toll and we appreciate how difficult it is for some people to maintain their support of charities. Which is why we are always trying to think of alternative ways in which you can raise funds.

Seafarers UK has recently become a registered charity with eBay. This online auction site is a popular way of selling unwanted items and provides an excellent way of supporting charities. Anyone selling an item on eBay can donate proceeds from a sale by selecting Seafarers UK from the charity box. Seafarers UK can also claim Gift Aid on the money donated (by a UK tax payer) if the Gift Aid box is ticked when you first list an item for charity.

So, if you have any items you want to sell or find yourself with any unwanted Christmas presents, please consider putting them on eBay and donating the proceeds to Seafarers UK. For more details visit www.ebay. co.uk/ebayforcharity Please also visit the ‘ways to donate’ part of our website at www. seafarers-uk.org, to find out the many other ways in which you can support Seafarers UK. Or phone or email Julie on 023 9269 0324, julie. behan@seafarers-uk.org WINTER 2011

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Fundraising and campaigning: The year ahead

by Nigel Shattock, Director of Fundraising and Communications

T

he London Olympics, The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, the Euro 2012 football finals… to name but a few of the celebrations and events taking place next year. It’s going to be a busy 2012 for everyone, particularly the team at Seafarers UK. It’s also going to be a difficult year for those hardest hit by the struggling economy or the Government’s deficit reduction plans. However, it is with this context in mind that Seafarers UK is looking ahead and planning how to fundraise for the tens of thousands of seafarers who will need our support next year, perhaps more than ever.

So what does 2012 hold in store for Seafarers UK and its supporters? My own expectation is that it will be a strong year for Seafarers UK, both in fundraising

terms and in raising its profile a little more.

Outside of our core support base the awareness levels of our brand and name could be higher. And this is before we think about the bigger issue here; that of the fast-falling levels of knowledge and understanding of how the maritime sector contributes to the UK on a daily basis, and what the crucial role of the seafarer is in this. We therefore plan to build on this year’s wider campaigning in order to gain as much support and coverage of Seafarers Awareness Week in 2012 as we can. A key requirement here will be to encourage as many maritime charities to get involved as possible. Then and only then can the sector begin to speak with a more coordinated and powerful voice.

We also need to develop further our own fundraising campaigns. This

NAUTICAL FRIDAY

RM BAND CONCERTS 16

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applies in particular to Nautical Friday, which we want to build into a national fundraising day, and the Fish & Chip Feast. We aim to increase their scope and promotion next year and this will enable us to engage more with the general public.

One way of being able to present our events and activities more effectively is to package them up a bit more. Next year the key theme underpinning much of our fundraising and campaigning work will be maritime youth, i.e. those organisations providing welfare services to young dependants of seafarers or else involved in skills development. This will include The Seafarers UK Children’s Appeal, a young person element to our Nautical Friday campaign and a potential focus on primary schools as part of Seafarers Awareness Week.

Royal Marines Band Concerts will

24 PEAKS C

FUNDRAISING

LONDON MARATHON continue to be a core part of our events calendar. The margins are getting a little tighter, but they are still a great form of fundraising as well as an excellent way of getting our name and messages out into the local community. I went to my first concert in Guildford in October and the level of talent and the range of music played was quite incredible. An aim for 2012 will be to try and communicate more effectively to potential ticket purchasers the diversity of the programmes of music, making the concerts as appealing as possible to all ages.

Our challenge events afford the opportunity for some fantastic experiences and memories as well as some impressive levels of fundraising.

Our 24 Peaks Challenge – not for the faint hearted, but a great form of team bonding and leadership skills development – will take place as usual.

We already have an impressive number of teams signed up. We continue to be over-subscribed for London Marathon places, and as before we will have places at the British 10K and the Great South Run in 2012. We will also have a small number of places available for the Great London Swim and the Great Edinburgh Run. You don’t need an official Seafarers UK place to be able to take part in a mass participation event under your own initiative, though. So get searching for an event that suits you and then get fundraising! Perhaps Just Walk over the South Downs is one for you, or the Great North Run, or maybe the Moonriders night time cycle ride from London to Brighton? There are hundreds to choose from out there, and we’re always here to support you with fundraising advice.

There are a few other plans and ideas to mention. Seafarers UK (the King George’s Fund for Sailors that was) will be 95 years old next year. We will no doubt be promoting this amazing milestone centrally, but volunteers and supporters may also wish to organise a local fundraising event in celebration.

Likewise, supporters could also consider using the Diamond Jubilee as a fundraising opportunity, in connection with our royal patronage. We hope too, to be able to hold a small reception in London in the Spring to launch The Seafarers UK Children’s Appeal.

So, lots for us to organise and lots for you to get involved with. If we all start planning now, there’s no reason why 2012 can’t be a great fundraising year! And for further updates on events and campaigns, please visit www.seafarers-uk.org regularly.

CHALLENGE

GREAT SOUTH RUN WINTER 2011

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2012 EVENTS CALENDAR

For further information on all these events visit www.seafarers-uk.org/events, email events@seafarers-uk.org or phone 020 7932 5961.

March

April

The Seafarers UK Children’s Appeal launch, London (tbc)

22 April:

May

London Marathon

June

Annual Meeting (tbc) 12 May: Just Walk, South Downs 12-13 May: The London to Brighton Challenge

2-5 June: The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee 16 June: Great East Swim, Ipswich 25 June-1 July: Seafarers Awareness Week 29 June: Nautical Friday

29 June: Moonriders Cycling Challenge 30 June: Armed Forces Day

July Great London Swim, July (tbc) 8 July: British 10K, London 14–15 July: 24 Peaks Challenge

October

December

Great Edinburgh Run (tbc) 8–14 October:

The Fish & Chip Feast 14 October: Liverpool Marathon 21 October: Great Birmingham Run 28 October: Great South Run, Portsmouth

RED – KEY EVENTS & DATES GREEN – CHALLENGE EVENTS BLUE – Other 2012 challenges to consider participating in

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Do it for charity Santa Run (tbc)

THE BANDS OF CONCERTS IN 2012 Aberdeen Music Hall. . . . . . . . . . . . Tuesday, 21 Feb

01224 641122 www.boxofficeaberdeen.com

Ipswich Regent Theatre. . . . . . . . . . Saturday, 3 Mar

01473 433100 www.ipswichregent.com

Dorking Halls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday, 16 Mar

01306 881717 www.dorkinghalls.co.uk

Cardiff St David’s Hall . . . . . . . . . . . Sunday, 18 Mar

029 2087 8500 www.stdavidshallcardiff.co.uk

Inverness Eden Court Theatre. . . . Thursday, 5 Apr

01463 234234 www.eden-court.co.uk

Wells Cathedral. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Friday, 20 Apr

01749 672773 www.wellscathedral.org.uk

Glasgow City Halls. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Wednesday, 2 May 0141 353 8000 www.glasgowconcerthalls.com Eastbourne Winter Garden. . . . . . Thursday, 19 July

01323 415500 www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk

Perth Concert Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tuesday, 2 Oct

0845 612 6322 www.horsecross.co.uk

Guildford G-Live. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Thursday, 4 Oct

0844 770 1997 www.guildford.gov.uk

IOW Medina Theatre . . . . . . . . . . . Tuesday, 30 Oct

01983 527020 www.medinatheatre.co.uk

Tunbridge Wells Assembly Hall. . . Friday, 16 Nov

01892 530613 www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk

Edinburgh Usher Hall . . . . . . . . . . . Wednesday, 21 Nov 0131 228 1155 www.usherhall.co.uk Truro Hall for Cornwall. . . . . . . . . . Sunday, 25 Nov

01872 262466 www.hallforcornwall.co.uk

Carlisle Sands Centre. . . . . . . . . . . . . Saturday, 1 Dec

01228 625222 www.thesandscentre.co.uk

Southampton Guildhall. . . . . . . . . . Tuesday, 11 Dec

023 8063 2601 www.livenation.co.uk

For tickets contact the venues direct. For further information contact Alexandra Sard on 023 9273 6101/ alexandra. sard@seafarers-uk.org for concerts in yellow or Nick Davies on 07885 555760/ nick.davies@seafarers-uk.org for concerts in white.

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NEWS SPECIAL

Intrepid ten rise to 24 Peaks Challenge Stacey Addison, Events Officer at Seafarers UK, reports on this year’s 24 Peaks Challenge.

Team NYK at the starting line.

Team HMS KENT at the finish line.

Back in July, ten intrepid teams set off to take part in one of the UK’s toughest outdoor events, the Seafarers UK 24 Peaks Challenge. The 24 peaks are found in the scenic Lake District, including Scafell Pike, at 3,209 ft the highest mountain in England. But there’s no time for sightseeing! All the peaks are over 2,400 ft and the challenge to climb them all must be completed in 24 hours. Then there’s the small matter of combating the often challenging weather, even in the summer!

Our event took place over the weekend of 17-18 July, with teams from companies situated around the UK, including Overseas Shipholding Group (OSG), Carisbrooke, Intermanager, NYK and Wightlink. Each team consisted of up to six members and a driver, not forgetting all the colleagues, contacts, plus friends and family who helped the teams reach their impressive fundraising totals.

The teams tackled high winds and heavy rain, overcoming extreme physical and mental tiredness as well as issues such as injuries and the effort of mountain climbing in the dark. Seafarers UK staff witnessed some incredible displays of teamwork throughout the weekend and were on hand to provide support and motivation, a vital ingredient needed to complete this challenge. By Sunday night you could feel the sense 20

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of achievement amongst the teams, the occasion providing everyone involved with an unforgettable experience.

‘This year was my first 24 Peaks experience and the enthusiasm and tenacity that I witnessed from the teams in the face of some grueling conditions was very impressive. I take my hat off to all those who took part in this difficult but inspiring challenge.’ said Nigel Shattock, Director of Fundraising and Communications at Seafarers UK. Although the event is in no way a race, a special mention must go the HMS Kent team who completed all 24 peaks with 35 minutes to spare, coming in with an incredible time of 23 hours and 25 minutes! Considering the extreme weather conditions the teams endured this year, it was undeniably a fantastic achievement.

Of course, the purpose of the 24 Peaks Challenge is to raise vital funds for seafarers from the UK and Commonwealth who desperately need support when they fall on hard times.

As anyone who has tried to raise funds before knows, this can be just as tough as the physical challenge itself. With this in mind, huge credit has to go to each of our teams for throwing themselves into their fundraising activities, working together and raising incredible amounts of money in order to make a difference to the lives of seafarers in need.

This year’s highest fundraisers were the

ABP Humber team members, who have raised a staggering £13,192.50 to date. Their dedication to fundraising for the Seafarers UK cause is truly inspirational. We are extremely grateful to all of the teams that took part in this year’s event and on behalf of all our beneficiaries would like to say a huge thank you to everyone involved, including those who sponsored teams or helped them fundraise.

Kuba Syzmanski, leader of the Intermanager team said: ‘The 24 Peaks Challenge is the best team building event I have ever attended. It is tough, but extremely rewarding. It covers so many activities which test your team really well; logistics, fundraising, being together in a confined space – eight hours in a van – and small hostel rooms, going through tough times, enjoying success, which cannot be taken away from us. All of this for an excellent cause. What else can you ask for?’

The 24 Peaks Challenge is a unique opportunity to challenge yourself, achieve something exceptional and is a first class team-building exercise (not to mention the great party at the end of the weekend!). If you think you’re up to the challenge and would like to sign up for the Seafarers UK 24 Peaks Challenge in 2012 or you’d just like some more information, please contact Stacey Addison, phone 020 7932 5961, email stacey.addison@seafarers–uk.org.

NEWS special

Navy crews boost Great South Run

Nick Poole running for Seafarers UK.

them involved, the team element bringing a healthy dose of competition between respective members!

Everyone at Seafarers UK would like to say congratulations to all of ‘our’ runners, including Michael Lee, who completed the course in 72 minutes, beating his personal best and coming 22nd in his age group.

Running events are a great way to challenge yourself physically as well as supporting the vital work that Seafarers UK funds. Although all the fundraising

is ongoing, and we don’t yet know how much each runner has raised, we can already see some impressive figures. A special mention goes to Rebecca Lovell who has raised £250 to date.

Money raised from the Great South Run will help us support seafarers and their families in times of need and we are extremely grateful to everyone who took part and also to the people that sponsored their efforts. Thank you and well done!

If you would like to take part in next year’s Great South Run then please phone Events Officer Stacey Addison on 020 7932 5963 or email stacey.addison@seafarersuk.org. Please also see our 2012 Events Calendar on page 18 for more details.

running event for the first time. It could even act as a springboard into even bigger challenges, as with Rachelle, who is now signed up to run the next London Marathon in aid of Seafarers UK!

For more information or to sign up to the British 10K in 2012 please phone Events Officer Stacey Addison on 020 7932 5963 or email stacey.addison@seafarersuk.org

Team HMS Iron Duke before the start of the Great South Run in Portsmouth.

The Great South Run took place on 30 October in Portsmouth and Southsea with a record 24,000 entries. Nineteen runners took part in the ten mile road race in aid of Seafarers UK and we were delighted to once again have the charity represented in an area with such a strong maritime connection.

This year two Royal Navy teams took on the challenge: a team of nine runners from HMS Collingwood and a team of five from HMS Iron Duke. It was great to have

Seafarers UK teams on marks for 10K run The British 10K took place in July and Seafarers UK was proud to be represented by six runners.

Participants this year included a team of four, made up of two father and son duos,Tim and James Ashby plus Colin and Tom Shoolbraid.The teams raised an impressive £883.25 between them and we are very grateful for their support.

A special mention has to go to our highest fundraiser for this challenge, Rachelle Freake, who raised more than double the event sponsorship target, bringing in a total of £415.00.

Taking part in the British 10K gives you an opportunity to run one of the most interesting routes in the country, past iconic landmarks such as Buckingham Palace and Tower Bridge.The 10km distance is also a great opportunity for people to take part in a

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The Royal Alfred Seafarers’Society

www.royalalfredseafarers.com

Providing quality residential, nursing, dementia and 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 Fax: 01737 362678

Phone:

Seamen’s Hospital Society Helping seafarers in need The Seamen’s Hospital Society is dedicated to meeting the health, welfare and advice needs of seafarers. If you are or have been a merchant seafarer or fisherman, we’re here to help you and your dependants.

We provide: • Grants for essential household items and disability aids • Help with unpaid bills when money is short • A national telephone advice service for seafarers – SAIL • Support for a number of schemes providing free physiotherapy • Support for a number of local projects helping to promote seafarers’ health • Grants to other institutions that support seafarers • Information on health and the Dreadnought Medical Service Contact us or visit our website to find out more.

29 King William Walk, Greenwich, London SE10 9HX Tel: 020 8858 3696 Fax: 020 8293 9630 Email: admin@seahospital.org.uk Registered charity number 231724

www.seahospital.org.uk 22

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NFA Ad 134x95Portrait_seafearersHR3.pdf

9/11/11

11:31:04

Welcome to civvy street With large cuts to Royal Navy personnel on the horizon, Kirsty Aldis talks to the organisations that can help smooth the transition to civilian life.

A

nybody who has watched the news or read a paper over the last two years will not have missed the reports on the Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), the resulting defence cuts and the effect they will have changing the Royal Navy and Royal Marines over the next few years.

The cuts have been widely criticised across the board from the former First Sea Lord, Admiral Lord West, to US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, with the former First Sea Lord saying on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme earlier this year: ‘I believe that we have now, over successive governments, cut the military to a dangerously low capacity. What’s sad is that we haven’t really got a proper national security strategy. We don’t have a clearly articulated view of our position in the world and what we should be able to do.’

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While about a third of the required reduction for the Royal Navy can be achieved by people leaving at the normal time for their careers and by reducing recruiting and the numbers of extensions of service, the remainder can only be identified in the required timeframe through redundancy. Over the next three years it is anticipated that up to 3,250 Naval Service personnel will be made redundant. To implement the changes announced in the SDSR, the Naval Service is reducing in size by approximately 5,000 people in order to reach the desired figure of 30,000 regular Service personnel by April 2015. In the first round of military job losses around 1,020 Royal Navy personnel were told they were being made redundant; a third of these are compulsory.

Personnel who risked their lives during the Libyan campaign were among those affected, including members of the ship’s company of HMS Cumberland

DEFENCE REVIEW

“Early Service leavers can be very vulnerable... they don’t have life skills.

The transition from a world where you don’t have to worry about passports, doctors or even where to go for your job can be very difficult.”

Above: HMS Southampton’s Decommissioning Ceremony, put on by the RNA. Left: A Service leaver on an electrical course run by CTP at their Regional Training Centre in Aldershot.

who helped rescue British citizens from the North African country in February.

One of the biggest concerns for those being made redundant is the difficult transition from Service to civilian life. There are extensive studies, including the Government’s own review of the military covenant, that the inevitable institutionalising of Service personnel (to be effective members of teams in high threat and high risk environments) has the downside of making them more dependent on the Service to carry out basic life skill tasks for them and to take some of the responsibility of independent living away from them.

Captain Paul Quinn OBE RN, General Secretary of the Royal Naval Association (RNA) said: ‘Early Service leavers can be very vulnerable because they don’t have life skills. The transition from a world where you don’t have to worry about passports, doctors or even where to go for your job can be very difficult.’

Seafarers UK supports a variety of projects that will be of assistance to those leaving the Royal Navy whether through redundancy or early release.

‘The Shipmates Campaign’ is a new scheme being introduced by the RNA in partnership with the Royal Navy. The Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG) in which Seafarers UK plays a huge part sponsored the scheme as a pilot. ‘Shipmates’ will

Captain Paul Quinn OBE RN, General Secretary of the Royal Naval Association (RNA)

involve the direct encouragement of the RNA’s 20,000 members to provide local networking support to those leaving the Royal Navy and with help adapting to civilian life.

The support will include: ◗◗ Local community involvement, networking and advice through the nearest RNA branch or nearby HQ roll members ◗◗ Family support including a partner in support ◗◗ Support with adjustment into civilian life, for example in accessing NHS dentists, contacts with local schools, local services, local companies and tradesmen ◗◗ Help with basic civilian living, such as renting, helping to find accommodation, Council Tax, etc ◗◗ Local networking and advice, which may help with finding a job or other opportunities, although RFEA and CTP (see below) are the main players.

A large proportion of the grant from the MCFG has gone towards the employment of a project manager who will carry out briefings and issue invitations to those who have left the Royal Navy, visit resettlement centres and liase with the RN redundancy cells. The project manager will contact the person who has left, or is to leave, the Royal Navy and invite him or her to take up free membership of the RNA. If the offer is accepted then the project manager will contact the WINTER 2011

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DEFENCE REVIEW RESOURCES FOR EX-NAVAL PERSONNEL For more information contact:

Royal Naval Association

www.royal-naval-association.co.uk 023 9272 3747

The Warrior Programme www.warriorprogramme.org.uk 0560 204 3181

Regular Forces Employment Association

www.rfea.org.uk 0121 236 0058

Careers Transition Partnership www.ctp.org.uk 020 7469 6661

The White Ensign Association Service personnel successfully completing a residential course run by The Warrior Programme in July this year at Hannah’s at Seale Hayne, Newton Abbot, Devon.

nearest RNA branch who will then get in touch with the leaver to extend an invitation to a meeting to meet fellow ‘Shipmates’ to offer support and advice.

It sounds complicated on paper but the process is simple and should provide much help at what is bound to be difficult time.

‘The Warrior Programme’ works with the Oswald Stoll Foundation, a charity that receives regular support from Seafarers UK. The programme offers intensive three-day courses to exService personnel who may have been left with serious confidence issues and are struggling to cope with a return to civilian life. The programme has helped over 450 severely traumatised homeless and ex-Service personnel since 2007, with the goal of helping a further 2000 by 2014. The programme has proven its efficacy in restoring self-esteem and in helping to re-build confidence and dignity, empowering people by giving them the tools to lead a more fulfilled life. It offers a new approach, bringing together the best techniques, to address the complex challenges faced by those left emotionally scarred by what they have been through.

The programme enables clients to: ◗◗ Learn strategies to deal with future challenges ◗◗ Reduce stress ◗◗ Restore confidence 26

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◗◗ Move from dependency to independent living.

The ‘Career Transition Partnership’ (CTP) is a partnering agreement between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and Right Management, who are global career development and outplacement specialists.

The CTP provides successful resettlement services for those leaving the Royal Navy and Royal Marines, the Army and the Royal Air Force. They also operate as an intermediary service for employers wishing to hire Service leavers.

CTP allows Service leavers to apply for an extensive range of jobrelated courses at their Resettlement Centre in Aldershot, Surrey, and other CTP Regional Resettlement Centres.

There are departments dedicated to Management, Engineering, Building Trades and IT. Courses are constantly updated to reflect new qualifications and employment market trends. Their website offers guidance on obtaining this help, along with a wide variety of useful articles on subjects ranging from ‘Interview Dos and Don’ts’ to ‘Early Years Education and School Entry’, which fully explains how to get your child into local schools and other useful childcare information, or how to become a mature student and even a guide to registering with a dentist.

These ‘How to’ guides sound simple but

www.whiteensign.co.uk, 020 7407 8658

working out some of the processes that most civilians naturally understand can be extremely difficult to grasp when you’ve been in a regimented routine like the Armed Services for a large proportion of your working life. To date, the CTP has assisted over 160,000 Service leavers with the transition to civilian life and supported thousands of organisations looking to employ exService personnel.

The Regular Forces Employment Association (RFEA) works closely with the CTP to provide support to Service leavers, not only with finding work but also with remaining in work throughout their working lives. The charity, which is supported by Seafarers UK, has helped thousands of Service leavers over the last 126 years since it was founded and will continue to do so for the foreseeable future whilst maintaining its strong relationship with the MOD and the CTP. Whilst the future of the Royal Navy and the thousands of men and women who have received redundancy notices may appear bleak, it is good to know that thanks to charities like Seafarers UK, there is support out there and for most the future is hopefully bright.

Despite the challenges and difficulties that they face, they are not alone and, like the RNA programme, we are providing an ‘arm around the shoulder’.

Delegates in discussion during one of the conference workshops.

Keynote speaker, former BBC news anchor Martyn Lewis.

Case Working and Seafarers: a seminar on getting the best results for seafarers.

Seafarers UK’s Dennis Treleaven gives a presentation at the conference.

Seafarers UK Chairman Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson.

Delegates catch up during a teabreak.

Has the rainy day arrived?

Nigel Shattock, Director of Fundraising and Communications, Seafarers UK, reports on the Maritime Charities Funding Group Conference in October.

Over two chilly but sunny days this Autumn, representatives of 25 different maritime charities and organisations made their way to 86 St. James’ Street in London for the Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG*) Conference, which took place on 18 and 19 October. The 110 delegates sought to spend a dayand-a-half learning about, being inspired by, and listening to the latest developments and projects in the maritime charities sector, as well as taking the opportunity to network and socialise during the day and evening.

The conference got underway with 28

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some wise words of financial context from esteemed maritime journalist Michael Grey, the conference Chair. The scene was then further set by Bob Jones, Chairman of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), and Peter Wilkinson, Chairman of Seafarers UK, who both described for delegates the current complexities and challenges of ensuring a sustainable sector. This would only be possible, they said, through careful and collaborative management of such issues as: responding to increasing welfare needs at a time of decreasing serving levels; tackling low awareness of the maritime cause and a drop in charitable giving; not shying away from the need for

sector rationalisation or greater levels of ‘back office’ cost sharing; and embracing greater levels of partnership working.

Peter Wilkinson (pictured above) then went on to say that the oft-referred to ‘rainy day’ was now upon us and that Seafarers UK, and others, needed to plan future funding accordingly. In turn this would require maritime funding organisations to work harder to appeal more to the public and their supporters.

For Seafarers UK this would mean a greater emphasis on fundraising from the maritime industry sector, with an increased focus on the Commonwealth aspects of its mission in terms of being the UK end of a global industry. Adding

MCFG Conference to this, the current MCFG Chairman and MNWB Chief Executive, David Parsons, highlighted early discussions with Seafarers UK concerning the development of a working group to look at how to fundraise more effectively from the Merchant Navy, for the Merchant Navy, but through Seafarers UK. Valerie Coleman, the MCFG Project Manager, brought the MCFG’s work programme alive by taking delegates through many of the on-going MCFGfunded projects. These ranged across such areas as: financial capability and debt advice; health development and research; parenting and emotional support; improved case working; an armed services advice initiative in Scotland; accommodation care and support, and reducing isolation. Valerie also reviewed some of the latest policy and legislative developments, such as the Dilnot Report on social care.

The keynote speaker for the conference was Martyn Lewis, known to many as the BBC news anchor but now chair of the National Council for Voluntary Organisations. His key message was that with so many charities in the maritime sector but a reduced number of individual beneficiaries, it was time for change.

Partnership and collaboration was the only way forward, including with more external, non-nautical charities. With 38,000 fewer paid staff in the voluntary sector than a year ago and people increasingly responding more to those with the most impactful fundraising approach, Martyn Lewis also urged delegates to ‘dare greatly’ in responding to this unprecedented period of financial difficulty.

Many other excellent presentations and impactful workshops took place over the course of the conference, too many to do justice to in this short article. One or two need particular mention, though.

Dennis Treleaven, Director of Grants and External Operations at Seafarers UK, spoke about the increasing need for charities to clearly plan and measure the impact and outcomes of their work if they were to be successful in attracting grants from both regular and new funders.

There was also a fascinating presentation on research into seafarers’ health and their access to physiotherapy services, with many who work at sea having two to three times more muscular and skeletal problems than average.

Seafarers UK Director General Barry Bryant, along with Ewen McDonald of

Left to right: David Parsons, Chief Executive of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Seafarers UK Director General Barry Bryant, conference chair Michael Grey and Valerie Coleman, MCFG Project Manager.

Sea Vision, gave a joint presentation on the future of campaigning and ‘the maritime message’, including plans for Seafarers Awareness Week in 2012. They went on to announce Sea Vision’s planned launch of an online education and careers web portal next January, for children aged 11 to 18, their teachers and parents alike. The aim is to begin filling the void in the general public’s understanding and awareness of the maritime sector and its importance, by promoting opportunities for young people.

Annie Dare, a special advisor for RaceOnline2012 – established by the Government’s digital champion, Martha Lane Fox, of lastminute.com fame – encouraged everyone to support the 8.7 million people in the UK who do not have access to a computer, in helping them to get online and discover its communication, educational and purchasing power advantages. A key issue the project is tackling is social marginalisation, and this drew strong parallels to the isolation experienced by many ex-seafarers and the possibilities around increased use of the internet to connect with others with similar backgrounds and problems. It was commented on that further work was also required in the related area of providing free Wi-Fi access to seafarers in ports,

both in the UK and overseas.

After much discussion, debate and networking it was time to wrap-up. Barry Bryant described the MCFG as continuing to be the ‘servant of the sector’, with the six permanent members remaining in place but other organisations being invited to come on board as observers or co-optees where appropriate. And the 2007 Supporting Seafarers research would be reviewed to identify what further analysis is required. Michael Grey then closed the conference referring to what he called his three I’s of ‘isolation, ignorance and invisibility’, and that it was the maritime charity sector’s mission not to lose sight of the very real need in this harsh area through continued and greater outreach work.

Well done to all those who participated in a great conference. The next MCFG Conference is planned for 2014. See you then! * The Maritime Charities Funding Group is comprised of funding organisations that work together to deliver a range of welfare projects across the entire maritime sector. It comprises ITF Seafarers’ Trust, Merchant Navy Welfare Board, Nautilus International, Royal Navy & Royal Marines Charity, Seafarers UK, Seamen’s Hospital Society and Trinity House.

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Welfare on Wheels

I

Immingham Seafarers’ Centre minibus with seafarers

n response to numerous requests from port welfare charities, Seafarers UK joined forces with Trinity House, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and ITF Seafarers’ Trust to support the purchase of vehicles for use by full-time Port Chaplains visiting ships. As a result, the Maritime Charities Funding Group (MCFG) Vehicle Replacement Programme was created. Substantial grants for the replacement of 41 vehicles across the UK have been awarded since its launch in 2008, with plans to replace a further 31 over the next two years. The programme aims to ensure that the beneficiary 30

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charities maintain a modern fleet of vehicles for ship welfare visiting purposes, transportation of seafarers and other work within their local maritime communities.

are met. The project has also provided grants to replace a car for the Mersey Mission and seven cars for The Fishermen’s Mission.

When asked about the impact the Vehicle Replacement Programme has had on their work, the organisations involved Since 2008, over £450,000 has all agreed that the project is a huge been awarded towards the costs of success as vehicles are an essential tool much-needed port welfare vehicles. in the provision of port welfare services.

To date, 22 MPVs for Port Chaplains Sister Davey, Apostleship of the Sea Port across the UK and 11 minibuses for Chaplain for East Anglia and Haven transporting seafarers to and from Seafarers’ Centres have been purchased. ports enthused: ‘It’s welfare on wheels!

We grasp the opportunity to conduct oneOrganisations benefitting from the to-one counselling with seafarers whilst Vehicle Replacement Programme driving them around to the places they include The Mission to Seafarers, need to visit. And when we’re on ship Sailors’ Society and Apostleship of the visits our vehicles become our offices.’

Sea (Great Britain), who coordinate Geoff Moore, The Mission to their port welfare activities to ensure Seafarers Port Chaplain based all aspects of seafarers’ welfare needs

CHARITY FOCUS

Invergordon Seafarers’ Centre minibus with seafarers

Colin MacKay, Fishermen’s Mission Superintendent in Scrabster with his new car at Felixstowe Seafarers’ Centre, commended the funders for this initiative: ‘The programme is excellent.

It has allowed Port Chaplains to help seafarers in remote ports as much as those in the larger ports.’

Modern advances in the global shipping industry such as larger and more specialist vessels; smaller, multinational crews; and quicker turnaround times continue to impact on seafarers’ lifestyles and their overall welfare. It is essential that Port Chaplains visiting ships have the use of reliable vehicles to carry out their valuable work.

‘The evenings are when transport is most needed,’ said Sam Cowan, The Seamen’s Christian Friend Society Port Chaplain in Belfast, ‘and I am

very happy to provide this through appointments. With the strict regulations on board ships and in the ports, the companies are very pleased to know that their crews will be brought back safely right to the gangways rather than to the port security gates.’

Drew Anderson of the Invergordon Seafarers’ Centre talked of their new minibus: ‘The vehicle has enabled us to greatly enhance the service that we provide to seafarers visiting the Cromarty Firth. Instead of just visiting seafarers on board ship, we are now able to take them to the Seafarers’ Centre to use the internet and telephones, or to Inverness for shopping. You can understand how much they appreciate the chance to be

Sam Cowan, SCFS Port Chaplain in Belfast receiving the keys to his new vehicle mobile when you realise that some have not been ashore for up to six weeks.’

Dan Conley, Chief Executive of The Fishermen’s Mission, said of the programme: ‘The Fishermen’s Mission deeply values the scheme as it significantly reduces the outlay on replacement vehicles and eases financial planning. It also ensures that our staff members have safe, reliable vehicles. This is particularly pertinent when they are called out to deal with the aftermath of accidents or emergencies.’

The MCFG Vehicle Replacement Programme entered its fourth year in October and will continue until September 2013.

Further details are available from Peter Tomlin at the Merchant Navy Welfare Board, phone 02380 337799, email peter@mnwb.org.uk WINTER 2011

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RMC General Ad 1/2 A4:Layout 1

30/11/09

15:02

Page 1

Excellence

and tradition...

The Royal Maritime Club is the perfect venue for get-togethers, overnight stays, first class holiday breaks, social occasions and business meetings. The Club is also licensed for the marriage ceremony.

Set in the heart of British naval tradition and synonymous with naval excellence, The Royal Maritime Club offers club members and guests:

• our popular restaurant serves a set price dinner choice from a 2 or 3 course menu • traditional buffet style English breakfast

• a welcoming ambience • over 100 comfortable rooms to suit all needs • special rates for seafarers and other military personnel • enjoyment of indoor leisure facilities including swimming pool with steam room and spa, gym, snooker and pool tables and double skittles alley

Horatio’s RESTAURANT

T: 023 9282 4289 32

F L AG S H I P W I NTE R 2011

All this at the centre of Portsmouth’s unique naval heritage – HMS Victory, the Mary Rose and HMS Warrior are all very close by. So too are rail and ferry links, the harbourside Gunwharf Quays shopping complex and the breathtaking Spinnaker Tower.

Contact us for details of former Military and Associate Membership.

T: 023 9282 4231 Advanced Bookings: 023 9283 7681

F: 023 9229 3496 E: info@royalmaritimeclub.co.uk www.royalmaritimeclub.co.uk Queen Street, Portsmouth, Hants. PO1 3HS

Proud Supporters of Seafarers UK Trinity House provides nearly 600 Aids to Navigation from lighthouses, buoys and beacons to the latest satellite navigation technology in England, Wales & the Channel Islands. We provide commercial services to the maritime industry, offer voyages on our flagship THV PATRICIA and have converted a number of keepers’ cottages to holiday accommodation.

Trinity House is also the UK’s largest fully endowed maritime charity.

It provides major grants to maritime organisations engaged in welfare provision, education and training, and the promotion of safety at sea, and spends over £3million each year on its charitable objects.

www.trinityhouse.co.uk

seafarers_advert.indd 1

23/11/09 09:51:27

WINTER 2011

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Have you seen the old man outside the seamen’s mission?

Memory fading with the medal ribbons that he wears And in our winter city the rain cries a little pity For one more forgotten hero and a world that doesn’t care

Don’t Forget The Seamen’s Rest!

Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest is the Seamen’s Mission of the Methodist Church.

Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest has been serving seafarers in the East End of London since 1843.

We accommodate 170 men and we see our work as offering these men a home.

Our work is motivated by the love of Christ.

In the words from Ralph McTell many of these men are ‘forgotten heroes’ many have fought for their King/Queen and country and now find themselves trying to survive in a world that ‘doesn’t seem to care’. Thanks be to God for places like the ‘Seamen’s Mission’ a place where God willing ‘old men’ can stand outside for many years to come.

To support our work and/or request a copy of our Annual Review Contact: Alexander Campbell alexcampbell@qvsr.org.uk 121-131 East India Dock Road London, E14 6DF Tel: 02079874622 Registered Charity Number 1106126

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JACK CHAT the CUTTY SARK PRIZE crossword

Seasons Greetings by Daisy The ten clues in italics can be preceded by the same word.Their definitions are omitted from these clues.The heading may assist.

JackChat

cartoons by Paul Thomas

Herrings in

time on the ground (in the hangar) than in the air. The natural temptation to rob it for spare parts in order to keep others flying only prolongs the agony. Also known as a ‘hangar Annie’ or a ‘Christmas tree’.

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 1 January 2012. Post your entries to: Kirsty Aldis, Seafarers UK, 8 Hatherley Street, London, SW1P 2QT.

© GAP productions 2011

Three golden rules

ACROSS 1 About to perform with an American (6) 4 Revised cost by George perhaps (8) 10 Innocent credulousness (7) 11 Subordinate topic (7) 12 Misfortune from birds or pigs – or Spain? (9) 13 Follower of terra or panna (5) 14 A number given oral rendering (5) 15 Milk, perhaps, on the floor, shouldn’t cause tears (8) 18 Taking up or taking in (8) 20 Setter gets in day’s work (5) 22 Watched, we hear, part of a play (5) 24 Double dealer (4-5) 26 1920’s design (3,4) 27 Joan Collins film – something fishy? (3-4) 28 Idle doctor (8) 29 Let out worker first (6)

Last issue’s crossword was won by Alan Bell from Kent, who won a bottle of Cutty Sark whisky.

DOWN 1 Bring someone round (8) 2 Styled and set (9) 3 Not the same part of jejune quality (7) 5 From 21 where devils dwell (9) 6 Having 6 sides that are not 3 (7) 7 Noble, for example (5) 8 Another thing you may have at Christmas (but not eat as well) (6) 9 Service element first (4) 15 Where you learn to go down and stay up at the same time (3-6) 16 Plucky musician (9) 17 With which to view the very large or very small (3-5) 19 Dislike police at first (7) 20 Is a seed cultivated? (7) 21 Lad’s in trouble (6) 23 Sing the praises of (5) 25 Sculpture of Eros (4)

Short for ‘herrings in tomato sauce’. These tinned fish were widely despised but proved useful in the days when ships’ cooks used open fire ranges that were hard to clean. The tin of ‘herrings in’ would be placed in the fire and everyone would retreat outside waiting for the bang, before returning to clean up.

The effect was reported to be miraculous.

Traditional advice given to Royal Navy and Royal Marines personnel at the start of their careers: 1 Never get separated for your kit 2 Don’t rely on the RAF – especially at weekends 3 Don’t march on Moscow!

Bare Navy

State of the Nation

Traditional nickname for the address given by the Captain at ‘clear lower deck’ (an order to cease work and muster at a given place), when he attempts to explain the latest MoD directive or even the most recent Defence White Paper.

Hangar Queen

In the Fleet Air Arm, an aircraft with a series of problems that spends more

Older term for a poorly provisioned ship in which the food conformed to laid down Navy regulations – and no more. Later applied to an officer who had no additional financial means and had to live ‘bare Navy’ on his service pay alone.

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 or postal order 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.

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Writes of Passage

Navigation: A Cautionary Tale

by Lieutenant Christopher Daniel, RNR At 0800 on Monday 21 January 1963, the British frigate HMS Wizard (a converted World War II destroyer) in company with HMS Urchin and HMS Torquay, set sail from Plymouth bound for the West Indies. It was bitterly cold weather and snow covered the land, so the prospect of a visit to warmer climes was a particularly welcome one.

Although HMS Torquay was a modern frigate, HMS Urchin (also a converted World War II destroyer) was the senior ship of the group, which 36

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constituted the Dartmouth Training Squadron. This was under the command of ‘Captain F’ (a captain in overall command of a squadron of frigates), namely Captain Terence Lewin. HMS Wizard was commanded by Lieutenant-Commander David W Jenks.

At this time I was on leave from P&O, serving as a Lieutenant Royal Naval Reserve in Wizard and undergoing training in the Royal Navy as a watchkeeping officer. I had all the normal duties assigned to a naval officer aboard a warship, with special responsibilities as communications officer and for leave passes for the ship’s company. On this occasion we had a pleasant if uneventful passage down to Trinidad, calling en route at Santa Cruz, from 0800 on 26 January to 0800 on 29 January, and thence to the US naval base at Chaguaramus where we were due to arrive at 0800 on Wednesday 6 February.

WRITES OF PASSAGE

“At the end of a jetty there was an elderly man fishing. But there was no sign of the US naval base. Nevertheless, from the lead ship there came an English voice which hailed the man on the jetty with the somewhat startling enquiry: ‘I say, is this Chaguaramas naval base?’”

Trinidad is the most southerly island of the West Indies, lying to the east of the mainland of Venezuela. It has two long peninsulas extending from its western corners, which almost enclose the Gulf of Paria like an inland sea. We arrived off Trinidad on the Tuesday evening and anchored overnight in the Gulf of Paria, in the sheltered waters west of Port of Spain and just to the west of Chaguaramus. The following morning, as the sun rose, we weighed anchor and headed east in line ahead with HMS Urchin being the lead ship. Shortly before 8 o’clock, we altered course to port and rounded the headland, the three frigates steaming in a stately and seamanlike fashion into the bay.

We saw the peaceful tropical jungle-clad hills, gently descending to the shores of the bay. At the end of a jetty there was an elderly man fishing. But there was no sign of the US naval base. Nevertheless, from the lead ship there came an English voice which hailed the man on the jetty with the somewhat startling enquiry: ‘I say, is this Chaguaramas naval base?’

‘No, man…round dee next corner!’ the man replied. It was exactly 0800 on Wednesday 6 February. Half an hour later we rounded the next headland and reached our intended destination, to the sounds of the US naval military band. About this same time I happened to pass Lt-Commander Payne, our navigator, and with a smile I couldn’t resist saying to him: ‘This would never have happened in P&O!’ He responded with a simple Churchillian V-sign!

Some 26 years later, when I was Deputy Master of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners (HCMM), and HRH The Prince of Wales was the titular Master, I had conceived the idea of inviting Terence Lewin - the former commanding officer of the Dartmouth Training Squadron - to be the guest of honour at one of the official HCMM functions aboard HQS Wellington.

However, after all these years, Terence Lewin had risen to the very summit of his career in the Royal Navy, as Admiral of the Fleet, having served earlier as Chief of Naval Staff and First Sea Lord (1977-1979). He had also become a Trustee of the National Maritime Museum in 1981, when I was a member of the curatorial staff, and later became the Chairman of Trustees.

Furthermore, he had been created the Lord Lewin of Greenwich in 1982. Thus he was a very distinguished man; but a very busy

one and I was unable to arrange a date that suited him as well as the Honourable Company of Master Mariners.

Of course, I had it in mind to recall in my welcoming speech when a squadron of British frigates paid a courtesy visit to the US naval base at Chaguaramus. I somehow think Lord Lewin would not only have enjoyed this cautionary tale, after so many years, but would have responded with some wit and pleasure.

D 4 Oct - Seafarer_Layout 1 28/09/2011 09:37 Page 1

NEW FROM MARITIME BOOKS SEE THE ROYAL NAVY AS IT WAS IN 1952!

BRITISH WARSHIPS & AUXILIARIES 1952 (Diamond Jubilee Commemorative Edition) (Steve Bush)

To celebrate Her Majesty the Queenʼs Diamond Jubilee in 2012 Maritime Books have produced a 1952 edition of their hugely successful annual publication British Warships and Auxiliaries. Full details of the fleet as it was in 1952, including the Active and Reserve Fleets, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Naval Aviation and the Dominion Navies. Also included are details of the future fleet - a build programme which included seven aircraft carriers, dozens of frigates and over 100 minesweepers.

A limited production run of this special HARDBACK edition, containing over 350 pages and in excess of 200 photographs will be available in December.

PRE-ORDER NOW TO RESERVE YOUR COPY! (Payment will not be cashed until book is sent out)

Published price £25.00 Order direct for just £20.00 (inc UK p&p) Overseas customers will be charged postage at cost.

Please order by credit card

Maritime Books (SF)

Lodge Hill, Liskeard, Cornwall, PL14 4EL

Tel: 01579 343663

Or Order from: www.navybooks.com

WINTER 2011

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REVIEWS

Flagship review Recommended EXHIBITION:

Scott 100

Plymouth City Museum & Natural History Museum, London The 100th anniversary of Captain Scott’s ill-fated 1912 expedition to the Antarctic will be commemorated by events all the over the country, including two major exhibitions at Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery and at the Natural History Museum in London.

Robert Falcon Scott was born in Plymouth in 1868 and joined the Royal Navy training ship HMS Britannia as a cadet at the age of 13. In 1901 he lead Britain’s first official expedition

RECOMMENDED READS:

Signalman Jones

by Tim Parker

This slim volume of memoirs in a real gem. Written

by Tim Parker, it is based on the recollections of LieutenantCommander Geoffrey HolderJones, who died in September at the age of 95.

Jones is a lonely young man fed up with poverty, sectarianism and racial tension in his native Liverpool during the Great Depression, until he finds purpose in life by joining the Royal Naval Reserve in 1933. At the outbreak of the Second World War, he is serving in the minelayer HMS Adventure when she is hit by a German mine in the Thames estuary. ‘I woke in inky darkness.’ says Jones. ‘I had been blown out of my hammock, through a doorway and into a flat. There was a great deal of noise and the terrible sound of men screaming.’

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to explore the Antarctic region, returning a hero in 1904 and being promoted to Captain. In 1912, as leader of the ‘Terra Nova’ expedition, Scott and his team reached the South Pole (five weeks after the Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen) but perished on their way back to base-camp in March 1912.

The exhibition ‘From Plymouth to Pole: Scott, Science and the Men who Sailed South’ at Plymouth City Museum concentrates on Scott’s local and naval associations, his expeditions and his crew. A number of special events are planned throughout the exhibition’s three-month run, including lunchtime talks on Scott-related topics, creative writing workshops on exploration themes, activity sessions for children and musical events. There is also a related exhibition of photography from the Antarctic at the Peninsula Arts Gallery at the University of Plymouth.

The Natural History Museum’s exhibition ‘Scott’s Last Expedition’ runs from January to September. On show together for the first time will be many artefacts and pieces of equipment used by Scott and his team, and many scientific specimens of wildlife and plants collected by Serving on HMS Tritonia in Scapa Flow, Jones receives the Distinguished Service Medal for his role during the capture of a German minelayer and is selected for officer training. Serving mainly in converted trawlers and other small ships, Jones play a key role in the Battle of the Atlantic, helping to protect the vital convoys of armaments and supplies between Britain and north America, and later helping to protect New York harbour from the threat of long-range German submarines. Later, as commander of his own ship, HMS Guardsman, he captures a German U-boat, before going on to serve as a pilot during the D-Day invasion of June 1944.

Along the way are vivid accounts of the sinking of HMS Hood, the icy dangers of Arctic seas off the Canadian coast and the unimaginable freedom and indulgence of shore leave in New York.

Beautifully written by first-time author Parker, and free of the much of the jargon and technical details that can clutter up maritime memoirs, Signalman Jones is a fully human story of an engaging and modest man who emerged with humour and decency from some of the darkest episodes of the war.

Seafarer Books, 135pp, £9.95 ISBN: 978-1-57409 309-4

Would you like to review for Flagship? To

join our list of reviewers, contact Kirsty Aldis on 020 7932 5986 or email kirsty.aldis@ seafarers-uk.org

the expedition. At the centre is a life-sized representation of Scott’s base-camp hut, which still survives in Antarctica today.

Titanic – A Passenger’s Guide

By John Blake

Telling the story of her construction and giving a complete overview of the ship’s luxurious fittings and facilities, this book would have been an indispensable guide for passengers boarding the world’s most famous ship, and is the perfect present for anyone interested in the tragic ship’s history.

The compact book features classic adverts from the period, beautiful illustrations, deck diagrams and descriptions of what life was anticipated to be like on board the ship. From guides explaining the amenities available to passengers whichever class they were in, including the squash and steam rooms for 1st class passengers to where to find the smoking rooms available for 2nd class passengers, this really is the quintessential guide to all things Titanic.

Author, Lieutenant-Commander John Blake, spent 12 years in the Royal Navy. His research interests span the maritime world, from nautical charts and surveying to merchant shipping.

Conway, 128pp, £7.99 ISBN: 978-1844861484

Flagship

4/11/11

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REVIEWS

Seafarer BOOKS Storytellers of the sea NEW

COASTERS In this new book a collection of more than 300 photographs has been drawn together to tell the story of the development of the steam and diesel coasters, which originated mainly in the UK and the Netherlands. As well as the details of the ships themselves, the book covers cargo handling and stowing, machinery, the coastal trades, the owners and builders and, not least, the crews and their jobs and their lives at sea.

ISBN: 9781848320871 • Price: £30.00 Size: 260 x 240 mm • HARDBACK

SEAFORTH WORLD NAVAL REVIEW 2012 This annual has rapidly established a reputation as an authoritative and affordable summary of all that has happened in the naval world in the previous twelve months. It combines the standing features of regional surveys with one-off major articles, and this year’s special features include in-depth studies of the navies of Brazil, Australia and Pakistan, plus analyses of three significant new warship classes.

ISBN: 9781848321205• Price: £30.00 Size: 240 x 254mm • HARDBACK

Buy your books online today at: www.seaforthpublishing.com Or Telephone: 01226 734222 ALSO AVAILABLE IN WATERSTONES AND MANY OTHER HIGH STREET BOOKSHOPS

Maritime book proposals are always welcome: Info@seaforthpublishing.com

THEY COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT US The Merchant Navy in the Falklands War JohN JohNsoN-AlleN When over 70 merchant ships sailed with the Falklands Task Force in 1982, their officers and crew, all volunteers, found themselves thrust into a war zone in the South Atlantic. This book lifts the curtain on an episode that little has been written about, to reveal the experiences of the merchant seamen and women who made possible the retaking of the Falkland Islands. John Johnson-Allen, maritime historian and former merchant naval officer, combines personal accounts, documents and comment to bring to life the events, as seen from the merchant ships that played such a vital role in that conflict.

With a foreword by Admiral Sir Michael Layard KCB CBE.

‘A must for anyone who wishes to understand the UK campaign in the Falklands War’ – Admiral the Rt Hon Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC

‘... a poignant last hurrah for a Merchant Navy that we no longer have – Captain Richard Woodman FRHistS FNI Illustrated. £9.95 + £2.05 p&p 102 Redwald Road • Rendlesham • Suffolk IP12 2TE  01394 420789 fax 01394 461314 www.seafarerbooks.com • info@seafarerbooks.com

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25/10/2011 17:43

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The man who lost his life in Iraq, now lives in Birmingham.

Wars such as Iraq have resulted in many victims. For some their battle scars are invisible psychological illnesses.

They carry the mental scars around with them, affecting their employment, family and friends. Many become tragic victims of alcohol, drug abuse, homelessness, some become suicidal. If you are reading this as an ex-Service man or woman and you think, ‘this

sounds like me’ or you know someone ex-Service who is suffering, please contact us on:

01372 841 680 or email us:

contactus@combatstress.org.uk

www.combatstress.org.uk

Charity Number England: 200602, Scotland SCO38828

FLG18

COM008_131x95_v1.indd 1

THE REGULAR FORCES EMPLOYMENT ASSOCIATION (RFEA)

• •

•

Our core activity is to provide life-long job finding advice, information and support to service leaders.

Additionally, we provide this service as part of the Career Transition Partnership, using the amalgamated resources of the RFEA and the Officers’ Association, through a network of 24 reginal offices and specific overseas and executive appointment consultants.

We offer employers access to thousands of quality candidates through our no cost recruitment service.

If you are a service leaver looking for support, or an employer looking to recruit, log on to our website www.rfea.org.uk or call our central employment team on 0121 236 0058 for details of your nearest RFEA office.

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16/7/08 10:50:59

Wrens Small Ad 91x130mm:Hydratech Data Sheets SAILp2

4/9/2008

4:27 pm

17/10/11

Page 1

for Wrens and Royal Navy female personnel ashore and afloat

Seafarers' Advice & Information Line PO Box 45234, Greenwich, London SE10 9WR Tel: 08457 413 318 Fax: 020 8269 0794

Liverpool Daily Post & Echo

The Seafarers' Advice and Information Line is a telephone, email and letter advice service operated, on behalf of the Seamen’s Hospital Society, by the Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureaux, to provide advice and casework to merchant seafarers, fishermen and their families. The line is open 10.00am to 4.00pm Monday to Friday.

Email: admin@sailine.org.uk

ASSOCIATION OF WRENS Greenwich Citizens Advice Bureaux Ltd. Company Limited by Guarantee.

Registered number: 3346379 Registered Charity number 1064404 Designed by Riverside Design Associates www.riversidew6.co.uk 09/08

RM Charity Ad W87xH116

2/4/09

11:24

Room 215, Semaphore Tower (PP 70) HM NAVAL BASE Portsmouth PO1 3LT

02392 725141 • office@wrens.org.uk • www.wrens.org.uk

Page 1

ROYAL MARINES CHARITABLE FUNDS

The Royal Marines maintain two principal charitable funds to support and enable welfare, morale and esprit de corps.

Income to these funds is heavily reliant on the generosity of donors. Whilst the Corps would welcome donations to either of the two funds below, Corps Funds Trustees are particularly keen to encourage donations to the Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund.

The Royal Marines Charitable Trust Fund (RMCTF) The RM Charitable Trust Fund exists to maintain the efficiency and esprit de corps of the Royal Marines and also to provide benevolence support to those in need. In addition to benevolence work, there are many other calls upon Corps funds. These range from providing wreaths at Remembrance services through support to veterans’ reunions and the RM Museum to the construction and maintenance of war memorials. The RM Charitable Trust Fund is a Registered Charity, No 248733.

The Royal Marines Benevolent Fund (RMBF) The RMBF provides monetary grants to serving and former Royal Marines, their wives and dependants who are in need or distress whether due to death, injury, illness or any other unforeseen circumstances. The RMBF is a Registered Charity, No 1069059.

RM Corps Secretary, Building 32, HMS EXCELLENT Whale Island, PORTSMOUTH, PO2 8ER Tel: 023 9265 1304 Email: admin@royalmarinesregimental.co.uk www.royalmarinesregimental.co.uk.

Thank you for your generosity.

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10:30

NELSON LEGACY LEAGUE HELP THE CHARITY THAT IS CHANGING LIVES By leaving a legacy to the Marine Society & Sea Cadets you become a member of the Nelson Legacy League supporting professional seafarers and Sea Cadets, Britain’s largest maritime youth charity. For more information, contact our Legacy Manager on 020 7654 7000 or email legacies@ms-sc.org

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Patron HM The Queen A charity registered in England and Wales 313013 and in Scotland SC037808

12/7/11 12:29:01

THE ROYAL HOMES (A Branch of SSAFA Forces Help)

Self-contained apartments become available periodically at Queen Alexandra’s Court for widows, divorcees or single daughters of Officers or Warrant Officers, or women who are retired Officers or Warrant Officers of the Royal Navy, Army and Royal Air Force.

CONTINENCE CARE

Arelle

Arelle provides high quality products and advice for men and women.

For more information and your discreet mail order brochure call Arelle FREE on

0800 389 3597 or visit www.arelle.com

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BED PROTECTION

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SERVICES WRENDERED The Royal Homes are listed Grade II and set in delightful grounds. Applicants will not normally be admitted for residence before the age of 60 and must be able to care for themselves and their flats.

There is a resident Manager, Assistant Manager (Maintenance) and Assistant Manager (Residence).

For further information write to:

The Manager Queen Alexandra’s Court St Mary’s Road Wimbledon SW19 7DE or visit our website at: www.theroyalhomeswimbledon.org

Established in 2004 with Wren’s Association members in mind. We supply top quality fleeces, polo shirts, cotton shirts, V-neck jumpers, body warmers, shower proof wind cheaters and other clothing items, all embroidered with the Wren’s crest. Branch names can be added to all items if required at a small additional cost.Pens, hip flasks, and many other items engraved with WRNS crest are also available.

For a brochure and price list contact Rita at 1 The Rocks, Tansley, Matlocks, DE4 5ES, tel 01629 584411 or email jorisavers@tiscali.co.uk

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Š

Men and women in the Royal Marines and Royal Navy serve their country, often at times of danger: the RNBT serves them and their families, at times of need, throughout their lives. Your donations and legacies help us to help them.

The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust Castaway House, 311 Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth PO2 8RN t 023 9269 0112 f 023 9266 0852 e rnbt@rnbt.org.uk w www.rnbt.org.uk

Supporting Our Heroes Poppyscotland provides year-round support to veterans and their families across Scotland We rely wholly on public donations so we can provide financial assistance directly to those in urgent need. Your donations also help to fund specialist services such as long term care, housing and employment for veterans of all ages. Poppyscotland reaches more veterans living in Scotland than any other charity providing for their immediate and future wellbeing.

Please don’t leave it until November to give your support.

To find out more about us or to make a donation, visit our website: www.poppyscotland.org.uk Poppyscotland, New Haig House, Logie Green Road, Edinburgh EH7 4HR 0131 557 2782 enquiries@poppyscotland.org.uk Poppyscotland is a trading name of The Earl Haig Fund Scotland. Scottish Charity No SC014096.

A Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in Scotland No 194893 at the above address.

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Supporting independent living for our ex-Service community “I don’t have to worry about being lonely”

Rosendael  Comfortable  Affordable  Friendly  Independent living with support when you need it.

FREEPHONE

0800 121 4765

A free confidential referral service for serving and former UK seafarers (Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets) and their families in times of need

Worried about loneliness, security or paying the bills?

Rosendael in Broughty Ferry, Dundee offers first class residential accommodation for veterans of all ages. If you or your spouse served in the armed forces (including reserves) or merchant marine, call today and find out more.

Don’t hesitate, call today.

Call Max or Carole on 01382 477078 or visit www.svronline.org Registered Charity No. SC 015260

www.seafarersupport.org

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TIMES past

Hull’s Triple Tragedy After the Yorkshire city was shattered by the loss of three trawlers in 10 days, fishermen’s wives and families led the campaign to reform Britain’s most dangerous industry, writes Craig Ryan.

At first light on 10 January 1968, two trawlers, St Romanus and Kingston Peridot left St Andrew’s Dock in Hull.

They were embarking on one of the most dangerous voyages in the world, bound for the hostile but abundant cod fishing grounds off Iceland. Ahead of the two crews of 20 men were 18hour shifts working in barely three hours of daylight, violent seas, Force 10 gales and the particular hazard of ice and freezing spray. That January, the storms off Iceland were described by locals as the worst since the 1920s.

After a brief radio phone call that evening, St Romanus was never heard from again. Trawlers were supposed to report their positions every 24 hours, but the owners did not raise the alarm until 26 January. A massive search, involving aircraft from the RAF and the United States Air Force, covering 20,000 square miles, found only small pieces of wreckage, an oil slick and four empty life rafts. Four days later, the families back in Hull were told there was little hope of finding anyone alive.

Meanwhile, Kingston Peridot had been delayed by an injury to the ship’s cook, which meant putting into Reykjavik to wait for another cook to be flown in from Glasgow. After arriving off the north-east 46

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3rd February, 1968

THE TIME S

TOLL RISES TO 60 AS THIRD HULL TRAWLER SINKS coast of Iceland, her skipper reported a Force 6 gale and problems with ‘icing up’ – deposits of ice forming on the exposed parts of the ship, especially the masts, which could cause trawlers to become unstable. After ‘chopping ice’ she tried to head for calmer waters, but after a final radio message on 26 January, there was no further contact. In a particularly cruel twist, news of the loss – with all hands – reached Hull on 30 January, the same day that the search for survivors of St Romanus was called off.

Many of the lost fishermen’s families came from the Hessle Road area of Hull, a maze of run-down back-to-back houses without central heating, running water or inside toilets. One unidentified young woman from a Hessle Road fishing family described to the BBC the effect on the community of the agonising wait for news.

‘All the fishermen’s families are out, searching for news, wondering if any of their family is on board. They can’t rest, they can’t stop in house, they can’t do anything, just for worrying alone, until they do get to know that their men are safe. It upsets the whole town.’

For some years, there had been growing unrest in Hull and other British fish-

ing communities over conditions in the fishing industry, with gripes over low pay, longer voyages and, in particular, what was seen as a cavalier attitude to safety from the trawler owners of the time. With this double loss, anger in Hull boiled over. Fishermen’s wives, led by the charismatic Lillian Bilocca – known as ‘Big Lil’ – staged angry demonstrations at St Andrew’s Dock and threatened to blockade the port if safety measures were not improved. A particular demand was for all vessels to carry a radio operator, and the women prevented several ships from leaving without one.

Mary Denness was one of the protestors. Interviewed for a Hull Museum video project in 2008, she said the double tragedy was ‘the last straw’: ‘It was the middle of the 20th century, coal miners had got better deals and better employment, factories were running in a better way, but the trawler industry was still run as in Nelson’s time.’

Interviewed on the quayside by the BBC, one young woman, whose father had been killed in a fishing accident a few years before, stepped forward to vent the families’ anger: ‘There’s been that many men lost these last five years, we’re just not going to put up with it. And there’s so

TIMES past

The Ross Cleveland, the St Romanus (above left, and right) and the Kingston Peridot (below), all perished off the coast of Iceland heading for the safety of the port of Isafordur (main pic); inset Lillian Bilocca and below a blue plaque in Hull in memory of her campaign.

many 15-year-olds what don’t know the first thing about it. We want more experienced men aboard.’

On 5 February, the women were preparing to take their protest to London the following day, when Hull was rocked by yet another tragedy.

The trawler Ross Cleveland had sailed from St Andrew’s Dock on 20 January with a crew of 20 men. In an eerie echo of Kingston Peridot’s ill-fated voyage, the ship’s cook was taken ill and had to be put ashore, but on this occasion was not replaced. On 3 February, the 659ton vessel joined seven other trawlers sheltering from what became a Force 12 storm in Isafjord, a relatively sheltered inlet on the north-west cape of Iceland.

The following day the skipper, Phil Grey, radioed other ships in the area to say he was experiencing a dangerous build up of ice and was trying to move to a more sheltered position. At some point that evening, overwhelmed by the storm, Ross Cleveland capsized and sank.

Grey’s last radio message was picked up by the other ships: ‘Help me. I am going over,’ he said. ‘I’m going. Give my love and the crew’s love to the wives and families.’

The loss of a third Hull trawler only

added impetus to the women’s campaign.

On the quayside, Lil Bilocca was asked by a BBC reporter what she intended to do in London. ‘I don’t know’ she said, ‘but if I’m not satisfied it’s going to be drastic.’

Amid massive media attention, Mary Denness, Lil Bilocca and other wives met Prime Minister Harold Wilson at the House of Commons. Afterwards, while waiting in an ante-room to meet Fisheries Minister Fred Peart, a journalist burst in. ‘Guess what?’ he said.

‘Someone’s been found alive in a life raft with two other men.’ Harry Eddon, the 35-year-old mate from Ross Cleveland had miraculously been rescued by an Icelandic farmer from a life raft that had been washed ashore. His two shipmates on the raft had already died of exposure.

Most of the women’s demands seem uncontroversial today. They wanted a radio operator on every ship. They wanted an end to casualisation and better training for young trawlermen. They wanted trawlers to report their positions more often and for immediate action to be taken when a vessel did not respond.

Perhaps most importantly, they wanted each group of trawlers to be accompanied by a ‘mothership’ with sophisticated communications and a doctor aboard.

The depth of the tragedy, and the passion and commitment of the wives’ campaign – not to mention Big Lil’s growing TV-star status – meant ministers were in no position to resist. Tighter safety regulations were issued the very same day.

Subsequent investigations into the disasters, including the official inquiry led by Admiral Sir Deric Holland-Martin which reported in May 1969, led to widespread changes in the industry. These included improvements to trawler design, minimum standards for safety equipment and communications, tighter reporting requirements, improved search and rescue services, and far better working conditions and training for fishermen.

Partly as a result of the campaign, trawlermen are far safer today than they were in 1968. But deep sea fishing remains Britain’s most dangerous civilian profession. Such are the dangers of working at sea that the campaign for better safety and better conditions for seafarers never really ends. Big Lil herself understood this. Asked how long she was going to continue her campaign, she replied: ‘For the rest of my life.’

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MEET the COMMITTEE

Seafarers UK

Lincoln Committee

Chairman Commander David Drury talks about the fundraising activities of this fantastic committee.

Unfortunately, we were unable to hold our lunch this year but we hope to resurrect it in 2012.

What events do you run and what have you got planned for next year?

We plan to repeat what we have already done this year as it seems to work well.

In addition we are getting together with our friends in Seafarers UK’s Nottingham Committee to organise a Sea Shanty Evening.

How many members are on your committee?

There are nine committee members at the moment. Lincoln Committee is long established and during the last couple of years this committee has reinvented itself somewhat. The committee consists of a core of loyal people to whom I am very grateful, as they are totally committed to what we do.

However, we are always on the lookout for additional members. We have a lot of fun organising our events and would welcome anyone who wishes to help us. We want people who will do things rather than those who might be prepared to support but take a back seat. Lincoln Committee members not only work together to raise funds for Seafarers UK but also enjoy doing so!

How often do you meet?

Lincoln Committee meets three or four times a year depending upon the need and what event happens to be forthcoming. Our meetings tend to be social gatherings over 48

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lunch at a local hostelry, where we manage to do our business without getting thrown out of the establishment! We are always seeking venues for our meetings at which we get value for money!

What events have you particularly enjoyed running?

Well of course our annual Trafalgar Night dinner comes out at the top. Having regenerated it a couple of years ago, after a gap of about three years, we now find non-naval people are attending because they want to enjoy the complexities of a traditional naval mess dinner. We also hold wine tastings at the local Sea Cadets Unit and we sometimes hold a summer lunch in conjunction with a Sea Cadets Band concert.

Why do you think people should join a committee?

The role of seafarers is important to an island country such as ours and people are becoming more aware that there is a natural affinity with the sea in most things that we consume, not just food but many day-to-day items as well. I think those who serve on committees such as ours really do appreciate this affinity and get a huge amount of significant enjoyment in working in a voluntary way to help and support our mariners.

If you are interested in joining a committee please contact Alexandra Sard MBE on 023 9273 6101 or alexandra.sard@seafarers-uk.org

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