FLAGSHIP WINTER 2012 by Lexographic

FL21 FRONTCOVER_final.pdf

11/22/12

6:33 PM

01 FL21 00 coverads.indd 1

11/22/12 6:37 PM

issue 21 | winter 2012

features 26

23 HELPING HANDS looking after seafarers’ orphaned children since 1869.

24 20

THE NEXT GENERATION Our successful Children’s Appeal heads into its second year.

SEAFARERS AWARENESS WEEK LEISURE CRUISING Why taking Did you know that almost half the food we eat arrives by sea?

it easy on the ocean waves is now big business.

inside news

Community....................................... 4 Scotland........................................... 8 Grants news.................................... 10 National Cruise Week...................... 12 Great South Run............................. 13 Challenge Events............................ 14 Fish & Chip Feast 2012 ................. 16 Nautical Friday............................... 30

regulars

From the Bridge .............................. 2 Letters ............................................. 3 Events Calendar ............................. 16 Writes of Passage........................... 36

Times Past...................................... 46 The story of Samuel Plimsoll

JackChat......................................... 48 Crossword ...................................... 48

Stitches in Time by Captain Peter Daniel

Flagship Review.............................. 38 Gift ideas for the festive season

Visit our website: www.seafarers-uk.org for up-to-date information on fundraising events, campaigns, ways to donate, how to apply for grants or get help for seafarers in need. Follow us on Twitter: @Seafarers_UK Visit our Facebook page: facebook.com/SeafarersUK

For the latest news sign up to our Flagpost e-newsletter at www.seafarers-uk.org Flagship magazine is published by

Editor

Editorial inquiries/submissions flagship@seafarers-uk.org

Patron

Associate Editor

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

Design & production www.lexographic.co.uk

Printers

Warners UK, Lincolnshire

Advertising

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

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

Chairman

Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson, CB, CVO

Director General

Commodore Barry Bryant, CVO, RN Front cover photo © Royal Navy

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

EDITORIAL

From the Bridge

Commodore Barry Bryant CVO RN Director General Seafarers UK

While my last column focused on one very important issue, that of maritime awareness generally and Seafarers Awareness Week in particular, I’d like to finish the year by making a broad sweep of the horizon and reminding you of the increasingly wide range of activities with which your charity is involved. Certainly nothing stands still in this business – we’re hunting an ever-wider spectrum of potential donors, not least by making them aware of our seafarers through our campaigning. In some cases the nature and balance of the need that we meet is changing as more money becomes available to specific areas from other sources, and the effect of national benefit cuts begins to bite.

Fundraising is rarely easy, but over the next year we have considerable hopes from a couple of recent initiatives. After several years of trying, we were recently welcomed to a ‘Cruise Experts’ conference in Birmingham, where we made the point that this thriving and highly popular holiday industry can only exist through the efforts and expertise of seafarers. Over two million cruise passengers leave UK ports each year, so it’s an opportunity well worth pursuing! We already have a very positive relationship with individual cruise companies such as Carnival, who entered a highly successful London Marathon team for us this year, but we now want to tap the passenger market. Early days but clearly lots of potential, and we shall be putting much effort towards this area in the coming months. Our long-standing supporters will understand that we have always allocated our grants to the areas of greatest perceived need across the whole UK maritime sector, and by and large that will continue. But we have noticed that certain donors are becoming

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

“We have always allocated our grants to the areas of greatest perceived need, and by and large that will continue. But certain donors are becoming more interested in ensuring that their money is used for certain purposes... It was this demand that led us to set up this year’s Children’s Appeal”

more interested in ensuring that their money is used for certain purposes, either for explicit sections of the community or to meet specific difficulties. It was this demand that led us to set up this year’s Children’s Appeal. Similarly, for several years people have been wondering whether the Merchant Navy should have a more focused fund but, given our cross-sector remit, we were loath to commit to this. However, now that the Royal Navy has set up its own RN&RM Charity using, among other sources, money from Greenwich Hospital that is not available to the Merchant Navy, we feel the time is now right. Thus, in partnership with the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and with the full support of the trade unions and the Merchant Navy Association, the Merchant Navy Fund was launched at Trinity House after the Remembrance Day service at Tower Hill. There are more details on where we hope the donations will come from, and how they will be used, later in the magazine – but the important thing to remember is that by using existing

editorial

MN networks and Seafarers UK’s finance and grants mechanisms, the only costs of the new MN Fund will be for publicity. I hasten to add that we shall continue to fulfil our existing obligations to our Royal Navy and fishing communities using unrestricted investment and legacy income. Our assault on the City of London continues as we make the point that the UK’s huge commercial maritime interests rely, essentially, on seafarers. We’re not going to get through to all of them, but I’ve been really pleased this year to receive increasing support from the likes of NYK Shipping and BAE Systems, and I’m delighted to announce a charity partnership for the forthcoming year with Hill Dickinson, one of the premier maritime law firms. This is a tribute to the persuasive powers of our Fundraising Team and will, I hope, lead to our work becoming more widely known and appreciated in the City. It was also very good to see such a wide spread of nautical interests at our 95th Anniversary Dinner at Trinity House on 22 November, where Captain Richard Woodman, perhaps our leading historian of the Merchant Navy, reminded us of how seafarers have played such an essential part in forging the history of our country and have always deserved the nation’s gratitude – but how rarely they’ve actually received it! Finally, as the year draws to a close, I have to pay tribute to the hard work and loyalty of both my own team and our many volunteers around the country. These are hard and uncertain times for so many people, and our constituent charities report many cases of proud and previously independent seafarers now having to ask for assistance. It’s only thanks to the generosity and understanding of all our supporters, aided by the careful management of our financial reserves, that we are able to do so much in terms of benevolence, welfare and campaigning. I can assure you that

our many thousands of beneficiaries are deeply grateful to you all and will join me in wishing you a very happy and productive 2013.

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

www.seafarersupport.org W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

community news ENGLAND & WALES

Alexandra Sard MBE is the Community Support Manager for England and Wales. Alex can be contacted at alexandra. sard@seafarers-uk.org or on 023 9273 6101.

Felixstowe brass raises over £1,000

On Saturday 13 October Seafarers UK Felixstowe Committee Chairman Captain Derek Peters and his committee organised an excellent evening of music provided by the Suffolk Phoenix Brass Band. The concert took place in Felixstowe’s lovely St John’s Church. Special guest for the evening was professional singer Richard Reaville, who studied at the Royal Northern College of Music and is currently in demand

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

throughout Europe, performing a wide range of concert and oratorio music. Seafarers UK Three Rivers Committee Chairman, David Layte MBE (pictured left with Captain Peters) also attended with his wife Valerie. Cheese and wine were served during the interval and local Sea Cadets from TS Landguard (pictured above) ably assisted throughout the evening. Over £1,000 was raised for Seafarers UK.

COMMUNITY NEWS CHAMBER CHOIR JOINS RM BAND FOR GUILDFORD CONCERT

In October, Seafarers UK returned to Guildford’s stunning GLive theatre, which opened last year. The Seafarers UK Guildford Committee with the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines,

Collingwood, were on hand to provide the audience with a really excellent evening’s entertainment. As a special feature of the concert, the Senior Girls Chamber Choir of St Catherine’s

School in Bramley (pictured) contributed to the programme by singing four solos and joining the band for the Britannic Salute at the close of the evening. Such was the success of this

concert the choir has already been invited to return next year, an invitation which they have eagerly accepted. The date of our next concert in Guildford is 19 October 2013.

Navy divers collect over £500 Several Royal Navy divers from HMS Collingwood, finding themselves with an unexpected break in training, contacted Seafarers UK to see if there was anything they could do to help. At very

short notice we helped them organise a collection. Armed with buckets and big smiles the sailors arrived at Fareham Shopping Centre. Despite it being a quiet day, the shoppers enjoyed chat-

ting with the sailors and were very generous with their donations. In just a few hours £535 had been collected! And Sylvie Hasson, centre administrator for Fareham Shopping Centre said

that perhaps they should have the sailors in more often. Thank you to HMS Collingwood, Fareham Shopping Centre and Fareham Borough Council for supporting Seafarers UK. W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

abarbistro does it again for Seafarers UK!

Committee Chairs gather

From left to right: Russ Garbutt, Roger Jenkins, Peggy Peter Moore, Jane Baker, Diana Wyatt, Mike Evans and was also attended by Bob Ried and Chris Rankin (not

On 23 October Seafarers UK committee chairs and representatives from some of our committees in England and Wales met at the Naval Club in London. Following the success of last year’s meeting, all who at-

Staff with Karen at the bistro raising funds for Seafarers UK.

Once again Seafarers UK is most grateful to David and Karen Moore, owners of Old Portsmouth’s abarbistro, for a really successful fundraising weekend during the August bank holiday when David, Karen and their staff raised £2,000 for our charity. David and Karen bought abarbistro in 2003 and have worked hard, spending a huge amount of time and care in making it the successful business it is today. They have organised several fundraising raffles on behalf of Seafarers UK and there is always a collection tin on the counter, which regularly fills up. It was not until last year, however, that David realised how much Seafarers UK had meant to him and his family during his childhood. David’s father was a merchant seaman working for Metcalfe’s, based at Teignmouth. He travelled the world, coming home between trips to his wife and children. In 1957, three weeks after the birth of his youngest child, David’s father was returning to his ship when he slipped off the gangplank and drowned. Sadly he left seven children between the ages of three months and 11 years. David’s mother was obliged to work as a telephonist during the day and a barmaid in the evenings. She also took in ironing. Times were terribly hard for this young widow and her family, and Metcalfe’s put her in touch with the Sailors’ Children’s Society, a beneficiary charity of Seafarers UK. Throughout David’s childhood the Sailors’ Children’s Society regularly sent supplies of clothes, which were gratefully received and, as David says, ‘although not fashion icons, we definitely were adequately clothed. It was a tough childhood for us all and without the help of the Sailors’ Children’s Society, amongst others, 6

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

Lincoln Committee’

David and Karen

it would have been much worse. We always had to borrow money for the gas and electricity meters, and to pay the grocer. Everyone was very kind and as soon as we were old enough we did paper rounds and Saturday jobs.’ David’s mother is now 89 and lives nearby in Southsea. She can take pride in the fact that her seven children, despite their hard childhood, have all been successful and are today enjoying their chosen professions as a lawyer, a psychotherapist, a director of IBM, a proprietor of a health food business, a South African newspaper employee, a communications manager for IBM and, of course, a successful restaurateur and businessman. It is good to hear that the fundraising work of Seafarers UK is so well rewarded.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Cocktails in Bristol raise £3,000

gather in London

Osborne, Roger Sutton, d Julie Soper.The meeting t pictured).

tended this year agreed that an annual gathering was an opportunity to get together, not only to exchange ideas and update each other on the achievements of the previous year, but also to find out what had been happening at the

coalface of Seafarers UK. The meeting was convened by Alex Sard, Community Support Manager, and attended by Director General Barry Bryant, Nigel Shattock, Nick Harvey, Julie Behan, Robina Whitehorn and Ian

’s tasty fundraising

Seafarers UK’s Lincoln Committee members have been busy over the last few months, holding a wine tasting at the local Sea Cadet unit TS Wrangler in the summer, and a

Wardle. A lively afternoon discussion exercise produced some new fundraising ideas! For further information please email alexandra.sard@ seafarers-uk.org or phone 023 9273 6101.

Chair of Seafarers UK Bristol Committee, Cdre Gerald Wood RD RNR, with Mrs Mary Prior MBE, Lord Lieutenant of the City and County of Bristol and winner of first prize in the raffle.

The Seafarers UK Bristol Committee cocktail party was held on 17 October at HMS Flying Fox, the Royal Naval Reserve Division in Bristol. Over 150 people attended and nearly £3,000 was raised. This annual event is always very popular with the local supporters and, as ever, Seafarers UK Bristol Committee members organised a delightful evening with a plentiful supply of excellent food and good wine for their guests. The local Sea Cadets and members of the RNR also did a splendid job looking after everyone, as did the Corps of Drums from Her Majesty’s Royal Marines Band Plymouth, who entertained guests with a superb display of Mess Beatings.

fish and chip supper in October at Burton Road Fish & Chip Restaurant, courtesy of proprietor Des Anastasiou (pictured Seafarers UK supporter Tom Brigstocke above in baseball cap). at the Bristol Committee cocktail party.

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

SCOTLAND NEWS

Royal Marines Band plays Dunfermline and Perth for Seafarers UK

The inside of the Art Deco Carnegie Hall in Dunfermline.

Provost Liz Grant, Capt Nick Davies and Admiral Mackenzie at the Perth Concert.

perth

Seafarers UK’s Perth Committee, led on the night by Seafarers UK Vice President Admiral John Mackenzie, organised our annual Royal Marines Band concert at the Perth Concert Hall in October. The Provost of Perth, Councillor Liz Grant, very kindly hosted a pre-concert reception for invited guests. An audience of almost 800 then enjoyed a wonderful evening’s entertainment from the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland and the Perth Choral Society singers. Leading the band for the first time in Perth was their new Director of Music, Captain 8

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

Andy Gregory RM, while Peter Rutterford, a retired officer of the Royal Marines Band service (and one time boss of Andy Gregory), directed the Choral Society. It was good to see the younger generation among the audience, including pupils of Queen Victoria School in Dunblane, fresh from their starring role at the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. Thanks to the sterling efforts of our local supporters this concert raised over £5,000 for Seafarers UK.

DUNFERMLINE

The Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland is based at MOD Caledonia, Rosyth, a stone’s throw from the Carnegie Hall,

The Perth Choral Society was directed by Peter Rutterford.

Dunfermline, a venue that the band regards as its ‘home ground’. The band’s annual series of five concerts at Carnegie Hall has always been a virtual sell-out, so when the band was looking for a new promoter for the concerts, Seafarers UK was delighted to accept. Carnegie Hall is a delightful ‘Art Deco’ theatre, opened in 1937 and named after local industrialist, businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. This friendly venue has been ably managed by Dunfermline District Council since 1974 and the theatre capacity is just 500. The first Seafarers UK-organised RM Band concert in Carnegie Hall

took place on 27 September, and was, as usual, nearly full to capacity. One member of the audience was reported to have attended for 23 consecutive years. Is this a record for RM Band concert supporters? The Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland will be performing again at Dunfermline’s Carnegie Hall in November and on 24 January, 21 February and 21 March in 2013. If you want a ticket, buy one now to avoid disappointment. Please book tickets directly with Carnegie Hall – phone 01383 602302 or visit www. onfife.com Information and dates for the other Royal Marines Band concerts in this season are shown on page 9.

The Bands of Her Majestyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Royal Marines

concerts in aid of Seafarers UK

2012 Folkestone Leas Cliff Hall

Thurs 6 Dec 01303 228600 www.leascliffhall.co.uk

Worthing Assembly Hall Southampton Guildhall

Fri 7 Dec 01903 206206 www.worthingtheatres.co.uk Tues 11 Dec 023 8063 2601 www.livenation.co.uk

2013 Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Aberdeen Music Hall Dorking Halls Ipswich Regent Theatre Barry Memorial Hall Dunfermline Carnegie Hall Inverness Eden Court Eastbourne Winter Garden Perth Concert Hall Guildford GLive IOW Medina Theatre Edinburgh Usher Hall Carlisle Sands Centre

Thurs 24 Jan 01383 602302 Thurs 21 Feb 01383 602302 Tues 26 Feb 01224 641122 Fri 8 Mar 01306 881717 Sun 10 Mar 01473 433100 Sun 17 Mar 01446 738622 Thurs 21 Mar 01383 602302 Wed 1 May 01463 234234 Wed 14 Aug 01323 415500 Wed 9 Oct 01738 621031 Sat 19 Oct 0844 770 1797 Tues 29 Oct 01983 527020 Mon 18 Nov 0131 228 1155 Dec (tbc) 01228 625222

www.onfife.com www.onfife.com www.boxofficeaberdeen.com www.dorkinghalls.co.uk www.ipswichregent.com www.memorialhalltheatre.co.uk www.onfife.com www.eden-court.co.uk www.eastbournetheatres.co.uk www.horsecross.co.uk www.glive.co.uk www.medinatheatre.co.uk www.usherhall.co.uk www.thesandscentre.co.uk

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

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

Retired fishermen of North Shields in Hull, Grimsby and Anstruther (below).

grants news by Dennis Treleaven Director of Grants and External Operations

o far, 2012 is shaping up to be the busiest year ever for grantmaking at Seafarers UK. My first bit of news is to introduce our new Grants Manager. Deborah Layde will be working with me to develop our grant-making service and activities. Deborah has worked in the charitable sector for over 14 years. Her charitable work ranged from youth charities to umbrella organisations and she interspersed this with work in the private sector. Deborah’s private sector experience includes management consultancy, training, marketing, communications and publishing, running her own business and working as main board director for a private company running children’s nurseries with over 1,500 staff. As a Cornish girl who loves the sea, Deborah is thrilled to be working at Seafarers UK. As I suggested in the Summer issue of Flagship, 2012 is turning out to be even busier than 2011: ◗◗ In 2009 we had 79 applications, turned down five to leave 74 applications from 73 organisations (two applications from the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust). We awarded a total of £2.64 million. ◗◗ In 2010, we were approached by 80 charities and made 77 grants to 74 organisations (three applications from

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

RNBT and two from Nautilus Welfare) for a total of £2.48 million. ◗◗ In 2011, we were approached by 83 organisations requesting £4 million and the total awarded was £2.5 million. This was 99.94% of the available budget and 62% of the requested amounts. The average grant size in 2011 was £31,945 compared with £32,000 in 2010. By October we had received 88 applications in 2012, seeking over £4.23 million against a total budget of £2.6 million. As you may be aware, historically we have given most of our grants after our November Grants Committee meeting and this year will be no exception. In the last Flagship I wrote about changes to the grant-making process whereby we have introduced a second round of grantmaking each year. This was to address the problem of organisations and charities needing a faster turnaround between making an application and getting a decision, and we continue to look at how we can improve the efficiency of our service to the charities we support. Prior to the main November Grants Committee meeting, we have already awarded grants of over £630,000 in 2012. Over time we expect the number of applications going to each Grants Committee to even out, but at present

“We continue to look at how we can improve the efficiency of our service to the many charities we support.”

GRANTS NEWS

Zoe served in the Royal Navy from 1987 to 1994, when she was medically discharged after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She left as a Leading Wren. Zoe approached the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (who receive a grant from Seafarers UK) seeking asssitance to purchase an all-terain scooter to help her life on her farm in Cornwall a bit easier while coping with MS.

the bulk of applications continue to be presented to Trustees for consideration at the main November meeting. Forty-five applications were due to be considered at the November Committee meeting, seeking a little over £3 million against an available budget for the remainder of the year of a little over £1.9million. The growing number of applications is in no small part due to the huge success of the Small Grants Programme established in 2010. So far in 2012, under this programme, we have awarded grants totalling over £90,000 to 26 organisations, including to the South Atlantic Medal Association, to pay for Merchant Navy veterans to attend the 30th Anniversary visit to the Falkland Islands, and to retired fishermen of North Shields to provide support to a group of local exfishermen (pictured above). A particular favourite of mine was a grant of £5,000 as a contribution (along with other charities) towards the costs of

employing a neuropsychologist to work with residents who have acquired brain injuries at the Queen Alexandra Hospital Home in Worthing. Another of our ‘small’ grants was just over £1,000 to pay for a powered wheelchair for an individual who served during the Falklands Campaign. Seafarers UK manages part of the South Atlantic Fund, established nearly 30 years ago to support the brave men and women from the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Merchant Navy who took part in that campaign. It is worth noting that the grant was paid after contact from a local branch of the Royal British Legion who were able to assess the individual’s needs and contacted us with the request. One substantial grant we awarded earlier this year was to the Marine Society & Sea Cadets as a contribution towards the costs of the replacement of their training ship TS Royalist. The TS Royalist is a is a 23 metre square rig brig owned and operated as a sail training ship by

the Marine Society & Sea Cadets. She is over 40 years old and approaching the end of her working life. Over 30,000 cadets have lived and worked on her and MS-SC is seeking £5.6million to build a new flagship to provide seafaring opportunities for the next 40 years. By using our funds intelligently, we awarded a grant of £200,000 towards the new sailing brig. However, half of that money came in the form of matched funding from a number of generous corporate donors. We have supported the Sea Cadets for many years as we believe that they are our seafarers of the future and many do go on to a career at sea. For both the main grants and small grants programmes, further details and application forms are available to download at www.seafarers-uk.org

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

NEWS

Seafarers UK has an ACE time during National Cruise Week

eafarers UK had the proud honour of being named the Partner Charity for the 2012 National Cruise Week, held from the 16 to 23 September. National Cruise Week was coordinated by the Association of Cruise Experts or, as they are commonly known, ACE. The key objective of National Cruise Week is to showcase this growing industry and the unique holiday experience that cruising provides. The Association of Cruise Experts also believes that it is just as important to pay tribute to the hard-working and often unsung seafarers that make it all possible, and who create the platform on which the industry is built. Andy Harmer, Director of the Association of Cruise Experts, said: ‘The UK cruise industry is a fantastic example of our island nation’s proud seafaring heritage. That is why we chose Seafarers UK to be the charity partner of this year’s National Cruise Week and the Afternoon Tea Challenge. Seafarers UK is committed to supporting those who work within the cruise industry. This may be through funding port welfare facilities or seafarers’ telephone support lines, or even providing grants to support housing projects

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

for those veterans of the industry who have fallen upon hard times. We understand and appreciate the unique lifestyle of those who work within the cruise industry and we are proud to support a charity that supports seafarers when times get hard.’ The climax of the week was the Afternoon Tea Challenge and the National Cruise Convention on the Thursday. The challenge represented a great opportunity for travel agents across the land to host an afternoon tea to get the nation talking about cruises and also to raise money for Seafarers UK. The National Cruise Convention provided an opportunity for our Director General Barry Bryant (pictured above) and Corporate Partnerships Manager Jos Standerwick to travel inland to Birmingham. Not only was the day an enlightening insight into the cruise world it also provided a platform to tell delegates

representing all facets of the industry about the ACE-Seafarers UK partnership. We would of course not have been doing our duty if we had not tried to squeeze some money out of the attendees at the post-convention dinner! After hearing some compelling words on the charity from Barry Bryant, the attendees were more than generous, donating nearly £1,000. Seafarers UK is fortunate to have had a strong relationship with the frontline of the passenger shipping industry since our founding 95 years ago. This, however, has been a great maiden voyage into the unchartered waters of ‘cruise’. Not only have we found a dynamic industry that offers a huge and exciting array of cruising experiences, but an industry that has a great deal of empathy for the seafarers who work within in it. We sincerely hope that our partnership with the Association of Cruise Experts will go from strength to strength over the coming months. Once again, on behalf of the whole team at Seafarers UK, a big thanks to ACE and all their members for supporting us during National Cruise Week and beyond. For further information visiit ACE’s website at www.cruiseexperts.org

NEWS

Great South runners brave Arctic winds On Sunday 28 October, 12 runners raising funds for Seafarers UK joined a record-breaking 30,000 others, all battling the chilly weather and Arctic winds to take on the 10-mile Great South Run. All our runners finished in excellent times, but a particular mention must go to Dean Smith who completed the course in just 58 minutes and 13 seconds, coming 54th overall. Seafarers UK staff members were there to cheer runners along the route through Portsmouth and Southsea. A team from HMS Kent used the top deck of their ship as a training ground and in doing so have currently raised over £900. The total raised so far between the entire team currently stands at an amazing £2,564. Thank you so much for all of your hard work in both training and fundraising.

Seafarers UK staff member Julie Behan and Beth Roche Griffin after completing the 10-mile run.

Charles Thornton.

Seafarers UK and the MNWB launch new Merchant Navy Fund Following the Annual Remembrance Day Service on 11 November at the Merchant Navy War Memorial on London’s Tower Hill,Trinity House hosted the launch of the Merchant Navy Fund, a new regular donor initiative to raise funds for the UK Merchant Navy from the UK Merchant Navy. Speaking at the launch, Captain David Parsons, Chief Executive of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB), described the new fund as ‘an exciting, much needed, collaborative initiative by two national charities, the MNWB and Seafarers UK.’ He went on to explain how the collaboration was designed to bring huge added benefit, combining the MNWB’s unique knowledge of the Merchant Navy sector and Seafarers UK’s expertise in fundraising and grants management. Also speaking at the event, Seafarers UK’s Director General Commodore Barry Bryant stressed that ‘for 95 years Seafarers UK has worked with all aspects of the UK maritime world – the Merchant and Royal Navies and the fishing fleets – using knowledge and experience to make grants where the need is greatest. Nonetheless, I can well understand that many donors would perhaps like more clarity and accountability as to exactly where their money should be spent.This fund responds to that sentiment, and will be used exclusively to help finance those charities supporting our own Merchant Navy seafarers and their families.’ However, both Barry Bryant and David Parsons were at pains to highlight that the new fund should

in no way be seen as being in competition with any other charity. Specifically, no one was being asked to divert their existing contributions, but the clear aim was to increase the total funds available to meet the very real need that exists. Using the strap line of ‘Today we need you Tomorrow you may need us’, the Merchant Navy Fund is fully supported by the maritime trade unions, Nautilus International and RMT. On learning of the launch of the fund Mark Dickinson, General Secretary of Nautilus International, and a Trustee of Seafarers UK, said: ‘I believe that this initiative, among the Merchant Navy community, is needed now more than ever. Union members will welcome an opportunity to contribute to this new fund because they know that the money raised will support their former shipmates.’ Those who are currently serving in, or who have retired from, the UK Merchant Navy, are therefore being asked to consider making a regular donation to the newly established Merchant Navy Fund. In time, ten thousand monthly contributions of £10 could potentially raise an extra £1.5 million per year, to enable the MNWB and Seafarers UK to help other UK Merchant Navy-focused charities to do so much more. For information on the fund please phone Julie Behan on 023 9269 0324, email mnfund@ seafarers-uk.org or visit the Merchant Navy Fund website at www.merchantnavyfund.org.

w i n t e r 2012

FLAGS HI P

EVENTS

100 take on 24 Peaks

Maritime Coastguard Agency On 14-15 July, 11 teams with a total of 100 members walked up and down 24 Lake District peaks over 2,400 feet in 24 hours, to raise funds for Seafarers UK. The teams represented corporate organisations including Lloyd’s Register, Maersk, the Maritime

The Maersk team smiling on the starting line at 5:00am. & Coastguard Agency, Nautilus International, Stena Line, Teekay Shipping and Wightlink. The 24 Peaks Challenge is one of the UK’s ultimate tests of teamwork. On Day One, the challenge was to conquer ten peaks in 14 hours, covering a distance of 17.5 miles.

Thanks to our ‘own place’ fundraisers Windsor Half Marathon

Darren Griffiths (pictured), a member of London URNU, ran the gruelling Windsor Half Marathon, completing the 13-mile course alongside 4,000 other people. He finished in a very respectable 2 hours 19 minutes and raised Darren Griffiths £300 for Seafarers UK. Darren is also competing in the Men’s Health ‘Survival of the Fittest’ Great Edinburgh Run challenge – a 10K run through On Sunday 7 October Seafarers Battersea Power Station, complete UK was lucky enough to be with many obstacles including represented in both the Great climbing through skips, immersion Edinburgh Run and the Windsor in water and crawling through Half Marathon. Susanna Cook and coal! By the time you read this Andy Vale made the long journey he will have taken part in this up from Cornwall to Edinburgh to extraordinary event with eight take part in the 10K run around other members of the London the city. They raised over £320 URNU. for our work. Andy loved the

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

On Day Two our enthusiastic fundraisers took on 14 peaks in ten hours, covering 14 miles. Mental stamina and physical fitness were required to tackle the extremely tough and gruelling conditions. A further test for each team was to raise £5,000 to support the work

of Seafarers UK. We are delighted to say that the teams have raised a total of £62,466. Seafarers UK Fundraising Team members were ready to greet each successful team as they crossed the finish line, with huge cheers and medals to mark their Marathon earlier this year raising over £330 for Seafarers UK and finishing in an excellent time of 4 hours 49 minutes. We are very grateful to you for your fundraising efforts and commitment to Seafarers UK.

Thank you to all our fundraisers this year, whether you have taken part in one of our events or one of your own. It is great to have you all onboard and raising valuable funds for Seafarers UK. We hope that you have been inspired to take part in a Challenge Event next year – there may be something for you in our 2013 Challenge Events calendar! Tony Foulds (see page 16) experience so much that he has now signed up to run the 2013 London Marathon for Seafarers UK and, hopefully, if Susanna isn’t on a ship, she will be joining him. Thank you both for your hard work and support for Seafarers UK.

Edinburgh Marathon

Thank you to Tony Foulds (pictured above), who ran the Edinburgh

STOP PRESS!

We still have places available in the 2013 London Marathon. If you know anyone who has their own place, please put them in touch with us. If you would like a Seafarers UK place, please contact Verity Maylam in our Fundraising Events Team, email verity.maylam@seafarers-uk.org or phone 020 7932 5961.

Team Leader Claire Sneddon (left) and her Maersk team enjoying a well-deserved celebration.

The Lloyd’s Register team at the end of Day One. accomplishment. We are pleased to report that every team successfully completed the challenge, and in better weather than we have experienced for some years. We congratulate each and every team for their commitment, enthusiasm and sense of humour.

We would like to say a special ‘thank you’ to each team’s support crew, without whom we would not be able to run this event. Also big thanks go to Global Challenge UK for the logistics and ensuring the highest level of safety during the whole weekend.

“What an incredible experience! We are all delighted that we did it. Thank you to everyone who helped encourage us all the way, it was an amazing event.”

Castaway House runners raising funds for seafarers in need On 28 October, four brave souls from Castaway House in Portsmouth, home to several Royal Naval charities and organisations, faced the elements and ran in the Great South Run to raise funds for Seafarers UK. Stephen Farrington, Chief Executive of the Royal Naval Benevolent Trust (RNBT), one of the charities resident in Castaway House, said: ‘We, like many other maritime charities, rely on the support that Seafarers UK has given us

for many years. Without their grant we would struggle to maintain our commitment to our beneficiaries. I am delighted that we had four runners from Castaway House taking part in the Great South Run and raising funds for Seafarers UK.’ The ‘Seafarers Castaways’ team – made up of Julie Behan, Dave Gibson and his son Callum, and Rob Jesson – completed the ten-mile Great South Run in a respectable time. Dave Gibson,

a former Royal Marine who now works for the RNBT said: ‘We want to raise as much money as we can and are hoping that Flagship readers will support us in our fundraising efforts and help ensure that our seafarers and their families receive help when needed.’ To make a donation visit the Seafarers Castaways’Virgin Money Giving page at uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/seafarers, or phone 023 9269 0324. W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

Whether you want to run, swim or trek – there’s something for everyone. Sign up today! Contact us: 020 7932 5961 events@seafarers-uk.org www.seafarers-uk.org/events

2013 EVENTS

CALENDAR

SUNDAY 21 APRIL

FRIDAY 17 MAY

Virgin London Marathon

Nautical Friday Challenge

One of the world’s most prestigious running events (places still available)

As part of our Nautical Friday National Fundraising Day

SATURDAY 13 JULY

JULY (tbc)

Great North Swim One mile open water swim in Lake Windermere

SUNDAY 14 JULY

Beat the Brecons

British 10K

A 12-hour team endurance challenge (cycling, walking and canoeing)

10K route through the heart of London

SUNDAY 15 SEPTEMBER

Great London Swim

Great North Run

One mile open water swim in Docklands

The second largest half marathon in the world

MON 7 – SUN 13 OCTOBER

Fri 14 – Sun 16 June

Thurs 10 – Sun 20 Oct

SUNDAY 27 OCTOBER

Fish & Chip Feast

Kilimanjaro Trek

Great South Run

Enjoy the nation’s favourite dish for charity

Trek to the roof of Africa – the world’s highest freestanding mountain at 5,895m

10 mile run through Portsmouth and Southsea

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

NEWS

A feast of a fundraiser!

Luke from Burton Road runs a half-marathon.

Staff at Lincoln’s Burton Road Chip Shop get into the nautical spirit.

The Seafarers UK Fish & Chip Feast took place from 8 to 14 October this year. The week-long event encouraged fish and chip shops across the country to raise money for the welfare of fishermen and other seafarers in need, and their families who have fallen on hard times. Fish and chip shops around the UK got involved this year. In Lincoln the Burton Road Chip Shop hosted a charity open day on their usual day off (Monday), with all profits raised going to Seafarers UK. Their suppliers sponsored them with free fish and sausages and the staff gladly gave up their day off for free. The shop then spent the rest of the week holding raffles and Merchants FIsh Bar in Bewdley raised £600 from a series of events.

competitions, raising over £1,000 in total. Owner Lesley Graves said: ‘It was a great event to be involved in. Not only did it allow us an excuse to have some fun, but it really raised awareness of what Seafarers UK is all about, and the dangers people place themselves in to bring us things we all just take for granted and the disastrous impact this can have on lives and families. When I sat down with my team to have a meeting about what events we could hold during the Fish & Chip Feast and we read the information in your pack, we were all very humbled. ‘This certainly spurred us all on and I was so proud of my team for the way they passed this information along to all our customers, gladly worked for free on our open day, and, of course, for Luke who ran a half marathon. It encouraged great teamwork, customer interaction and satisfaction to be helping such a good cause.’ In Bewdley, Merchants Fish Bar hosted a week of charity events, including a quiz night, sponsored hair shave plus book and toy sales, raising £600. Manager Richard Elzner said: ‘We had an absolutely fantastic week. Everyone put so much effort in and it was great to see so many customers get behind a great cause.’ In Northern Ireland, The Pit-Stop in Kilkeel served a special Haddock Supper with £1 from every dish sold going towards Seafarers UK. In Plymouth celebrity chef Mitch Tonks’ restaurant Rockfish got involved and

donated £1 from every cod dish sold – their top selling fish. ‘I am delighted to be able to once again support the Seafarers UK Fish & Chip Feast,’ said Mitch Tonks. ‘The work that Seafarers UK does to support not just fishermen and their families but the whole of the maritime community, is incredibly important. Without our seafarers one of the nation’s favorite dishes, fish and chips, would not be available. The Fish & Chip Feast is an easy way for those in the industry and everyone who enjoys fish and chips to give a little back and ensure that seafarers and their families receive help in difficult times.’ This year’s Fish & Chip Feast was supported by Seafish and the shop that raised the most money will be presented with the Seafarers UK ‘Fish & Chip Feast – Top Fundraising Shop of the Year Award’. The award will be presented at Seafish’s National Fish & Chip Awards ceremony early next year. Seafarers UK’s Director General Commodore Barry Bryant said: ‘We are delighted that fish and chip shops supported Seafarers UK by taking part in the Fish & Chip Feast. Fishing communities often face problems and rely on our charity to help them. Every penny raised will go towards helping fishermen and other seafarers who are struggling in very difficult times.’ The 2013 Fish & Chip Feast will take place from 7-13 October. If you would like to get involved please contact our Fundraising Events team: email events@seafarers-uk. org or telephone 020 7932 5961. W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

NEWS

Lauren-Jaie and Daniel’s wedding gift to Seafarers UK Having taken ten years to ‘tie the knot’, and with the additional cost of guests travelling to Spain for their wedding, Lauren-Jaie and Daniel (pictured) decided that they didn’t really need any wedding presents. Guests have, instead, been asked to make a donation to charity. One of the charities they are supporting is Seafarers UK, as both Daniel and Lauren-Jaie had grandfathers who served in the Royal Navy and remember them having fond memories of their time at sea. Sadly, both their grandfathers have passed away in the past four years. In remembrance of them, together with others who are sadly unable to be with the couple on their special day, Lauren-Jaie and Daniel asked their wedding

Farewell to Kate At the end of September, we were all very sad to say goodbye to Kate Brown, who has been the Executive Manager at Seafarers UK for the past 11 years. As a member of the Head Office team, our supporters may have had fewer opportunities to meet Kate than other members of staff, except during our Annual Meeting, which she has masterminded so splendidly each year at

A feather in our Chairman’s cap Seafarers UK’s Chairman, Vice Admiral Peter Wilkinson CB CVO, has taken the helm as National President of The Royal British Legion. The National President is the figurehead of the nation’s leading Armed Forces charity, linking with its Patron Her Majesty The Queen and serving as its representative at national ceremonial events such as the Festival of Remembrance at the Cenotaph. The unpaid honorary position is appointed by the Legion’s Board of Trustees for a period of three years. Admiral Wilkinson took up his position on 17 October, succeeding Lieutenant General Sir John Kiszely, continuing the Legion’s tradition of rotating the senior role among the three Services which it represents. 18

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

the Mansion House. She has kept the Head Office organisation and administration on track, as a steady and consistent backdrop to our grant-giving and fundraising activities. In recent years, Kate initiated the establishment of an efficient and proactive HR system, and with the enthusiastic support of her team has ensured that Seafarers UK is fully up to date with current Health and Safety and

guests for donations in lieu of wedding gifts. To enable their guests to give easily they set up a Just Giving website at www. justgiving.com/Lauren-daniel3. This also makes it easier for people to Gift Aid their donation, which means for every £10 their guests give, Seafarers UK is able to claim an extra £2.50 from the government. Seafarers UK is always grateful to receive donations in lieu. How often do we worry about what to buy someone because they have everything? If you are celebrating a special occasion in 2013 and would prefer your family and friends to make a donation in lieu of giving presents, please email julie.behan@seafarers-uk.org or phone 020 7932 0000.

Data Protection legislation. She has steered a major governance review through a series of bureaucratic hoops, culminating in the revision of our Royal Charter. We will all miss Kate’s consummate organisation skills, impressive command of detail and calm efficiency. She is the fount of all knowledge on everything relating to governance, protocol and legal matters, and is hugely committed to Seafarers UK and the people whose welfare we support. Everyone holds her in huge admiration and respect, and we wish her fair winds and following seas.

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

Mrs Barbara Barber Mrs Odette Brown Mr & Mrs Chiverell Mr Douglas Evan Arthur Coombs Lt Cdr D E Cooper RNR RD Commander Peter B Cowan RN(Retd) Mrs Mabel Margery Duke Mrs Sylvia Hammond Mr Will Headon Mrs Margaret Patricia Hughes (Pat) Mr Sean Lindsay

Mrs Ann Mason Mrs Mary Merritt Lady Rita O’Brien Mr Ronald William Rawlings Mr Anthony Rhys Davies Mr Roy Weston Richards Mr William Douglas Sawle Mr Derek George Sykes Mr Colin Williams Mr George Winter

We also thank those people who have chosen to make a quiet personal remembrance of friend or relative anonymously; we may not have their names, but we acknowledge them all with honour and respect.

News

New partnership provides free Internet access for seafarers in UK ports

From left: Captain David Parsons (MNWB), John Green (Apostleship of the Sea), Reverend Andrew Huckett (Mission to Seafarers), John Denham (MP for Southampton) and Carolyn Lewis (MNWB).

he Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB) and Three UK hosted an official launch of free mobile WiFi units at Southampton Seafarers Centre during the Southampton Boat Show in September. Guests, including John Denham, MP for Southampton, and representatives from the maritime industry, were welcomed by Captain David Parsons, Chief Executive of the MNWB. Mr Denham said: ‘Seafarers bring almost all the goods we buy, but are often thousands of miles from home with no or very expensive communications. This great initiative means they can have contact with their families in the precious hours they are in port.’ Carolyn Lewis, Port Welfare Manager at the MNWB, has been raising funds since January to

purchase the mobile WiFi units (called MiFis). She completed the Brighton Marathon in April, the ‘Ups-and-Downs 30-mile Cycle Race’ in Petersfield in July, and the Great South Run in October. To date, Carolyn has raised over £2,500, enabling the purchase of 25 MiFi units to distribute across UK ports. Negotiations resulted in a partnership with Three UK, who have donated 32 MiFi units. Three UK’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Hugh Davies, said: ‘We have invested heavily in our network. For seafarers, a connection to one of our portable MiFi devices means it is free and easy for them to stay in contact with loved ones. Each device will be loaded with 15GB of data per month, enough to make 1,500 10-minute Skype calls or send around 75,000 emails. The awardwinning MiFi devices are enabled with the latest HSPA+ technology,

which provides a faster mobile Internet experience than standard 3G.’ Captain Parsons added: ‘I am delighted that through Carolyn’s enthusiasm, initiative and ultimately efforts in completing these onerous challenges, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board has managed to provide this important equipment to so many of the port welfare chaplains and workers. We are also particularly grateful to Three UK who, once they were aware of Carolyn’s efforts and the advantages that their equipment can provide, kindly donated additional units and ongoing support. Seafaring these days is often a lonely life with long voyages and little time, or money, to go ashore. A chance to contact home, no matter how brief, can make so much difference to the men and women visiting our ports from so many parts of the world.’ W I N T E R 2012

Further information can be found on the MNWB website at www.mnwb.org F L AG S H I P

NEWS

Four new Trustees take up their seats Seafarers UK is delighted to welcome four new Trustees this year. At the same time, we have bid farewell to Ms Christine Gould, Mr Barry Miller and Mr Tim Warren; we thank them for their loyal service to Seafarers UK, and wish them well.

Surgeon Commodore Peter Buxton OBE QHP is currently the Commander Defence Medical Group, based at DMS Whittington, Lichfield and is also an Honorary Physician to Her Majesty the Queen. He read medicine at Corpus Christi College, Oxford, during which time he joined the Royal Navy as a medical cadet. He has seen active service in the major international conflicts of recent years, and subsequently became head of the Defence Telemedicine Unit. In that capacity, he led the UK’s development of telemedicine through a range of low cost and innovative technologies both for the military and medical charities. During his busy and wide-ranging career Peter has also found time to study for an MA in archaeology, whilst also enjoying sailing his narrowboat, photography and fly-fishing. Tom Cadman read ancient world history at University College London, and joined Pothecary Witham Weld Solicitors, subsequently becoming a partner. He advises charities on a range of constitutional, governance, commercial and property issues. His recent work includes advising on the reorganisation of a substantial educational charity, the first conversion to an academy of a Methodist school, advising on a fundraising agreement between a charity and a restaurant chain, and the re-financing of trading subsidiaries of a number of charities. He is also instructed in commercial property and general commercial matters for noncharity clients. Outside of work, Tom is a former international fencer, and competed in many World, European and Commonwealth Championships. He was British Épée Champion in 2004, and Commonwealth Champion in the épée team event in 2010. He has served as Director of the British Fencing Association and was responsible for redrafting its constitution. 20

FLA AG G S HIP H I P WINTER W I N T E R22001122

Mark Carden is Assistant National Secretary of the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers. He has spent 25 years at sea, having began his career on leaving Liverpool nautical catering college. He has travelled all over the world with P&O, Cunard, Sealink, Stena and Caledonian MacBrayne. He then transferred to service with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, until he ran for office within the RMT. Throughout his career, Mark has always held lay union positions onboard such as shipboard representative or serving on health and safety and Port Welfare committees; he was also on the union’s national Shipping and Offshore committee for ten years. He was a member of the RMT Executive Committee and several sub-committees, including Legal, Political, Pension and Organisational. He has represented the RMT and its members at numerous national and international conferences and has held several trustee positions within the industry. Mark Dickinson is the General Secretary of Nautilus International. He has extensive industrial experience at both national and international levels, including conducting negotiations, arbitration and recognition procedures, promoting equal opportunities, securing and negotiating collective bargaining agreements and bi-lateral agreements with major seafarers’ unions world-wide. He has represented the union at European and international levels, including with government ministers and senior civil servants, and at a range of conference events promoting members’ concerns and issues. He is a member of numerous industry trade bodies representing members’ interests. As a delegate to TUC Congresses, he has frequently moved and seconded motions on a variety of issues including seafarers’ rights, fair trade and the protection of members’ jobs, pensions and working conditions. Seafarers UK is extremely fortunate to have secured Trustees with such a wide range of direct, practical experience of welfare and charitable issues right across the maritime sector. On behalf of our staff and supporters, we extend a very warm welcome to all of them, and look forward to working with them in the years to come.

The Royal Alfred Seafarers’Society

www.royalalfredseafarers.com

Providing quality residential nursing, dementia and short term respite care primarily for seafarers and their dependants. The nation owes a great deal to its seafarers and our home provides them with a safe haven in old age and adversity. If you know of someone that needs our help please contact us. We offer modern en suite rooms and sheltered flats set in 14 acres of lovely Surrey countryside on the edge of Banstead. Donations and legacies are vital to us and help ensure that our residents continue to receive the best possible care. For further information about the services we provide, or for advice on tax efficient giving, please contact the Chief Executive, Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt OBE, at Head Office, Weston Acres, Woodmansterne Lane, Banstead, Surrey SM7 3HA.

01737 353763 Fax: 01737 362678

SERVICE

VOLENT T

’S EN

AL AV

NE BE

ROYAL N

Phone:

S RU

Reg Charity No 209776. Est 1865

Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust

70 Years of Trust

An Illustrated History of the Women’s Royal Naval Service Benevolent Trust

£12.00

Plus postage & packaging

Order your copy online at: www.wrnsbt.org.uk Or call: 023 9265 5301

Reg charity 206529

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

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

www.seafarersupport.org

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

CHARITY FOCUS

Helping children who have lost a parent

he Royal Liverpool Seamen’s Orphan Institution (RLSOI) has voyaged a long way since the day in August 1869, when as a result of the generosity of ship owners and merchants and their genuine concern for the widows and families of Merchant Seamen lost at sea by drowning, or who had died as the result of an accident or natural causes, the Royal Liverpool Seamen’s Orphan Institution was founded.

Although the Newsham Park orphanage was closed in July 1949, the proceeds of the subsequent sale were invested and it was agreed that the money should be used to continue the objectives of the founders: to provide the means for the education and maintenance of the children of deceased British Merchant Navy seamen in need. Over the past 140 years, working conditions at sea and social conditions on shore have improved beyond recognition, but amidst all of these changes, there still stands one fact which will never change: the death through illness or accident of a seafaring man or woman means that overnight, a partner is confronted with the task of bringing up a family on their own. Since 1951, the RLSOI has evolved into one of the largest independent grantgiving organisations helping those families who have lost a seafaring parent. Their main focus remains on encouraging good educational standards. Financial assistance given to families enables the children to have the same educational experience as their peers who have not had to face both the financial and emotional hardship of losing a parent. The work of the Institution continues today from offices in Liverpool where regular committee meetings are held to discuss the progress of the children, the approval of grants, and the forumulation

Chris Collins and Linda Gidman, beneath a portrait of ship owner James Beazley and initial benefactor, at the RLSOI’s Liverpool offices

and financing of plans to further the purposes of the Institution. There is a small team who put into practice the decisions taken at the committee meetings and there is close personal liaison with the families by way of visits from the Secretary, Linda Gidman. It is clear that despite government welfare payments there is – and always will be – a need for the Institution in helping to resolve the fears and anxieties of widows. Widows like Julie, whose husband David served in the Merchant Navy from the age of 15 and sadly died at the age of 53 from a brain tumour. Julie was left to support her two young children Louis and Kristi, who were just 14 and eight when their father died. When Julie was able to return to work a colleague, whose own family had received help, told her to contact the Royal Liverpool Seaman’s Orphan Institution (RLSOI). Julie made a hesitant phone call and was immediately made to feel welcome by Linda. The news

that she was eligible for help came as immense relief for Julie and the help given has had a great impact on her children’s lives. Louis has now turned 18 and is studying for an apprenticeship at college. Kristi is an active 12-year-old who enjoys school and activities such as dancing and playing the piano. Seafarers UK has given an annual grant to the RLSOI in support of their work for many years. In 2011, that grant was £50,000, without which they would have struggled to maintain the help they gave to those children who have suffered the loss of a parent. ‘It is work that has no end and much more remains to be done,’ says Linda Gidman. ‘But with the continuing help and support of generous friends, well-wishers and organisations such as Seafarers UK, we are confident that we will not fail in our dedicated task.’ The Seafarers UK Children’s Appeal aims to improve the support we give to charities like the RLSOI. W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

Seafarers’ children need your support The Seafarers UK Children’s Appeal was launched in March this year and will run until September 2013. Why for so long? To engage with as wide an audience as possible in order to promote an appeal that supports one of the maritime community’s most valuable commodities – its children. 24

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

CHILDREN’s APPEAL

SOME Of THE Charities benefiting from GRANTS FROM Seafarers UK but to allow the children to partake in everyday activities that will enable them to achieve their full potential.

Flagship readers will know of the appeal and some have already made donations – thank you! We hope that many more will do so after reading this issue. The appeal also features in other Seafarers UK promotional materials and letters. Those who attend our popular Royal Marines Band Concerts will see the appeal promoted in theatre foyers and in the concert programmes. This has already resulted in fundraising activities being organised by people attending concerts who have not previously supported Seafarers UK. We thank these people and hope to see many more joining our fundraising activities in 2013! The main aim of the Children’s Appeal is to increase the support we already give to the many charities and organisations who support the welfare of seafarers’ children and encourage children to engage in maritime activities. Seafarers UK has always had a responsibility to support children in the maritime community. But it is an area of our work that we are perhaps less well known for. This is an opportune time, during a year when there has been much talk of ‘leaving a legacy’, to focus on our support of the younger generation. Our knowledge of the maritime sector, gained over 95 years, means we can direct the donations we receive to those who need them most. Surely this is never so important as when ensuring that no child of a seafarer should suffer unnecessary hardship.

Alexandra House is a children’s nursery in Plymouth providing care for children, including those of seafaring parents. The nursery is recognised for its very high standards. Seafarers UK is proud to be able to support a facility that provides a safe environment where children can play and learn, with caring adults nurturing and supporting them.

The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Children’s Fund is the only charity dedicated to supporting children whose parents work, or have worked, for the Naval Service. The fund provides assistance with childcare, special needs education, days out and in-home support during times of crisis.

The Sailors’ Children’s Society currently supports around 400 children whose families have served in the fishing fleets or the Royal or Merchant Navies. The aim of the Society is to provide not only the basic necessities of life, such as clothing,

In the box above we highlight some of the charities we give grants to. All these charities, along with many others, deliver invaluable support. Without donations and grants like those they receive from Seafarers UK, many would struggle to provide the help they give. Seafarers UK wants

Marine Society and Sea Cadets aims to give young people the best possible head start in life through fun and adventurous nautical activity. It offers an environment where young people can find confidence and inspiration through learning new skills and working together in teams. League of Venturers Search and Rescue is a teenage youth organisation that trains young people between the ages of 13 and 24 in sailing, first aid and rescue skills, which enable them to provide a valuable service to the adult community. In summer, they provide a sea rescue service for the Coastguard, and in winter a land rescue service for the Police. KIDS is a charity that has a vision for all disabled children and young people to realise their aspirations and their right to live in an inclusive community. KIDS South East, based in Fareham, Hampshire, has many seafaring families who benefit from its facilities and ideals.

to ensure that no child of a seafarer should suffer unnecessarily. For more information or to get involved with the Seafarers UK Children’s Appeal email Julie Behan at julie.behan@seafarers-uk.org, phone 023 9269 0324 or write to Julie Behan, Seafarers UK, 8 Hatherley Street, LONDON, SW1P 2QT.

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

24 – 30 June 2013

Seafarers – k ‘island nation

Flagship readers will already know that 95% of the UK’s imports come by ship. But the fact that more than half the food we eat is imported, mostly sea-borne, is less well known. Research has revealed that even in coastal cities and port towns, people have largely lost a connection with the maritime community that was commonplace just a few decades ago.

That’s why Seafarers UK is continuing to coordinate and promote Seafarers Awareness Week, which will be from 24 to 30 June in 2013. We believe that if the ‘Great British Public’ remains unaware of our dependence on merchant shipping, landlubbers will have no idea about the lives of seafarers, or begin to understand their welfare and other needs. Seafarers keep this ‘island nation’ afloat. Apart from essential food and the numerous imported products that we take for granted, seafarers work around the clock, week in and week out, to supply the oil and gas on which we depend. And recent media coverage of the UK’s anticipated energy needs over the next few years has confirmed that we will need to import even more fuel if power cuts are to be avoided! Facts like that spur us on to inform more British families about our dependence on seafarers. Next year we intend to do that by encouraging public ‘open days’ in ports, including access to ships and boats where possible. Visits by school children are just one idea that we are suggesting at the Port Welfare Committee meetings we have been attending around the UK. Port Welfare Committees (PWCs) are supported by the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB). In fact, they are an essential and integral part of the Board’s work. The contribution made by members allows the MNWB to better understand the issues that affect seafarers locally, nationally and internationally. The purpose of each Committee is to act as an information, communication and networking channel between local members and the Board.

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

CAMPAIGNING

keeping our n’ afloat

Milford Haven

Pembrokeshire Fish Week

Fifteen PWC’s cover the entire coastline of the United Kingdom (with another covering the Port of Gibraltar). Each committee comprises representatives from organisations concerned with the welfare of seafarers visiting the ports and the local seafaring community. Members include Government agencies, maritime charities, maritime trade unions, Port Authorities, Port Health Authorities, and ship owners (commonly represented by shipping agents). Members have been interested to hear about plans for next year’s Seafarers Awareness Week, and initial feedback has been extremely positive. We are hoping that outcomes will include: ◗◗ Open days at ports so members of the public can discover what modern seafaring is all about, and why we are

all so dependent on seafarers every day of the year. ◗◗ ‘Maritime musters’ – local festivals that celebrate our relationship with the sea and seafaring, based on the fishing-themed events that are already held in some port towns. ◗◗ Ship visits for school children, including from primary schools. These are always popular with local TV and radio stations, newspapers and magazines. ◗◗ Art/photo competitions encouraging people to capture images of seafarers, locally-organised, with prizes sourced from local businesses, shops and other sponsors

◗◗ ‘Rowathon’ a new nationwide co-ordinated event, with sponsored participants using rowing exercise machines to raise funds for local nautical welfare charities.

These are just some of the ideas that have been suggested for 2013. Seafarers Awareness Week provides an opportunity to promote just about any kind of local event that raises awareness of seafarers and how they keep our island nation afloat. If you would like to get involved, either as an event organiser or by participating in a local event, please contact Nick Harvey: nick.harvey@ seafarers-uk.org, or 020 7932 5969. Visit the website www.seafaresawarenessweek.org, like our facebook page (SeafarersWeek) and follow us on twitter @SeafarersWeek. W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

Working hard to take it easy Despite the recession, cruising is more popular than ever. Andy Harmer, Director, Association of Cruise Experts, explains how the industry has become a major part of the European maritime sector. The Northern Lights

The Association of Cruise Experts (ACE), formed in 1985, brings together travel agents, cruise lines, and destinations to ensure that travel agents receive the best possible training and support to sell cruising. And in a year in which the number of people worldwide taking a cruise topped 20 million for the first time - with over 1.7 million of those coming from the UK - that specialist knowledge among travel agents is really important. Indeed cruising is now big business, worth over £2.2 billion to the UK economy alone and around €36.7 billion to the European economy as a whole. Despite the economic recession, this year has been full of activity and reasons to celebrate, not least of which because 2012 looks set to be another record year for the number of cruise holidays taken by British passengers. We had Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which gave us all an excuse for a good ‘knees 28

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

up’ and which was celebrated in Southampton on 5 June by Cunard Line with the ‘Royal Rendezvous’, when three flagships - Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary and Queen Victoria – sailed together down Southampton Water. There was also the ‘Grand Event’ – the first time ever the seven ships of the P&O Cruises fleet were together in Southampton. It took place on 3 July and celebrated a special milestone, the 175th Anniversary of the formation of the Peninsular Steam Navigation Company. And of course, we had the Olympic Games which have been almost universally hailed as a Great British triumph. More than 200 countries from across the globe took part in the Games; perhaps what doesn’t spring to mind is that most of these nations can be visited while taking a cruise holiday! More companies now have cruises visiting South America, particularly in the early part of the year, with great destinations including Brazil, Uruguay and Chile. Alternatively, on the other side of the world, Asia holds great appeal for the more adventurous with a mix of the old and new – ancient heritage alongside 21st century cities – in countries such as Singapore, China, Vietnam and

Cambodia. In September ACE travel agents were busy with National Cruise Week, a once-a-year opportunity which allows them to really extol the virtues of everything cruise in a slightly different way. This year ACE adopted the theme of ‘Greatest Journeys’ to highlight the tremendous destinations that cruises visit. A ‘YouGov’ survey published to mark National Cruise Week showed that one of the main attractions of a cruise holiday is the opportunity to visit a number of destinations in one trip, followed by the all-inclusive nature of a cruise and, of course, the need to only unpack once. The survey asked in depth about respondents’ ideas of what defines a great journey, and why they would like to embark on one. A round-the-world trip was voted as the favoured destination for a great journey, selected by over two in five British adults (42%). The same percentage thought that ‘stress–free travel’ would define a great journey, with 37% opting for ‘luxury all the way’. The quality of the travel was more important to women than men, with ‘luxury’ desired by 41% of women compared to 32% of men, and ‘stress-free’ defining a

LEISURE CRUiSING

The remote Caribbean island of Saint Vincent

Antarctica

The Galapagos Islands

great journey for 45% of women, compared to 39% of men. After a round-the-world trip, specific itineraries that featured strongly in people’s ideas of a great journey included experiencing the Northern Lights (40%); visiting exotic

beaches (31%); seeing remote islands (28%); visiting the Galapagos Islands (24%); journeying to Antarctica (18%); and going through the Panama Canal (12%). The Northern Lights journey was a particularly popular answer for those from Yorkshire and Humberside (49%), but less so among Scots (33%), due perhaps to their proximity and the occasional glimpse possible from Scotland’s northern and western shores. ACE travel agents will be fully aware of cruise destinations, from

the hottest to the coldest regions of the world, knowing that every corner is accessible nowadays to cruise passengers. Destination and itinerary are very much at the top of the consumer wish list. So whether it’s a large cruise ship with plenty of facilities, an intimate ship with ultra-luxury service and ‘hidden gem’ destinations, or an expedition ship for an adventurous journey, there is something for every desire. To find your local ACE agent visit www.discovercruises.co.uk W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

Seafarers UK National Fundraising Day:

Nautical Friday

ur national fundraising day, Nautical Friday, will be on Friday 17 May in 2013.

This year, we were amazed by the enthusiasm and ingenuity of our supporters both old and new. In 2013 we hope that even more people will get involved and make Nautical Friday a day to have fun and raise funds for Seafarers UK. Please put the date in your diary and start planning your Nautical Friday event now!

Flag Day

We urgently need volunteers to organise or get involved in our Nautical Friday ‘Flag Day’. With a little pre-planning a street collection can be both fun and profitable! We will provide full guidance and materials for your Flag Day, but to get you started here’s a simple checklist to help you organise your very own street collection: Apply for a Street Collection Licence, if needed, from your local council Register your Flag Day with Seafarers UK to receive your free Flag Day pack

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

A team of volunteers spent just over two hours collecting on Wightlink ferries for Nautical Friday this year and collected £245! consisting of: ◗◗ Collection tins ◗◗ Stickers and balloons ◗◗ Official Seafarers UK collectors’ cards ◗◗ Hi-vis Seafarers UK tabard ◗◗ Paying-in slips Enlist the help of a few

friends to join you on the day On completion of your collection, in the presence of two people, count up the money collected Pay in the money to the bank using the Seafarers UK paying-in slip provided

Advise Seafarers UK of the amount and the date paid in. For further ideas and inspiration visit www.nauticalfriday.org, email events@ seafarers-uk.org or phone the Seafarers UK Events Team on 020 7932 5961.

FLA G S HIP AG H I P SP W IRNITNEG R 2012

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

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

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

YOUR ADVERT here – call Simon on 01273 594455

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

Writes of Passage

StitchesbyinCaptain Time Peter Daniel While sailing as Master on a cargo vessel en route between Panama and New Zealand on a calm and balmy tropical evening, the Second Engineer Officer, whose birthday it was, invited the off-duty officers into the smoke room for a predinner celebration drink. As we were chatting away, and putting the world to rights so to speak, the Chief Officer appeared at the smoke room door and called me outside. He was accompanied by the West Indian Bosun. 36

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

‘How are you at the sight of blood?’ the Chief Officer said. Aboard vessels which do not carry more than 12 passengers it was not compulsory to carry a doctor. Normally the Chief Officer or the Master performed any medical tasks. ‘Why, what’s the problem?’ I said. ‘This,’ he said. The Chief Officer had a towel soaked in blood wrapped inside which was the middle finger of the Bosun’s left hand. We took the Bosun, who by this time was yelling with pain, down to the sick bay. We had virtually to hold him down while I administered a morphine injection to

WRITES OF PASSAGE

subdue the pain. The Bosun had been working on deck and trapped his hand between cargo hatch covers. While the morphine was taking effect, I prepared a needle and sutures in order to attempt to attach the finger back in place. The Ship Captain’s Medical Guide did not offer any guidance on how to carry out such an operation. I proceeded to sew the finger back in place, but the Bosun had skin like leather. There was no air conditioning on board, and the sweat was just pouring off me. I managed to sew the finger back, and dressed it, but my immediate worry was whether I had correctly aligned the finger and not sewed it on with the nail out of alignment. I had a Cadet keep a watch on him throughout the night, and told him to give the Bosun codeine if he woke. I certainly didn’t want any dinner that night. I didn’t sleep either. The following morning, the Bosun was fairly comfortable, but I could not examine the finger as the dressing was congealed with blood. When we arrived in New Zealand two weeks later, I sent the bosun to the doctor in Wellington. He arrived back on board four hours later with a fresh dressing and a letter from the hospital saying that they could not have done a better job themselves; the finger had healed but we were to leave the dressing on for another week. Cargo loading was completed three days later, the hatches battened down, derricks lowered and the ship made ready for sea. We sailed from Wellington bound for Liverpool, hoping for a calm crossing of the Pacific, and hopefully no further incidents. But as the saying goes, worse things happen at sea. Two days after sailing, I was called at midnight by the Third Officer, who had just come off watch. A steward was with him, dripping blood. The steward was the worse for wear with drink and had been in a fight with another steward. His lower

“The Chief Officer had a towel soaked in blood wrapped inside which was the middle finger of the Bosun’s left hand. We took the Bosun, who by time was yelling with pain, down to the sick bay.”

lip was hanging off. I went back to the sick bay, sterilised the equipment and prepared to stitch the lip. As I delicately touched his lip with the needle, the steward grabbed it from my hand. ‘Here you are Captain, this is the way to do it,’ he said, and proceeded to stitch his own lip. As I was saying, he was much the worse for wear. We arrived in Liverpool with no further medical incidents. I felt we should have sailed from New Zealand with a Red Cross painted on the side of the ship. I sailed with the steward three months later. The only sign of his injury was a slight scar. Not bad for a do-it-yourself job. I also met the Bosun a year later, and he proudly came up to me moving his finger and saying, ‘Look Captain, I can use my finger as before!’ I said a few Hail Marys that night – who says miracles do not happen?

SEND IN YOUR STORY AND WIN AN ORIGINAL ILLUSTRATION! See your own story published in Flagship. Just send us your stories, memories and anecdotes (maximum 800 words), marked “Writes of Passage”, to flagship@ seafarers-uk.org or by post to Flagship, c/o Lexographic, Phoenix House, 24 High Street Wanstead, London E11 2AQ. The writer of our featured story will be given the original artwork of their story drawn by our awardwinning illustrator David Simonds.

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

REVIEW

Our Christmas list... A selection of maritime books, films and games to give (or receive) this festive season.

The Cruel Sea

Directed by Charles Frend The classic 1953 adaption of Nicholas Monserrat’s gritty novel about the men serving on the Atlantic convoys during World War II has now been digitally restored. With a fabulous

cast, including Jack Hawkins, Donald Sinden, Virginia McKenna and Denholm Eliot, The Cruel Sea follows the crew of the fictional HMS Compass Rose as they battle German U-Boats, the elements and their own frailties to keep the

Atlantic supply lines open. Realistic, unsentimental, but often very moving, it remains the best of the (relatively few) naval films about World War II. The book’s well worth re-reading too. Optimum, DVD & Blu-ray, 121 mins, £6.99 (DVD)

Lego Pirates of the Caribbean

Ship Simulator Collectors Edition

Kids of all ages (and one or two grown-ups too) will love this Lego action-adventure game based on the ever-popular Pirates of the Caribbean film series, featuring Captain Jack Sparrow and a whole host of new characters to unlock. Battle your way through scenes from the first four films and try to make it to ‘True Pirate’ status. Playable in single or multi-player mode, although the split screen means multi-player takes a bit of getting used to. Suitable for kids of seven years and older.

Put yourself at the helm of 24 different vessels including an oil tanker, powerboat, water taxi, cargo ship and huge cruise liners – and set sail on some of the world’s great maritime adventures. Negotiate some 30 challenging missions on the high seas, or sail the globe freely wherever your whim takes you. Let’s face it – this is the closest you’re ever going to get to piloting the Titanic into San Francisco bay. Make sure your PC is up to scratch, though, as it can run slowly on older machines.

Available for: Nintendo DS/3DS, Wii, Playstation, X-Box 360. Price: £13-18 depending on platform, from all games stockists.

Available for: PC, Windows XP and later. Price: £10.80 from Amazon.co.uk; also available from other game stockists.

F L A G S HIP WINTER 2 0 1 2

REVIEW

Captain Bligh: Master Mariner

down drug smugglers and pirates. No punches are pulled in this frank and exhilarating portrayal of life at the sharp end of the Royal Navy, despite the seemingly idyllic locations.

There was more to William Bligh, captain of the ill-fated HMS Bounty, than his famously incendiary temper. At 24, Master Bligh was present when Captain Cook was stabbed to death by Hawaiian islanders in 1779. Ten years later, after being set adrift by the Bounty mutineers, he survived an arduous 47-day open boat journey from Tonga to Timor, before returning to Blighty to take charge of HMS Providence. Author and yachtsman Rob Mundle tells the tale of his extraordinary career.

Brightspark Studios, DVD only, 270 mins, £13.

By Rob Mundle

SBS: the inside story of Special Boat Service By John Parker

John Parker’s seminal history of the SBS, originally published in 1997, is now available in a bang-up-to-date Kindle edition. Including extensive new material on SBS operations in East Timor, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Kosovo and Iraq, this is still the best history around of the élite squadron of Britain’s Special Forces.

Pen & Sword, 224pp, £19.99

Betrayal

Headline books, 448pp, £4.95. Available to download for all Kindles from Amazon.co.uk from 6 December.

By Julian Stockwin Stockwin’s Napoleonic-era maritime adventure stories featuring Captain Kydd are always meticulously researched, blending fact and fiction in an exhilarating series of yarns which bring vividly to life the bloody reality of the 18th century Navy. This thirteenth in the series doesn’t disappoint, as Kydd assembles a makeshift invasion force to come to the aid of rebels in the tumultuous Spanish colony of Buenos Aires.

Churchill and Sea Power By Christopher M Bell

Given Churchill’s long association with the Royal Navy – he was First Lord of the Admiralty from 1911 to 1915 and briefly returned to the job in 1939 – it’s surprising that this is the first indepth study of Churchill as a naval strategist. This is one area where Churchill’s reputation has never been high: he’s widely seen as having interfered to much in operations and being responsible for the 1915 Dardanelles disaster. But Christopher Bell’s extensive study argues that many of his faults have been exaggerated, while others – such as his conduct of the war in the Atlantic – have been overlooked. A must for anyone with an interest in the political and strategic end of Britain’s maritime history.

Hodder & Stoughton, 384pp, £18.99

Royal Navy Caribbean Patrol Directed by Chris Terrill

Now out on DVD, this excellent documentary series shown on Channel 5 (not something you hear often) follows the crew of HMS Manchester as they patrol the waters of the Caribbean chasing

Oxford University Press, 448pp, £25

TV SERIES

Seafarers UK Children’s Appeal

Trawlermen The first series of this remarkable BBC ‘fly-on-thewall’ docu-drama, now available on DVD, follows the crews of two trawlers from Peterhead fishing the inhospitable North Sea grounds off the coast of Scotland. The trawlermen battle poor catches, bureaucracy, damaged nets, high fuel costs and, above all, the elements themselves, to land their prized catches of cod and prawns. Often tense and dramatic, but with plenty of salty humour, this a rare example of reality TV giving real insight into real people doing one of the most dangerous jobs

Got everything? Why not ask your friends and family to make a donation to the Seafarers UK Children’s Appeal in lieu of a gift this Christmas? It’s easy to do and, thanks to Gift Aid, the government may top up the donation by another 25%! See page 24 for details of the appeal and page 18 for more on donations in lieu.

in the world. And at less than a fiver, it’s cheap as chips too. BBC, DVD, 150 mins, £4.50

Would you like to review for Flagship? To join

our list of reviewers, contact Craig Ryan by email at flagship@lexographic.co.uk or phone 020 8532 9224. WINTER 2012

FLAGS HI P

FLG20

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. 40

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

When The ROYAL MARIneS BAnD SeRVICe ISn’T gIVIng uS WORLD CLASS enTeRTAInMenT, TheY’Re gIVIng MeDICAL CARe AnD SuppORT In COnFLICT ZOneS AROunD The gLOBe WhAT WILL YOu gIVe?

It’s what you can give that will help The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity offer a better quality of life to serving and former naval personnel. It helps those suffering hardship, and it means we can make an immediate grant to their dependants, should the worst ever happen. It also means that while sailors and marines fight piracy and terrorism, your donation will help us provide the vital home comforts and reassure them that what we don’t take for granted is them, or what they do for us every day.

To show your support please text RnRMC to 70700 to donate £5* *£5 plus your standard network charge will be deducted from your next bill. The charity will receive 100% of your donation. For full Terms & Conditions please visit rnrmc.org.uk/text The Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity is a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales (no. 6047294) and is a registered charity (no.1117794) and Scotland (SC041898). Registered Office: The Bungalow Building 35, HMS EXCELLENT, Whale Island, Portsmouth, PO2 8ER.

visit rnrmc.org.uk

Veterans Scotland is an association of 53 organisations who work with the Veterans community in Scotland.

Together we focus on veterans’ welfare, encourage cooperation between member charities, provide advocacy to government and a point of contact for veterans’ policy and communications. We also administer the veterans’ directory website www.veterans-assist.org and the Scottish Veterans Fund. www.veteransscotland.org.uk

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

SVR has been providing a safe haven for veterans since 1910. We need your help to shelter and support veterans of all ages as they cope with life after leaving the forces.

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.

Please donate online at www.svronline.org or Call 0131 556 0091 Registered Charity No. SC 015260

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.

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.

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 42

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

Celeb

serv

ratin g 9 0 years of

ice to the RNBT Family

192 2 â&#x20AC;&#x201C;2012

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 help us to help them.

The Royal Naval Benevolent Trust Castaway House, 311 Twyford Avenue, Portsmouth PO2 8RN t 02392 690112 f 02392 660852 e rnbt@rnbt.org.uk www.rnbt.org.uk

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

QVSR_Ad_135x94v2

1/6/12

14:15

Page 1

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

Queen Victoria Seamen’s Rest is a national charity based in the East End of London. As we enter our 170th year QVSR continues to see a requirement for its work amongst those in need. Originally set up exclusively for seafarers, today we assist seafarers (both active and retired) ex servicemen and other adults in need of accommodation.

Established 1843 Patron: HRH Princess Alexandra

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

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

121–131 East India Dock Road, London, E14 6DF Tel: 020 7987 4622 Registered Charity: 1106126 44

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

Are you an ex-Serviceman/Woman? Young or old, as a veteran you can get free help and advice on ANY issue affecting your life.

FREE VETERANS-UK HELPLINE

0800 169 2277 www.veterans-uk.info

Services provided by

W I N T E R 2012

F L AG S H I P

TIMES past

The seafare

Samuel Plimsoll’s idea was simple: a line on the side of a ship which, if it fell below the waterline, would show the ship was overloaded. But such was the controversy it aroused, that its inventor briefly became one of the most famous and popular men in Britain.

In 1876, a salesman for the Liverpool Rubber Company was looking for a name for a new type of canvas shoe with a rubber sole. As the shoes could be immersed in water, but only up to a certain point, he named them after Plimsoll and his loading line, ensuring that Plimsoll’s name remains known to this day, even among people who

know nothing of ships or the sea. In the 1860s, when Plimsoll began his campaign, conditions in the Merchant Navy were atrocious. Ships were often overloaded and poorly maintained, and the ship owners were able to make vast profits while passing the risk onto poorly-paid, and often very young, sailors (wiser, older sailors tended to avoid the worst ships). Little was done for the widows and orphans of sailors lost at sea (Seafarers UK was still more than half a century away). A common scam were the so-called ‘coffin ships’ – vessels that were over-insured and deliberately overloaded so their unscrupulous owners could pocket the insurance proceeds when they were lost at sea. Until 1871, it was illegal for

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2 0 1 2

Craig Ryan on Samuel Plims landlubber whose campaign sailors to refuse to set sail because they believed a ship to be unseaworthy. In 1866, four successive crews refused to embark for the West Indies on a ship called Harkaway, on the perfectly reasonable grounds that even at anchor in calm seas the ship was taking on more than a metre of water a day. The crews were all sent to prison. Harkaway eventually sailed with its fifth crew, and finally sank two years later off New Zealand. Samuel Plimsoll was an unlikely champion for seafarers. He was born in Bristol in 1824, but was brought up in Sheffield and had no ties to the sea. After a spell as a brewery manager, he moved to London to try to make his fortune as a coal merchant. When he eventually became a Liberal MP in 1868, it was for the city of Derby, about as far away as you can get in England from the sea.

But Plimsoll was a born campaigner and knew a good cause when he saw one. ‘He was someone who came from a tradition of good works,’ says his biographer Nicolette Jones. ‘His grandparents were the sort of people who would invite the poor in off the street… he read Dickens when he was young, and he was inspired by reading Oliver Twist to write a pamphlet on the care of widows and orphans.’ By 1868, a series of devastating losses at sea had put maritime safety right at the top of public concern, and Plimsoll was easily persuaded to lend his weight to the cause. He soon introduced a bill into parliament providing for a safe load line on ships. But while public opinion was heavily on his side, parliament resisted any more regulation of shipping, not least because many MPs were ship owners themselves. In 1873 Plimsoll published a book entitled Our Seaman - an Appeal, of which 600,000 copies were printed, and he began to win over some of the more reputable ship owners. ‘There were of course all along ship owners on his side,’ says Jones. ‘They recognised that insurance premiums were going up because so many ships were being lost… and that they looked after their ships properly

TIMES past

ers’ lifeline

soll, the passionate Victorian n saved countless lives at sea. while other people didn’t.’ The campaign was an early example of how to mobilise a popular movement to put pressure on parliament, even though only around 10% of the population could vote at the time. The government was forced to set up a Royal Commission, which led to the introduction of the Merchant Shipping Bill in 1875. Although Plimsoll regarded the bill as inadequate, he agreed to support it. Then all hell broke loose. In July, Prime Minister Benjamin Disraeli announced that the Bill was being dropped in favour of a trivial agricultural measure. Plimsoll exploded on the floor of the House of Commons. He denounced ship-owning MPs as ‘villains’ and shook his fist in the Speaker’s face, while his wife scattered leaflets from the public gallery above. A newspaper report from 31 July 1875 described Plimsoll’s angry speech to the Commons:

There were, he said, shipowners of murderous tendencies outside the House, who were well represented inside the House, who had defeated a measure by crushing it under the weight of obstructive amendments. Hereupon cries of ‘Names! Names!’ from the Conservative benches, to which Mr Plimsoll, whose excitement was momentarily increasing, replied, ‘Oh, I’ll give names!’ Standing out on the floor and raising his arms aloft, he went on to say that the Secretary at Lloyd’s had told him that for thirty years he had not known of a single ship being broken up on account of being worn out. Plimsoll’s histrionics reignited the public campaign, which took the Disraeli government by surprise. ‘What Disraeli didn’t anticipate when he deferred the legislation was that the nation went wild,’ says Jones. ‘There was a week of huge protests up and down the country… The papers were full of it and Disraeli began to fear for his own future.’ The government was forced to rush through a Merchant Shipping Act after all, introducing a compulsory load line on all ocean-going ships – which immediately took Plimsoll’s name – and mandatory inspection by the Board of Trade. But the Act was

plainly inadequate, not least because ship-owning MPs succeeded in passing a last-minute amendment allowing the owners to decide where the Plimsoll line was placed. One captain in Cardiff was so contemptuous of the new regulation that he painted the marks on the funnel of his ship. It wasn’t until 1890 that the position of the Plimsoll line was fixed by law, and in 1930 the international load line was introduced to standardise the regulation across more than 60 countries. Plimsoll stood down as an MP in 1880 and later fell out with the Liberal Party leadership, whom he believed insufficiently committed to the cause of shipping reform. He died in Folkestone in 1898 and is buried in St Martin’s churchyard in Cheriton, Kent.

There is an interesting post-script to Plimsoll’s life. In the 1890s, he travelled to the USA to try to persuade the American government to take out many of the antiBritish references in the history textbooks used by American children. Plimsoll succeeded by showing American officials the relatively benevolent references to the US in British textbooks. ‘By the time we got to the First World War, there was a generation of Americans who hadn’t grown up with school books full of Anglophobia,’ says Jones. ‘And you could argue therefore that Plimsoll was also the father of the “special relationship”.’

WINTER 2012

F L AG S H I P

CROSSWORD & JACK CHAT the CUTTY SARK PRIZE crossword

Ports by Daisy 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 25 January 2013. Post your entries to: Flagship Crossword, Seafarers UK, 8 Hatherley Street, LONDON, SW1P 2QT.

JackChat

cartoons by Paul Thomas

Cut and run

When a ship was in a hurry to leave, the sails could be quickly unfurled by cutting the ropes securing them, and the anchor cable could also be severed. Now used ashore for any hurried departure regardless of the consequences.

Piping hot

Captain

ACROSS

1 Norwegian port, containers put back with rage (9) 6 Adriatic port, a drinking place found by setter (4) 9 View round edge of bird (7) 10 First World War battle with gas around tree (7) 12 American port I’m taken back following Farrow (5) 13 Rude attack (9) 14 Liturgy is a constant piece (8) 16 Australian port named after British Colonial Secretary (6) 18 Belgian port, too big to nurse (5) 20 Simmer on fire is an anachronism (8) 23 Devise methodically class, popular but not on time (9) 24 Croatian port caused by division (5) 26 Sentimental singer or crone perhaps (7) 27 North African port hewn out of granite perhaps (7) 28 Norwegian port refurbished loos (4) 29 Create carnage at Columbian port (9)

DOWN

1 Sudden attack on Sandy, for example (5) 2 Stir up an entrance it got inside (7) 3 An old political party setter used as a defence (5) 4 Threat from weapon in 1966 Western (8) 5 Brazilian port Anglican church fire destroyed (6) 7 New World Heather found after the morning (7) 8 Alleyn or Linley, for example (9) 11 Bridge – a card game, perhaps (7) 14 A member by right, as some bishops in the House of Lords (2,7) 15 Puerto Rican port also a game (3,4) 17 Scorsese, perhaps, is rarely 14 down on board (17) 19 Horsemen with energy, creating confusion (7) 21 Discomfort of destroying mail in sea (7) 22 Material found in part of a brick (6) 24 World Motor Racing Champion killed on the Tamburello (5) 25 Otter created trail in Devon (5)

The solution to last issue’s crossword is given here. The twelve solutions, CHILEAN, CAMOTES, SALISH, CILICIAN, MINDANAO, CELTIC, ANDAMAN, LINCOLN, CELEBES, SOLOMON, MARMARA and CASPIAN are all SEAS. The winner of the Summer 2012 prize crossword was Ramsey Cringle from the Isle of Man. 48

F L AG S H I P

WINTER 2012

Not as straightforward as you might think. In the Royal Navy, ‘Captain’ is a commissioned officer ranking above Commander and below Commodore – notionally equivalent to an Army Colonel. Confusingly, the commanding officer of a ship is also the ‘captain’, regardless of the naval rank held. Captain can also refer to the rating in charge of a particular part of the ship – for example, the Captain of the Flight deck. The poor rating responsible for cleaning the toilets is sometimes called the ‘Captain of the Heads’.

Another naval term now in common use ashore. If food was collected from the galley as soon as the appropriate ‘pipe’ (or announcement) was made, it would still be ‘piping’ hot when served on the mess decks.

Familygram

A 40-word family message sent each week each member of the crew of a Trident

Mess number

A Royal Navy officer’s account to which mess bills and bar chits can be charged for settlement later. By long tradition in the Fleet Air Arm, an officer’s mess bill was settled from mess funds if he was killed while flying on duty. The account was not closed until midnight, so the rest of the squadron could drink on that account in memory of their dead comrade.

(nuclear-armed) submarine while on patrol, the location of which is necessarily secret. Some of the words are often garbled in transmission, so any form of computergenerated rubbish can be called a ‘familygram’. Can also be called a ‘grumblegram’.

You can order a signed copy of Jackspeak: a guide to British Naval Slang and Usage, by Dr Rick Jolly OBE, for just £10 including p&p, a saving of £2.50. Send cheque for £10 to Palamanando Publishing, PO Box 42, Torpoint, Cornwall, PL11 2YR, marking your order “Flagship Offer”. The author will personalise copies being bought as gifts on request.

01 FL21 00 coverads.indd 2

11/22/12 6:37 PM

Could you spare some time? We are looking for volunteers to give a little time to help the servicemen and women who have given so much for our country.

If you think you could help, visit

ssafa.org.uk/volunteer

Registered Charity Nos 210760 Est. 1885 and SC038056

01 FL21 00 coverads.indd 3

11/22/12 6:37 PM