Flying Angel News
News from The Mission to Seafarers | Spring 2015 | Issue 14
Volunteer stories
We meet some of the volunteers supporting the Mission’s work around the world.
We do it with volunteers
Learn about the importance, and the benefits, of volunteering for the Mission in Seattle, USA.
Bringing light to the darkness
A chaplain’s assistant shares his thoughts on the life changing effects of The Mission to Seafarers.
Plus:
• Team RASI crosses the finish line! • We meet a Mission to Seafarers’ Trustee • Latest news from the Mission around the world
SEA SUNDAY
12 July 2015
We all rely on seafarers. Seafarers rely on us.
The Mission to Seafarers provides help and support to the 1.5 million men and women who face danger every day to keep our global economy afloat. No matter what problem a seafarer is facing they know they can turn to The Mission to Seafarers for help, advice and support. Please help The Mission to Seafarers by holding a Sea Sunday service this year. Order your Sea Sunday pack today at www.seasunday.org, email seasunday@missiontoseafarers.org, or call 020 7246 2982. www.missiontoseafarers.org Registered charity no: 1123613
Challenge Events 2015 Support The Mission to Seafarers by joining our challenge events in 2015.
Bupa London 10,000
Nightrider London
Nor-Shipping Fun Run
London to Paris Bike Ride
25 May
6–7 June
1 June
11–14 June
For more information, contact: Ravina Patel t: 020 7246 2915 e: Ravina.Patel@missiontoseafarers.org
Visit www.missiontoseafarers.org/support-us/events and get involved!
Contents
From the
Secretary General Andrew Wright
In this issue... We do it with volunteers
Dear Friends, You are used to having an introductory missive from me. This month, however, I am going to make way for others. I have asked that this edition of FAN celebrate our volunteers. The Mission could not do its work without its incredible and extensive volunteer teams throughout the world. They are often the true heroes of Mission work, as I am sure many of our paid staff would agree. I have seen many fantastic volunteers in my visits around the world and have often been staggered and deeply moved by the depth of their commitment and the quality of what they do. So this issue is dedicated to them, and for those who work so hard to train, support and encourage them.....
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Ken Hawkins talks about the Seattle Seafarers’ Centre and its need for volunteers.
Bringing light 6 to the darkness We ask Justin Davis about his experience as a chaplain’s assistant in Hong Kong.
Andrew Wright Secretary General
Volunteer stories
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We meet some of the volunteers that keep the Mission afloat.
From the
Executive Director, Seattle Seafarers Centre
Kobe visit
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The Mission’s Secretary General pays a visit to the Kobe Mariners’ Centre.
Ken Hawkins Change. The byword of our Mission, our Ministry, our clients, our industry. The challenges that result from these changes are profound. Mission to Seafarers’ teams all over the world face these challenges every day, and provide day-to-day support for many of the 1.3 million seafarers whose hard work and dedication provide us with 90% of everything.
Regulars Mission news Fundraising news Ports around the world
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So how can we meet these needs and ensure that seafarers are served best? By inspiring and recruiting volunteers to help with all sorts of tasks, both big and small. Volunteers take many forms, from part-time chaplains and lay ship visitors, to van drivers or individuals who knit woolly hats – and even those who assist with onshore tasks like housekeeping and maintenance. Around the world there are thousands of inspired and dedicated men and women whose efforts and love mean that we can continue to welcome the stranger. Most importantly, these many contributors become ambassadors for our work – connecting the local community to our global partnerships with people from scores of countries and dozens of faiths, without regard to gender or rank. We need our volunteers in order to continue our Mission, and we are proud, so very proud, of their dedication and their service. Ken Hawkins Executive Director, Seattle Seafarers’ Centre
www.missiontoseafarers.org
0300 555 1505
Regulars
Editor: Ben Alcraft Address: St Michael Paternoster Royal, College Hill, London EC4R 2RL Tel: +44 (0)20 7248 5202 Email: pressoffice@missiontoseafarers.org
Mission news Fundraising news
Registered charity number: 1123613
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Mission news Crew of MV Seaman Guard Ohio await final judgement
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uman Rights at Sea (HRAS) and The Mission to Seafarers issued a global plea for urgent action for the crew of the detained vessel the MV Seaman Guard Ohio. The six men – John Armstrong, Nick Dunn, Billy Irving, Nick Simpson, Ray Tindall and Paul Towers – are all former soldiers from the UK. At the time of going to press all the men remain in India after their initial arrest, even though all the charges were dropped by Justice Prakash in the Madras High Court on 10 July 2014, almost a year ago. Human rights barrister and founder of HRAS David Hammond said: “Human Rights at Sea has been closely following the Seaman Guard Ohio case and has drafted a detailed study, with co-ordination with the UK families, UK crew and engaged welfare organisations, highlighting the case facts and human rights issues, which have emerged over the last 17 months of the crew’s detention in India.” Revd Canon Ken Peters, Director of Justice and Public Affairs at the Mission said: “The Supreme Court in India reviewed the case of the crew of the Seaman Guard Ohio...The families are deeply
Some of the MV Seaman Guard Ohio crew in Chennai, India
disappointed that the final outcome has not been made known but are now reassured that a judgement will be forthcoming before the courts in India adjourn for their annual Summer Recess on 15 May. We continue to hope and pray that this traumatic matter, which is now in the 559th day for the crew being held, now has the real prospect of a resolution in the next few weeks.”
New initiative to tackle rise in Type 2 diabetes in seafarers Nicky Wynne, director of development at The Mission to Seafarers, has also had experience of the condition in a previous role. She said: “The initiative started due to concern for the health of seafarers on board ships on a daily basis. Poor health is often down to seafarers’ diet, lack of exercise and smoking. Feedback from Swire staff shows that the average seafarer smokes around 17 cigarettes a day and has a diet high in dairy and fat. This all ties in to an alarming rise of Type 2 diabetes among seafarers – a big concern for the industry. The Mission is working with ship managers, ship-owners, captains, chief officers and chefs on board, all of who control food purchases either through budgeting or actual purchasing. We need them look at the diet and health regime of seafarers.”
A cook prepares the ship’s meal
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he Mission to Seafarers has partnered with Swire Pacific Offshore and associated company, The China Navigation Company, to raise awareness and target diabetes. The Mission chose to specifically focus on diabetes because of the rising number of diagnoses among seafarers, especially in the Far East. There is also a personal connection for Swire Pacific/China Navigation as an employee assisting the Mission in this initiative suffers from the condition.
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There are also business gains for employers if Type 2 diabetes can be reduced among seafarers. In undertaking research in support of this project, Swire Pacific’s commercial manager associate Tay Yu Zing noted strong links between Type 2 diabetes and a loss of productivity, a loss of talent and an increase in injuries. According to Ms Wynne: “The key to the success of this initiative is to get seafarers involved. The Mission, with its network of centres in 71 countries and 260 ports, is well located to reach seafarers. Shipping companies and individuals can also spread the word of how our seafarers needn’t be in the high-risk category when it comes to Type 2 diabetes.”
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News
Mission to Seafarers global strategy
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five year strategy document, which places seafarers at the heart of its work, has been launched by the Mission in London. The Mission to Seafarers: Reaffirming our Past, Resourcing our Future has been designed to meet the ever-changing needs of seafarers, and sets out the organisation’s plans for maritime ministry against a backdrop of shortening turnaround times, an increase in on board technology and new international standards for crew welfare. The strategy comes as the Mission completes the European section of its Global Review of Service Provision. Building on a review completed in 2007, the programme provides analysis of seafarer needs and attempts to map them against the current service the Mission provides. In the long term, it is hoped that the Global Review will help to highlight new opportunities to help seafarers and their families in some of the neediest ports around the world.
Annual Service
Mission chaplain, John Attenborough, talks to seafarers during a break in port
The strategy document can be downloaded from www.missiontoseafarers.org/about-us/what-we-do/ strategy
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his year our Annual Service will be held at St Michael Paternoster Royal, London, the home church of The Mission to Seafarers, on Wednesday 8 July at 12 noon to celebrate Sea Sunday, which falls the following weekend. Traditionally, this is the time when we show our gratitude to merchant seafarers and remember the difficulties and challenges they face.
There will be a buffet reception in the Whittington Hall, followed by a Q&A panel to update supporters about the work of the Mission. If you would like your name to be placed on a waiting list, on a first come first served basis, please contact Tessa Perfect at Tessa.Perfect@missiontoseafarers.org no later than Friday 12 June 2015.
St Michael Paternoster Royal
Seafarers Family Support Network
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he Seafarers Family Support Network was inaugurated at the National Cathedral in Manila on 1 May 2015. Working with the Iglesia Filipina Independiente (IFI), a co-ordinating body for The Mission to Seafarers’ Philippines has been established and an appointment made for the co-ordinator of the Network. Mrs Edna Velasco is a senior social worker and brings great experience of the trials of being part of a seafarer’s family. She will be assisted by Mrs May Jose who will support her with office administration.
of seafarers support The inaugurating event of the Mission-IFI Family Network in times of need, at the National Cathedral Conference Centre, Manila education, health and finance, and the possibility of forming a separate branch of a credit union – already in existence and run by the IFI church – helping families to plan financially for the future.
The first remit of the Mission-IFI will be to conduct surveys of the churches in Metro Manila and find common areas of association. The project aims to deliver health education, financial education, support for families in hospital, and day camps for the children of seafarers. The main goal is to build capacity within the network, giving the families
Although these are very early days, the project has been designed to achieve deliverable outcomes in the short and medium term, with the possibility of expanding it through the northern and southern areas of the Philippines. In areas such as Manila, where both IFI and The Episcopal Church in the Philippines (TECP) are present, there is agreement to work in partnership. If one church predominates they will take the lead on the project.
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We do it with volunteers Ken Hawkins, Executive Director of the Seattle Seafarers’ Center, talks about the importance, and the benefits, of volunteering for The Mission to Seafarers.
Ken with volunteer knitters at the Brittany Park retirement community
The story is the same in every seaport in the world. Ships are bigger and faster, crew sizes are shrinking, automation has shortened times in port dramatically, and seafarers continue to endure the same sense of isolation and loneliness that has plagued their profession for centuries. Cruise ships are an increasing part of our professional mix, and over time renovations and dramatic shifts in port businesses have forced us to rethink and redefine our service model. Events of the past two decades have had an enormous impact on port security and how the world sees “the stranger.” In the midst of all this change, resources are shrinking. So how can our local Mission to Seafarers team get its important work done? How can we provide on board services to the 30,000 seafarers, greet and offer transportation to more than 10,000 cruise ship employees each summer, and how can we grow? We do it with volunteers For 39 years we struggled to provide hospitality and service to visitors. But in 2010 we made a real attempt to grow our ministry, as we built partnerships with local Episcopal (Anglicans in America) Churches. These partnerships increased our funding, but more importantly we found many people with a strong desire to get involved. Today we have more than 200 volunteers from local
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Episcopal and Lutheran congregations, and will soon be adding more helping hands from the local Catholic Archdiocese. Cruise ship driving Each summer the major cruise lines begin service from Seattle to Alaska, hosting more than 900,000 visitors and bringing millions of tourist dollars with them. Underpinning that effort is the hard, and often invisible, work of thousands of staff – housekeepers, bartenders, waiters, engineers, sailors, and other professionals – who find themselves with little time in port to go shopping, visit places of interest, or just get away from their ships. Beginning in early May, The Mission to Seafarers offers a shuttle service between the largest cruise terminal and downtown Seattle. This involves two or three 15 passenger vans per day, shuttling back and forth from 8.00am until 15.00pm, Friday through Tuesday until late September. We offer this service, requesting only a $5 donation for the round trip, which the seafarers gladly contribute – a taxi ride would cost $20.00 or more each way. More than 10,500 crew will take a ride, and all the drivers will be from our wonderful pool of volunteers. In the end, the donations will provide us with some of the revenue needed to continue our work, our seafarers will get inexpensive, safe and timely transportation, and our volunteers have
Spring 2015
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“Every encounter with a seafarer provides an opportunity to change a life” ‘Ditty bags’ Each year we try to provide a Christmas gift to all arriving seafarers. For us this takes the form of a ditty bag: a gift bag filled with a hand knitted woolly hat, a good supply of toiletries and a whole lot of love! Last year, more than 120 volunteers stuffed more than 1,600 ditty bags, and we distributed them from late November to well into 2015. The seafarers love them! About 200 volunteers knit hats and sew the bags (nearly all are sewn by hand), and many more collect the supplies. We officially begin the effort in September, but some groups of knitters and seamstresses work year round. The work brings great joy, and a sense of community to knitting and craft groups around the Seattle area, and beyond. We get hats from North Carolina, Minnesota and Nevada, and donations from Florida, Arizona, and Pennsylvania. Our ditty bag stuffers include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, young people and young families, and long-time volunteers (some more than 20 years!). They represent more than 20 churches and congregations, and a dozen or so civic organisations.
Volunteer drivers at the Seattle Seafarers’ Centre
Volunteers at an urban garden
an opportunity to meet the world as it comes to our doorstep. We have more than 35 drivers from more than a dozen congregations and civic groups, and many have been engaged in this work for a decade or longer. One of our drivers has taken over our van maintenance supervision, making sure that all is in working order and the vans are in great shape. On board chaplaincy For nearly a decade, we have depended on several retired priests and pastors to handle our on board chaplaincy needs. As these men have grown older and unable to meet the physical demands of ship visiting, we are seeking alternatives, including deacons and lay ministers. Starting this autumn, we will begin training at least five new ship visitors. While some of our guests will need clergy, we are finding that deacons, lay ministers and others can make a real impact. The publicity about the dangers of seafaring life – piracy, poor working conditions, etc. – belie the real enemies: loneliness, isolation and boredom. Seafarers have high rates of suicide and divorce, and many leave the profession with health issues related to poor diets and a lack of exercise. We are confident that our volunteer ship visitors can be effective hosts and become great friends. A few of our visitors are young adults, and we also find that a connection with a peer enhances the experience for all. Much of the Lord’s work is simply being present; listening, praying (when asked) and sharing stories.
www.missiontoseafarers.org
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Urban gardens Our principal sponsor, the Episcopal Diocese of Olympia, has a growing Urban Garden Ministry, which is dedicated to using available space to grow and provide food for local groups and individuals in need. Last year a handful of volunteers built and cultivated 3 above ground garden plots – donating several hundred pounds of food to local food banks and shelters. This year 16 volunteers from more than half a dozen churches have built six plots, with two or three more awaiting supporters, and a couple of compost beds. Our goal is to provide several thousand pounds of vegetables, more than 10,000 servings, in 2015. We believe that our center is more than just a place to host visiting mariners – it can be a community center that connects our world to those who benefit directly, and indirectly, from the work of seafarers. All this work is done by volunteers. Wonderful and bright future With just three or four part-time employees it would be impossible to provide transportation to so many, or on board visitation for 1300 or more ships, WiFi and SIM Cards for thousands, and wonderful gifts each Christmas. By enlisting several hundred volunteers we can accomplish all this and more. Our growing number of friends and volunteers ensures that the Mission has a wonderful and bright future. With so many hands, skills and loving hearts we can adapt to just about any change. And for the volunteers there is an opportunity to become Missionaries and Ministers – a chance to live our Baptismal vows to seek the dignity of each human being. Every encounter with a seafarer provides an opportunity to change a life – not just the guest’s, but the volunteer’s as well. Every life we touch is important.
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Fundraising news Old Pulteney Maritime Whisky launches mission for charity
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ell known whisky brand, Old Pulteney, has partnered with The Mission to Seafarers to raise £30,000, which will fund a ship-visiting programme and roving WiFi in various port locations. In addition to special charity packs of Old Pulteney 12 Year Old, which will be on shelves in the UK and other key markets from May, the campaign will be brought to life through a programme of PR and online activity, including Old Pulteney sponsored events planned throughout 2015. Old Pulteney Senior Brand Manager, Margaret Mary Clarke, said: “We are extremely proud to be launching our partnership with The Mission to Seafarers and I can’t think of a better cause for Old Pulteney to support. Our whisky shares a unique connection with seafarers and the sea, with Pulteney Distillery located in the very place where thousands of fishermen used to sail out into one of the most rugged sea channels on Britain’s coastline. The risks they took and the dram they deserved on their return are at the heart of our brand, making our support of The Mission to Seafarers very relevant today.”
The Mission to Seafarers’ Director General, Andrew Wright, said: “We are thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside Old Pulteney Single Malt Scotch Whisky, which has a long and prestigious heritage connected with sea trade in the former fishing town of Wick.”
Matt Woodward runs London Marathon for the Mission
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att Woodward, nephew of the late Tom Heffer (former Secretary General of The Mission), ran the London Marathon on Sunday 26 April in aid of The Mission to Seafarers. By the end of the Marathon he had exceeded his target of £1800 and was well on his way to raising over £2000. He said: “My Uncle, Tom Heffer, was Secretary General at the charity after several years of volunteering as a chaplain’s assistant. Tragically on the 17th of April 2012 he suffered from a cardiac arrest at the wheel of his car, ultimately leading to his passing on the 23rd of April 2012, aged only 43. The Mission to Seafarers has remained close to the hearts of many of our family, and I believe that through running the London Marathon, not only will I be running in memory of my Uncle, but I will also be able to further contribute towards all of the hard work that my Uncle put in over the years by raising money for the charity.”
Nor Shipping 5km
50 and fabulous, and doing it for the Mission!
he Mission to Seafarers announced a 5km fun run in partnership with Nor-Shipping, to be held in Oslo on 1 June 2015. The NorShipping Fun Run is the brainchild of Craig Eason, Deputy Editor of global maritime intelligence provider Lloyd’s List. Mr Eason said: “As an ex-seafarer, I have been looking for the right excuse to create a run such as this at Nor-Shipping for a number of years, and now we have it. Those coming to large industry events such as Nor-Shipping should never forget the importance of the people who work on board ships and ensure the industry remains the lifeblood of global trade.
Nicky Wynne, Director of Development, The Mission to Seafarers, will be taking part in the run. She said: “I am very much looking forward to taking part in the first ever Nor-Shipping Mission to Seafarers Fun Run in the beautiful city of Oslo in Norway.”
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To register for the run, please follow the link and complete the form: https://norshipping5k.wufoo.com/forms/norshipping-fun-run/
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To support Nicky, please visit her fundraising page at www.justgiving.com/Nicky-Wynne/ Spring 2015
Issue 14
Fundraising
RASI raises over S$500,000 Mission Row Around Singapore Island (RASI)
Congratulations to team Mission RASI! Mission RASI successfully completed their Row Around Singapore Island endurance challenge on 23 April, in just less than 24 hours! The 140km journey took in a tropical storm, choppy seas, busy shipping lanes and a brief encounter with a Greek tanker before finishing within the allotted time. During the event, Mission RASI ambassador, Captain Lee Wai Pong, The Mission’s Director of Development, Nicky Wynne and Secretary General, Andrew Wright, appeared on The 5 Show Mission RASI Special, a popular live television show. The event was covered live from the studio and a support boat with a live camera crew, which no doubt raised the spirits of the rowers as they went.
Supporters, friends and family were also able to follow on the Royal Albatross tall ship (pictured top left) – a bouyant day for everyone on board, which raised more than S$70,000 alone. At the time of writing, the RASI team and their supporters had raised in excess of S$500,000 in cash donations, and S$200,000 had been provided in gifts in kind, with the total still rising. Speaking at the finish line, Iain Anderson of RPC, project leader, said: “I feel pretty shattered but immensely proud of how the team has performed and what we have accomplished.” If you’ve been inspired by Mission RASI, why not get involved in your own challenge for the Mission? Visit www. missiontoseafarers.org/support-us/events for more information.
Fundraise for us! We need your help! Could you organise a coffee morning or quiz night, or would you like to literally go that extra mile and take on a run or challenge event in aid of The Mission to Seafarers? These events can be a great way to get people together, have fun, and raise funds for seafarers at the same time. We can offer tips, advice and resources to help ensure that your event is a huge success. To find out more, visit www.missiontoseafarers.org/support-us www.missiontoseafarers.org
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Bringing light to the darkness Chaplain’s assistant, Justin Davis, talks to FAN about his experiences with the Young Adult Services Corps and the life-changing effects of The Mission to Seafarers. Justin with some visiting Bishops on the Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade
Justin making friends with the crew on a ship visit
Tell us a little about yourself.
What have you been doing since you arrived?
Greetings to all from The Mission to Seafarers in Hong Kong. My name is Justin Davis and I am currently serving the Mission as a chaplain’s assistant. I am 22 from Richmond, Virginia in the US, and I can honestly say that The Mission to Seafarers has changed my life.
As a volunteer I have helped with fundraising for the new launch boat in Hong Kong, stuffed and delivered bags with presents for seafarers at Christmas time, and on a daily basis visit ships in the port of Hong Kong. Ship visiting has helped me gain a deeper understanding of God and has helped me develop friendships that will last a lifetime. One ship stands out in Hong Kong. These guys are in Hong Kong every two or three weeks so I have had the opportunity to develop a close relationship with them. I am especially close with the cook, boson and one of the able body seamen, all from the Philippines. Usually I get on board and have a cup of coffee with the cook as long as he is not too busy.
How did you end up in Hong Kong? I am volunteering for a program called the Young Adult Service Corps or YASC for short. YASC is the missionary branch of the Episcopal Church in the United States for young adults aged 21–30 years old. They send people all over the world and by the grace of God I ended up in Hong Kong.
Were you familiar with the shipping industry? Before coming to work for the Mission I didn’t even know that the shipping industry existed. I just assumed that all the goods we have came by plane and magically appeared in stores back in the United States. What a mistake that was. I have not only been humbled by the shear exposure to the shipping industry, but also the friends that I have made who work on ships, and God’s place within this enormous and fairly unknown business.
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Are you able to communicate well with the seafarers? At first it was just small talk, but as we got to know each other it turned to the Bible. We have discussed our views for an hour and a half before, and even though our ideas on interpretation are different. We often walk away from the conversation having learned something new but agreeing to disagree. The conversation is not always religious though. Sometimes I hear the struggles of guys from Ukraine and how they feel about what is going on in their country. However, recently there was a big buzz about the Manny Pacquio vs Floyd Mayweather boxing match. Pacquio is a national hero in the Philippines so this fight was huge. I believe that regardless of what the conversation is about, the most important thing is contact with a new face that is not there for business. The seafarers see ship agents, owners, port state control etc all the time. The mission is the only organisation that is solely there to say hello and care for their pastoral and spiritual well being.
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The Mission in Hong Kong has been providing a launch to visit ships at anchor since 1891 and it remains an essential service for seafarers today
How else do you help the seafarers? I also go on board to bring newspapers and phone cards to the guys. When a ship comes into Hong Kong she is only there for 24 hours maximum. If a ship gets into port at 1am and is only there for 24 hours, the seafarer has virtually no time to come ashore. It is even harder if a ship is doing their entire cargo operation by barge in the anchorage. That is where the Mission comes in. I have had seafarers tell me it’s like Christmas when I come on board. The phones and computers with skype are great, but without internet they cannot use it. Considering very few ships have reliable WiFi, the internet cards are essential for being able to contact their families at home.
Can you tell us about Dayspring? In February the Mission in Hong Kong launched a new boat named Dayspring. She is named after the previous launch boats run by the Mission in Hong Kong, and the name is very symbolic for the work of the Mission. Luke 1.78–79 talks about the dayspring from on high bringing light to the darkness. I believe that this truly sums up what the Mission does and stands for. Dayspring is much faster than the previous launch and lets us get to more ships in the anchorage, and to ships that are anchored further out.
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“The Mission to Seafarers has transformed my life and I see it transform the lives of those at sea on a daily basis” What are your lasting impressions of The Mission to Seafarers? The Mission to Seafarers has transformed my life, and I see it transform the lives of those at sea on a daily basis. I am forever grateful to the mission and especially to the Revd Stephen Miller and the rest of The Mission to Seafarers staff here in Hong Kong. Without them I wouldn’t have been able to experience everything that I have over the past year – and those at sea who need support in Hong Kong would have a much harder time. Volunteering for the mission was one of the best decisions I have made and I hope there are many that follow in my footsteps.
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Volunteer stories Volunteer voices from Kobe, Japan Gerry de Couto Retired headteacher Gerry has been volunteering since 2011
After retiring from school teaching, going ship-visiting opened my eyes to a new world – the world of seafarers and the shipping industry. I continue to be amazed at all the work they do to keep us island folk sustained. And I truly appreciate how they spend months away from their families to serve us. When the Kobe Mariners’ Centre team visit ships, we bring reading material (slightly old newspapers and magazines) and maps of Kobe City. I’m gratified to see how the seafarers appreciate our visits. And
Toshio Imada Ex-seafarer Toshio has been volunteering since 2013
I work in Kobe Mariners’ Centre as a volunteer – to visit the ships in Kobe port and give the seafarers information and help. About 40 years ago I worked in a Japanese shipping company and visited many ports in other countries. In those days the most important thing for me was to receive the letters from my family and friends. Before every voyage, I let my family and friends know the address of the agents in each port. The situation changed and we don’t write letters often now, but I’m sure keeping in contact
of course, those who have the time really enjoy coming to our Centre and having the chance to stroll downtown to Kobe. I am happy that we can be of service. For me, the best part of ship-visiting is chatting with seafarers from all over the world. Sometimes they share stories and insights on what’s important in life, which they have gathered from sailing the oceans. Thank you to all those great people.
with family is still the most important thing for them. The second issue was how to spend spare time in port after a long voyage. The monotonous life in a narrow space is not good for the mental health, and you need to recharge whilst in port. Here is an extract from my personal logbook: 24th of Sept’ 1976, arrived Abidjan the capital of Ivory Coast in the morning, and we had a chance to visit the seamens’ club after the work, there is a tennis court, ping-pong table, swimming pool and restaurant, very nice place we enjoyed very much. I still remember the moment. I wish the seafarers in Kobe port can spend the meaningful time like me such as contacting with their family by WiFi, drinking in the centre, buy souvenirs, electrical appliances, go sightseeing and so on. I’d like to continue ship-visiting, and make a lot of friends.
Takeshi Nakamura University student Takeshi works at the centre once a week
Two years ago, I attended my friend’s birthday party at the Mariners’ Centre and that was the first time I entered The Mission to Seafarers in Kobe. Through this introduction to such an unknown world, and through communicating with seafarers, whose life environments were completely different to my own, my interest increased and I soon decided to start volunteering. At first, because the seafarers visiting were foreigners from all over the world, I was excited to befriend them, or understand and learn about their exotic cultural backgrounds, rather than any real sense of caring for them. I don’t think it’s important that your first impulse when becoming a volunteer is for very serious reasons. It can be because you want the chance to meet interesting foreigners and staff! However, in the three years I have been volunteering, my approach to seafarers has changed. There was no significant single thing that changed me – it happened slowly. Seeing and knowing these seafarers time after time, I gradually developed a wider range of views on life.
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Later, when reflecting, you will think not of what you’ve gained from your experience, but rather what you had given to others through your involvement in the work of The Mission to Seafarers. Some volunteers have been here for more than five or ten years, and learning from their knowledge and acts of caring for seafarers has become a priceless reward.
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Volunteer stories
Volunteer Voices from Dunkerque, France
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Marcel Wadoux I am 65 years old, and I was born on the French coast a few miles from Dunkerque. I am from two families of seafarers and I learned about the maritme world from a very young age. I began my career with the French Navy as a mechanic, and I continued after my military service with Sealink as an Officer Engineer. When I retired in 2007, I became a volunteer driver with the Dunkerque Seamen’s Club – The Mission to Seafarers. I volunteer every Tuesday evening, collecting the seafarers from the ships. I identify with the maritime world. I listen to the seafarers and encourage them to never give up, despite the difficulties they face.
Laurent Grenier I am 45 years old and I have been a volunteer driver, bar and shop assistant at the Seamen’s Club in Dunkerque for almost three years. I was the captain of an inshore passenger launch and other small craft. The sea has always been my passion so when I took part-time working, and I had the opportunity to volunteer at the Seamen’s Club, it was an obvious step.
I am keen to lend my support to sailors, and it means I am still continuing my own journey with the sea. Now I am travelling with seafarers of all different cultures, some from the other side of the world. It is a great comfort to them that the Seamen’s Club provides a unique place where they can relax or be assisted in various ways, and where there is dialogue and they are listened to.
Alain Lanny I am 63 years old and I have been a volunteer driver, bar and shop assistant at the Dunkerque Seamen’s Club since I retired in 2007. I was the chief engineer with a tug boat company. I like to volunteer because I can continue the solidarity between seafarers and give them my support through the services of the club. Our centre brings aid and comfort and it is a great meeting place for them. I hope that my presence and my volunteering efforts will preserve this place of wellbeing for sailors from different cultures and religions. That is something that the seafarer spirit has to offer the world right now isn’t it – harmony and understanding?
José Leuzzi For 30 years my company has been offering transport in and out of the port to help the seafarers joining or leaving their ships – taking them to the airport, on visits to the doctor or dentist, and on outings for sightseeing in Paris and elsewhere. Over that time I have gradually come to understand the seafarer’s life, their culture and values. In return, this has been an enriching expereince for me, and when I have free time I like to give it to the Seamen’s Club, for them to use me as necessary. Our company also donates the food for the Christmas dinner at the Club. As we say in French: “Vive le Seamen’s Club!”
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Volunteer stories
It’s all about the volunteers Alèxe Finlay, South Tees The Mission Station at South Tees is all about volunteers. The club is open every evening of the year, with one or two people behind the bar, and a minibus driver. Our volunteers come from all walks of life – male, female, retired, working, involved in the day-to-day running of the port, and with no connection to the port. We have Christian, Muslim, everyone....we are very blessed. Why do we do it? A Romanian seafarer recently told us: “You take us away from the stress of the ship and you keep us safe in a foreign land.” That summed it up. That’s why we do it. We do it because we want seafarers to have rest and relaxation so they are less tired when the vessel leaves port. We feel a responsibility to assist with currency exchange, trips to the supermarket, visits to the doctor and the hospital, access to the internet, communicating with family, supplying phone cards, providing warm clothing and leisure activities like pool and darts – all things that volunteers do for seafarers all over the world. We are a team within a team, a microcosm of best practice in the heart of north eastern England.
trustees of our precious and deeply appreciated port levy system. We are a very mixed bunch, and like all ‘families’ we have our disagreements, but we are united in our wish to make the world a better place for seafarers.
Are we, as volunteers, supported? Yes. We have a great team of port personnel, shipbrokers, pilots and other river users constantly at hand. They help us by volunteering when they can, purchasing items we need for the club, ensuring we have gifts and plenty of Christmas cheer, and, most importantly, by being guardians and
“You take us away from the stress of the ship and you keep us safe in a foreign land”
Thank You!
Patricia Braithwaite and Mowgli Pack, 7th Bromley, UK The Mission to Seafarers would like to thank all the uniform organisations at St Mary’s Church, Shortlands, Bromley – Beavers, Cubs, Scouts, Rainbows, Brownies and Guides – who sit down every Christmas to lovingly craft and decorate beautiful hand made Christmas cards for sending to Seafarers. In total, over the last seven years, they have made at least 1250 cards. They have been distributed by the Mission to many different ports – including Dunkerque in December 2014. All the leaders and children enjoy the activity, and they have had their enthusiasm kindled by visitors such as the Revd Ray Trudgett and Canon Andrew Tremlett, both former port chaplains.
Mrs Meakins and the All Saints Fellowship, Hornchurch, UK The Mission to Seafarers would like to say a big thank you to Mrs Meakins and her fellow knitters at All Saints Fellowship, Hornchurch. The knitters are a long established knitting group that has supported the work of the Mission on the River Thames by bringing their knitted items to the Tilbury Seafarers’ Centre. To prove how long they have been in service – Mrs Meakins and her fellow knitters have seen at least two different centre managers in their time....and the managers in Tilbury tend to stay a while! Thank you to Mrs Meakins for sending in this photo from one of their knitting meetings where they are clearly hard at work.
The Mission would like to thank all of its volunteers, who work tirelessly to support seafarers worldwide. For more information on the work we do please visit: www.missiontoseafarers.org
Keep Calm and Keep Knitting!
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Flying Angel News
The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers
Spring 2015
Issue 14
Sea Sunday
Sea Sunday This year’s Sea Sunday theme is ‘shipwreck’
The 2015 Sea Sunday materials have been written by the Revd Adam Boulter, the Mission chaplain based in Aqaba, Jordan. Here he tells us about Sea Sunday and the importance of the Mission’s work.
SEA SUNDAY
12 July 2015
“Sea Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to let others know about the work of the Mission, and to reconnect ourselves with the wider church”
Shipwreck, and the rapid responses of the Mission chaplains to shipwrecks, will be the theme of this year’s Sea Sunday. Over the last few years the chaplains have responded to crises in many places, including shipwrecks in Rotterdam, Southampton, and Scotland, and provided vital support to many traumatised seafarers and their families. The Sea Sunday materials compare the shipwreck of St Paul off the coast of Malta, and his response to that crisis, with the actions of Mission chaplains with the Hoegh Osaka grounding near Southampton, and shows an extreme case of the practical, emotional and spiritual support that we provide to seafarers around the world. Sea Sunday is a wonderful opportunity to let others know about the work of the Mission, and to reconnect ourselves with the wider church. As a Mission chaplain I have often been surprised at how little is known about the world of shipping or the conditions the seafarers work under, and Sea Sunday is a great opportunity to share those situations that, as a chaplain or a Mission volunteer, seem so normal to us, but are often a mystery to others. The Sea Sunday materials are designed to be taken and adapted to a wide range of church services, so this year we have provided suggested notes and ideas rather than a full, written sermon. Personal stories and examples have been included and we would encourage churches to adapt them to suit their own style of preaching. Do feel free to take these materials and change them – they are meant as a springboard to make preaching easier, not to limit you. If you have your own stories or experiences then do use them instead. A personal account is always much stronger than telling someone else’s story.
The Hoegh Osaka ran aground in the Solent near Southampton in January 2015 © Peter Nicholls / Reuters
We have also included suggested materials for children’s services, all age worship, suggested prayers and hymns, and a children’s activity pack. All of this is available to download from the internet at www.seasunday.org and we will happily send out a free church fundraising pack, which can be ordered from the same website or by callng the international headquarters on +44(0)20 7248 5202. Please encourage the churches you are in contact with to hold Sea Sunday, and consider offering yourself to preach or give a talk on our work. The work The Mission to Seafarers does is vital and often unseen. Please help us to make it more visible. The Revd Adam Boulter
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Port chaplain, the Revd Tim Tunley, at the scene of a shipwreck in Scotland, UK ‘Caring across the seas’ A new film, commissioned by the Mission for Sea Sunday 2015, tells the story of the collision of the MV Baltic Ace and MV Corvus J. The video is available to view online at https://youtu.be/Df3Ra3qchUQ @FlyingAngelNews
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Ports around the world Workington, UK
I
nnovative technology has been installed at the Port of Workington in Cumbria, enabling seafarers from across the world to access the internet when docked in Workington port. The state-of-the-art WiFi was installed as part of a collaborative partnership between the Mission, the Port of Workington and IT specialists David Allen IT Solutions.
Image courtesy of Port of Workington
With only 28% of seafarers having access to wireless internet, the first thing many want to do when they reach port is contact their families and catch up on what they have missed at home. IT Solutions took on the challenge of creating a wireless internet network across the Port. Careful consideration was needed regarding locations of equipment and cabling so that it didn’t impede on the day-to-day operations of the Port and was fully weather proof.
Geoff Moore, port chaplain for North West Ports said: “Over 18 months ago I approached Workington port to undertake a WiFi survey. Seafarers had been seen outside the port office trying to log on with poor success. The port invited me to a meeting with Dave Allen IT solutions and the rest is all history. It’s fantastic for the seafarers, who will use the new system to contact family and friends – this is a very important part of the welfare work we do. Thanks to everyone involved; I am overjoyed with this outcome.”
Dampier, Western Australia
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an McGilvray, Mission port chaplain in Dampier has reported a strong start to their welfare work for seafarers for the year with 46 ship visits undertaken and 20 welfare, justice, medical and prison cases to manage in February. The weather (Summer in the southern hemisphere) is much cooler than the average seasonal norm of 40°C and has resulted in fewer tropical cyclones, which has been good news for the incoming ships and crews but the lack of rain has caused local droughts. Ian said: “Last month, we had the privilege to be able to extend hospitality to 929 seafarers from 106 vessels. The number of visiting seafarers is down slightly because several of the loading facilities
Great Yarmouth, UK
had maintenance shut-downs during the month. “I spent time with eight seafarers who had been A ship in the port of Dampier admitted to the hospital with © Graeme Churchard/Flickr various infections and injuries, but most were able to rejoin their ships before sailing. However, one poor Bulgarian fitter had to be repatriated home with a broken ankle. We have been encouraged in that we were able to donate 51 Bibles and 15 assorted Christian DVDs. Best wishes to all our global Mission family and thank you for your support and prayers.”
T
he Great Yarmouth Seafarers’ Centre has opened after years of hard work. Thousands of seafarers who pass through the port every year now have a safe haven, where they can connect with their families at home and share any troubles they have on board. Port chaplain, the Revd Peter Paine, whose office will be based at the centre, said he could not be more delighted with the turnout or the results of the building’s transformation, achieved on a shoestring budget of around £4,000. The Revd Paine said: “Seafarers now have somewhere to come off their vessel away from their working environment. It is really like anyone else going home for the evening.”
Great Yarmouth Seafarers’ Centre opening ceremony
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Flying Angel News
If you would like to volunteer at the centre, email chaplain55@virginmedia.com
The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers
Spring 2015
Issue 14
Port news
Kobe, Japan
Andrew with the Revd Nathaniel Uematsu and Kobe chaplain, the Revd Paul Tolhurst
Andrew with staff and volunteers in Kobe
Mission to Seafarer’s Secretary General, the Revd Andrew Wright, visited Kobe in April to catch up with some of the staff and volunteers at the Kobe Mariners’ Centre. The Revd Paul Tolhurst, assistant chaplain and centre manager tells us about the visit: Andrew arrived just before noon, having travelled down from Yokohama on the Nozomi bullet train. We started off the visit in the best way possible, with a lunch of world-famous Kobe Beef. Rika Kono, our Office and Finance Manager joined Andrew and I so we could outline the operation in Kobe and answer some of his questions. On full stomachs, we took the short walk back to the centre and headed into the port – giving Andrew a chance to see the extent of the port area and how it hugs the sliver of land between the Rokko mountain range and the waters of Osaka Bay. After seeing how the shipping was divided up throughout the port, we returned to the city centre via a short stop at St. Michael’s Cathedral – the seat of our bishop, Andrew Nakamura – who also happens to be the liaison bishop for Japan. After a brief chat, Andrew and I returned to the Mission were we met with some of the mission volunteers (many of whom are university students), some local port and shipping officials, and many of the Mission’s local committee and directors. We also met some of the seafarers in port that day. It was a great opportunity to get to know one another, share stories, and for the different parts of the Kobe family to meet with Andrew. We all felt part of a much larger and global Mission to Seafarers. The next day started early with Andrew, John Berg (our honorary chaplain) and myself at morning prayer, before setting off to Sapporo to visit Archbishop Nathaniel Uematsu and the Tomakomai chaplain and Seafarers’ Centre. The flight was very bumpy and Hokkaido was cold and wet, but the welcome couldn’t have been warmer! We sat and talked to Bishop Nathaniel in front of a roaring, open
Andrew with Finance Manager, Rika Kono
“we heard about the huge efforts of the completely volunteer-run centre” fire and he told us how the Mission had helped bring his seafaring grandfather to Christ. As a result, the path was set for his own ministry. We heard about the huge efforts of the completely volunteer-run centre in Tomakomai and some of the opportunities and difficulties they were facing. Next stop was the Tomakomai Seafarers’ Centre where we met with seafarers and spoke to the honorary chaplain, Samuel Yoshino. We also met some of the volunteer ship visitors, and the volunteers that help to run the centre. It was a very different setup to Kobe, but still very much a haven for seafarers. The next day Andrew headed off to Korea, and the rest of his tour around East Asia. In my mind it was a very worthwhile trip and the volunteers and staff in both Kobe and Tomakomai felt very much strengthened as part of the worldwide Mission family, despite being so far away from London. With the local church seeking new ways to conduct their ministry of care for seafarers, it was a great opportunity for Andrew to meet with those helping out.
Find out more about our work around the world To read more about the work of our welfare teams around the world, and to support The Mission to Seafarers, please visit our website at www.missiontoseafarers.org www.missiontoseafarers.org
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‘The thinking sailor’s sea journal’ – Tom Cunliffe The Marine Quarterly is a sea journal available by subscription only – 112 pages of intelligent sea reading, published in a useful pocket size, published four times a year, printed on hefty paper and illustrated with charts, woodcuts and line drawings. We publish authoritative articles by fine writers about the sea, the people who work on it, the vessels that sail on it, the adventurers who explore it, and the creatures that live in it. In recent issues we have printed articles on (among dozens of other things) how to survive a tsunami alongside in a VLCC, how to scrub a superyacht, the history of the world ocean, the private life of the shearwater, navigating the Pentland Firth, and repossessing a stolen trawler from the mouth of the Amazon – and of course The Missions to Seafarers. All of seagoing life is there.
Subscribe online at www.marinequarterly.com The Marine Quarterly Hope Farm LyonshallKington Herefordshire HR5 3HT 01544 340636
A year’s subscription costs £40 UK, £50 EU, and £55 in the rest of the world. Enter Seafarers in the subscription box, and we will donate £5 to The Missions to Seafarers.
Your lasting gift: shelter from the storm The Mission to Seafarers offers emergency assistance, practical support, and a friendly welcome to crews visiting 260 ports around the world. Legacy gifts are a vital part of our funding, and your generous contribution will make a real difference to those facing peril at sea or distress in our ports. To find out more about our work, or about leaving a gift to The Mission to Seafarers in your Will, contact Dominic Hasan by phone on 020 7246 2937, by email at Dom.Hasan@missiontoseafarers.org or by post, quoting ref: FAN15. Flying Angel News
The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers
Spring 2015
Issue 14
Interview with
William MacLachlan William MacLachlan is an associate solicitor with Holman Fenwick Willan LLP. He was appointed a Trustee of The Mission to Seafarers in 2015.
What is your background and your connection to the seafaring world? I have grown up with shipping and the sea in my family and I am the 3rd generation to be involved with the Mission. I am a shipping lawyer in the City of London for the international law firm, Holman Fenwick Willan LLP. As such, I am well aware of the support needed, on occasion, by our unsung seafarers and the vital work of the Mission. Is it important to appoint board members with specialist skills? Very important. The board’s role is to ensure the continued good governance of the Mission, but it is also there to assist the management and staff at the Mission by providing experience and skills they might not otherwise have access to. How important is good governance to a charity’s long term success?
Woolly Hat Day 2015 will take place on 9 October. We’re planning some new things this year, so stay tuned for more details! If you missed Woolly Hat Day in 2014 but would still like to donate, you can make a donation online on our JustGiving page at www.justgiving.com/themissiontoseafarers/ donate. Alternatively, to give £2/£5/£10 please text WOOL11 followed by the amount you would like to donate to 70070, e.g. WOOL11 £5. All donations are processed through Virgin JustTextGiving and 100% will come to The Mission to Seafarers. You will receive a response as confirmation of your donation. Thank you for supporting the Mission’s Woolly Hat Day!
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Very important. Without it, how can we (i) reasonably expect people to continue to give and (ii) safeguard the Mission’s assets. If either of these are put under threat, all the good work of the staff and the volunteers is put at jeopardy. What are the challenges associated with governing a global organisation? Ensuring that the Mission operates, as much as possible given its structure, as a unified body. And the need, on occasion, to take tough decisions within a globalised and highly mobile industry – with the aim of securing a long term future for the Mission. What makes the Mission as relevant today as it was in 1856? The fact that we still rely almost entirely on the sea for the movement of the goods and raw materials so essential to our lives, and the fact that, despite advances in technology, those goods and raw materials are carried in ships, which are still highly reliant on seafarers. At the same time, changes in practices and advances in technology have further disconnected seafarers from the real world, with short port turn-arounds and limited ability or time to go ashore. At the same time, reduced crew sizes and extended periods away from home increase loneliness. The Mission faces different challenges these days, but the job we do and our core mission remains as important as ever.
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How you can support us There are many ways in which you can support our work with seafarers around the world.
Find out more about getting involved
Mission Events 2015 Annual Service, 8 July 2015
Please tick the box below and fill out the contact details panel at the bottom of the page to find out more about: Fundraising
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This year our Annual Service will be held at St Michael Paternoster Royal, London on Wednesday 8 July at 12 noon. Space is limited so if you would like your name placed on a waiting list, please contact Tessa Perfect at Tessa.Perfect@missiontoseafarers.org no later than Friday 12 June 2015.
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12 July 2015
Worldwide Worldwide Downloads will be available from February 2015. To receive
an Sea e-mail notification when Seabrave Sunday materials Each Sunday, we say thank youthe to the men and womenare ready, please email Josh.Kubale@missiontoseafarers. who work tirelessly, often battling harsh and difficult weather org withsoyour name, address, name and conditions, that full we can haveemail the goods we useChurch every day. More Diocese. and the Sea Sunday materials are available at information, www.seasunday.org
Woolly Hat Day, 9 October 2015
Contact details Name: ……………………………………………………………………… Address: ………………………………………………………………….. ………………………………………………………………………………. …………………………………….. Postcode: …………………………. Email: ……………………………………………………………………… Telephone: ………………………………………………………………..
Please detach this form and send it to: Flying Angel News The Mission To Seafarers St Michael Paternoster Royal College Hill, London EC4R 2RL FB2015
Flying Angel News
The Magazine of The Mission to Seafarers
Worldwide The woolly hat is an essential item for any seafarer and on Woolly Hat Day we ask our supporters to put on woolly hats to show their support for seafarers around the world, and to fundraise for our vital work. Spring 2015
Issue 14