Lt. Commander Tim Trounson MBE RN(Ret) talked to the Branch members in 2006 about the ships and crews used in the Battle of Trafalgar. A very interesting meeting which gave an insight to life at sea in Nelson's Days. Jim Stevens is shown presenting Lt. Commander Tim Trouson with a WSS plaque.
A presentation of a WSS plaque to Captain Rae Woods, who has a 106-year-old ex-RNLI Lifeboat which, over a long period of time he renovated and converted into a sailing craft. This was indeed a labour of love. After many years work he sailed across to France and then through the French canal system to Spain.
Jim Stevens with member Mel Cook at the Cartagena Exhibition
Don and Jean at Cartanega Exhibition, c. April 2007.
The following branch notes are archived for interest purposes only. For more recent events, refer to the Branch listing - BRANCHES - Rest of the World
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH REPORT JANUARY 2009 The meeting included a DVD presentation, “East of Suez”, about British India. This demonstrated the elegance of travel in British passenger vessels in the early to mid 1900´s, also covering cargo operations, and the move to educational cruises to meet the changing demands. Part two was another DVD “ 100 Years of British Ships”. This covered both Royal and Merchant Navies, and included a tour of ports and harbours around the British coast, featuring Passenger Liners, Cargo Liners , Tankers, Bulkers, Box Boats, Ferries, Tugs, Paddle Wheelers, and Warships. A veritable feast of shipping. Thanks to Chris Webb for the loan of the DVD
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH MEETING REPORT DECEMBER 2008 The meeting opened with the Chairman reporting on progress for the arrangements for the Annual General Meeting 2009. The programme is almost complete with venues booked and interpreters appointed. Final information will be sent to the UK in the near future. This was followed by a slide presentation covering a Mediterranean cruise aboard NORWEGIAN DREAM. The slides were provided by Bert Novelli, of Manchester Branch, and as usual with Bert, included a host of excellent pictures of shipping, large and small, around the Med. Thank you Bert. Members and Guests then enjoyed an excellent Christmas Lunch.
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH MEETING REPORT OCTOBER 2008 The October meeting commenced at 12.00hrs. The main event was a fascinating and professional presentation by member Clive Hedge. The subject being, The life and career of Herbert Lightoller. This described his time as an apprentice in sail with incidents of shipwreck and bad masters. He then came ashore and proceeded to America to make his fortune in the Klondike gold fields. No success, so he returned to sea. The most infamous event in his career was the sinking of the Titanic where he was 1st mate and the most senior surviving officer. Thanks again to Clive for a greatpresentation.
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH REPORT JUNE 2008. Meeting commenced 12.00 with 15 attending. The summer BBQ arranged 5 July at Clive and Sandra Hedge’s home in Javier 36 attending. Jim Stevens reported on the Harwich AGM. A proposal was received to advertise the branch in German and Norwegian newspapers to attract more members. Mel Cook gave his own talk with visual displays on the history of P&O. Detailed description from the inception 1822, founding members receiving a Royal Charter 1840, to the present day cruise ships. Thanks to Mel for a very interesting insight into P&O. The meeting closed 14.30.
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH MEETING REPORT MAY 2008 The meeting opened with a report on the recent visit to Navantia Shipyard in Cartagena. Members were also updated on preparations for AGM 2009.Howard Cook then gave a talk on “ Russell and Co. of Port Glasgow Yard No.537. This was in fact an extremely interesting account of the life of vessel 537 from pre WW1 tramping days to her requisition by the Admiralty during WW1. She was beached and abandoned for a number of years after shelling by the Turkish forces, including one down the funnel. She was eventually refloated, repaired and put back into long service. The talk had an added interest when it emerged that the vessel was owned by Howards´ Grandfather.
