World Ship Society - FROM THE PAST - Costa Blanca Branch Notes
In this section we are presenting a few older photographs of branch activities, followed by some of the older meeting notes. Other more current photos submitted by the Costa Blanca Branch members can be found in the "FROM THE PAST - AGM 2009"
The Costa Blanca Branch is no longer active. [01.2011]
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. This branch is now closed.
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH REPORT – OCTOBER 2009 The presentation was a talk by Clive Hedge on “The Voyages of Captain Cook”. The early career of Cook was covered from his start in the family drapers shop, his rise from apprentice to Sailing Master in the Merchant Service, and what was effectively a complete restart, from the deck up, in the Royal Navy. The main focus, however, was on the three major voyages in the Southern Hemisphere which produced surveys and charts, the foundation of which were still in use in the 20th. Century. As we now expect from Clive the talk included unique insights into the workings of ships and men of the period. Thank you Clive for a very interesting and informative presentation.
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH REPORT - SEPTEMBER 2009 The meeting opened with Chairman Jim Stevens describing his recent visit to the Cobh branch of WSS and the warm welcome given to Jim and Audrey. Bert Novelli , Manchester branch was welcomed to the CB branch meeting. The main presentation was in fact a slide presentation compiled by Bert, ¨Seattle Harbour and Puget Sound Naval Dockyard”. Included was a wide range of shipping both commercial and naval, including Trident submarines and the Nimitz, which was undergoing a refit. Number of shots were from a light aircraft which we suspect was flying at a somewhat lower height than had been agreed. Thank you Bert for providing the material for another excellent presentation.
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH REPORT – JUNE 2009 The meeting opened with a short slide presentation of photographs taken by members at the recent AGM in Cartagena. The chairman then read out letters of appreciation received from the President and the Chairman, and several members. It would appear that the AGM weekend was a success, and Costa Blanca members may breathe a sigh of relief ! There followed a slide presentation featuring the paintings of Cunard vessels by marine artist Stephen Card, “Ships on Canvas” Part One. Part Two will be shown at the next meeting, featuring a broader spectrum of vessels by artist Robert G. Lloyd.
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH REPORT – MAY 2009 The main presentation was a slide show, “Capetown Harbour”, with material provided by Bert Novelli, and narrated by Jim Stevens and Mel Cook. As usual, a series of high quality pictures covering a whole range of shipping from tugs to cruise liners. The show also includes pictures of the beautiful South African countryside, and not forgetting the local wineries!! Thank you once again Bert. The meeting was attended by Louise Clarke, a reporter with “Round Town News” which is an English language newspaper covering the Costas and the Canaries. Louise will be attending and reporting on the AGM at Cartagena.
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH REPORT APRIL 2009 The meeting opened with the members being brought up to date with the local requirements for the AGM 2009. The main presentation was “ The Port of Cartagena” narrated by Jim Stevens and Mel Cook, using the material compiled by Bert Novelli, as a precursor to the forthcoming AGM. The programme covers a range of vessels, from tugs to cruise liners, and also includes Spanish naval vessels, and the manufacturing and repair facility of Navantia Shipyard. Also shown is the salt loading jetty in Torrevieja, which saw a major increase in exports, thanks in some part to the winter conditions in the United Kingdom! Thanks Bert, for another excellent presentation.
COSTA BLANCA BRANCH REPORT MARCH 2009 The main presentation at the meeting was "Aircraft Carriers, Past, Present and Future" given by Mike Phillips, of the Mar Menor Sailing Association. Mike is an ex RN Commander, specialising in avionics, thus giving an interesting perspective to the talk. The presentation covered naval flight operations, from the first converted vessel with a "proper" flight deck, HMS CAMPANIA, through to the proposed two new major carriers, and also the variety of aircraft involved. Particularly relevant, as this year celebrates 100 years of Naval Aviation. Mike served aboard HMS HERMES in the Falklands, and has promised to return, and tell of his experiences. Many thank, Mike for a splendid presentation.
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.
