World Ship Society - BRANCHES - United Kingdom Branches
BEDFORD & DISTRICT
Meets: Kempston Constitutional Club, 196a Bedford Road, Kempston, Bedford MK42 8BL, (located 100 yards from Sainsburys store toward Bedford), on the 3rd Thursday of each month, at 19:30 for 20:00 start. Contact: David Menzies, 149 Spring Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8NR. Tel: 01234 352014. E-mail: dave.menzies@tiscali.co.uk
On the Horizon: our forthcoming Bedford & District Branch meetings
2010 [10.2009]
21 Jan 2010 — A digital presentation of some of the late Sid Belham's slides
18 Feb 2010 — Chairman Tim Webb's "Naval Evening"
18 Mar 2010 — John Overton/Derek Lovell "Historic pictures" evening
15 Apr 2010 — Branch AGM followed by John Burns presentation "Kaisers Pirates"
20 May 2010 — A presentation by marine artist Harley Crossley
17 Jun 2010 — WSS tape/slide show on the Port of Melbourne
15 Jul 2010 — Port of Nagasaki, by Peter Wynne
19 Aug 2010 — Alan Moorhouse - liner evening
16 Sep 2010 — Allan Pepper - Merchant Ships with a Story
21 Oct 2010 — Dave Sutton - more holiday snaps
18 Nov 2010 — Branch Social Evening at the King William P.H. Kempston
16 Dec 2010 — Don McKeand - Finland's Navy
On August 25, 2008, Ian Wells was presented with a book of Bedfordshire, by David Menzies, after his 25th visit to the branch to show slides and talk about shipping at Tilbury. [02.2009]
Meets: Church Hall of the Holy Trinity Church, Hotwells Road, Bristol BS8 4ST, on the last Friday except for August, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Arthur Clark, 19 The Park, Frenchay, Bristol BS16 1PL. Tel: 0117 956 8657. E-mail: arthurclarkbs@aol.com [02.2009]
Meets: Athenaeum Club, Kimberley Place, Falmouth, on the 2nd Friday, September to June, at 7:30 pm with one meeting in the summer as an outdoor activity. Contact: Tony Atkinson, 'Tregarth', 20 Lower Redannick, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2JW. Tel: 01872 275602. E-mail: tonyatkinson2@aol.com [03.2009]
Meets: Broadstone Community Centre, 21 Dunyeats Road, Broadstone, nr. Poole, on the 2nd Saturday, September to May, at 2:15 pm. Contact: Mrs. Marion Browning, "Tarven" Corfe Lodge Road, Broadstone, Dorset BH18 9NF. Tel: 01202 694338. E-mail: browning@tarvencorfe.fsnet.co.uk [02.2009]
Meets: Kevill Arms, Church Road, Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, on the 1st Thursday of each month, at 7:30 pm. Contact: David Tuttle, 38 Orwell Cres., Belton, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR31 9NZ. Tel: 01493 780548. E-mail: davetut@talk21.com [02.2009]
Meets: Fleur-de-Lys Hall, Gatefield Lane, Faversham, on the 1st Friday of each month, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Ralph Bigrigg, 55 Sandwich Road, Eythorne, Dover, Kent CT15 4DG. Tel: 01304 830916. E-mail: ralphandj@btinternet.com [10.2009]
On the Horizon - Upcoming East Kent Branch meetings
2010
1 Jan 2010 — Members Photos of 2009
5 Feb 2010 — The Slide Collection of John Freestone (Navy)
5 Mar 2010 — AGM, Print and Slide Competitions
2 Apr 2010 — Thames and Medway Panorama slideshow - Steve Spruce
7 May 2010 — The Films of the late John Norton (pt.3) - Mike Jackson
4 Jun 2010 — A Tug presentation - David Brown
2 Jul 2010 — A Summer in New York-1982 - Ron Davies
6 Aug 2010 — Chairman's Night - Andrew Humphreys
3 Sep 2010 — Ferries Along the South Coast - John Hendy
1 Oct 2010 — A Marine Miscellany (pt.2) - Ken Larwood
5 Nov 2010 — Digital show - Ted Ingham
3 Dec 2010 — Black Sea Cruise 2006 - Martin Wright
2011
7 Jan 2011 — Members photos of 2010
4 Feb 2011 — Ferries Around the UK, video show - Andy Wood
4 Mar 2011 — Annual General Meeting, Photo Competitions and supporting show
Meets: Ardgowan Primary School, Newton Street, Greenock, on the last Thursday September to April, except the second Thursday in December, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Peter Gifford, 11 Gordon Avenue, Bishopton, Renfrewshire PA7 5EX. Tel: 01505 863386. [09.2009]
PROGRAM OF MEETINGS - Winter Season 2009/2010
24 Sep 2009 — “The Clyde in the 1940s” – digital presentation by Donald McColl
29 Oct 2009 — “Shipping Over the Years at Harwich, Ipswich & Felixstowe” – slide show / talk by Derek Sands, Chairman, WSS Haven Ports Branch
26 Nov 2009 — “Spain, Portugal and the Atlantic Isles on ORIANA – June 2004” – digital presentation by Bert Novelli, WSS Manchester Branch
10 Dec 2009 — “A Members’ Evening”, plus “Port of Caragena” -- a digital presentation
28 Jan 2010 — “The Clyde Through a Lens, 1930s to 1980s” – digital presentation by Gavin Stewart of the PSPS
25 Feb 2010 — Thames Ship Society trip to Istanbul, Tuzla & Aliaga – digital presentation by Maurice Napier, WSS Branch Liaison Officer
25 Mar 2010 — AGM & A Members’ Evening
29 Apr 2010 — “Year on the Clyde – 2009” – slide show / talk by Paul Strahdee
Meets: Edinburgh Cine & Video Society, 23a Fettes Row, (off Dundas Street), Edinburgh, on the 3rd Monday, October to April, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Ian Duff, 93 Craigmount Brae, Edinburgh EH12 8XN. Tel: 0131 339 1668. E-mail: ian42duff@btinternet.com [02.2009]
Meets: "The Pop In", Barnwood Road, Hucclecote, Gloucester (opp. "The Waggon"), on the 2nd Monday, September to May, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Malcolm Bell, Gloucester Branch, 61 Oldbury Orchard, Churchdown, Gloucester GL3 2PU. Tel: 01452 714167. E-mail: 2g2mb@amserve.com [02.2009]
Meets: The Library, Felixstowe Seafarers' Centre, Carr Road, Felixstowe Dock, on the 2nd Thursday of each month at, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Graham Dines, 68 Roman Way, Felixtowe IP11 9NR, Tel: 01394 670507, E-mail: graham.dines@sky.com Web: http://www.wsshavenports.co.uk [12.2009]
OUR PROGRAM OF EVENTS FOR 2010
14th January, 2010 — Members’ Informal Evening
11th February, 2010 — “Life on Sailing Barges” – illustrated talk by Mick Lungley
11th March, 2010 — “Greek Idyll” – slides from the late Tony Stacey collection
8th April, 2010 — WSS tape/slide show
13th May, 2010 — “From Russia with Ships” – Bernard McCall
10th June, 2010 — T.B.A.
8th July, 2010 — “Thames Shipping” – illustrated talk by Steve Spouse
August – NO MEETING
9th September, 2010 — “Saigon 2003” – illustrated talk by Ken Flack
14th October, 2010 — “Felixstowe in the 70’s” – slide show by John Hall
11th November, 2010 — Branch AGM, followed by members’ slides, etc.
10th December, 2010 — Christmas Party at the Crown Hotel, Manningtree
Meets: The Danish Church, Osborne Street, Hull, on the last Friday, September to May, but the penultimate Friday in November and December, with no meeting in January, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Sorry, No contact names or numbers avaialble. [04.2010]
Meets: Christian Spiritualist Church Hall, Dukes Road, Douglas, on the 1st & 3rd Fridays, October to March, at 7:45 pm. Contact: Malcolm Magee, 16 Port-E-Chee Avenue, Douglas, Isle of Man IM2 5EW. Tel: 01624 676882. E-mail: mmagee@manx.net [02.2009]
Meets: Commencing with the September 2009 meeting — Riverside Centre, Newport Quay, Isle of Wight, on the 4th Thursday, except for June & August, at 7:00 pm. Contact: Tony Westmore, 29 Queens Road, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 8BW. Tel: 01983 295550. E-mail: tony.westmore@onwight.net [07.2009] Interesting and informative Local Branch website: http://www.isleofwightwss.org.uk [07.2009]
Meets: "The Briton's Protection", 50 Great Bridgewater Street, Manchester (across from GMEX), on the 3rd Thursday, September to June - first Thursday in December, at 7:15 pm. Contact: Jim Charnock, 27 Bollin Drive, Timperley, Altrincham, Cheshire WA14 5QR. Tel: 0161 969 1581. [02.2009]
Upcoming Activities
September 16, 2010 — Chairman’s Night, by Peter Wynne
October 21, 2010 — Voyagers Across the Seas, by Alan Moorhouse
November 18, 2010 — Doxford of Pallion, by George Robinson
December 9, 2010 — Ships of the Mersey, by Ian Collard
January 20, 2011 — Cruising with a Camera, by John Williams
February 17, 2011 — Slides from the WSPL, by Jim McFaul
March 17, 2011 — Q Ships, by Richard Osborne
April 21, 2011 — Programme of ‘shorts’ – Members’ slide evening
Nay 19, 2011 — Branch AGM & Supporting programme
June 16, 2011 — Shipping & Tripping, by Bernard McCall
Meets: Chatham Historic Dockyard, Dock Road, Chatham, on the 2nd Tuesday except July & August, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Jimmy Poole, 101 The Everglades, Hempstead, Gillingham, Kent ME7 3PZ. Tel: 01634 372015. E-mail: jimmy.poole@worldshipsociety.org [02.2009]
Meets: "The Fly in the Loaf", Hardman Street, Liverpool, on the 2nd Tuesday of the month, September to July, at 7:15 pm. Contact: Philip Welsh, 11 Garswood Close, Moreton, Wirral, Merseyside CH46 3SF. Tel: 0151 678 4758. E-mail: philip_a_welsh@yahoo.com [02.2009]
Upcoming Activities
September 14, 2010 — A Further Selection of Maritime DVDs
October 12, 2010 — Destination Tees, by Barry Shore of Merseyside Branch
November 9, 2010 — A Nostalgic Miscellany, by Frank Purser of Manchester Branch
December 14, 2010 — Wanderings with Fred – Part 2, by Adrian Sweeney & John Luxton of the Merseyside Branch
January 11, 2011 — Port of Burnie – WSS Slide Show-Tasmania Branch
February 8, 2011 — Clyde Steamers, by Iain Quinn of Clyde River Steamer Club & PSPS
March 8, 2011 — Fog in Channel – Continent Isolate, by Geoff Holmes of Merseyside Branch
April 12, 2011 — A Voyage Around the UK, by Gordon Ditchfield of Friends of the Ferries
May 10, 2011 — Tugs Around the World, by David Preston of Tunbridge Wells, Kent
June 14, 2011 — Shanghai Shipping 2005, by Neil Davidson of Haven Ports Branch
July 12, 2011 — Branch Annual General Meeting, followed by Members’ Digital Images
September 13, 2011 — First meeting of the new season
Meets: Ingatestone & Fryerning Club, High Street, Ingatestone, Essex, on the 1st Monday of each month, at 8:00 pm. Contact: David Brown, 8, Forefield Green, Chelmsford, Essex CM1 6YU. Tel: 01245 465052. [12.2009]
For a full report on the branch activities and "What's On", visit the branch website http://midessexships.org [07.2009]
Meets: Hirael OAP Centre, Ambrose Street, Hirael, Bangor, usually on the 2nd Saturday, September to April, at 2:00 pm. Contact: Alan Smith, 35 Maes Seiriol, Pensarn, Abergele, Conway, Gwynedd LL32 7RZ. Tel: 01745 825824. E-mail: alan@alan50.wanadoo.co.uk [02.2009]
Meets: Temple Hill Community Centre, Temple Hill, Dartford, on the 3rd Wednesday of the month at 7:30 pm. Contact: Glen Humble, 195 Old Road East, Gravesend, Kent DA12 1PN. Tel: 08707201130. E-mail: wssnwkbranch@hotmail.co.u [02.2009] Local Branch website (with lots of detail about local events) http://wssnwkbranch.wetpaint.com [03.2009] Click here for 2010 Programme of Events
Meets: Ballynafeigh Methodist Church Hall, Florenceville Drive, Belfast, on the 2nd Tuesday September to May, at 8:00 pm. Contact: Roy Snowden, 'Alcantara', 48 Killycomain Road, Portadown, Co Armagh BT63 5SH. Tel: 028 3833 1371. E-mail: densnowrg617@yahoo.co.uk [02.2009]
Northern Ireland Branch members on board BOUDICCA with Captain Bjarte Roksund. [09.2009]
Meets: Wensum Lodge, King Street, Norwich, on the 2nd Friday, October to April, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Mrs. Jenny Tomlinson, 'Riverlea', Fakenham Road, East Bilney, Dereham, Norfolk NR20 4HS. Tel: 01362 860604. E-mail: riverleamaritime@tiscali.co.uk [02.2009]
Meets: Plymouth Naval Base Museum on the 1st Tuesday of each month at 7:30 pm. (Please note - there is no public access to the Naval Base. Please contact Ian Denton in advance for security arrangements.) Contact: Ian Denton, 'Kestrel', 11 Edgecombe Way, St. Ann's Chapel, Gunnislake, Cornwall PL18 9HJ. Tel: 01822 832871. E-mail: ian@denton89.freeserve.co.uk [02.2009]
Meets: Southwick Community Centre, Southwick, Sussex, on the 4th Thursday of each month - 2nd Thursday in December, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Mrs. Val Thompson, 60 The Grange, Hurstpierpoint, Hassocks, West Sussex BN6 9FD. E-mail: v.thompson9@btinternet.com. Tel: 01444 410679. Publications: bi-monthly - South Coast Look Out; semi-annually - South Coast Packet. [04.2010]
On the Horizon: Forthcoming South Coast Branch meetings:
2010
Thursday 27 May, 2010 - Travels in 2009, by Bill Mayes
Thursday 24 Jun, 2010 - The Year 1959 - the founding of the South Coast Branch, by David Start
Thursday 22 Jul, 2010 - Video Evening, presented by Ken Johnson
Thursday 26 Aug, 2010 - Cornish Ports, by Krispen Atkinson
Friday 3 September - Monday 6 September - Solent Maritime Society Trip
Thursday 23 September, 2010 - Roger's Slides - part II, by Val Thompson
Thursday 28 October, 2010 - Clan Line - part II, by Trevor Cox
Recent Meeting Highlights:
Meeting Notes: Thursday 22nd April 2010 — Branch A.G.M., followed by Branch Quiz set by David Start. The Branch AGM proceeded smoothly with the Committee being unanimously re-elected to serve for another term with the addition of Andy Skarstein filling the vacancy left by the late Cliff Walder, and Phil Simons accepting the role of Liaison Officer with the Community Centre. Chairman David Start read a moving poem he had composed as a fitting tribute to Cliff which he entitled “C.J.W.” or “The Alan Wicker of the South Coast Branch.” The Branch is also making a generous donation to the R.N.L.I. in memory of Cliff. It was proposed that after last November’s “Flood” the annual dinner be moved to February with a fish and chip supper — after the success of last year’s hurriedly ordered alternative — organised for November. Trips to the WW2 code-breaking centre of Bletchley Park, Chatham, the Inter-Branch Meeting — to be hosted this year by the Southampton Branch — and a tour of Scottish harbours were discussed along with a members’ interests evening concentrating on “alternate interests or what else we do.” After the committee business was concluded members enjoyed a buffet in Cliff’s honour — and many thanks to Val for organising the eats and drinks — after which David Start presented his eagerly awaited quiz. Nick Hall took first place with 47% (slightly more than your editor’s mere 16%) and he now has the honour of setting the quiz for next year ! [07.2010]
Meeting Notes: Thursday 25th March 2010 — The Clan Line Steamers Ltd – part 1, presented by Trevor Cox. In its hey-day Clan Line was probably Britain’s largest shipping company, having owned or managed nearly 300 cargo ships since 1877, yet one hundred years later the house-flag, ships and company, like so many other British companies who failed to embrace or recognise the “container revolution” have vanished from the seas. It is difficult to do justice to such a large company as Clan Line Steamers Ltd. In a single programme so members were taken through to the 1921-1923 building programme. An interesting section was that of the era of the turret deck steamers, of which Clan Line Steamers operated 32, all built 1896-1907, two remaining in service until 1933. Those vessels lost in war were linked to a brief history of their adversary which produced some interesting information, for example CLAN LINDSAY being sunk almost exactly a year to the day after sinking of LUSITANIA by the same submarine and its commander and CLAN MACPHEE was sunk in August 1940 by Kptit. Lemp who the previous September had sunk ATHENIA. In 1909 CLAN MACINTYRE became the last known vessel to sight and communicate with the ill-fated WARATAH before she disappeared without a trace. Part 2 will follow in October and Part 3 – too much prepared again – next year. [07.2010]
Meeting Notes: Friday 26th February 26th 2010 — Branch Annual Dinner. It was second time lucky when nearly forty members, friends and their guests sat down and thoroughly enjoyed the Branch’s Annual Dinner held at, and through, the hospitality of, Shoreham Yacht Club. Many sincere thanks are due to Phil Simons, David Start and the committee for organising the venue, selecting a mouth-watering menu and notifying members for a second time — and we must not forget our gratitude to our former member and generous benefactor, the late Mr. Keith Rivett-Drake. [07.2010]
Meeting Notes: Thursday 25th February 2010 — The Northern Bus (Hurtigruten), by Andy Skarstein. Members enjoyed a cruise, made in August 2008, along the Norwegian Coast from Bergen in the south up to Kirkness to the east of North Cape, a 1400 mile coastal voyage on board the Hurtigruten ferry or “Northern Bus” NORDLYS. Hurtigruten, founded by Richard With, is the cover name of eight companies covering the coastal route which started in 1875 and has involved some 80 ships. The voyage takes some six days and can involve calling at up to 36 ports, often those missed during night arrivals being seen during more social hours on the return voyage although some calls were so short that the ship held herself alongside using her thrusters rather than mooring ropes. Andy enjoyed some trips ashore and we saw magnificent scenes of the midnight sun and the region around North Cape along with the various types of shipping — as usual and as seen all ports round the world all the Norwegian ships were immaculate — ferries and fishing vessels. Thank you Andy for a fascinating evening of Nordic delights. [07.2010]
Meeting Notes: Thursday 28th January 2010 — An A – Z of Ocean Liners – part 1, presented by Alan and Sheila Watt. For our first meeting of the new year Alan and Sheila Watt presented the first two parts of Joe Clark’s A – Z of Ocean Liners and Cruise Ships of the 20th century on a set of DVDs. Joe has collected a large library of cine and video footage of liners dating back to the 1920s, and a good gathering of members thoroughly enjoyed viewing liners with names beginning A – E starting with ACHILLE LAURO of 1946 through to EUROPA. Included were not just some of today’s modern cruise liners, but many golden oldies, for example, ANDES, ARUNDEL CASTLE, BATORY, BERENGARIA, CANTON and EMPRESS OF BRITAIN to name but a few. P&O’s pre-war CARTHAGE and CHITRAL, were seen along with EMPIRE HALLADALE and EMPIRE ORWELL. A Most enjoyable evening and members thanked Alan and Sheila for the loan of the DVD and eagerly await the remaining three parts. [07.2010]
For meeting notes prior to this date, check the listing to the left, marked "FROM THE PAST - South Coast Branch Notes".
Meets: Meetings from July 2010 will be held at: Ist Floor St Denys Conservative Club 100 St Denys Road Southampton SO17 2F on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Mike Lindsay, 7 Elland Close, Fair Oak, Eastleigh, Hampshire SO15 7JY Tel: 02380 694558. E-mail: michael_lindsay@hotmail.co.uk [07.2010] Branch website: (with lots of information about local branch activities) http://www.sotonwss.org.uk [04.2009]
Meets: Civic Centre, Victoria Avenue, Southend-on-Sea, on the 3rd Monday of each month, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Stuart Emery, 66 Bellhouse Lane, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 4PQ. Tel: 01702 528948. E-mail: stuart.emery@hotmail.com [03.2009]
Meets: The Environment Centre, Pier Street, Swansea, on the 1st Friday of each month, at 7:00 pm. Contact: Captain Tony Breach, 'Playas', Marcross, Vale of Glamorgan, CF61 1ZG. E-mail: tonybcamreef@aol.com [02.2009] Branch Web site: (with lots of information, upcoming events, news and photo gallery) http://www.wss-swansea.org [04.2009]
Teesside Ship Society / Teesside Branch of the World Ship Society. The Teesside Ship Society was formed in 1956 and became a branch of the International Society in 1971.
Meets: Newport Settlement Youth & Community Centre, St. Pauls Road (entrance from Union Street), Middlesbrough, on the 3rd Wednesday, September to July, at 7:00 pm. Additional meetings in Hartlepool, Indoor Bowling Club, Raby Road. Contact: Stuart Hardie, 26 Southbrooke Avenue, Hartlepool TS25 5JB. Tel: 01429 274881. Publications: Tees Packet - quarterly - Editor: Derek Hinds. Branch Website: http://www.teesships.freeuk.com/ [05.2009]
On the Horizon: our forthcoming Teesside Branch meetings
Recent Meeting Highlights:
Meeting Notes: 1st October 2008 - At Hartlepool, Harold Appleyard gave a presentation of slides from his vast collection. The evening started with recent slides of vessels entering or leaving the Tees and Hartlepool ports, he then showed pictures in other ports along the north east coast. The next selection of slides were taken when he made a trip on a freight ferry to Rotterdam, including vessels in and around the Port of Rotterdam. Finally, for the evening he took us back to the 1960's with pictures of shipping the likes of which some members present sailed on. Thank you Harold for another of your presentations, we all look forward to the next show you put on.
Meeting Notes: 17th Sep 2008 - Our first meeting after our summer break, at the Settlement, was a power point presentation on 'Shipbuilding at Goole' from 1875 to 1987. Put together by George Robinson and ably shown by Ron Mapplebeck on the Settlements power point equipment. Pictures were of vessels built in the yards at Goole, mainly of smaller vessels of under four thousand gross tons, which included tugs, trawlers, tankers and general cargo ships. Several vessels shown were from the F.T. Everard fleet, that company, used the Goole yards when they required new tonnage in their fleet. Some of the pictures of the vessels shown brought back memories to some of the members present, like 'I was on that ship', or 'I remember seeing her in port'. Thanks again to Ron, for his first attempt at operating the laptop and power point projector. ........................ There were two organised coach trips to the Manchester Ship Canal this month, a one-day trip and the other a two-day trip. They were the result of Les Stather asking was anyone interested in making trips to places with a nautical theme. An account of the two day trip appears in November 2008 isssue of Tees Packet.
Meets: Carnation Hall (lounge), Chavey Down Road, Chavey Down, Winkfield, Berkshire, on the 1st Thursday of each month, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Bill and Brenda Mayes, Mayes House, Vansittart Estate, Windsor SL4 1SE. Tel: 07768 234507. E-mail: treasurer@worldshipsociety.org [07.2010]
Meets: Teign Corinthian Yacht Club, Eastcliff Walk, Teignmouth, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Bob Collins, 116 Twickenham Road, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ12 4JH. Tel: 01626 356196. E-mail: arkoli-2344@tiscali.co.uk Local Branch Website: http://www.worldshipsdevon.co.uk [03.2009]
Meets: Holy Saviours Parish Centre, The Broadway, Tynemouth, on the 2nd Tuesday of each month, at 7:30 pm. Contact: Paul Hood, 28 Teal Avenue, South Beach Estate, Blyth, Northumberland NE24 3PT. Tel: 01670 360132. E-mail: paul.k.hood@btinternet.com [03.2009]
Directions for finding the new venue: click on the following link for a map (for Satnavs, the postcode is NE30 2LD ) http://www.streetmap.co.uk/
Meets: The Pink House, Estuary Road, King's Lynn, on the last Monday, March to December at 7:30 pm. Contact: Tony Bray, 16 Prince Andrew Drive, Dersingham, Norfolk PE31 6JW Tel: 01485 542983. [02.2009]
On the Horizon: our forthcoming Wash Ports Branch meetings
30th March, 2009 — AGM and video (supplied by Robin Goldsmith)
27th April, 2009 — "Ships from the Past" slide show, by John Hall
1st June, 2009 — Navy video
29th June, 2009 — "Coasters" slide show, by Neil Davidson
27th July, 2009 — "Turkish Treasures" slide show, by Neil Davidson
24th August, 2009 — "An A to Z of Russian Shipping" slide show, by David Pomroy
28th September, 2009 — "Saigon 2003" slide show, by Ken Flack
26th October, 2009 — WSS slide show "Kiel Kanal"
30th November, 2009 — Video (supplied by our good friend Robin Goldsmith
Meets: Nautical Club, 3-4 Bishopsgate Street, Birmingham, usually held on the 2nd Saturday, September to April, at 12:30 pm. Contact: Jim McFaul, 92 Armorial Road, Styvechall, Coventry CV3 6GJ. Tel: 024 7641 5574. E-mail: jim@mcfaulcov.freeserve.co.uk [07.2010] Local Branch Website with upcoming programme details: http://www.irishseashipping.com/minfo/wss/wsswestmid.htm [12.2009]
Upcoming Meetings & Programmes:
October 9, 2010 — Q-Ships, by Richard Osborne – Our annual naval session a little earlier in the season this year.
November 13, 2010 — Mersey Shipping in the 1960s and 1970s, by Ian Collard – The last decade of ‘real’ ships on the Mersey
December 11, 2010 —Asian Cruise, by Jimmy Poole – The Society’s General Secretary visits pastures new
January 8, 2011 — Cruising with Saga, by Bill Mayes – A selection of the Society Treasurer’s cruises
February 12, 2010 — A Bag if All-Sorts, by Dave Menzies – Dave gets a chance to complete the talk that was interrupted last season.
March 12, 2011 — Reardon Smith, by David Jenkins – The Society’s Vice President talks of the subject of his recent book
April 9, 2010 — Branch AGM, followed by a slide presentation from the WSPL Archive, by Jim McFaul
Recent Meeting Highlights:
Meeting Notes: In November 2007, the branch was proud and honoured to welcome four verterans who were involved with Operation Pedestal, the crucial Malta convoy of August 1942. Les Dalton, our speaker, served on HMS EAGLE, Les Rae on HMS CAIRO, John Berrill on HMS INTREPID and Harold Highfield had served on Holt's DEUCALION. For the first part of his illustrated talk Les reviewed the warships that participated and took us through the action from the Glasgow and Liverpool departures, across the Bay of Biscay, passing Gibraltar to face continuous attacks by aircraft, surface vessels and submarines in the Mediterranean which included the loss of his own ship. Of the fourteen merchant ships only five including the tanker OHIO reached Malta. All were damaged but helped in the island's survival. In the second part, Les covered the 50th anniversary of the arrival of the Pedestal convoy sponsored by the Maltese Government. This was a meeting that the members of the branch will not forget.
Branch Chairman welcoming the veterans, l-r: Doug Yates, Les Dalton, Harry Highfield, John Berrill, Les Rae.
Note to Branch Secretaries: Please send updates / changes of venue / details of upcoming programs / meeting notes & photographs / changes to contact name and/or addresses to webmaster@worldshipsociety.org
