BRANCH REPORTS

Southampton Branch

The Branch continues to flourish and are fortunate in so much that they have the use of the Master Mariners Clubroom at the Seafarers Centre in Orchard Place, where they hold their by monthly Get
Together meetings commencing the second Tuesday in February and continuing on alternate months throughout the year. Peter Roberts, the Branch coordinator reports that there is an average of around 10 members at the meetings here they have the use of the bar together with the option of a lunch alternatively a hot or cold snack.

Last Christmas Peter Roberts and his wife organised the Branch Christmas Get Together at the De Vere Grand Harbour Hotel in Southampton, where approximately 30 members their families, and guests enjoyed a sit down hot and cold buffet luncheon. This attracts members from outside of the Southampton area. Peter Roberts reports that the Christmas Luncheon Get Together will again be at the De Vere Grand Harbour hotel on the 5th December.

Following the death of Captain J.H.Stewart, Mr John Haine the nephew of the late Captain Stewart, approached Peter Roberts to ask him if it would be possible to arrange a Memorial service in Southampton in remembrance of his uncle. Peter Roberts approached Captain David Carr of the Master Mariners Club, and Captain Rodney Burnett who does a great deal of work for the Mission to Seamen for their help in organising the service. He would like to place on record his thanks for the help they gave him in the Organisation . Rodney Burnett arranged for the Chaplain to the Mission, The Reverend Neville Jacob, who was assisted by the Reverend Billy Macabe from the International Seafarers Centre in Southampton to conduct the service the order of which had been arranged by Mr John Haine. The chapel at the Mission was full with members of Captain Stewart's family, ex colleagues, executives from shipping companies and friends, following the service, there was a reception for the members and mourners laid on by the ladies from the Mission, which all appreciated.

Liverpool Branch.

Captain Roy Kilby-Leonard reports that the Branch holds two gatherings each year, one in the spring and the other towards the back end of the year. They now have a meeting place in a pub in the new complex in the Pier Head area on the waterfront, where the group meet for a chat and a drink, members wishing to meet up with the Liverpool Branch should contact Roy or look in All Hands for the dates of their meetings.

London Branch.

Since the closure of the Marine Engineers club in London some years ago, the Branch has not had a venue to meet. They did try to locate a suitable meeting place but without success.
It is understood that members of the group do meet up from time to time at various members houses.

Peter Roberts