This is my first newsletter to you as Club Captain and, belatedly, I must first begin by expressing my thanks to Captain David Ingham for all the effort he has put into FMMC to make it the success it is today. His new role as Honorary Life President is fitting recognition for all that he has done.
I try to attend as many meetings as I can, but apologise in advance for those I don’t make - I still travel quite a lot on business.
Shipping markets continue in the doldrums as world trade shows only limited signs of recovery. Globally there are about 1000 ships either laid up or inactive – including some 500 container ships. Freight rates are at 20 year lows with ships being chartered at rates that barely cover port and bunker costs, let alone make a contribution to running costs.
Despite the recession there is still a global structural shortage of quality ship's officers. UK annual officer trainee (cadet) recruitment has increased from about 300 in 2000 to nearly 1,000 last year – we can only wait to see if training budgets survive the downturn; we are already seeing reductions by some major recruiters. Retention in the UK is also quite good with about 70% of those who start completing their training. However there is still a need to promote the maritime industry to young people as a great career opportunity and our June speaker, Beth Richmond from the Merchant Navy Training Board, gave us an interesting overview of the new Careers at Sea Ambassadors programme.
In May I attended a dinner at the Painted Hall, Greenwich, to celebrate 100 years of the International Shipping Federation (ISF) – the body that represents the interests of shipowners and operators in matters pertaining to labour affairs, manning and training, and seafarers’ welfare, within the international shipping industry. It is a useful reminder that our industry was the first truly ‘global’ undertaking and how dependent it is on world trade for its prosperity.
On September 6th I attended the annual Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service at the MN War memorial on Tower Hill. This ceremony was well attended as always, with the Guest of Honour being Admiral The Lord West of Spithead – a great supporter of the role that the MN has played in wartime. Pictures of the event can be seen in the ‘photo gallery’ section of the Merchant Navy Association Website at http://www.mna.org.uk/
In these difficult times we are doing everything we can to keep the running costs of FMMC in check so that we can keep subscriptions at their current level and maintain our charitable donations. Keeping postal costs down helps, so if you have not provided an email address yet please let the Hon. Secretary know.
Treasurer’s News
Subscriptions are due in December and, for those who are not currently paying by standing order will you please consider doing so? Please contact me or the HonSec for a form which can be completed and used for 2011.
Meanwhile for 2010, please pay as soon as possible and try and avoid paying by cash. If you do use cash please do not pay the cashier when paying for your lunch but put the cash in an envelope, clearly mark it as SUBSCRIPTION plus your name and give it to me personally. You can help us by paying promptly and without having to be reminded and/or chased.
You are asked to note - the preferred method for paying subscriptions is 1. by standing order; 2. by cheque and 3. by cash. Method 1 saves time and 2 is good for traceability and also saves time.
The arrangements whereby we use a number of different people as cashiers are also working well. We will continue to double up with two people when necessary. In order that they become involved quickly and effectively, we request all new members to act for one year as a cashier and we shall shortly be asking for volunteers for 2010. Please be prepared to assist in this regard when called upon to do so – it’s an excellent way for new members to get to know other members and for them to get to know you. Don Burt (01473 736544) is I/C this process and he is the contact point for those involved.
Assistant Secretary’s News
The Christmas Lunch will be held on Tuesday December 15th and the cost is £17.50 for the usual Ribs of Beef. Please do not forget to bring your carving implements as these ribs will be carved and served by members at the tables.
The menu is -
Homemade chicken liver pate with fresh bread
Roast beef (carved at the table by the Host), roast potatoes, homemade Yorkshire pudding, fresh vegetables and homemade gravy
Traditional Christmas pudding or Assorted cheeses, grapes, celery & biscuits
or
Homemade bread and butter pudding
Coffee
Remember this please that – as normal - the permanent list is in place for the December meeting and there are 50 members on it. Attendance being restricted to 100, that means there is room for only 50 more and, as you will understand, your own attendance will be allocated on a first come first served basis.
To book lunch in the future - if you do not do so now, you are asked to switch to using the website to make your lunch arrangements now and going forward. N.B. When typing in your telephone number, use no spaces.
Speaker Finder’s News
I had Brian Hill of Trinity House lined up for our January 19th meeting, but he has had to postpone due to illness. I've managed to obtain a replacement in the shape
of Capt Andy Adams (RNR Ret'd) who will send me a title for his talk from his many interesting subjects on offer.
February 16th Meeting we have FMMC member’s son, Col Kevin Beaton OBE, RAMC who is currently stationed in Germany and will speak on "Personal reflections on a career in Army Medicine". It will be of general interest, rather than technical and specific and he says he will adjust some of the more graphic photos depending on whether he is speaking before or after lunch !!!
Peter Norton 01728 830519 - email: peternorton2@hotmail.com
The HonSec says – “Peter is always happy to hear from members who know of interesting speakers.”
Gone Aloft - RIP
Our President has kindly acted and has been busy on behalf of the membership and he reports:-
“On behalf of the Club, on the 7th of October I attended the funeral of the late Captain Harold Keeble at Orford. The service was conducted by The Reverend John Waller. I was able to speak to his son at the reception afterwards who expressed the family's thanks for the Club's representation. Many friends from all over the UK attended and a large contingent from the old Harwich to the Hook service, in which he was in command prior to his retirement.
I then had to drive across country to Bildeston to attend the funeral on your behalf of the late Captain Edward Gale. Again this service was well attended. Captain Gale left the sea and became an employee of Barclay's Bank. As was mentioned in the address, he rapidly rose through the ranks to a high position. There were many friends and colleagues from both the maritime and banking worlds present. At the reception in the Bildeston Crown I spoke to his son- in-law, who is carrying on the nautical tradition by positioning and erecting wind generators offshore on the Gunfleet. He only telephoned me the night before to inform me of his father-in-law's passing having found reference to the Club while sorting out his papers. Once again the family were most appreciative of our representation. Unfortunately, both Captain Keeble and Captain Gale had been unable to attend in recent years because of illness.
On Monday the 9th of November I attended the funeral of the late Commander Edgar Lee DSO VRD RNR. The service was conducted at our own church, All Saints Waldringfield, by the Reverend John Waller. The church was full to capacity and on a sunny autumn day we said goodbye to a true gentleman and a national hero. Edgar was particularly revered by his own service The Fleet Air Arm, so much so that three uniformed members of the services attended, Rear Admiral S.Charlier (CINC Fleet's Chief of Staff (Aviation), Brigadier M Noble R.M. Commandant RNAS Yeovilton and his Chief of Engineering at Yeovilton. The service was conducted in the Reverend John's own inimitable manner moving easily from humour to seriousness but not losing sight of the occasion. I can say it was one of the most moving services I have ever attended, not least because of the calibre of the men from the Fleet Air Arm but also his friends and colleagues from all walks of life who held Edgar in such high esteem. A reception was held at Seckford Hall, guests were welcomed by the owner, Michael Bunn, also a Club member. Carol, Edgar's widow,
thanked all for attending and said to me how much Edgar had appreciated the comradeship Edgar had enjoyed at the Club over the years. RIP”
We are grateful to our correspondent and member Don Black for his communications with the press over the years in relation to Edgar Lee’s exploits.
Website
The website is working well and several members are using the website to book their lunches – do please use this method if you can as, again, it saves us both time and money. Don’t forget to access the website from time to time to keep yourself up to date - simply go to www.mastermariners.co.uk where you and any other interested parties (i.e.non-members) will be able to access the Home page without using any passwords. Paid up members have received a password and user name and are hopefully benefitting but should you have any problems accessing the website please tell the HonSec.
Need to communicate with the HonSec? Simply click on “send an email now” on the home page, complete the requested information and type in your message – again job done and it’s easy and quick. Any suggestions or opportunities for improvement will be appreciated and these can be submitted via the feedback page. The lunch booking facility on the site is now fully tested and has been found to be robust – please use it.
How to access the website – DO NOT USE GOOGLE but, via your browser, type in www.mastermariners.co.uk which will take you to the home page. To access other pages via the tabs (e.g. NEWS. RULES, etc) click on the tab, enter your user name and password when asked, tick the box to tell your PC to remember your password and the job is done.
New members – we are pleased to welcome as Full and Associate Members:-
Captain John West of Woodbridge – Retired Master FG and now Yachtsman (FULL)
Dr Simon Rudland of Woodbridge – RN Retired and now a GP
Mr Michael Madden of Woodbridge – retired Inspector of Schools and now Yachtsman
Mr Bill Child of Hereford – Retired MN –and now Yachtsman
Captain John Mullins – Retired Master FG and Trinity House Pilot (FULL)
Mr Patrick Wroe of Felixstowe – Retired P&O Purser now Publican
Mr Nigel Craft of Felixstowe – RN Retired and Port of Felixstowe (retired)
Mr Keith Sale of Felixstowe – Retired freight forwarder
Mr Dave White of Hadleigh – Marine spar manufacturer and local Yachtsman
We hope they will have many happy times with us in the future and, if they have not yet had their ties, would they please inform the HonSec.
Members’ welfare
Our two Chaplains are keen to hear of any cases of illness. Should members become aware of another’s illness or distress, please first of all seek and obtain permission from the “patient” to submit his details and then advise either Father Sam (01473 252596) or the Revd John Waller (01473 736247) about the problem or illness. This system is currently working well in respect of most Suffolk members but there are those elsewhere, particularly in Essex, who may not be so well represented.
The next Committee Meeting will be at 1215 before the December meeting
