National Chairman's Log / Annual Reports

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...Winter 2007
...Winter 2006

Winter 2007
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN’S EXECUTIVE REPORT TO MEMBERS 2007

REVIEW
It is a pleasure and a privilege to welcome you all here today at the MNA’s 2007 AGM especially our guest of honour Mr Des Cox and his wife Ulla. These are exciting times for the MNA with a full calendar of activities and meetings generating much greater awareness and understanding of the influence of this countries maritime heritage and the needs of an estimated 1.5 million merchant seafarers in the UK seafaring community. Some 717,000 are former merchant seafarers and their dependants who are now over the usual retirement age. About 100 charities support the whole seafaring community in UK and together they spend £125 million each year in support of at least 50,000 seafarers. This includes one-off grants for health care, social care, and education. Funding, advice and guidance is also given for home help, housing and welfare needs. Your Associations Head Office has been a consistent and reliable point of contact for our members and the wider seafaring community as well as a wide group of external agencies. Executive Officers have represented and supported the needs and opinions of merchant seafarers and helped to co-ordinate any necessary and appropriate action. We have helped to identify issues of common concern for a more collaborative lobby to achieve the Associations aims and objectives and continually progress the claims of those surviving veterans who are such an important and integral part of what we are all about as a campaigning organisation. We are gaining confidence from the confidence of other organisations often regardless of whether that appears rational but it does add to our appeal and for what we seek to promote and protect.

There are about 46,000 merchant ships, globally, with about half flying flags of convenience. Around 90% of world trade is still transported by ships at sea and this equates to about 6 billion tonnes of cargo arriving and departing from around 4,000 viable ports worldwide. The UK heritage is a proud heritage that cannot be denied and will not be forgotten. Go and tell people, let them know who we are and what it means to be part of a maritime nation. Take it to the schools and colleges and invite your members to talk to those who are part of our heritage and part of a great living history experience.

The historic environment is also a learning resource with some 2.5 million school children recording visits to all historical sites in 2006. We also need to focus on the skills needed to maintain our maritime heritage.

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
Very few of us have ever faced an enemy bent on our destruction nor have we experienced the long term suffering that prolonged conflict and hardship bring to bear on the human spirit. This year, once again, we have raised the profile of our veterans and received continued applications for the MN vets badge. It is astonishing that they remain in such good humour and in the main are unembittered by their experiences…they made the choice between self-sacrifice and selfishness that we are, fortunately, very unlikely to have to make.

The main ceremonial events in 2007 were surrounding the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict in June with over 200 events taking place all over the country, with one of the last being in Hull. The MNA were invited by the MOD events team to work with them. We first located and then involved as many merchant seafarers and port workers, who were involved in the Conflict, as possible to attend a dedicated service at Tower Hill around the recently dedicated MN Falklands memorial. The F25 meetings started in early 2006 and this one event was a major element of my workload in 2007. It was a great honour and we worked closely with the Royal Fleet Auxiliary Association and later the Chamber of Shipping to make this event a very special occasion. There were about 3,000 merchant seafarers who received the South Atlantic Medal and this is still largely unrecognised by the general public. Very little of the Merchant Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s contribution was mentioned by the media although full press briefings and detailed information had been fully circulated...this included case histories of some of those seafarers involved. This almost total disregard of merchant seafarers was particularly disappointing during the special event on Sunday 17 June in London at Horseguards and the march down the Mall...120 of us marched that day and we were front and centre during the Service. I also found the reporting to be bias during the ceremony at the Falklands Chapel at Pangbourne a few days earlier. When I advised the BBC producer on the day of the contribution made by Merchant Seafarers I was told that they were unable to change any wording during outside broadcasts.

However the Service at Tower Hill, on 14th June, was a striking success and merchant seafarers were honoured as the only group of Falkland vets to have their own event sponsored by the MOD and very well supported by senior representatives from the Royal Family, National Government, the Services, Mayor of London, Falkland Islands Government and many more…all there to honour and support the contribution made by the 47 merchant ships taken up from trade and the 22 RFA’s all crewed by merchant seafarers. It was proposed that in addition to the Service the MNA would co-host, with the RFA and the Chamber of Shipping, a post event reception at HMS President for all the vets to get together…the first time ever. We were very honoured when the Sunset Service Principle guest, Prince Michael of Kent also agreed to attend our reception and so did Derek Twigg, the PUSS for Defence and the Veterans Minister. Our thanks must also go to Admiral De Halpert, Deputy Master of Trinity House for their continued commitment and support. This for both the Sunset Service, their contribution towards the post reception expenses at HMS President and of course their continued support for the MN Day Service reception in Trinity House every year.

The largest civilian organised parade in the country was in Weymouth on June 10th. I know many of you are aware of this very important event and I know many of you book a short weekend to enjoy the great company that can be found in the bars and restaurants before and after this special event.

June 27th is Veterans Day and this year’s events were centred on Birmingham, Cardiff and Greenwich. Over 250 events took place around the country and it is essential to raise this with your local Council to help expand it even further. Local lobbying may be required to gain Council or Borough approval but it will have the vocal support of National Government.

The MN Day Commemorative Service and re-union in London continues to enjoy wonderful support from a wide group of seafaring organisations, veterans, former seafarers, those still engaged at sea as well as many guests in support of the contribution that seafarers made to the freedoms we all now enjoy. This year Admiral Lord Alan West of Spithead was the principle guest as the First Sea Lord was on business abroad at the time. Lord West has been a consistent supporter of many of our campaigns and holds merchant seafarers in very high regard and we congratulate him on achieving his new responsibilities for which he is exceptionally qualified. The MNDCS programme was slightly extended this year with a collaborative idea initiated by BISS. I was advised at the BISS AGM, which I attended in London earlier this week that they will be simplifying their name to the Sailors Society in November. The Sea of Red Ensigns that was the result of this collaboration was a visual representation of hundreds of individual tributes. The planting of the Red Ensigns was made even more memorable as the RM Band had agreed to remain after the Service and play an agreed selection of WWII songs. Hymn sheets were provided by Bert Bale and many remained in Trinity Gardens to enjoy the atmosphere of private remembrance and camaraderie. Work continues throughout the year on this major national event and we hope that even more of you will be able to attend next year; if not complete the Red Ensign card, when it arrives, and send your personal tributes.

The new HM Forces Memorial was dedicated on 12th October at the National Arboretum at Alrewas.
This is another new and magnificent memorial to all those who have died since 1947. The names of the 17 merchant seafarers who died in the Falklands Conflict are remembered and recorded and if you know of any other name that should be included please contact one of the National Executive Officers and we will take the matter forward.

Your Executive Officers continue to seek ever broader horizons were we can promote the MNA’s policies and campaigns. We are always networking with others at the MoD’s Vets Plenary Forum in March and have now been accepted as a full member of COBSEO. I attended their AGM, on 24th October, and made new friends as well as meeting many who we have met and worked with on previous occasions. The MNA are truly an established part of the veterans community and this will continue to guide how we channel future welfare needs to our members and the wider UK seafaring community…no other Merchant Navy organisation has developed in this way and no other Merchant Navy organisation is so representative of grass-root opinion. The trust that members have placed in us all is something your Executive Officers and Committee will continue to honour and respect. We will work hard to meet your aspirations so please advise us of your concerns as soon as possible.

At the COBSEO AGM the Vets Minister advised us that over 500,000 HM Forces Vets Badges have been distributed. The MNA have now distributed nearly 3,500 with just over 7,000 being issued in total. Our congratulations to Tim Brant once again for continuing all the good work he undertakes on behalf of the MNA and MN Veterans. Soon the 10,000th MN Vets badge will be dispatched and the SPVA, as the joined-up Vets and pensions agency is now called, have agreed to promote and sponsor a special presentation in London…great news and even greater recognition.

The SPVA have also been instrumental in helping with funding for obtaining the lists of names of all merchant seafarers who died during WW1 and WW2. They have also agreed that once the names of those not yet commemorated have been found they will help present a case to the CWGC for a change in the Commissions Charter to allow those named to be properly commemorated. We then have to obtain the agreement of 16 other Commonwealth countries for a change in the Charter but the wind is with us.

Also in this area of recognition and respect is the SS Storaa. This vessel will be recognised under the PMR Act when a Statutory Instrument is issued in the New Year. Further vessels will need to be taken forward after detailed research and one of these could be the Atlantic Conveyer. What do you think…please advise us of your suggestions and any research you have completed?

It is not just the ships that were lost in the war that need to be remembered we also need to maintain what maritime history we have whether it is the SS Great Britain, the Cutty Sark or the SS Robin. The Robin is the only steam driven coaster left afloat in the world and she is desperately seeking funds for renovation. The Shipping Minister, Jim Fitzpatrick one our MNDCS patrons, has written asking if we could help locate a Chairman for the Trust…he or she must be well versed in matters maritime and a brilliant fundraiser.

World Maritime Day was due to be much more of a family occasion this year. We were invited to a meeting at the Chamber of Shipping to assess what contribution could be made to a broader range of events. Many ideas were floated but ultimately a lack of funding this year allowed only for a dedicated event as in previous years aboard HQS Wellington. There is every possibility that World Maritime Day could be moved from the 27 September and be part of the London Regatta events in the middle of September. September could become a very busy month in the nautical calendar…watch this space shipmates.

Our financial picture is bright and once again income has exceeded expenditure for the year. We must take care to support existing income steams and to develop new areas of funding in the year ahead.

LOOKING AHEAD
The MNDCS will take place at 1230 on September 7th, 2008. Please see your MNA Diary Dates for all major events throughout the country and beyond.

It has been agreed that another Falklands Commemorative Service will be organised to take place at Tower Hill in June of 2012, on the 30th Anniversary. It will be before the Olympic events take place.

The EU’s Rome Treaty – the MNA need an agreed policy of all the issues. How can the EU add value to each country – the working conditions – simplifying regs – EU Register OPTOUTS? What about the EU Coastguard Service and unified ship registration. We must be very watchful. If they (EU Committees) agreed a joint register we can all imagine what comes next…an EU ensign on every ship! What are your views?

Branches have continued to develop within their communities and new branches have come aboard.
There is constant activity in this area as we encourage further development and new membership.
This is the most consistent year in our history for membership with fewer members leaving and more joining that at any other time. We have said farewell to many good men and women who have passed away this year but I would just like to remember a true friend of the MNA whose support I valued above all others. Gordon White was a uniquely gifted man and will be remembered for his often biting humour and consistent attention to the needs of others.

We are attending a Sea Vision Forum on 27 November dealing with learning and careers, regional engagement and again EU maritime policy. We will report to members at a later date.

The Charity Commission have refused our application and we have written to appeal to that decision. We have also had a long talk with the Commission and feel that our appeal does have merit and a very good chance of being viewed in a more positive light now they are more aware of the MNA’s attention to the needs of merchant seafarers and their dependants.

We are introducing a new MNA Annual Award for Services to Merchant Seafarers. Next year nominations will be discussed in Council and the award will be presented at the AGM. We are also working with editor of Ships Monthly, Iain Wakefield, for an MNA Book Award…but more of that in months ahead. If you are already a yacht or boat owner please get in contact.

The Executive are also taking forward proposals for our own yacht club (MNAYC). This offers opportunities for new and younger members, new affiliations with other Yacht Clubs such as Malta and Old Worcester’s plus contacts, new special interest groups such as Boat Builders, Inland Waterways and marinas.

Lastly, please remember - “it is not how good we are as an Association; it is how good we want to be”.

Winter 2006
NATIONAL CHAIRMANS’ ANNUAL REPORT TO MEMBERS 2006

REVIEW
During the past year the Executive Committee have been very active in pursuing agreed policy initiatives, managing an expanding range of interests and administering to the demands that a higher national profile has accomplished. In addition, new income streams have produced positive benefits to the MNA’s financial security for years ahead. In fact the MNA’s asset base has quadrupled in the last four years.

The momentum of growth in all areas of achievement has raised the levels of recognition, respect and regard for our seafarers and has brought greater understanding to the public at large; a public who are possibly less aware of what the Merchant Navy contributes to their daily lives than at any time in recent history. There are reasons for this lack of understanding that are included later in the report.

The politics of organisation is often as important as the politics of ideas. That is why we revised and updated our Articles of Constitution, methods and practices. That is why we established a recognisable ‘brand’ that is now accepted as being representative of grass-root opinion. That is why we research all our campaigns and develop strategic contacts to make success a reality. Much of what we have advanced, as an Association, should have been acknowledged many years ago but that should not diminish, in any way, what has been achieved over the past 18 years. We must also acknowledge that recent achievements were only made possible by the dedication and commitment of those who came before us; Fred Harrell, Barry Osbourne, the founder members of the Association and all those other leading activists who worked so hard to make our organisation into what it has become today. Not only looking back but looking forward as we continue to seek closer relationships with nautical colleges, schools and training organisations. All looking to the future of the British Merchant Navy and career opportunities in the shipping industry.

The Association set a course that met the aspirations of the seafaring community to encourage a “critical mass” of support that would have a beneficial influence and enduring impact for many years to come. We have stood up for what we believe to be right and we have reached out for what we believe we can achieve. This Association and it’s members have been leading the way for 18 years and although we may have experienced some ‘choppy waters’ the Association has remained firmly on course to meet its aims and objectives.

ACTIVITIES & ACHIEVEMENTS
As your National Chairman I travel to a variety of commitments all over the country. In the past year this has been mainly to London in connection with three of our campaigns.

The Merchant Navy Veteran Seafarers Badge was first proposed by Malcolm Lingwood, Director of the Veteran’s Policy Unit, at a meeting in 2005. This meeting was the direct result of personal lobbying to Malcolm Lingwood and Lt Col Peter Willis during the MoD Veterinary Forum…in the lunch break and subsequently by telephone. We were joined, at that meeting, by the Federation of Merchant Mariners who were the only other Merchant Navy organisation at the Veterans Forum. They were also lobbying for appropriate recognition as the original HM Forces badge had completely ignored the Merchant Navy veteran. When the proposals for the modified badge had been accepted by a wide range of organisations the matter was placed before the then Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Defence and Veteran’s Affairs for Government approval. The MNA and the FMM became the two organisations selected by H M Government to circulate the application forms, verify the returns and distribute the badge. The first badges were distributed in the first week of October 2006 and so far over 3,500 people, at home and overseas, have received their badge. It is entirely appropriate to now record the commitment and dedication of Tim Brant in collecting, collating and distributing all the badges for those who applied to our Association. It was a huge undertaking and I know he is still receiving applications daily. It is hoped that when more people see and talk about the badge and attend events, such as Remembrance Day, then even more will apply. The Association have been advised that the date will be extended next year but we do not know what date the Government have decided. We have suggested that, if it is possible, the date should be extended to 1982 as it is the 25th Anniversary of the Falklands Conflict next year and a number of special events are already in the process of being organised.

The Arctic Star Emblem was the result of our joining with Commander ‘Eddie’ Grenfell and Commander Roy Dykes to represent the Merchant Navy seafarers who took part in those terrible Arctic Convoys…one hundred and four Merchant ships sunk in that theatre of war. The Association joined the campaign shortly after I became Chairman nearly 6 years ago. The campaign received a significant boost when Geoff Hoon was replaced by Dr John Reid who agreed to meet with Eddie, Roy and myself. Rear Admiral Peter Wilkinson was also at the meeting and he continued to chair the subsequent meetings until, on August 1st 2006, all was finally agreed. The production of the Emblem was quicker than that of the tender process for the Veteran’s Badge as a result of the same company being asked to produce both badges. The first Arctic Emblems were presented by the new Veterans Minister to a small group of people, including three MN representatives, aboard HMS Belfast on the 11 October. This special event was in the middle of a very busy three days as I represented members at the Shipwrecked Mariners AGM and Presentation in Fishmonger’s Hall the day before and attended the British Maritime Charity Foundation Service at All Hallows the day after. In between I joined with some of our members and members from other London branches as we attended an evening at St Paul’s for the Annual National Seafarers Service. Earlier this week I was again in London at the British and International Sailors Society 188th Anniversary Service and AGM at St Columbia Church of Scotland in Knightsbridge.

The third major campaign success was also the result of working alongside others and in support of the two daughters of PO Varndell who died aboard SS Storaa in 1943. Many of you know the case and its history as it has been reported at length in Full Ahead and the Chairman’s Log. The MoD lost their recent appeal to the High Court and the MoD must now reconsider the application for the Storaa to be recognised under the terms of The Protection of Military Remains Act 1986. Once this has been achieved Dr Peter Marsden, who led the campaign, will take forward another carefully researched ship for protection under the Act. Particular mention must be made to all those special veterans who supported the MN Demo in London outside the High Court and especially two DEMS gunners, Geofrey Morton MBE and Don Hunter. Don also made a significant contribution on the first day of the case last October when he recounted his personal experiences as a Radio Officer involved with communicating directly with command and control of the convoy.

Although our application to become a full member of COBSEO was not accepted we have established a line of communication with their secretary, Major Rosemary Warne. Partly as a result of this new relationship we were invited to set up a stand in the COBSEO tent in the gardens alongside the Imperial War Museum for the events surrounding Veterans Day on June 27th. This event was a great success and it is hoped many more events will take place next year. The Association has lobbied for Veterans Day to be extended to a Veterans Awareness Week, similar to that in 2005. Although this has not yet been accepted, it was interesting to see how events were organised throughout the week in Blackpool with Veterans being able to get discounted rates at the Norbrek Hotel. At this point it is appropriate to mention the wonderful work of those involved in organising and managing the events surrounding the Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service at Tower Hill. This is a sensitive time as well as a time of coming together and the Service continues to grow both in reputation and recognition.

MEMBERSHIP
Membership continues to rise and this is set against a national trend where many established organisations have a decreasing membership base. Retention of membership has improved over the last year as we continue to demonstrate sustainable growth in our organisation. Recruitment has benefited from the higher profile that our campaigns have achieved and with the new Benefits packages coming online in the Autumn it is hoped we will attract an even greater range of interest both ashore and afloat. David Dade has maintained a high standard of dedication and integrity in all that he does and has also found time to visit new branches and encourage further recruitment

FINCANCES
We end the year with a strong balance sheet with assets in excess of £22,000, of which over £18,000 is in a bonus saver account. We have continued to improve our income streams and once again great credit must go to Peter Sharpe and Robert Kitchener in the research department, Brian and Anne Gray in the merchandising department and many more individual members for their donations. Willie MacFarlane took charge of our accounts in January 2006 and any of you who have been involved with accounts will know how careful and detailed are his responsibilities. We will continue to develop new income streams that will benefit members and secure a firm financial foundation for years ahead.

WEBSITES
Both websites have been revised, updated and expanded in the last 12 months. Just this week the webmaster, Nigel Clarke, completed the listing of company ships on the Red Duster site and that represents many hours of work. It is now intended to make a list of those ships in alphabetical order to make it easier to find and research. Since Nigel came aboard as our webmaster and joined as an Associate member he has done a wonderful job. Both sites have now been updated for search engine optimisation and this has contributed to a dramatic increase in those using both websites from 8,000 ‘hits’ per month in June 2006 to 21,000 ‘hits’ per month in September 2006. The spread of those using our sites worldwide shows the US tipping the visitor poll with approximately 35%, the UK with approx 25% and the rest split between Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany and Canada.

LOOKING AHEAD
The Association has actively been encouraging former shipmates and branches to re-join and many of those branches are observers at the AGM. In addition we will continue to work hard to establish greater and closer links with other groups and organisations connected with the interests of many more merchant seafarers and fishermen.

The Association continues to act as a conduit for those in need of welfare assistance, help or advice. In the year ahead the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and the Shipwrecked Mariners are working with others to distribute a National Survey and we have offered to contribute in any way we can to support that event. We still need more members to become case workers in their local areas and you will see more about this in the New Year.

Over the past 30 years the character of the business of the carriage of goods by sea has evolved with containerisation having a huge impact on where ports are now located. It means that many ports are now some distance from areas of mass population and this, alongside a very quick turn round, means that leisure time at sea has been seriously reduced. This has created a variety of problems and we need to be part of the discussion that consider these matters. In a social context we need to be aware of the situation and be prepared to contribute to the solution when needed. In another way it means that the general public see fewer and fewer ships have little or no contact with merchant seafarers.

We are also aware of the continuing discussions relating to whether the RFA remains manned by Merchant Navy personnel or whether it is taken over by the RN. Concerns have been expressed by Admiral Boyce and others with regard to the percentage of those who are not British Citizens being involved so intimately with ancillary military activities. On a cost benefit analysis alone, it is unlikely that the 2,500 Merchant Seafarers, employed by the RFA, will loose their jobs, but this is definitely something we need to watch carefully.

The application for Challenge Fund Monies to access those Merchant Seafarers who died but yet remain un-commemorated is still being progressed. Further information was presented yesterday to add to our application. If it is successful those names will be transcribed and placed on the MNA’s Red Duster website to be as easily accessible as those already commemorated and displayed on the Commonwealth War Graves website.

The MNA are part of the organising committee for events at Tower Hill on June 15th to recognise and remember the gallantry of merchant seafarers during the Falklands Conflict. If you know any veterans please ask them to contact Head Office.

The Association will be presenting documents to the Charity Commission early next year. We have investigated their requirements and we will need to amend certain parts of our Constitution. These are minor additions and mainly associated with the duties and responsibilities of trustees and methods of reporting. This Chairman’s report has been modelled on a design that is specified by the Charity Commission and is a first step in the right direction.

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