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Annual MN Service at Holyrood Church

 

The annual Merchant Navy Service was held at Holyrood Church on September 1st 2024.

Representatives form Southampton Shipowners, Southampton Master Mariners and the Merchant Navy Welfare Board joined Southampton Sea Cadets and other MN Veterens groups at the event organised by the Merchant Navy Association. The service was led by Port Chaplain Revd James Mosher with current and past Southampton Lord Mayors present. Wreaths were laid by 4 organisations. 

 

The annual Flag raising at the offices of Southampton City Council took place on September 3rd, Merchant Navy Day.

Flag Theofano plaque unveiling 15th August 2024

 

On August 15th the SSA, together with ABP Southampton, unveiled a plaque in memory of the loss of the Greek registered mv 'Flag Theofano', with the tragic loss of all 19 crew.

She capsized and sank in storm force weather whilst at anchor off the Isle of Wight in January 1990. 

The plaque is located at dock gate 8, the entrance to the western docks where the vessel had been a regular visitor.

 

Our chairman opened the ceremony before handing over to local historian, diver and author Martin Woodward MBE who summarised the story of the tragedy which he wrote about in his book 'The forgotten shipwreck'. 

 

Maritime historian Richard Jones has also written 'Shipwrecks of the Solent', which includes a chapter on the loss of 'Flag Theofano'.

 

Port Chaplain James Mosher gave a prayer of dedication to the memory of her crew before the plaque was unveiled by Spiros Vassilliou from the Southampton Greek Association.

 

In 2022 the SSA funded the placing of a headstone in Kingston Cemetery, Portsmouth, at the previously unmarked grave of crewmember Ibrahim Hussein whose body could not be repatriated after the tragedy. 

Summer Ball, June 21st 2024

Our annual Summer Ball was held on June 21st, once again at the fabulous 'The Grand', South Western House. The event was well supported by members and their guests, and, with the exception of an amusing 'technical hitch' when playing the backing tape for the National Anthem, it was a great success. Attendees were as generous as ever when it came to the now world famous raffle (!), enabling us to donate funds to Southampton Sea Cadets. 

 

We are also pleased to be able to support Ian Lawrence, a Southampton Pilot who, with his family, is embarking on a 12 month trip on 'Global Mercy' , operated by Mercy Ships. 

 

Also supported by the SSA this year is the charity Solent Dolphin who operate the vessel 'Alison McGregor', offering trips in the Solent for disabled passengers. 

Annual MN Service at St Michaels Church, Southampton June 13th 2024

 

The annual Merchant Navy service, organised by the Southampton Master Mariners, was held at St Michael's Church on June 13th. 

Ashley Jenkins and Grace Jeffery represented the SSA, with Southampton Sea Cadets providing the guard of honour.

Nick Jeffery has been appointed Staff Captain of the Southampton Master Mariner's Cachalots for the year 2024/25 and will then take over as Captain for the year 2025/26.   Photo shows recent past Captains and officers of the Cachalots.

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Members of the Executive held an impromptu meeting over dinner to see the new year in and discuss plans for the coming year! 

Nick Jeffery has been appointed Staff Captain of the Southampton Master Mariner's Cachalots for the year 2024/25 and will then take over as Captain for the year 2025/26. Photo shows recent past Captains and officers of the Cachalots.

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Members of the Executive held an impromptu meeting over dinner to see the new year in and discuss plans for the coming year! 

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