NEWS 2006
JANUARY
GOOD NEWS
A buyer has been found for the inshore sweeper HMS PAGHAM. Mr David PERKS is currently in the process of purchasing her and hopes to complete sometime in March. His intention is to restore her (externally) in her original RN form, but convert the interior as living accommodation. If all goes well she will sail down from Scotland and brought up the River Severn to Worcester. He has asked the TCA for volunteers (when the time comes) to assist him with her move.
I'll publish more details as and when I know.
BAD NEWS FROM BIRKENHEAD - HOME TO HMS BRONINGTON.
TCA Members will recall, from the announcement at the Annual General Meeting, that the Historic Warships had been served notice to quit their berth in order to facilitate re-development of the adjacent warehouses into luxury flats. Vigorous opposition to these plans had been launched, but matters came to a head in mid-January. The Trust was told that the ships would have to move during the first week in February.
The Trustees judged that the berth proposed, another wall of the basin, was not a reasonable substitute for the infrastructure which the Preservation Trust has built up over the past fifteen years, in that it lacked access roads, adequate shore power and related utilities.
There was a further dispute among the parties: the property developer, Mersey Docks and Harbour Company (who own the land) and Wirral Borough Council (landlords and Guarantors to the Preservation Trust) as to who was responsible for meeting the costs of towing and insurance. The Board of Directors of the Trust recognised that the Trust did not have the finance for such a project, so they have given notice of their intention to place the Trust in voluntary liquidation.
This means that, unless there is a radical re-think of policy by the other parties, the Trust will cease to exist in mid-February and a Receiver will be appointed. The job of the Receiver is to “liquidate the assets” i.e. to try to sell the enterprise to another organisation as a going concern or, failing that, to sell off the assets piecemeal e.g. dispose of bits and pieces to souvenir collectors.
The worst case scenario, if no buyer for the ships can be found, is that they would lay alongside and, lacking maintenance, would deteriorate at a progressively faster rate.
The issue of the U-boat poses a further complication in that she is owned by the Danish company who salvaged her and she is on loan to the Historic Warships. The Danes have indicated that they, too, do not have funds to return the u-boat to Denmark
TCA Hon Sec is keeping in close contact with the Project Director at the Trust to monitor the situation. A report will be given to the Spring Meeting of the TCA Management Committee to be held at Portsmouth on March 11.
The painting “Wooden Walls” has already been retrieved and we are seeking to establish what other assets TCA may have aboard Bronington , so that they may be moved to safe storage.
Clearly decisions about further action to restore the decks of Bronington will have to take second priority until the issue
*UPDATE* There is now a petition you can sign if you wish.
Historic Warship Trust Petition
FOR SALE
Our Historical Records Director, Bob DEAN will be disposing of some software shortly and has asked if anyone is interested.
The items consist of:
Serif PagePlus 8
Serif PagePlus 8 PDF Edition
Serif PagePlus 8 PDF Edition Resource CD
Serif PagePlus 8 Design CD
He's promised a discount for TCA members !!
If you're interested contact Bob via email
NEW PAGE ADDED
As requested by one of our members, I've added an 'ANNUAL REUNION' page. On it you'll find a printable Reservation Form and some useful info on the Hotel being used.
To find it, click on MORE.... on the left of the page and then scroll down.
MYSTERY SHIP COMPETITION WINNER - DECEMBER
Last month's winner was Barry GERRARD, who correctly identified the ship as the ex-HMS PORLOCH BAY. She was sold to Finland and re-named 'MATTI KURKI'. Other correct answers were received from Rob HOOLE, Pete BARRIE, Michael SMITH & Graham TRUSCOTT.
The winner is requested to contact the website with their address and choice of prize, so that it can be sent out ASAP.
PLAQUE DEDICATION - DOWN UNDER
On the 31st of March next year, we are going to have a Remembrance Plaque dedication at the War Memorial, in Canberra, for the Sweeper crews who served in the Strategic Reserve during the Indonesian Confrontation.
Tom Edwards
RECYCLING OF A TON
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A gentleman by the name of Dave Clark recently sent me an email regarding the lead ballast removed from HMS WILTON. He has smelted it down in his back garden and created a new keel for his yacht 'CYNDRI'. He has kindly sent some photo's of the yacht and the new keel (see above)
PACKINGTON UPDATE
Have finally got round to penning my trip to Malta to join the ship, last month. Have sent a copy to Chris Hales for inclusion in the next Ton Talk. If he tells me that I'm too late, then I'll post it here. It makes for some interesting reading !!
FEBRUARY
CROSSED THE BAR
Dave GOULDEN, TCA Cheshire representative and Reunion Secretary crossed the bar early this morning (Saturday 25th February).
Our sympathy goes to his wife and family.
More details as they become available.
CLEAROUT
Having re-vamped the site over the last 6 months, I've finally got round to removing all the old stuff. If you check out a web page and there is something missing, PLEASE LET ME KNOW !! I'll fix it ASAP.
PAGHAM DEAL FALLS THROUGH
The deal to buy HMS PAGHAM has fallen through, due to cost, but Dave PERKS has gone ahead and bought the former HMS POWDERHAM/WATERWITCH instead. If there is anyone out there that can help with his project to move her to a new berth down south, then please get in touch as soon as possible.
NEW ZEALAND REUNION
The Kiwi division of the Confrontation Inshore Flotilla, HMNZS HICKLETON and SANTON, is holding a reunion at Auckland on Saturday 1 July, 2006. The event will include a book launch telling the story of those two ships. Should any Ton class members be planning a South Seas holiday at that time they would be most welcome to attend. Please contact Gerry Wright gerrywright@xtra.co.nz for details.
PACKINGTON UPDATE
Article from the HASTINGS OBSERVER.
PINGAT JASA MALAYSIA MEDAL
Written Ministerial Statement 31 January 2006. Pingat Jasa Malaysia. The Minister for Trade, Investment and Foreign Affairs (Mr Ian Pearson): The Pingat Jasa Malaysia (PJM) is a commemorative medal which the Government of Malaysia would like to award to eligible British citizens, for their service in Malaya or Malaysia between 31August 1957 and 12 August 1966. The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals (the official committee which advises Her Majesty The Queen on matters of honours policy) has recommended that an exception to two of the long-established Rules governing the accepting and wearing of foreign (including Commonwealth) awards be made, to enable the Malaysian Government to present the PJM. Her Majesty The Queen has been graciously pleased to approve this recommendation. This exception to the Rules means that all of the many thousands of eligible former members of the Armed Forces/Veterans, and others, may receive the PJM. This will be in addition to the British General Service Medal (with appropriate Malaya/Borneo clasp) that many veterans will have been eligible to receive for their service in Malaya/Borneo. Permission to wear the PJM will not, however, formally be given. It is long standing Government policy that non-British medals will not be approved for events or service: - that took place more than 5 years before initial consideration, or in connection with events that took place in the distant past (e.g. commemorative medals); - if the recipient has received a British award for the same service. However, Her Majesty's Government welcomes, and believes it is important to recognise, the generous gesture by the King and Government of Malaysia, and their wish to acknowledge the service given by veterans and others in the years immediately after Malaysian independence. The exception recommended reflects this and our strong and important relationship with Malaysia. The Committee on the Grant of Honours, Decorations and Medals reviewed the 5-year and double medalling rules, and considered that, while there were sound reasons why they should be retained, there will be occasions when specific circumstances require exceptions to the rules to be recommended. When such exceptions are contemplated, the Committee will consider each request on a case by case basis, taking into account any special circumstances at the time. The fact that a similar request has been approved in the past will not mean that permission will be granted in future cases. Applications for the PJM, and its subsequent distribution will essentially be a matter for the Malaysian authorities, in collaboration with the relevant British Government Departments. Large numbers may be involved. It will take some time for the applications to be processed and for the medal to be distributed. The Malaysian High Commission and the relevant British Government agencies will work together to determine eligible applicants. Veterans organisations and Service and Regimental Associations will also be involved.
Please email the NMBVA for an application form, if you require one by post please send a SAE. Qualifying period 31st August 1957 to 12 August 1966. email webmaster@nmbva.co.uk
MYSTERY SHIP WINNER - JANUARY
Last months winner is Mick SMITH, who correctly identified the ship as HMS SHEPPEY, an Isles Class Trawler. Other correct entries were received from Chris HALES, Barry GERRARD, Pete BARRIE, Rob HOOLE, Ken HARROW, John SOANES, P.J. GREEN, Dave TENNICK & Gerry WRIGHT.
MARCH
BROKEN LINKS
Have repaired the broken links to some of the 'HAM' photo's which, for some reason, disappeared during the upgrade.
DAVE GOULDEN R.I.P.
The funeral of Dave GOULDEN is to take place on Tuesday, 7th MARCH 2006 at 13:00.
A service will be held in St. Mary's Church, Penketh near Warrington, followed by a committal at the crematorium.
On completion, all attendee's are invited to a reception to celebrate Dave's life.
His family have requested that donations be made in Dave's memory and, therefore, will be divided between the RNLI and a local Heart charity.
Would members & friends, who intend to be present, please inform John PRESTON of their numbers by phoning 01942 879323.
TOPICAL JOKE
A bear, a lion and a Chicken meet.
The bear says "If I roar in the forest, the entire forest is shivering with fear !!"
The Lion says "If I roar in the Savannah, the entire Savannah is afraid of me !!"
The chicken says "Big Deal.... I only have to cough and the entire planet Sh*ts itself !!!!"
MYSTERY SHIP WINNER - FEBRUARY
Last months winner is Ken HARROW, who correctly identified the ship as RFA NASPRITE, photographed in Malta. Other correct entries were received from Mike SMITH, Pete BARRIE, Rob HOOLE, Robin WILLIAMS, David MILES, Peter GREEN & Tony XAVIER.
APRIL
ALL CHANGE FOR THE HOME CLUB
For some time your Trustees have been
considering how to promote and reinvigorate the Club in light of the rapidly
changing circumstances, including in particular the substantial reduction in
the size of the Royal Navy, the age of the current membership and the
decreasing number of organisations using the Club’s amenities. Members will
be aware that because of the increasing amount of Tri-Service activity in the
Portsmouth area, such as the changed roles for Dryad and Sultan, discussions
have been taking place with the Charity Commission during the last three
years about the possibility of opening up membership of the Club to the Army
and the Royal Air Force. The Charity Commission have pointed out to us that
in restricting our membership in the past to members of the Naval Service we
may actually have not been operating within the objects of the trust that
enables us to offer the facilities to all those engaged in seafaring by
reason of their occupation.
In light of these facts the Trustees have
decided that a major re-branding is necessary. Amongst the proposed changes
it was agreed that in order to attract a wider range of membership a change
in the trading name of the Club was essential. After a great deal of
deliberation it was decided that in keeping with its historic seafaring
tradition and Portsmouth Heritage location the new trading name effective
from 1 April 2006 will be The Royal Maritime Club. However, I would stress
that the registered charity will continue to be the Portsmouth Royal Sailors
Home Club and the men and women of the Royal Navy will remain as the
beneficiaries of the charitable trust.
The Trustees are sure that current members
will almost certainly continue to refer to the Club in the traditional way as
‘The Home Club’ and no-one wants to change either that or the familiar and
friendly atmosphere that the Club generates through the combination of
regular visitors and a long serving staff. The change of name, refurbishment
to the entrance of the Club and some modernisation to Horatio’s Restaurant
will I hope make our facilities more attractive to others, especially those
with a seafaring background, in the local area.
I am sure that you will understand that the
measures your Trustees are taking are intended to ensure that the Club will
continue to provide the first class facilities at a reasonable cost that you
have all enjoyed over the years.
The changes I have mentioned above will be introduced gradually between now and the end of the year. Meanwhile all methods of communication will remain the same until further notice.
