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2017 WSS AGM

The 2017 World Ship Society AGM was held at the Grand Hotel in Torquay between 19th and 21st May, which was attended by 50 visitors from around the UK and further afield in Europe.

Friday 19th May

Having welcomed members, our programme for Friday evening featured six talks showcasing the maritime history (and present) of the local area. Talks included a look at historical Teignmouth by Tom Walker, a tour along the River Dart by David Worth, a view of shipping on the Exe by Colin Baigent. Following a break, David Walker resumed with a presentation on the modern Teignmouth shipping scene, followed by David Eeles who showed a range of photographs of ships in Torquay harbour. Rodge Musselwhite rounded off the evening with a look at ships boarding and landing pilots at Brixham.

WSS members listening to Colin Baigent's presentation about shipping on the Exe. (Krispen Atkinson)

Saturday 20th May

Saturday began with ten members joining the preserved Brixham trawler Vigilance for a sail around Torbay. Thankfully the weather was kind, and our members were able to enjoy first hand experience of handling the vessel.


The Annual General Meeting itself followed in the Grand, before members enjoyed for a drinks reception and dinner. Three delicious courses were followed by an after dinner talk by Bill Wakeham, who masterminded the return of Vigilance, as well as Pilgrim - a second preserved Brixham sailing trawler, to her home. The day ended with the raffle, in which the excellent prizes donated went to very good homes.


Dinner is served in the Cavendish Suite.