Branch Calendar - 2018

The branch programme for 2018 is now online - twelve interesting nights, including the 40th anniversary of the branch in October. Details are available here.

Branch Notes - December 2017

Our December meeting began with our branch AGM, in which the committee were re-elected en bloc. Once the formalities were concluded, we enjoyed a Christmas buffet and two talks. David Fletcher began by presenting some of his recent views, showing ships at Teignmouth and elsewhere in the UK, as well as further afield on the Elbe, Kiel Canal and Rhodes. David Eeles followed, showing photographs and videos taken on the Scheldt during a recent trip. Both talks were highly entertaining, and we thank both Davids for their efforts, as well as all our 2017 speakers for an excellent series of meetings.

"A Maritime Review of 2016"

New WSS book by Krispen Atkinson, David Walker and Andrew McAlpine - A4 softback, 76 pages, 144 colour and 2 B&W photos

This book provides a snapshot of the events that occurred in the shipping industry during 2016 including ownership collapses, notable deliveries, demolitions and losses. One of the biggest stories of that year was the collapse of the South Korean shipping giant Hanjin, which led to hundreds of ships lying idle whilst finance was sorted to allow the ships to dock and discharge their cargoes. In Europe a number of short-sea operators disappeared. With the slump in the oil industry, offshore exploration was at a low while the fleet was larger than ever. Hundreds of offshore support vessels were placed in lay-up and others were scrapped. A number of rigs also made their way to the demolition yards, while those under construction have been delayed deliberately. The year saw the oldest active aircraft carrier retired by the Indian navy, while the USN inducted a new class of destroyer and expended some retired frigates as targets. The story of this turbulent year is told by a selection of high quality photographs supported by informative deep captions.

Available now from booksales@worldshipsociety.org or WSS, 274 Seven Sisters Road, Willingdom, Eastbourne, BN22 0QW, United Kingdom, price £10 to members (quoting membership number) or £15 to non-members plus P&P £1.50 (UK) £5.00 (Europe) & £5.50 (RoW). Payment may be made by GBP cheque or credit card. For the latter please state whether Visa or Mastercard and quote card number, exact name on card, card expiry date, card validation number and address of cardholder.

December 2017 Meeting

Our December meeting is a members evening - contributions of 20-30 minutes on a maritime subject are invited. Please let David Walker know in advance if you would like to present something. 19:30, 14th December, Alice Cross Centre, Teignmouth. Non members are most welcome.

Branch Notes - November 2017

Our November meeting was well attended by some regular and new faces for Rodge Musselwhite’s traditional presentation of ships in the area and elsewhere on the South Coast. Rodge’s travels had taken him to Southampton, Jersey and the WSS AGM Plymouth boat trip. The majority of the 210 ships shown were either dropping or picking up pilots from Brixham. Access to a waterborne vantage point afforded some excellent bow on full frontal shots of large tankers, bulkers and vehicle carriers. Thanks to Rodge for some shots taken immediately in front of oncoming ships up to 300,000 dwt!