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Monthly Meeting Monday 11 th May 2026 At The Admiral Hardy Public House, Weymouth Commencing at 19.30pm Annual AGM Apologies: Betty Port, Lida Newman, Tom Pearce, David Hearn, Hannah Doble, Chris Carr, Les Board, Karl Stockwell, Clive & Lois Edwards, Nigel Burton. Obituaries: - Vivien Foster Merchant Navy Association Founder OBE Chairman: - David Knight – AGM all positions to remain the same, Tammy Newton proposed, David Parsons seconded it. David Knight bought up concerns again the minutes were not getting out to a few members; Michelle Ludlow has been sending them to David Hearn to distribute. Michelle Ludlow to print Wreath Cards. David Knight held a minute’s silence for Viv Foster. Vice Chairman: - Paul Cooper – US Memorial Day 25 th May. Muster at Memorial 10.30am. Aden Vets Meal at the Rembrandt Saturday 20 th June, Standard bearers to wear uniform. Evening dress optional. Weymouth Armed Forces weekend Sunday 21 st June, Muster at Astrid Way 10.30am .Please note there will be a shuttle bus from Lodmoor Carpark but there will NOT be any free parking this year. Monday 22 nd June Flag raising ceremony at the Council Offices, Commercial Road 10.30am We will be going to Viv Foster’s Funeral in Devon. Paul Cooper to arrange minibus and a bottle of Gran Marnier for a toast of Viv’s favourite tipple. Treasurer: - James Smith- Branch accounts of Receipts and Payments for the period 1 st May 2025 to 30 th April 2026 have been circulated at this evening’s AGM. Opening balance brought forward on 1 st May 2025 £4,486.63. Total receipts received for this period were £3,937.40 Expenditure for the same period as above was £4,347.11 We ended this financial year in profit with a balance of £4,076.54 As shown on the balance sheet passed around those that attended the meeting, the main expenditure was for the Merchant Navy Association Wreaths. In total this year we paid out £1200 (£600 was for last years wreaths) which fell due in this financial year. The Branch also renewed the Standard at a cost of £850.80 including postage. No outstanding debt. I would also like to thank Reg Stratheam for collecting just short of £700 through our network of charity pots. Just to remind all Branch members subs for the period May 2026/27 are now due £10 per member. If you wish to pay directly into branch account details are. Weymouth Portland and District Natwest Account 83085076 Sort code 60-23-35 reference your name Welfare: - Chrissie Payne The year started with Sharkey’s (Micheal Fenwick) Landlord issuing a no-fault eviction notice. I liaised with the council and Edwards Homes re housing. He eventually moved into a social housing flat but sadly crossed the bar. I continued to work alongside Marlane Knapp (as Paul had asked of me) and sorted her legal paperwork etc. we resolved many issues together. Gratitude has been consistently expressed from Toni and Chris Cash, Marlane Knapp and Susie Compton for the support they continue to receive through their very difficult and painful journeys. Stan Berry has had an awful year of serious health problems, including a brain bleed operation after a fall, from which he was discharged far too early in my opinion. No care package in place! I spent weeks trying to get his surgery to home visit and take responsibility for Stan (who was as you can imagine, shocked and very confused at the time) He endured weeks of unnecessary suffering and isolation without guidance or medical support. I eventually advised the surgery I would take out a safeguarding action if they did not respond to Stan’s needs. I asked for a home visit to arrange an extra banister rail as Stan felt unsteady and was an accident waiting to happen. Absolutely no response! Why the NHS spends astronomical money on a brain operation and then doesn’t protect with after care stuns me. Eventually, after feeling desperate and deeply saddened by the whole experience, I appealed to the Hub to locate me a carpenter who is a vet if possible. They were very supportive. Step forward Andy, an Army Engineer and an Angel in disguise. He asked that we supply the materials he needed and he would build the banister at no charge. Completed in less than 48 hours. James kindly paid for the wood and Stan is now safe on the stairs. If we ever needed good people, we certainly do now in this society. Stan at last after nearly three months, has a NHS support package, as he continues stoically to cope with his ongoing health problems. Moral of this information, you will need an advocate or very good Doctors Surgery, to walk through the NHS minefield! Oz (Simon Avery) fell down steps celebrating Pirates weekend and broke his neck. He is back at sea already. Assistance was offered but not required. We wish him and Paula well. Nancy Parsons is recovering from back operation and now able to walk well, although she is advised recovery will take a long time. Many members have experienced health problems this year, we send them our best wishes for better health asap. John Cummins – as advised JC has been seriously ill and Crossed the Bar in late April. His family requested our attendance at his funeral. Standards attended. Sandra West – retired Portland Mayor and staunch supporter of Veterans, especially Merchant Navy, passed unexpectedly recently. Her family requested a quiet funeral, so we did not attend. However, I have asked Portland Town Council for Information concerning a memorial service, but nothing forthcoming. I have now sent them an email asking for the same information and will advise the Branch of their reply. I would like to record Padre Betty’s commitment to our members and their families. Behind the scenes she is in touch with several people, some home visiting, others by telephone. She is dedicated to supporting and bringing comfort wherever she can. We are indeed fortunate to have her as our padre. Thank you Betty. Future Events: Sea Sunday 12 th July at 9.30am Tower Hill 6 th September 2026 A.O.B: - David Parsons to attend event in Brixham 3 rd September. With such a busy month of June ahead, it has been collectively decided to miss the next meeting, and the next meeting will be in July. Proposal – Lunchtime meeting? What are your views of having lunchtime meetings, especially during the winter? Can you please respond your thoughts via email. No Raffle as not many members present Next Meeting 13 th July at The Admiral Hardy Meeting Closed at 20.10