LEADINGEDGE PROPELLER CLUB LIVERPOOL
NOV 2015 | FREE TO MEMBERS
#06 MARITIME SECURITY FUTURES
MARITIME LABOUR CONCERNS
SALUTING THE SHENANDOAH
MEMBERS WHAT LUNCH
Looking over the horizon to the problems which lie ahead.
Is the much vaunted MLC a flim flam, asks local community.
The American Civil War end on the Mersey - we look back.
Looking back at our hugely successful first lunch meeting.
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CORD TIME
WORKING TOGETHER to develop our maritime network You can tell a lot about an organisation from the smiles on people's faces and from the generosity of spirit when members seek to engage...
I
n the Propeller Club LIverpool and North West we are fortunate to see so many smiling faces - whether at our own events such as First Thursday or our inaugural lunch, but also dotted around other maritime gatherings. A case in point was London International Shipping Week - which saw many maritime events held across the capital. A number of our local members attended, and it was so warming to see the welcome that each gave when a fellow Liverpool member was spotted,. There seemed to be genuine warmth between people. This is something which cannnot be forced or bought, it comes from bringing together good people and helping us to achieve great things toegther. Another illustration is the number of members who have submitted articles or pictures for this issue of Leading Edge. We are all working as a team, and it feels great. Perhaps the most telling test of comaraderie comes in the face of adversty - our members were tested recently, and came through with flying colours. Unfortunately one of our number took a terrible fall after our lunch event - a fall which necessitated serious medical care. While the paramedics and ambulances rushed to the scene a number of our members stoically provided first aid, comfort and some dubious stabs at humour. The member in question is recovering well and has said thank you to all who were on scene or who stayed on to provide such valuable support. We are a community - but it feels we are building something more, and it is very special. Thank you to all who helped and to the staff of Rigbys who were wonderful. We are also exttemely pleased to welcome a new Corporate member this month - Harris Pye Engineering. Harris Pye is a rapidly expanding global organisation specialising in the provision of repairs, upgrades and conversions to the marine, offshore oil and gas and associated onshore industrial sectors. Operating worldwide on a 24/7 basis, their philosophy is to provide top quality, fast and efficient customer service. We thank them supporting us, please see www.harrispye.com to find out more.
PROPELLERCLUB
Maritime security futures
maritime security into the future
A number of Propeller Club Liverpool members attended the BIMCO Breakfast Brief held during London International Shipping week, Shipping Industry. The event looked at maritime security into the future, and the audience heard familiar themes from EUNAVFOR, BIMCO and CSOs Alliance. They heard that maritime crime and piracy have not disappeared, indeed without continued efforts from both the private and public sector, could well return. The Head of EUNAVFOR, Major General Martin Smith MBE said, “because of the naval patrols and merchant vessels’ self-protection measures, including the use of private armed security teams (PAST), in the Indian Ocean, counter-piracy forces assess that the threat from long-range pirate attacks in the near future is reduced.” However, the Major General continued to say, “Collectively we have been able to curtail their use of mother ships to attack far from LEADINGEDGE
the coast, but I remain convinced that if pirates perceive that we are lowering our guard, they will seize the opportunity and plan an attack on a vulnerable ship. And if they take one ship, this could re-energise their business model which, you know all too well, could cost the international community and shipping industry dearly.” An extremely concerning prognosis for the future. Andrew Varney, Managing Director of Port2Port said, "Private sector actors are increasingly responsible partners in the collaborative approach needed to ensure maritime security. Private security companies complement state government efforts, something I am committed to providing for the Shipping and Offshore Industries.” The Port2Port Group, which is a Propeller Club Liverpool corporate member, has now successfully delivered well in excess of 1000 armed transits in the Eastern HRA and is also one of the very few companies able to provide effective and legally compliant
services in the Gulf of Guinea as well maritime training courses in the UK, Nigeria and worldwide on request. EUNAVFOR re-emphasized the importance of a comprehensive three-pillared approach supported by EU Members States, commercial and military stakeholders. There is a collective responsibility, he said, for stakeholders to collaborate in ensuring a sustainable future for the sea commons. Giles Noakes, Head of Security at BIMCO, also discussed the vital role to be played by commercial actors adding that “they must ensure the survivability of shipping against threats.” The session was held in collaboration with Port2Port and the CSO Alliance during London International Shipping Week 2015 and was followed by a well-attended crisis management exercise conducted by Trident & Port2Port looking at the migrants at sea issue and impact on commercial shipping.
LISW2015
brookes bell put pedal to the metal for charity
A seven man Brookes Bell Cycle Team successfully rode the 969miles route from Land’s End to John O’Groats, in 9 days (64.5 hours in the saddle).
ISLE OF MAN PLAYS PROMINENT LISW ROLE The Isle of Man Maritime Group’s rousing reception was one of the highlights of this year’s London International Shipping Week (LISW). As official sponsors of LISW 2015, the Isle of Man Maritime Group’s “Nautical by Nature” event, led a large international audience of senior decision makers from within the maritime industry on a journey through the Island’s rich seafaring heritage to its current position as a maritime centre of excellence. Actors performed a set of unique sketches that brought to life just some of the Isle of Man’s maritime heritage, starting with the ‘Legacy of the Vikings’. They then went on to introduce guests to the ‘Ringleaders of the Mutiny on the Bounty’ and remember the ‘Courage of Captain John Quilliam’ who was First Lieutenant on HMS Victory, rounding off nicely with a scene around the inspiration of Sir William Hilary, who founded the RNLI. The award winning Celtic band, Barrule performed its fresh take on traditional and
contemporary Manx music whilst invited guests were able to sample local Bushy’s beers after Martin Brunnschweiler stepped up to donate some local Manx drinks for the reception.
Aside from five minor crashes (3 involving cyclists and 2 involving the 1st campervan), 4 punctures and 2 broken spokes, the team worked together and crossed the finish line in John O’Groats on Sunday at around 1530 hours. The company would like to thank those who sponsored the team, and for the support and donations given for their worthy charities. So far Brookes Bell has raised: • Ronald MacDonald House £3,650 • Queenscourt Hospice £3,000 • Liverpool City Rotary Club £2,150 • Mission to Seafarers £2,150
Towards the end of the evening Chris and Howard led the guests in raising the roof in a loud and exuberant sea shanty. The event was in the historic surroundings of Trinity House, the remarkable 18th Century headquarters of the Corporation of Trinity House, which has maintained British lighthouses since the 16th Century. Isle of Man Ship Registry boss and Propeller Club Liverpool member Dick Welsh gave a speech emphasising the maritime significance of the Island. He told guests: “The Isle of Man’s international ship register is one of the world’s leading registers and the fl ag of choice for many of the world’s top commercial shipping companies as well as for owners of prestigious superyachts. PROPELLERCLUB
FLIM FLAM FUSS
At the recent London International Shipping Week a number of Propeller Club Liverpool members attended the "Big Debate" on maritime welfare. This saw the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) take centre stage. Not long after, back in our fair city, the local branch of the Nautical Institute held a seminar asking whether the MLC has made life at sea better. We look back at the range of views expressed, and of the potential pitfalls of compliance and of the convention itself. The Maritime Labour Convention (MLC) has been the great hope for seafarers for years. Since first debated and until it entered force, it has long been painted as a panacea for social issues within shipping. The ITF recently reported its experience of the MLC in its second year in operation. Since its entry into force the ITF’s 150 inspectors worldwide have been reporting MLC-related problems they’ve encountered. In 2014 our inspectors carried out 7,488 ship visits. Thirty six percent (2,755 vessels) were found to have MLC-related problems. This is a four percent increase (371 more vessels) compared to the first year of the convention’s entry into force. The number of inspections undertaken in Year 2 increased slightly by 2%. In 2013/2014 there were 146 inspectors and contacts, at 19 August 2015 there were 153. LEADINGEDGE
maritime labour con...
is MLC a FLIM FLAM?
Alas it seems that it isn’t quite all it is hoped it could be. MLC has been the catalyst for positive change. The Convention has created a means for seafarers to be responded too and their welfare considered. Which is positive, but is it truly doing enough to counter the dark side of the industry? As China has now signed up to the convention, will we see it blossom – or will it become just a paper tiger as so many conventions have?
TRAGIC TREATMENT Sad, awful examples abound and just recently a few even interested the media. The case of the Korean bulk carrier, the “C. Summit” is an example. The seafarers onboard were deemed to have been denied basic rights such as access to food and has been forced to work without pay. One crew member on board was found to have
malnutrition and a further four have since left the ship claiming they feared for their lives. Another case is that of seafarers stranded on “M/V Aegean Princess” off Sharjah. Eventually things go so dire they issued a desperate call for help after battling for eight months with limited food and water, no pay, and in grim conditions. The crew is being forced to ration their provisions and eat only steamed rice. Lacking even fresh water, crew members had to go up to 13 days without a proper shower cleaning instead with sea water. They are not alone - twelve stranded Indian seafarers have been living onboard the ironically named "Happy Success" without pay and on limited medical, food and water supplies for three months aboard a vessel
flim flam fuss
berthed at the Ajman freezone. Most of the stranded crew have not been paid their salaries for over five months and in some cases six. Crew members also alleged that the supply of diesel, food and drinking water has been irregular. The vessel's owner and director, claim to be doing everything to clear the paperwork of the employees and send them back to India. Maybe the owner is working hard – but even the most optimistic would think the admin could be done quicker.
NEW MECHANISM With MLC weaknesses identified, the process could activate a more appropriate and thorough response – it would: •
•
• For some it can all get too much - four crew returned to Cambodia recently after “escaping” from a Chinese ship docked in the Philippines. They freed themselves from the vessel and managed to make contact with the Cambodian Embassy in Manila. The seafarers claimed they had been abused, overworked and underpaid on the ship, the general cargo “Blue Emperor 1”.
MLC FALLING SHORT
•
Trigger examination and cross reference of whether there are wider social or human rights transgressions. Escalate – If human rights abuses are identified, channels for actually responding Respond – Means of assessing levels of abuse and taking action Remediate – Proper and effective levels of sanction and deterrent
The sad examples detailed above are far, far from the only cases – many, many more exist – and it is tragic that shipping is seemingly struggling with the right mechanism to deal with them. If, in cases such as these, the owners and operators only receive fines and detention of the vessel – perhaps there is a gap in the escalation to a criminal charge of human rights abuse?
This judicial review of the alleged failure by the MCA to enforce a key provision of the MLC has raised concerns as to whether the convention can lead to criminal proceedings. Whether against the owner of UK flagged vessels, or the master in a personal capacity there are questions as to whether anyone will be held to account?
Abusing, starving, beating and working seafarers like slaves should not be something which is judged or assessed on the same levels as it were some minor safety or security infraction. Flag States perhaps need to be looking at such transgressors as criminals – the owner who does this to seafarers should be brought properly and fully to account.
At the Nautical Institute event it was asked whether the Convention was simply a "flim flam" - a means of looking like progress was being made, but actually just a smokescreen masking remaining problems.
It seems there is growing pressure to ensure that the people who would do this to seafarers should be facing proper sanctions. Not just the loss of vessels through detention – which often causes the seafarer even more problems, instead abusive owners should know that the full weight of international law will be brought to bear on them.
Where companies fall down on their MLC commitments – there will be scope to ensure that any discrepancies or non-conformities are cross referenced against human rights provisions.
By listening to concerns across the industry, but looking at how things can be done better and by talking about things, then it may just be possible to progress and develop the solutions which will deliver social justice and human rights for seafarers.
DO FINES WORK?
According to some observers, MLC is falling short when issues move from deficiency to downright abuse. A recent court case saw the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) taken to task for failing to act against owners.
As such it seems that the convention perhaps needs to be supplemented by an enhanced response mechanism. The enhancement would see MLC as the initial layer of compliance, but with a process for reacting to abuse, exploitation, violence– so these can be properly investigated and the transgressors brought to justice.
how to speak out. Thankfully events such as the debate in London, and the one hosted by the Nautical Institute do give some hope for progress.
The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS) has long suggested that 80% of shipping is of quality companies and ships. So such moves could perhaps squeeze the 20% out of existence. However, shipping does seemingly finds it hard to root out the bad guys. We seem to get so far, only for the three wise monkey effect to kick in. Some do not like hearing negatives, some refuse to see problems and others won't or do not know
And another thing... Our Port Secretary Sue Henney makes a big point at the big debate... PROPELLERCLUB
recruiting talent Being a member of a global body for maritime professionals means that you are hugely desirable to companies seeking to recruit. Take a look at these jobs locally...
CARGO EXPEDITOR
A global company with a base in the North West, is looking for experienced Inspectors/Expeditors, to deal with Shipping within the Chemicals and Oil & Gas industries. This is a senior, permanent position, within a growing team, that offers opportunities for progression. http://goo.gl/NHune7
GROUP PORT CONTROL
Peel Ports is seeking applicants for the role of Group Port Control Watch Manager within the Group Marine Department, based at the Port of Liverpool. Occasional travel may be required in this role. There are multiple positions available. http://goo.gl/kvBGP6
COLLABORATION MANAGER National Oceanography Centre seeking to fill a "Collaboration Development Manager" post. This will be a key component of the NOC’s Enterprise Team, responsible for building effective relationships with industry and other external organisations that can benefit from NOC research activity. http://goo.gl/HAVLch
VOLUNTEER TRUSTEE
Marine Society & Sea Cadets Liverpool (West Derby) looking for enthusiastic and passionate people to become trustees and be part of the Unit Management Team. http://goo.gl/KJGqBy
If you have a marine or shipping vacancy let us know and we will promote to members... propellerclubliverpool@gmail.com
executive success One of our Propeller Club members Rob McKay is MD of
sales candidates with active networks with ship-owners.
Maritime executive search firm Sherrington Associates.
After supporting with competency-based interviews and psychometric assessments, a candidate from a global
The company is proud to announce they have
ship supply provider based in Norway was selected.
completed their first "targeted search project" for
Sherrington facilitated with the candidate’s relocation
Wallem Group, a leading ship-management and
from Oslo to Hamburg and continue to provide on going
technical services provider based in Hong Kong.
support through the on-boarding process.
Looking for an experienced and well-networked search
Rob said: “This appointment is testament to
partner in Europe to support them in their quest to find
the value that Sherrington’s targeted search approach
a new Regional Sales Manager for Europe. Sherrington
brings to our client’s businesses. We look
Associates headhunted within the shipping sector in
forward to supporting Wallem’s continued growth
Europe to develop a shortlist of highly accomplished
moving forward.” www.sherringtonassociates.co.uk
all at sea..
Propeller Club Liverpool member Captain Dave Evans is often to be found out on the Mersey. He was keen to share his latest thoughts with us, as it has been an exciting month on the river.
According to Dave, his company Seasecretary not only teaches/ trains seafarers to the required MCA syllabus but ensures they give that little bit extra- professional experience on the river.
The focus has been on the sky at night! We had the super moon in conjunction with an eclipse - the big red one! There was the northern lights to see, as well clear astronomical nights, which allowed the viewing of spectacular stellar constellations. Daybreak brought beautiful red sunrises or the dreaded "f" word for seafarers (fog) luckily, burnt away by the morning sun.
Last month , as dredgers deepen the channel, the good Captain captured a moment of a super moon & the crew preparing their shore bikes ready for a run ashore.
Captain Dave managed to capture some of these moments in the 24hour seafaring life: As you can see, the Mersey ferries crew and seafarers from the catamarans of the burbo windfarm, recently undertook some sea survival training. They were also joined by a few hardy souls dipping their toes into the salty stuff and starting off their careers at sea.
He also snapped a tanker and early morning sunrise, delivering oil to our refineries, allowing us all to drive our cars to to work, and a container ship bringing dinner and gifts from far flung shores. Dave says, "Seas have been calm and cold winds from the east as we break into winter. Here's wishing safe ships and calm seas to those afloat on the Mersey in the winter months which lie ahead". See http://seasecretary.co.uk/ to find out more. PROPELLERCLUB
propeller Club Lunch
members what lunch turned out nice again... Propeller Club Liverpool hosted its inaugural lunch in Septemberand everyone seemed to have a lovely time of it. Sue Williams was on hand to explore the murky, frightening and fascinating world of hostage negotiation
The Propeller Club Liverpool lunch was extremely well attended, we had over 50 guests in the Board Room of Aloft Hotel. Once again the venue did us proud with excellent food, exquisite surroundings and ample wet stuff to keep the convivial conversation flowing.
them and to hopefully translate their enthusiasm into membership. There were a number of companies represented, and the feedback from all seemed to be overwhelmingly positive.
Sue Williams, our speaker. provided a really memorable exploration of her work as a hostage negotiator. Perhaps the most telling insight was of the potential psychological and philosophical barriers which negotiators have to deal with.
Sue Williams, in delivering our after lunch address told us about the processes which have been followed in many hostage negotiations. She also explained about her roots, development and of the skills which she felt gave her the ability to calmly deal with what is a terrible and stressful situation.
Having to talk to murderers, kidnappers and all kinds of depraved and evil people would perhaps be bad enough - but having to win their confidence, trust and perhaps even friendship, well that is a challenge that most of us never have to face thankfully.
Hostage negotiations are about getting what you want, while the person you are dealing with thinks they are about to win. They want money, political gain, perhaps a route to freedom. All these demands must be calmly listened too, and dealt with.
Our President, Jim Bellew, gavel in hand, presided - and thanks to him for welcoming our guests and providing Scouse flavour to proceedings, as another special poem was provided for the Grace.
The art of negotiation is the art too of managing expectations, of calmly explaining positions and of being able to empathise, or at least feign empathy with those you deal with.
There were a number of non-Propeller Club members in attendance, some brought as guests, others who had seen out marketing and event promotion. So we were given a valuable opportunity to talk to
For those who have watched so many television shows or movies about hostage situations, they may have expected a more dramatic account - but the realities of a good negotiation are of limited
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propeller Club lunch
excitement. Heightened or surging levels of adrenaline may be good for Hollywood, but not when you are speaking to armed terrorists or pirates intent of doing whatever it takes to get whatever they want. Sue stressed, and indeed exuded, the calm yet strong presence that has obviously done so much good in so many difficult circumstances. There were lessons not just for those who have to deal with criminals, but for everyday business too. The ability to communicate clearly, to elucidate your needs to find the line in the sand which can make business deals a success. Negotiation is about nerves, guile and about knowing what you need to secure. It is also about common sense, and of the importance of not giving your counterpart the upperhand. This was an incredibly powerful lesson in the ways in which every word, act and deed can impact on the goals which are set. For Sue Williams that is securing the safe released of hostages, for our guests it may be a tense contract negotiation or business deal. The lessons of negotiation run through everything we do, and we hope the event was a useful and enjoyable experience for all. None of this would have been possible without the hardwork of so many people - but while many of the people who do so much to grease the Propeller Club wheels are well known to you, we were particularly grateful to Holly Savage of KVH Media Group - who worked tirelessly to make sure everything went smoothly and who did a fanastic job of making our guests and members feel so welcome. Holly has agreed (after a little arm twisting) to help us out with future events, and so we are really pleased to be able to have a little extra TNT in our events armoury. This will hopefully help us to not only do more, but to do it even better. We are so grateful for the support of all members who were able to attend, and we look ahead to more events, more networking opportunities and to providing an ever stronger link between maritime professionals working in Liverpool and across the surrounding region. We were immensely pleased and proud to have Sue as our inaugural lunch speaker. Having such as distinguished guest, and one who has been a supporter of the Propeller Club in London too, shows that the network is delivering. We are seeing that Liverpool is able to invite the most senior people in our business, and make them welcome in our city. Thank you to all who attended, and we look forward to future events to welcome those who could not make it this time round. Keep an eye on our website for the latest news and events - www.propellerclub.co.uk PROPELLERCLUB
merseyparadise
in our mersey paradise The Stone Roses got one thing right about the Mersey, the river does indeed splash against the rocks - even our jury is out on the "paradise" bit...but you would be surprised by some recent visitors to the "Pool of Life"...
Raise the zebu...
ATlantic star born
There was a flurry of excitement around Albert Dock when the Baltic Trader "Zebu" unfortunately sank on her mooring. There were reports that the vessel had been attended too only a couple of months earlier and was obviously in something of a perilous state. Thankfully the whizzkids at Hughes Subsea were able to lift her and she is now above the water - but for how long?
Liverpool based ACL is welcoming a new vessel, and images have been released of her delivery. The new "Atlantic Star" is the first of a new generation of vessels for the company. Not content with new ships the company is also soon to move offices, they are having a new purpose built block built on Duke St, just opposite Bibby Line. A new shipping quarter beckons...
cruise destination win Liverpool was chosen as the world's best cruise destination at the Seatrade Awards recently. Beating off fierce competition our fine city was chosen because of the incredible access to attractions and the welcome which guests have enjoyed so much. Again, something to be incredibly proud off and well done to Cruise Liverpool.
nautical but nice The annual Northwest brach of the Nautical Institute seminar provided much food for thought as ever. This year the professional body focused on the maritime labour convention and a panel were asked whether they thought that life at sea was better as a result of the convention. There were also a host of cadets involved.
LEADINGEDGE
We would love to have any photos or thoughts of events you have seen or attended locally. We are proud to live and work in such a vibrant maritime community and look forward to featuring some of the goings on here.
warm welcome for ice ship.. Some fantastic news emerged last month, when it was announced that Cammell Laird had been chosen as the preferred yard to build a new state of the art polar research vessel. The vessel for NERC will be one of the most sophisticated floating labs ever built. The news will safeguard local jobs and provide a real boost to the area.
generation game
Gathered at the Ship & Mitre
playing the shipping generation game Our good friends at Youngship Liverpool hosted a wonderful event recently - a talk which looked at the myths, facts and feelings about different generations working in the shipping industry. The first event in Youngship Liverpool's programme saw Captain Kuba Szymanski arrive to shake a few generational preconceptions up. Thanks to a kind invitation Youngship, Propeller Club members were also in attendance.
Eyes Wide Shut
Kuba heads up InterManager, the trade body for ship management companies - but he is also actively involved with organisations such as the Nautical Institute and Seafarers Rights International. As a former Ship master, and one who grew from the ashes of communist Poland, Kuba has some clear views on how generations actually interact, and of the ways in which they perhaps should. Kuba - who is technically a member of Generation X, not actually a Baby Boomer...wrestled with the way in which people sometimes find it hard to deal with each other, with discipline and with demands of the realities of shipping or at sea.
Team Youngship and Kuba
For him, brought up to respect and fear authority, the Generation Y and Millenial viewpoint is something of an anathema. However, he spoke of the ways in which cross-generational discussions and understanding have to be fostered and encouraged. Most of Kuba's anecdotes stemmed from his dealings which his son - also Kuba. A relationship which sees Kuba Sr looking to impose authority, while Jr seems hell bent on avoiding it. The gathering had some divergent views - and with the aid of paper, closed eyes and seemingly closed ears, it was demonstrated that just because people are talking doesn't mean that they understand each other. Find out more at www.youngship.com/liverpool
Would you like to share your views on the Propeller Club and feature in an upcoming issue? Email us with your thoughts: propellerclubliverpool@gmail.com Searching Questions
PROPELLERCLUB
2016 PRogramme
FULL STEAM AHEAD propeller Club events The Propeller Club maritime networking "First Thursday" events continue to provide regular opportunities to meet up, while the lunches offer a more formal setting to learn as well as have some enjoyment. But what else should we do? Planning may not be our strongest suit...we are more about feelings than processes. However, as 2016 beckons we want to make sure that we are providing our members and the local shipping community with the events it wants and needs. So as we will soon have our next Commitee Meeting, we wanted to ask you for your thoughts. What should we and shouldn't we be doing? How well received are our lunches? Do you long for more social activities, or what about sporting events.
Do you feel we need to work more closely with other maritime organisations in our area? We think we probably should - but what do you think? There has been mention of maritime organisations coming together to have a formal Ball - a kind of "Plumbers in the Summer". Some of our members have held Balls before and enjoyed the experience. We can press on and arrange all kinds of things - but it would be great to get some feedback from you. Criticism where warranted and a bit of positive reinforcement if you think we have earned it. Tell us propellerclubliverpool@gmail.com
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Stay Classy Propeller Club
out and about
out and about The members of Propeller Club Liverpool do like to get out and about. The past couple of months have been no exception. Here we feature just some of the goings on...email us or Tweet with your adventures.
PROPELLERCLUB
WHATsON
Calendar of Events fall winter 2015
5 NOV First Thursday Rococo, Lord Street
Hosts: Brookes Bell
Remember, remember the 5th of November - for those of you who don't have to rush off home too stare open mouthed at Catherine Wheels - the First Thursday will be having fireworks of our own - metaphorically speaking.
20 NOV
25 NOV
Plumbers Ball Adelphi Hotel, Liverpool
Committee Meeting TBC
Officially the annual dinner Liverpool Marine Engineers' and Naval Architects' Guild Annual Banquet, the Plumbers' Ball is a significant social event and Propeller Club LIverpool is pleased to have a table. SOLD OUT
The final Committee meeting of the year in which we hope to finalise our programme for 2016 and also our vision for the short, medium and long term of Propeller Club Liverpool. Please let us have any thoughts.
3 DEC
18 Dec
First Thursday Rococo, Lord Street
Hostelry Tour Pub, after pub, after pub...
Hosts: MIRIS International Every Christmas First Thursday has been a real blast - and this time around we expect nothing by the same smiles, fun and shenanigans. Come along and get involved.
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Paraphrasing Wham - last year...we went on an awesome tour around Liverpool - picking up pints and Propeller Club members as we went. We will announce the route closer to the time - but it'll be a blast.
20 JAN
Propeller Club Lunch Aloft Hotel, Liverpool. Still to be some arrangements confirmed for this, but we are looking at this date for the next of our Propeller Club lunches. You will be hungry and thirsty after Christmas by then...we hope. See website for details.
p u u o y ? t i r o f
SHENANDOAH saluted
150 years on shenandoah saluted Many think the American Civil War ended in smoke, fire and mud when General Robert E. Lee finally ceded to his counterparts from the North. But the truth behind the real end of the conflict lies a little closer to home in our own fair city. The war finally ended over 6 months after Lee’s surrender, when a bunch of tired, starving sailors limped their ship up the River Mersey with the Confederate flag still flying high. 150 years on the final act of the Civil War is to be remembered.
In the spring of 1865 the end of the American Civil War came quite quickly. The Confederacy began to crack and then collapse in the face of a string of Union gains. With their troops spread ever more thinly, the Yankees began pressing home their advantages. On Friday, April 7, 1865, the words "Confederacy Doomed" marked the headlines of the New Orleans Daily Times Picayune and the days of the South were numbered. With Lee's troops essentially surrounded by the forces of General Grant and General Sherman, the Confederates had to fight out the last battle of the rebellion or to ignominiously surrender. Surrender it was, and Lee yielded at the Appomattox Court House in Virginia. Skirmishes continued, there were more surrenders and President Lincoln was assassinated, but it was Lee's action which was thought as really marking the end to
PROPELLERCLUB
SHENANDOAH saluted
the bloody conflict that had raged on between the divided nation for nearly four years. However, the real end came up the Mersey on 6 November 1865 when the Confederate warship “CSS Shenandoah” surrendered in Liverpool. During 1864-1865 the “Shenandoah” had much success as a commerce raider. She captured, sunk or boarded 38 Union merchant vessels, mostly Union whaling ships, and was also responsible for firing the last shot of the American Civil War at a whaler off the Aleutian Islands in June 1865. She was quite literally a loose cannon, ranging up and down the Pacific causing mayhem – indeed her exploits were termed the “wayward voyage” by historians. Onboard was Captain James Iredell Waddell who led the vessel on raid after raid, until eventually the news sank in that the war was over. The Captain was apparently “unaware” of the Confederate surrender for some time, despite messages from a number of British ships. Upon eventually realising the war was indeed lost, he was in something of a dilemma. Sailing back to America meant both himself and crew facing a Union court and being tried as pirates, as terms of surrender did not extend amnesty to sailors, only to Confederate soldiers. So he chose an alternative option, and the 'Shenandoah' set sail to Liverpool. The vessel duly arrived and sailed up the Mersey, apparently, “startling the people on both sides of the river by displaying the Confederate flag”. Upon surrender the “Shenandoah” was taken up the river at high water, and secured alongside the “HMS Donegal”. The British Government decided the ship's officers and crew were to be paroled and were free to go ashore, though some had already escaped to the "Cheshire side of the river". When she arrived the vessel was loaded with riches – sextants, chronometers, cash, furs and ammunition. Alas for the sailors onboard there was very little food, and they struggled to get fed once the fuss had died down. Similar in keeping with abandoned or dispossessed seafarers today, they had to fall on the mercy of charity to be fed – as perhaps understandably the US government did not see them as much of a priority. After a failed attempt in the following January to sail the “Shenandoah” back to the US, she was sold at auction in Liverpool in April 1866 to a local shipowner, Matthew Isaac Wilson. So it is that November 6th 2015 marks the 150th Anniversary of the surrender of the “Shenandoah” and the last official lowering of the Confederate battle flag in the Civil War. An occasion which is set to be marked by commemorations around Liverpool. Given the issue of slavery, the Confederacy, and certainly its flag, there are naturally some deep seated sensitivities around celebrating this most wayward of voyages. Britain was officially neutral in the civil war but Liverpool and much of North West England had political and financial connections with the slave-owning Confederacy through the cotton trade. The city of Liverpool has in the past apologised for its slavery links, and there are some who see celebrating the “Shenandoah” as harking back to past indiscretions. While the issue does touch raw nerves to this day, there is set to be a memorial service held in the city. The 290 Foundation, a group established to celebrate the heritage of naval battles during the Civil War, is staging a “Final Salute” at the Albert Dock on the 6th November. There are to be prayers and a committing of memorial wreathes into the waters. Recalling and glorifying, hopefully, not so much the war or the politics which prompted it, but the brave and hardy sailors who played such a key but little known role in history. LEADINGEDGE
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Officers President: Jim Bellew Port Secretary: Sue Henney Vice President: Steven Jones Vice President: Paul Georgeson Treasurer: Anneley Pickles Committee members Bill Carter, InXpress Debbie Simpkins, InXpress Adam Whittle, Richards Hogg Lindley Andrew Barlow, Independent David Corkish, Colossal Training Colin Kershaw, Brookes Bell Chris Farrell, Port2Port Geoff Cowap, Independent Linda Cotton, RLSOI Holly Savage, KVH Media Group Trustees John Hulmes, Hill Dickinson Dick Welsh, Isle of Man Ship Register Arthur Todd, James Fisher & Sons leading Edge production Content, Editor, Design: Steven Jones Correspondence Correspondence Address: C/O KVH Media Group One Derby Square, Liverpool, L2 9XX United KIngdom Email: propellerclubliverpool@gmail.com
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