Propeller Club London

Away Day with the Pirates

On Tuesday, 8th November we joined up with the TSS group (with whom we share a number of joint members) for a convivial well attended lunch at the splendid East India Club in St. James's Square.  Our TSS host Captain Graham Finch provided a warm ambience and fulsome welcome to Propeller Club members and guests who were treated to an excellent presentation from Karen Jacques, Chief Operations Officer at Dryad Maritime Intelligence Services.

Karen is a practitioner in Anti-Piracy operations who spent 9 years at sea with the Royal Navy many of them as a Boarding Officer.  Fortunately she didn’t need to call upon these skills as her presentation was well received. Her company supports a large number of shipping companies, and owners in assessing and anticipating the risk to their ships, cargoes and crews. We look forward to continued collaboration with TSS and to welcoming Karen aboard as a Propeller Club member!

 

Celebrating 75 Years in Style

If a week is a long time in politics then 75 years in the life of a US maritime fraternity organization based in London is an eternity. On 24^th October 2011 over 100 members, guests and specially invited dignitaries gathered on the mezzanine of the International Maritime Organization’s building on the banks of the Thames to celebrate this significant anniversary. Three quarters of a century after its inaugural lunch in the American Embassy in Grosvenor Square the Port of London Propeller Club of the United States was pleased to acknowledge the fact that it had survived the blitz, numerous wars and recessions, the transients of the world shipping and competition from every other maritime focused society in London.

At the glitzy reception we were joined by our honorary member and host for the evening Mr Efthimios Mitropoulos, Secretary General of IMO and Commander John (Jack) Shriver USN Asst. Naval Attaché and his wife Kasandra. We were also pleased to welcome Mr Andrew Riester Exec VP from Propeller Club Headquarters who amongst many other VIPs including friends, former speakers and industry leaders enjoyed the fellowship, fine food and fraternity which is the trademark of our organization. Particular thanks go to Mr John P McDonald President of ABS Europe Div and his crew for their continued support and sponsorship.

Our new President Cmdr. Ian Millen RN welcomed members and friends with a spicy extract of the club’s history and some kind words from Mr Mitropoulos set the tone for a memorable occasion, a flavour of which can be gleaned from the photos in the Gallery. Compliments and thanks go to David Randell and his wife Elizebeth for their sterling work in putting the event together ably assisted by treasurer Philip Hayden

 

Worse Things Happen at Sea!

Lunch on the 27th of September provided us all with a reminder (in case it was needed) of the fallibility of human behaviour and the perils of the sea. Our guest speaker Stephen Clinch, Chief Inspector of Marine Accidents at the Marine Accident Investigation Branch brought with him “tales of the unexpected” and examples of “how not to run a ship”. With slides and stories Stephen took us back
to some celebrated disasters with insight into the whys and wherefores. A riveting presentation that had us welded to our seats.

A Change of Command

Following the election by the members at the AGM on the 29^th June 2011 Commander Ian Millen RN Rtrd. was duly elected president with immediate effect. We welcome Ian and look forward to the development of the club under his leadership. Our thanks go to Jim Bellew for the progress made during the four years of his presidency. The full results of the election are as follows:

President: Commander Ian Millen RN: Vice Presidents: Jim Bellew, Dimitrios Kranios, Rear-Admiral Michael Stacey CB, RN, Hon Sec: David Randell, Hon Treasurer: Philip Hayden

Governors: John Byrne, Patrick Hammerton, Geoffrey Murphy, Nigel Smith, Gillian Smyth, Sue Terpilowski, George Zarvanos.

NOTE: David Randell has agreed to continue as Secretary for a further year.However, he is still anxious to stand down and hopes a successor will be found soon. Please give this matter your urgent consideration.

Annual Subscriptions 2011/2012

At the AGM revised subscription rates were agreed. This is the first increase for at least 12 years! The new rates, which apply from 1^st September 2011, are set out below. A pro-forma invoice will be sent to members in September.

SUBSCRIPTION 2011/2012

Full Member £40

Retired Member (65 years and over) £20

Corporate Membership (up to 3 representatives) £75

Honorary Members Nil

Following the AGM at the well-attended lunch on the 29^th members and guests were informed and entertained by Captain John Noble, a Marine Consultant, who is currently General Manager of the International Salvage Union. John shared with us an overview of the salvage business and some interesting stories based on his experiences.