www.isleofwightwss.org.uk iowwss iow wss world ship society isle of wight branch newport isle of wight meeting place for the isle of wight branch of the world ship society island ship club shipping club for ship enthusiasts ship spotters ship spotting ship club isle of wight shipping club isle of wight ship society ship societies isle of wight solent ship club solent shipping club solent ship societies world ship society watching ships from the isle of wight www.isleofwightwss.org.uk where to watch ships how to watch ships interested in ships shipping organisation located isle of wight location south coast solent ship club organisation information about ship clubs society website members ship club membership how to join the isle of wight ship club contact fellow shipping enthusiasts with an interest in maritime and nautical matters old books postcards ship photography club taking photos photographs of shipping in the solent southampton and portsmouth taking pictures of cruise ships and liners historic and modern day vessels maritime library available to members full program programme of events slide shows video shows social club meeting gathering near the sea to watch the ships in the solent library reference resource available to members who join publications available at reduced price classic liners and passenger vessels marine news journal of the world ship society passenger ship society south coast ship society future events an international society whose aim is to stimulate and maintain interest in ships and shipping throughout the world worldwide www.isleofwightwss.org.uk isle of wight clubs and societies photographing ships shipping movements southampton portsmouth and the solent maritime information

The AGM was held at the March meeting which followed by a presentation by Chris Bancroft showing his trip to the Netherlands last year.

At the September meeting there was a video presentation of the 2010 boat trip to Portsmouth and a video presentation about the Olympic class ships by Dick.

There were over 40 people on the June 2010 boat trip to Portsmouth, passing the Norwegian Epic on the way. Click below to see the video.

At the May 2010 meeting there was a video presentation of old Pathe News clips and old footage taken by since departed Phil Fricker. The evening finished with old video clips of New York Harbour made available by David Williams.

There was a good turnout to Dave Williams open house meeting in Newport on the 22nd July. I’m sure all the attendees would like to give their thanks for the hospitality and excellent food provided by Jane and David Williams.

At the October meeting David Williams gave a vide video presentation about the Normandie and colour footage of both merchant and naval ships in WW2.

PART 2

At the November meeting there was a 90 minute video presentation by Tony Richardson about his 2010 ship watching trip to Holland and Belguim. It was in two parts - you can view it below.

PART 1

The December meeting saw a good attendance, and members enjoyed the Christmas Buffet. Presentations were shown about the SS France, Hovercrafts and the Royal Navy’s new aircraft carriers.

The January 2011 meeting was the annual photograph competition. There was also a short presentation by Tony Richardson about taking ship photographs. There was a very good attendance with almost all the branch members present.

The election of officers:
Chairman -   Chris Bancroft
Vice-chairman -  position not filled
Secretary -   Tony Westmore
Treasurer -   Brian Ash
Visit Secretary -  John Cheverton
Newsletter Editor -  John Cheverton
Auditors -   John Cheverton & Ken Lowe
Committee -  Keith Walker (guest members'  representative),  Phil Holmes and Paul Letbe

The February 2011 meeting saw a slide presentation of ships 1956-58 from Southampton branch members Colin Drayson and Monty Beckett.

The March 2011 meeting was the AGM. The positions remained unchanged. Afterwards Chris Bancroft gave a presentation about the history of the Red Funnel Line.

At the April 2011 meeting the guest speaker Neil Davison gave a slide show of the ships he saw in Istanbul in 2008, showing many of the old cargo ships that are still trading.

At the May meeting Martin Scott gave an illustrated talk about his seafaring years.

Ship Visit On 2nd June a few branch members visited the Albert Johnson Quay at Portsmouth Docks for a visit to Fyffe’s reefer ESMIRALDA 10,532/99. We had a bridge to bilges visit including a very interesting talk with the master. The ship was to sail at 11 a.m. and was due to be replaced on the berth by another Fyffe’s reefer STAR QUALITY 14,030/08. We were asked if we would like to stay and visit her also. Unfortunately I had to leave at that point, but I believe the second visit was just as enjoyable. Ships visits are very rare these days, but to have two at once is quite an event. Thank you to Nick Hawkins for making these arrangements.

At the August meeting there was a guided tour of the RNLI Building at East Cowes.

Obituary It is regret that I have to inform you of the death of John Walker on 20th June. He has been a member of this branch since 1995, and as a former member of the merchant navy will be greatly missed.

Many thanks to Dick and Hilary for hosting the July meeting where there was a super spread of food as usual.

David Williams gave a slide show of  ships from the past at the September meeting.

At the October meeting Jim Owers gave an illustrated talk about taking ship photographs which was very useful for entrants to the future photo competition. Jack also showed a short video of the troopship Oxfordshire.

David Reed gave a slide show presentation at the November meeting. There was a visit to the BAE shipyard in Portsmouth earlier in the month to see the construction of the Navy’s new aircraft carrier.

The December meeting was the Christmas Buffet which was very well attended. There also several presentations by members and a raffle.

The first meeting in 2012 was the annual photo competition. Phil Holmes here holding both the shield and cup for winner and runner up with Mariane Fricker

A few branch members recently paid a visit to the Medway Queen under restoration at the David Abels yard at Bristol.