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
On Jan 24th the Branch's New Year programme commenced with Branch Secretary Tony Westmore showing a film of HMS MANCHESTER and the Malta convoys. The film gave an insight into the battle to keep Malta supplied with essential supplies and stores during the war, together with the ultimate loss of the cruiser after being hit by a torpedo. It included the subsequent search for the wreck and film evidence later obtained from it. After a short break Tony Richardson followed this with a digital presentation of nostalgic vessels from around the Solent area, from the 'photoship' website.
At the February meeting, the Branch Photographic competitions were held. The winner of the Douglas Brown Trophy for digitally projected images was David Williams with Navigator of the Seas (passenger class). Other class winners were Chris Bancroft (cargo, miscellaneous and nautical theme) and Brian Ash (tug). The Ray Sprake Memorial Trophy for prints was won by Ken Lowe with Tarnfors (cargo). Ken was also the winner of the passenger, tug and nautical theme classes, whilst Phillip Holmes won the miscellaneous section. Our thanks to Keith Walker for judging the competitions and providing a critique.
March. Annual General meeting. Long standing chairman David Reed stepped down with Chris Bancroft now filling this position.
April. The original program about Greek Ferries could not be shown. Instead there was a video presentation by Tony Richardson showing the arrival of the Ventura and the three Queens in port together followed by shipping in the Netherlands. It is intended to show the ferries at a later date, and the program will be re-arranged.
May. There was a presentation by Chris Bancroft about the history of Trinity House buoy tenders and Pilotage Service. David (right) was presented with a painting by Tony Westmore of the VICTORIA at Capetown when she was on her 100th Centenery Cruise in 2000 by the IOW Branch Chairman Chris Bancroft in respect of the 10 years that David served as Chairman.
July. Social Evening. Quiz organised by David Williams plus raffle and short video presentation by Tony Richardson showing a preview of the November programme.
Ship Visit July 30th. Six Isle of Wight branch members along with four Southampton branch members had a visit to the car carrier Aida. They had a complete tour of the ship and included refreshments on the bridge.
June. The Branch's Annual Evening boat cruise to Portsmouth, when a good turn out of members, friends and guests enjoyed the cruise, which coincided with the sailing of the Queen Mary 2. An exchange of a 'three blast' salute, from both vessels as we passed in Osborne Bay made it a memorable occasion. Two large container vessels were also seen in the Solent and time ashore at Portsmouth allowed for a pleasant evening to be had by all present. Chris Bancroft once again organised the cruise for us.
August - Visit to Yarmouth Lifeboat
September - Slide Presentation by John Cheverton of Isle of Wight piers and the ships that once used them.
