N. S. T. School/College. 'Gravesend' News Page
Great News
Minutes of the meeting on the 18th November at 14.00
In relation of the purchase of Lifeboat Jetty
The meeting was held in room GR105 at the N.S.T. Centre N,W. Kent College
The Meeting was chaired by Vice President John D. Meadowcroft
Of the N.S.T.S/C Gravesend Association
Those Attending
Mr G. Evans Director the Heritage Quay Residents Association Ltd Owners of the Quay
Mr D. Shuttelworth Chairman “ “ “ “ “
Mr Owen D. Davies MN Ret Chairman Gravesend Association
Mr F. Taylor MN Ret Treasurer “ “
Mr J. Delamere MN Ret Standard Bearer “ “
Mr C. Bryant MN Ret Committee Member “ “
Mr Brian Armstrong RFA “ “
Cllr Wenbank Gravesham Borough Council
Ms Lindsey Thompson Arts & Cultural Development Officer “ “ “
Ms Sally Mashiter. Legal Adviser Port Of London Authority
Mr Paul Russ Head of School National Sea Training Centre
Mr Steve Watkins Maritime Open Learning “ “ “ “
Mr D. Bristow OBE MN Ret Director Merchant Mariners
1 The chairman welcomed all to the meeting to discuss the Sea School Jetty
2 Apologies were received from.
Capt Mike Bolton MN Ret, The Association’s President
Cllr David Turner Deputy Leader Gravesham Borough Council, and
Mr B Crighton Structure Secretary & General Council Port of London Authority.
3 The chairman then proceeded to put forward the proposal as outlined in the agenda to the present owners of the jetty. The Heritage Quay Residents Association He then outlined the intentions of the National Sea Training School Gravesend Association regarding the further upkeep of the Jetty (If acquired)
(4) We intended to set it up as a memorial to those of the Merchant and Royal Navy’s who lost their lives at sea and had spent time in training at Gravesend Sea School, We have no intention of doing anything, only to stop it falling in the river, clean it up and preserve it. .Once this was done we would hope to place a Memorial Plaque with the history of the school on it. And maybe if it was possible a Flag pole and life boat to go with the Davits.
He then put forward to Mr Evans & Mr Shuttelworth representing the present owners. The question as to what they wanted to do about the Jetty, Would they consider selling to our association and if so under what terms.
Mr Evans on behalf of the Owners said that they had already had several enquires about the Jetty but did not want to have a commercial use of it or for it to be used as a mooring for either a houseboat or some such thing. They wanted the Jetty to remain as it was but didn’t wish to be responsible for the upkeep of it.
They would however be happy to see the Jetty restored and had no objection to the placing of a boat in the davits. They did however have concerns about security as there had been some vandalism locally but not on the Jetty. They also confirmed that the walkway alongside it was owned by the council and the slipway that runs alongside the Jetty, which recently been refurbished.
Mr Meadowcroft then asked what we would be responsible for i.e., to the PLA and other authorities
Mr Shuttleworth said that they had paid a lump sum to the PLA and were in no obligation to them.
They were in principle willing to agree to the sale of the Jetty to the Association for a nominal sum of between £10 and £100, they would however require a ‘covenant of use’ put on it to restrict and control future use.
This was agreed by John Meadowcroft on behalf of the Association. That we would be happy to accept these conditions and he would start proceeding to arrange the purchase.
He also pointed out that we had a plaque placed on a wall of the Flats in 2006 with details of the previous use of the land. This was all arranged and paid for by Gravesham Borough Council and help from the P.L.A I would now like to take the opportunity to thank the Owners for giving their permission for this to be carried out. Neither of the delegates from the owners realised this. The plaque was funded by the Gravesham Council as part of the heritage of Gravesend.
The discussion then moved to how it was going to be financed. John then asked the council representative if any funds were available under the maritime heritage restoration scheme. Mr Wenbank advised the meeting that in these cash restricted times it would be unlikely that any money would be available from the council. He did however suggest that we approach the Heritage Lottery Fund and possible other grants. He also advised that before any funds were sought an accurate estimate of costs would be required.
The meeting agreed that a full survey should be sought prior to assessing costs, additional railing to enhance security, restoration of the davits and a possible flagstaff be positioned.
Sally Mashiter of the PLA said that she would enquire of their civil engineer a Mr Andrew McKay if it would be possible to do this.
It was also suggested that we approach Chatham Maritime centre to see if they could offer any help
The association were advised that we would have to apply to the PLA for a licence to do any repairs or refurbishment to the structure
It was suggested by the present owners that our and their solicitors be in contact. Theirs are a Mr Gutherie of Caxtons Solicitors. The remit was that both parties should look in to the responsibilities regarding public saftey liability, maintenance, possible decommissioning in the future should it be required .
John Meadowcroft thanked everyone for attending and said that he would be in contact where necessary. He also thanked the college for the use of the venue
The meeting closed at 14.50'
Since the meeting I have now engaged a solicitor to act on our behalf and he has sent an offer to Caxtons of Gravesend who represent the owners. Fingers crossed.
(Boxing Day)
I have had a phone call from the PLA Ch/Eng to say that they have carried out a survey and I will recieve the report in the New Year
I will need to get a lot of help and support to fullfill this prodject So please come forward if you have any ideas.
A Meeting was held at 8pm September 7th at The Boat & Horses Broadway Chadderton G/Manchester.I would like to thank the members who turned up w had a great evening looking forward to the next.
Earlier this year I recieved an invitation to attend an event at Chatham to celebtate ARMED FORCES DAY on the 27th JUNE.
I made contact with them to check if they had got it wrong as June 27th is officialy "Veterans Day" and not armed forces day, but was told that it had been changed to ARMED Forces Day. ""WHY"" I ask? and who by. I have written to my MP and the M.o.D This means once again that the Men & Women of the British Merchant Navy are as usual once again eliminated. Not only our veterans but all the Civilian Forces. The N.F.S & Police,Nurses,A.R.P. Bevin Boy's the Womens Land Army just to name a few. I am going to fight to get this restored on behalf of our Veteran Members and all other Civilian vet's out there. So please help if you can by just passing the word on and or dropping a line to you MP to ask them why and For what reason.?
If they want to have a special day for the ARMED FORCES I will also fight for that, the Lad's & Lasses deserve it. And lets hope the government at the time make it a holiday as they would in the U.S.A.
I have contacted Westminster and a few top New's Papers including This England so come on lad's give us a hand and lets keep June 27th as Vets day as it was set out to be For All The Veterans Both Armed and Civilian,
Thanking you all in antisipation. John.
July 27th 2nd letter to Mr Kevan Jones MP. M.O.D.
( I Guess he is a welsh man. The PM is a Scotchman, Can't we manage our country with English Men ? not many in our Football teams either)
Dear Sir
Your reply to my MPs letter on my behalf, and at least 10 other of my members via their MPs is a load of crap!!!
You have changed the 27th June "Veterans Day" to Armed forces day.Now excluding the Merchant Navy once again, but also all the other civil "veterans" many of them giving their lives serving this country, The Nurses, the N.F.S. A.R.P.you could even include the Bevin Boy's. Why ???. You quote your results are from
"The National Recognition of armed forces Study Team" ??
They consulted widely you tell us. YES ALL Ex Armed Forces Associations, I don't see a single civilian one accounted for. Meening that the end result would be a forgone conclusion, So you didn't realy need to go to the expence of setting up a study team. Question 2
Who were these people who carried out the survey and what did it cost? They seem to have missed the M.N.W.B. The M.N.A. The M.S.W.M.Society. Numast. Sail. The N.S.T.S/C association. The Vindi Association just to mention a few all supporting and looking after Our British Merchant Seamen and veterans Looking forward to your prompt reply.
Yours sincerly John D Meadowcroft Vice President
The National Sea Training School/ College Gravesend Association.
15 Springbok Cottages. ALFOLD Surrey. 01403 753525
Once I get my reply I will add it to this page so keep watching
STILL WAITING Boxing Day Update.
The Annual luncheon July 25th.
As you can see by the list that we had 18 members + two welcome guests from the Vindi total 20 sadly Franks wife was unable to make it due to her being quite ill, we wish her a speedy recovery Wonderful to have The Rev Bill McCrea and his good lady giving me their support.A big thank you to our members who came to support us, Mr & Mrs Duncan Elsworth Traveling all the way from Manchester.Mr & Mrs Neal from Cambridge Mr & Mrs Moon from Bournmouth, John Baister & mr & Mrs Nash from Crawley.
I was rather disappointed with the turn out once again. Owen our Chairman sent his apologies,Gordon our editor who was going into hospital this very Day for a new knee was sorry he couldnt make it, We wish him a speedy recovery and lots of luck.This left Frank Taylor,John Delamere,John Moore and Myself to hold the fort.
We had one or two set backs at the start but all went off OK in the end and those who did attend had a great day.
We now intend to change our venue for next year so I am looking for your suggestions The N.S.T.Centre Gravesend is first on our list as we could combine this with a visit round the college, but if you have an idea please let me have it. We could go North, East or West as long as there is accommodation in the area for those who have to travel and stay overnight this way we may get better support for all the work involved in setting it up.
In April the AGM was a great succes Gordon Tumber our Masthead Editor being made a life member for all his good work. Norman Brice has offered his Services as Assistant to the G/Sec & David Svensen has offered to help Gordon with the Masthead.
Books writen by our members and well worth reading.
"OCEANS APART"-The journal of a Seaman. By Michael J Kenn A.B.MN Ret.
I hold a record with this book I sat down and read it.I expected it to take me about three years to finish as it is about 3'thick But I started it and it was so full of memories I had to finish it. If you would like it contact me it will cost £22.00inc P&P but a must if you were ever a peggy.
" AROUND THE BUOYS" By Bill Backshall Another great book contact Bill at billbacksal.bells@btopenworld.com as I dont have the price of the book.Published by Someday Publishers 2 Bells Close Lydiate. 0151531 7056
Any member wishing to have a list of our members names can do so by contacting The G/Sec with a first class stamp for the postage and I will send you the up to date list. (Note)They will only be given to Fully Paid up Members and by personal request. "The Vet's Badge" If you were at sea before Dec 31st 1984 Put your claim in its FREE.I have the forms if you require one. NOT SURE if you can CLAIM it? No matter just claim,I can assure you they will only issue it if you are entitled to it.
Important:- Can I remind you that your membership SUB'S are £5.00. in the U.K. And £10.00. Overseas And are Due ON February The 1st each year.We would prefer overseas members to send Cash a GBS £10.00 note from your bank if possible if you send your local cash Please make sure that the exchange rate is covered to rhe value of £10 sterling as we have been loosing out on the NZ & Australian We finish up with less than our postage cost for just two N.Letters So please if you can get hold of a £10 note. If you are not sure you have paid or not please give me a call 01403 753525 and I can check it for you don't want to loose any more members especially now we are going to get More News Letters, We need to support Gordon & David they are doing a great job.I would also Like to thank all our members who have included generous donationd with their subs.A Big Thank You.For those who are still owing please get your Sub's in A.S.A.P. Made Payable to "The N. S.T.S/C. Gravesend Association" Post To:- TheG/Sec 15 Springbok Cottages ALFOLD Surrey GU6 8HT.
Please Note:- it's "ALFOLD" Not ALFORD.Please note we do not send conformasion out to each member unless they include a stamped address envelope, as your bank statement will prove you have paid and that we have collected it.
When you have finished reading please go into the photo gallery Look at all the sections and if you see a photo you recognise and the date pleas let my know as Ihave lots of them with no names or dates.
Articles for the Masthead, Could you Please send all your articles and photos.To :- Mr G.Tumber. 61 St Martins Way. Thetford. Norfolk. IP24 3PZ.Or via E/mail to Gordontumber4@aol.com. Gordon is now a life member & Moira is a fully paid up members, Gordon attended the G.S.S. in November 1951 just 3 months before me, he even joined the association before me he is No 27. My feed back is that they are doing a great job so a big thank you to them both, From me and I am sure this also goes for all our members. ADVERTISE OUR ASSOCIATION Could all members out there who are able to read this page. Print it and Please drop one off in your Local Pub or Library, it will help pass the news around about our association and maybe a new member or two.Don't forget we can have Associate Members, Wives Girl friends, Husbands, Mates, can become associate members to support our cause.
The sub's are the same and they are entitled to all the benefits But are not allowed to vote on important association matters.
NOTICES:- NEED HELP??? Contact SAIL 08045 7413318 PO Box45234 Greenwich SE10 9WR
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