mna The Merchant Navy Association Registered as a charity in England & Wales as charity number 1135661 and in Scotland as charity number SC052677 8 Cumberland Place Southampton S015 2BH ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS I" September 2023 to 31" August 2024
THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION TRLTSTEES, REPORT & NNuAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR I" SEPTEMBER 2023 TO 31" AL'GUST 2024 CONTENTS Page Report of the Trustees Indepelldent Examiner's report on the financial statements Annual Accounts 9- 11
THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR I., sEPTE[BER 2023 TO 31" ALTGUST 2024 STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Trustee5 who manage the Association- the National Councillors: Executii'e Committee (with effect froTn 4th November 2023): Capt l Hodtie CMarTech Fl,MarEST Chaimian Capt. C IK'oodM ard iMN.M AFNI Vice Chairman Capt. D Parsons MNM Secretary D Cornes MSC, FCMA (retd) Treasurer (Retired l i Jul! ?0?4) T Brant MNM FEI Events &. Welfare oificer (Re-elected 4 November 2023) R Glencross IMNM Membership Secreta G Dodson TreaSur (Elected 4 November 2023 and as Treasurer 15th July 2024) F KellN MNM DepuTh' Events Manager G McGeever DepuTh. lfvelfare Officer D Knight Brdnch Liaison Officer P Minter Deputs, Membership Secretary I Purve DeputN Treasurer (Appoinied 13 JulN' 2024) K Usher DepuN. Secretary. (Elecred 4, November 202)) Other Councillors: C Edivards MBA B.Ed Ffs Mios A Hilder Capt T Hughes FRIN FNI Dmay Capt. G Peaston P Rooers A Spei2hT Bsc IEng IMarEno S Wiooins M Wootton H Andrews Ms S Coveney Councillor (MN Association Boat Club Commodore Councillor Webmaster (Retired 7th Februarv 2024) Councillor (Rerired 9th Au(vu5t 2024) Councillor (Re-elected 4 November ?024) Councillor (Retired )*rd November 202)) Councillor Councillor (Retired 5 October 20?)} Councillor Le£al Adviser (Appointed ?9 April 2024) MNlh'B Liaison Officer (Appointed ?9 April 2024) Trustee eleetions Trustees are elected. bv rotation: for a five-N'ear term of office at the Annual General Meetina E.xecuiive Comrnittee consistino of ihe.. chairmaT]- Trice chaimian: immediaie past chainnan- secretaTr': treasurer: Tnembership secretar),: and events & H'elfare officer is elected bl" the Council under the election regulations. The Executive Comminee is responsible for the da!'_tO-da) administrdtion of the Association. The Council is empowered to make interim appointments to itself bets4.een AGMS. The Association H'ould like to record its thanks to those councillors ho retired: most especiall). David Cornes who: as Tre&surer, maintained ihe accounts over a period of four }'ears. Patrons (Elected b!, Council) Admirdl Lord -'est of Spithead GCB DSC Captain Sir lan McNaught KCVO MNM FNI (Elected 29 April 2024) Presidents & Vice Presidents (Elected bv Council) Vivian Foster OBE Presidenl (Retired ?4 JulN' 2024) D Hunter Vice President (Passed aHay18' March 2024) Capt J Sail Nm Vice President Capt M Mathison MNM Vice President (Elected 29th April 2024) The Council would like to record its thanks our Patron: President and Vice Presidents for their on-ooin2 SUPPOrt. Particular thanks 00 to Mrs Vivian Foster OBE kn'ho had been the President for manN' l'ears and has done so much, over that titne. to promote the Merchant Navy and this Association. Bank National Westminster Bank 119 High Street Scunihorpe DN15 6LT Accountants: Foester Bol'd Chartered Accountants 26 South St Mary. s Gate GrimsbN' DNJI IL
THE MERCHANT ISANT ASSOCIATION TRLTSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR I" SEPTEMBER2023 TO 31" AUGUST 2024 GOVERNANCE Charit), name: The Merchant NaH' Association Registration Details The Association is registered with the: ChariTh' Commission for Elltiland & Wales as number 1135661 Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Scotland (OSCR) &s number SC052677 Charit) s registered address: Until: 14th JulN' 20?4 49 The Park Yeovil BA?0 I DF 0193) 414765 From- 15 Jul), 2024 8 Cumberland Place Southampton Soli ?BH 02J81550105 Phone Email Website SLcfeicln li mna.oru uk www.mna.org.uk Noie.. The charitv does not 07 or rent property but is grateful to the Merchant Navy Welfare Board for allowing it to reoister it at their address which will pennit continuity.. OWECTS AND ACTIVITIES Public Benefit The Objects of the Charitv are for public benefiT. 10 provide charitable support and seThices ro the Association's rnembers. other connected persons, or associaiions, societies or other bodies whose objects are similar. Goi'erning Document: The Constitution, adopted I l June 2009: and amended on: 24th October 2020; 24 April 2021: and 26. May 2022. Constitution: The National Merchant Navw Association is an unincorporated association. Summary of the objects set out in its CoD5titution
To foster comradeship and consideration to all those in the communitv of the se& To help relieve and assist all servino and retired seafarers and their dependants who are in hardship or distress by reason of povem,, disabilits": sickne55, infirniity or other¥i'ise' to help suppon the families of seafarers who have lost their lives IT) service or retirement. To inform the wider public on the role. purpose and history of the Merchant Navy and fishinti fleets and to signpost those interested in a career at se& The Constitution is reviewed annuallv to ensure that it remains relevant. Annual General Meeting 2023 The 202) AGM took place: in Tysley, Binningham on Saturday 4 November Risk Assessment A Risk Assessment Polic!, is in place and reVIe,ed annually. Other Policies The Association has other relevant policies in place which include election les. safeouarding. grievances. data PTOtection, privacN' and intellectual ri£hts. Each is reviewed annuallv and updated i%'.hen necessarv. Data Protection The Association complies fully with all data protection regulations and is retsistered with the InformaTion ComTnissioner"s Office. Working with related charities 2nd organisatlOn5 The Association M'orks with other related parties. It is a Constituent of the Merchant Navv Welfare Board and regularl!. attends various appropriate meetings of their members. It is also a member of: OT works closelN' with, severdl veterans, organisations to lobbN' for and improve entitlements for veteran.
THE MERcHAL JAVY ASSOCIATION TRtiSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR I" SEPTEMBER 2023 TO 31" AUGUST 2024 Meetings The Council endeaw.ours to meet four times annuall!". In the nornial course of events two of those meetin£s are held in a oeooraphicallN' convenient venue hlIst the other two are held on-line. Membership: Membership is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are resident in the United Kin£dom, have UK nationalitN', or reside in a countrv where an international branch exists: and are servin& or have served. on a merchani ship on a fishinti vessel as an emplo} ed crew member aboard a N'acht as rnember of a lifeboat creii. as emplosee of the Maritilne & Coast2uard Agency or its equivalent. Associate Membership is available to those who do not qualify for fi]11 membership but who support the Objectives of the Association. AII UK members pa!, an annual subscription of £12 and those from overseas £18. primaril!. to cover the additional printino and posta£e costs of Full.4head- se¢ P.). During this financial ear 116 (?0?2.'?" 114} new members M'ere w'elcomed. Very, sadl!,. )2 (?0?2'2? _ )6) passed am'ay or resigned. The Association would like to Convey its deepest svmpathv io the families of those deceased members. It is encournoing to see that the membership continues to trrow. ADMINISTRATION The dav-io-day administration of the Association is undertaken by the members of the Execuiive Committee. BIL4NCHES Branches are affiliated to and uphold the principles set out by the National Association. All operate autonomouslN' and are responsible for their own governance and finances. The Association has branches rhrou£hout the United Kin(ydom and one overseas in the followino locations: Abery'stwyth Axe Vale Blackpool Boston & South Lincs Bristol Caiihness Dom1anston & Redcar Dumfries Edinbur(yh & Forth Exeter Feli.Kstowe Glas£oiY& Clydeside Harrogate Imminoham Ipsivich Kent Liverpool London &- Greater London Mansfield & Ashfield Medi*av Midlands Morecombe BaN' Nethyon North Wales Pill & North Somerset Pli'mouth & Southwest Ribble Valley. Salford Scarborough Solent TaM.0fth Taunton Tilbu Torbai. 'eN'mouth & Ponland Walton & District West Norfolk Western Isles Wirral Overseas: Sin£apore Branches. in particular: provide an opportunity for fello'ship and pride in beino a part of the Merchant Naw,. The>, enable members to foster a sense of belongino and bepnti part of a cohesive movement to make chanue happen and be a platforni for rhat change. TheN" can also reach out 10 their local seafaring community. and ideniify those who might be lonel), or in need of help. Branches are an invaluable part of the Associations neN'ork. Branch Activities All branches. whilsi remaining autonomous. work closel), with the National Association. which provides them with advice, guidance and support if needed.
THE MERCH5. IIAVY ASSOCIATION TRL,STEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR I. SEPTEMBER 2023 TO 31" AUGUST 2024 ACHIEVEMEI%TS AND PERFORMANCE Summarv of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to the objects. Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service {MNDCS) This 15 an annual event, organised by the Associarion. ai the Merchant Navv War Memorial. ToH'er Hill. London on the Sundai closest to Merchant NaTry DaN. () September). In ?02J the event actuall. took place on Sunda). 3 September and was 'ell attended by branches, national members, representatives of various maritime ortranisations and the public. Merchant NaN' Dal, is also marked b), all brdnches thTouohout the UK. either on the dal". or the nearest Sunda!,. Red Ensions are flown in numerous locations on public buildinos. churches and private homes. Annual Seafarers, Service at St Pauls Cathedral. London This evenL Organised bv the Seafarers, Charilv. took place on I i sh October 202) and was w'ell attended by naiional and branch members. Remembranee Sunda!, NfNA members represented the Merchant NlaiTr' at the National Remembt7nce Sundav marchpasi. or£anised b!. the Roi'al British Leoion in London oll 12 No%".ember 20?). The Association also attends the service at the MN War Memorial ai T0'¢T Hill. London, where a UTeath is laid. Extraordinary ei'ents D-Dav 80th Annii'ersary Commemoration Events Members of the Council and local branches represented the Merchant Navy at various events around the UK on 6 June. Particular mention should be made of members of the I4.e!.'mouth: Portland & District brdnch i%"ho. for manN N"ears. hai.'e represented the Merchant Nai..!" at anniversaTr events along the NormandN.' coastline. 2024 il'as a panicularli. hioh-profile anniversaTr' and their attendance included President Vivian Foster, Capt David Knight their chairn)an and a national councillor and branch members: includin(Y N'o siandard bearers. The Association was eTh. disappointed that by the lack of an mention. bN' Ihe media, of the Merchant NaNTr" s enonnous involvement on both D-Day.. and throu_£hout the Invasion which otyiciall!. ended on io Auoust 1944. It is pleasing to note that a number of fundraising events around the UK the Merchant NaHw equallv recoonised alonoside the three arnied sen'ices. That part anN" moneN' raised was given 10 the Association: which M."ould like to record its enormous oratiwde to all those involved. The Not Forgotten Association (NFA} Buckingham Palace Garden Parties This charits. has long recoonised and supported veterans M'ho hai'e served in the Mi erchant NaNry'. In ?0?4 ihe!. (rave Garden Partv tickets to 14 MN veterans. The Mi NA records li Ihanks for this and other support (yiven bi, the NFA over Man l'ears. Veterans, Issues The Association recognises the sionificance of all MNT seafarers and fishers M."ho hai.'e ii'orked in support of the United Kinodom and also its armed sern.'ices in lime5 of li'ar and peace. It continues to lobbi, government and other organisaiions 10 ensure that these men and m.omen enjo!. Ihe benefits £ii'en to ex-militan" personnel. With the agreement of the MinistTr of Defence: the Association takes responsibility for authenTicating and issuino bad£es for MN veterans. It is ple&sing to report that Veterans UK the eovernment aoency responsible for veteran5' affairs, followino detailed discussions with the AsSlatIon. are noii". issuino veierans cards to those MN veterans who are elioible. This includes those 'hO have served in the Rol'al Fleet Auxilian", Ro!.'al Maritime AuxiliaTr Service and an!, seafarer who has served on a ship in suppon of the armed services. Shop or -slop Chest- This is a service provided b! the Association where its members can purchase items such as ties. badoes. pennants and hardare. The Association 'ould like to place on record its thanks to Mrs Sandra Broom who manaoed this important service until she retired from this in IMaN' ?024. At that time the contents of the shop iyere tranSFeed to Ben Scock: MNTA Researcher: 'bO supponed b! RON, Glencross: Membership Secretary., is managing the shop on a temporaTh' basis. The Merchant NaiTr' Welfare Board have kindl offered to manage the sale of (Foods: on behalf of the Associatton and it is expected that this will take place durin2 ?02). The income for 202J,:24 amounted to £i:046 (2022 12J - £4.4?8): whilst expenditure amounted to £1,163 (202212J £1.5i9
THE MERCIL4NT NAVY ASSOCIATION TRL'STEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR I" SEPTEMBER 2023 TO 31" AUGUST 2024 Full Ahead The Association produces and distributes. to its members. a quarteTlv macrazine - Fzill Ahead. This includes new's about the Associaiion. lis branches. events and articles of tyeneral interest. The ediror: Mrs Sandra Turner, Ivorks tirelessl}w to ensure each edition includes both topical and historical items of interest and is 'idelY welcomed by the members. Over the vear. with the aoreement of the trustees, the content has been iJ)¢reased, Trhich has incurred some extrd printing costs. The Associaiion would like to record its thanks to Mrs Turner for her work in producing this excellent journal. Website The Association maintains a ii'ebsite- iiii ii.iiina.Lirn.IiL This includes details about its strncture, objectives, branches and services. It continued to enjoN' nurnerous vi51ts: from around ihe world. The current webmaster is Capt. Tery Hu£he5: and the Association M'ould like to record its thanks to him for maintaining this excellent site. With his imminent retirement it is intended that the website will be tranSfeed, probably to a commercial oroanisation. Collaborative partnership with the Merchant 8. Welfare Board (MNWB) The Association has long been a constituent mernber of the MNTWB which extended an inN'itation for a collaborative partnership. This ivas gratefully accepted and has alread! led to improvements in the athninistration and welfare si_£nposiing. Both organisations have emphasised that the Association th'ill remain independent. The benefits are that the Association can access better support from an Organisation N'ith professional siaff, excellent knoivledge and a wide ran(Fe of useful contacts. Ol¢e Administration In order to rdtionali5e its administrdtion the Association has now placed all its documentation in the cloud. This means that all the Eiecutive Committee members no, have instani. but secure, access to all material. AnN' documeni containing sensitive information: such as personal names and addresses. is passii'ord protected and only available to delegaled member5 on a need basis. This is already contributing greatly to ihe eificiency. Strategic Review The trustees have agreed to review the Association"s strategy in the future. The primary purpose of this is to increase ihe membership and il'iden the a(ye profile. The reviem, Ii'ill concentrdte on lookino at ii,hat the Association can do better for both those serving at sea and those from a seafarino backoround. This ii.ill include possible new objectives and also working more closel!. in collaboration ivith other oroanisations. The revieiv is expected to include the appointment of an independent consultant. Dep¢ndin2 upon the c05t the Association may seek a £rdnt from another maritime Chlty. VE and VJ 80 Events 2025 At the time of this report it is unclear what commemordtive events and celebrations will take place national on the anniversaries of VE DaN, _ 8 Mai, 1945 and VJ Dai, _ 15 August 1945. The Association will do eveTrthing ivithin its poiI'ers to ensure that the role of the Merchant NaNTr' is recotrnised in equal part to that of the three arned services. Members, Benefits Members benefit from a number of discounted retail services. MN Association Boat Club (MNABC) The Boat Club is open ro all MNA membeTS. The benefits include: Keeping the Association active in local sailino communiTie5 both on the coast and on inland warenN'aN's. Exchange of ideas for members through regional meetintss. Lobby authorities on matters affectino safet¥. on the water. Eliuibiliry to fl! MNABC pennant fla( lapel badge and clothing with lotros for broader recognition. Affiliation to the RYA. other or2anisations and clubs. Partnership ivith the RNLI alloii"jn(r members to become MNA-ILNLI Volunteer Ambassadors. Promotion of the RNLI'S Respeci ihe V'aier Campaign on inland M."aterwa)'s. Forn)ation of specÈal interesi 0UpS. in particular the MNA Waterwatch scheme. Publication of the MNA Boat Club's ""Boating Basics" ouide for newcomers to tx)ating Producing regular article5 in publications such as Full Ahea The Pulse, Canals on Line etc. With the mutual agreement of the Boat Club, at the time of this report. work is underway to separate li from the National Association in order that it can operate independentl%' whilst maintaining its close affiliation. The Association M'ould like record its thanks the MNABC Commodore. Clive Ed'ardS and the other MNABC committee mernbers for all their ork.
THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION TRLSTEES, REPORT FOR THE YEAR I., SEPTEMBER 2023 TO 31" AUGUST 2024 Merchant Nav), National Honours Committee and Merchant Nai'v Medal for Meritorious S¢r'i¢e The Association is an a¢tii.'e member this comTnittee for i%'hich it pal's an annual subscription of £ 100. The committee re ieii's nominations and recommends them for an award. The ININA is continuing to support the Committee in its efforts to lobb tsoi"¢rnment to raise medal's position in the Order of Wear. It ha5 expressed its disappointment and frustrations that this medal currently lies within the cateoorv Long Service and Good Conducl, whereas, in reality, all those who have received a medal have achieved so verv much more. Welfare Grants The Association is empom'ered to award "one-oif. grants to help both working age and retired seafarers and their dependent families. WThilst beneficiaries are primaril)." members. it can also help others M'ho meet the criteria. These orants can be used for the purchase of Capiral items or tow.ards support. Rn mosi cases. it .]1[ signpost applicants to other sources of help as M-ell. ImporLtI!'. when appropriate: it M'ork5 with other oroanisations to share costs and also to seek expert advice. such as obtainin£ benefits or debt counsellino In 2022,'23 the rotal awarded in grants. for a varietv of purposes. amounted to £3, li9 (202?,'23 - £2,060) Archives The Association's archivtst Ben Stock provides advice and information to the Council. the members and others in regard to MN HistoTh'. He continues to add further informaTion: including Siin'.ivor's Repoi'i.¥ to Ihe Siockbridge Compendium Of2 Century ,'14erchanl.,I'a¥}'. & Fishing Fleei Warlime CallieS. The Association has agreed that, for a 5rnall fee pal'able to itself. infonnation about ship losses dunno both World Wars, ,hICh in rnan>' cases can include survivors reports. can be sent to enquirers. These mai'be hisiorians, or more likell,. famill, members looking for information aboui their ancestors. The Association records li thanks to Mr Stock for all his hard 'Ork. FINANCIAL REVIEW Reserves policy Funds are held to cover at least 12 months of operational costs. Cash held Cash at hand, in the bank on 31° Au(FUSt 2024 was £12),165 (£95,754 2022123) in unrestricted funds. The main financtal risk of the charity is a reduction in annual subscripiions. Primary funding". The regular sources of annual ndIn0 are from: Membership subscription ii'hich. in 202)'?4 amounted ro £?0.798 (?0?? i?" £19.787) -)124 these Donaiions- the A55ociation receies a number of donations annualli.. In ?0?" amounted to £i8.46? (?0?? 2J £??:4J9) including Gift Aid (All donors are asked to add Gift Aid th.here possible and this money is reclaimed annually..) Legacies are also welcome. Exceptional Transaetions There ivere none Future Plans The activities of the Association are set to continue laroelK' as above and it will also explore Tneans of tryints to increase membership. Declaration The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee's annual report above. Signed on behalf of the trustees Signalure Full name tain lan Hodge MNI Posilion Chairnan Dale 26" October 2024
THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCL4TION INDEPEINDEN'T EK4MIJ'ER'S REPORT FOR THE YEAR I" SEPTEMBER 2023 TO 31" ALGUST 2024 Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Merchant Navv Association I report to the charirv tnistees on m). exaTninaiion of the accounts the charity for the year ended J I" Auousi ?0?4 .hich are set out on pages 9 to I l. Responsibilities and ba515 of report A5 the charl..$ trustees Tr'ou are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requtrements of the Charities Act ?011 (-1he Act""). I repon in respeci of MN. examination of the charitv'"s accounts carried out under section 14) of the Act and in carrvino out my examination I have follow'ed all the applicable Directions given by the Chariry Commission under sectton 145(5Xb) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I ha't compleied m! exatnination. I confinn that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe thai in anv material respect.. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charih" as required bv section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection th'ith the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report to enable a proper understandin£ of the accounts to be reached. ca]¢ Jensen ACA Forrester BoN'd 26 South St Marv's Gate Grimsb DNil ILW Date: 26 October 2024
THE MERCHA]IT liAVY ASSOCIATION RECEtPTS PAYMEYfs ACCOUIYT FOR THE YEAR I" SEYfEMBER 2023 TO 31" AUGUST 2024 IThIIESTIUCTED IThIIESTRICTED GEIT114L FiThTS GENTIL4L FiThDS •0*3 RECETrTS Iembetslmp Subsulptions Shop (Slop Chest) Research 'seellaneous income Dottations B3rtL- interest IOD- IIInis. of defenee o.-ss 19.-S- 4.4?S £S.46? l.j?? ?Js )?.4)9 j?6 TOT.4L RECEIPTS S6.019 49.050 ChariTh" Su Telephone &. Tntemet Postage .4th"efiising and Ilark"elinq Il"ebsite Elpenses eThsletter- Full_4head t'SIetteT- Full.4head (postaze) Il"elf3re Pa%inents Chantable Donations "eterans, Badges Funeral Drapes lerchant Dai" Commemoratii"e Senice Iini51Th" of defence (Badges) 19- 1.oil 1.4?0 li9 1.6",6 6?0 10.115 5,li5 i.oio i.li9 li5 1.105 -5i8 18.510 .4dmin Statsonen" and intin. Tl'tI and .4ccomodation Ieetiftq EenseS tn5wanee Independent Exammer Fees 7.619 9.06? i58 850 F J I Professional Fees SoftTh'are Support Slop Chest Lwenses Sundr%" Ewenses 1.9?5 .66? 1.16) 1.6?0 50 1.5)9 TOT.4L P.4IIILNTS 5Si",5 i6,06-, SLIiPLI"S I (DEFlCTt) FOR IE4R 1:.9S9
THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION STATEME OF FUNDS AS AT 31ST AUGUST 2024 CurreDt .4ssets •0•4 ?0?3 B2nk" Cwrent .4ccount 4.430 Bonus .4ccouot 114 11:elfare Support Fund 3.£70 Bank ReseTh"e .4ccouttt 115,134 85.317 1?3.397 et .4ssets 1)3.397 REPRESENTED BY: .4ccumutsted sps brought foThi"ard Sw?$ (Deficit) for i"e3r ?7.644 12.989 1?3.397 io.
THE MERcHT NAVY ASSOCIATION STATEMENT OF FUNDS AS AT 31ST AUGUST 2024 Notes: STOCK Slop Chest Stock as at 01 September 202) £9.411 Slop Chest Stock as at 31 August 2024 £5,473 TRUSTEE'S EXPENSES Trustee's expenses incurred in the vearto 31 August 2024 bN' the Merchant NaNy Association were £4:J58 (202?12J: £8:044) in relation to expenses incurred bv a number of trustees. ASSETS RETAINED FOR THE CHARfrY's OWN USE Nil Approved b! the trustees on 28 October 2024 and signed bi" Captain l. Hodge .tyLV knirman Mr G Dodson, Treasurer 11.