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← Merchant Navy Association

2025-08-31-accounts

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Attachment 2.

AGM Agenda Item 6.

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

1* September 2024 to 31 August 2025

MNA Annual Report and Accounts 2024/25

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THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION

BOARD OF TRUSTEE’S REPORT & ANNUAL ACCOUNTS 18* SEPTEMBER 2024 to 31st AUGUST 2025

CONTENTS

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THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION

TRUSTEES REPORT

FOR THE YEAR 1 SEPTEMBER 2024 to 31 August 2025

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Trustees who manage the Association — The National Councillors: Executive Committee (with effect from 26" October 2024):

Capt. | Hodge MRIN MNI Chairman Capt. C Woodward MNM AFNI Vice Chairman Capt. D Parsons Secretary * (Re-elected 26" October 2025, Retired 16" December 2024) Capt. David Knight JP Branch Liaison * (Resigned November 2024) T Brant MNM FEI Events & Welfare Officer R Glencross MNM Membership Secretary P Minter Deputy Membership Secretary G Dodson Treasurer | Purvey Deputy Treasurer F Kelly MNM Deputy Events Manager G McGeever BSc (Hons) CEng Deputy Welfare Officer MSOE MIPlantE K Usher MNM Deputy Secretary Secretary * (Secretary from from 16" December December C Edwards MNABC Commodore Commodore * (Resigned November 2024) 2024)

Deputy Secretary Secretary * (Secretary from from 16" December December 2024) MNABC Commodore Commodore * (Resigned November 2024) 2024)

Other Councillors:

A Hilder Councillor A Speight BSc leng IMarEng Councillor (Re-elected 26™ October 2024) M Wootton Councillor H Andrews Legal Advisor (Elected 26" October 2024) S Coveney MNWB Liaison Officer (Elected 26" October 2024) S Todd MNM Councillor (Appointed 26" October 2024 subject to election at the 2025 AGM) R Evans Councillor (Appointed 26" October 2024 subject to election at the 2025 AGM) A Palmer Councillor (Appointed 26™ October 2024 subject to election at the 2025 AGM) Capt. T Hughes FRIN FNI Webmaster * (Resigned December 2024) Capt. G Peaston Councillor * (Died April 2025)

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Trustee elections: Trustees are elected, by rotation, for a five-year term of office by the Annual General Meeting. An executive committee consisting (as of 26" October 2024 and subject to review) of the Chairman, Vice Chairman, immediate past Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Secretary, Events & Welfare Officer are elected by the National Council under the election regulations. The executive committee is responsible for the day-to-day administration of the Association. The National Council is empowered to make interim appointments to itself between AGMs.

The Association would like to record our sincere thanks and appreciation to those Councillors who resigned, retired or sadly “Crossed the bar” whilst in office, for their commitment and dedication to service for the greater good of the Association and to the wider MNA membership and respective affiliated Branches.

PATRON (Elected by National Council) Admiral Lord West of Spithead GCB DSC

President & Vice Presidents (Elected by National Council) Captain Sir lan McNaught KCVO MNM FNI (President) Captain John Sail MNM (Vice President) Captain Malcolm Mathison MNM (Vice President)

The National Council would like to extend our sincere thanks and appreciation to our Patron, President and Vice Presidents for their ongoing support to our Association, it’s membership and for the general promotion of the campaign for the recognition and respect of active and retired seafarers of the Merchant Navy and Fisheries for the sacrifices made during times of peace and conflict.

Bank Accountants National West Minster Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants 119 High Street 26 South St. Mary’s Gate Scunthorpe Grimsby DN15 6LT DN31 1L

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THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1 SEPTEMBER 2024 to 31 August 2025

GOVERNANCE

Charity Name:

THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION

Registration Details: The Association is registered with the. Charity Commission for England & Wales as number 1135661 Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Scotland (OSCR) as number SC052677

Charity’s registered office:

8 Cumberland Place, Southampton, SO15 2BH

Phone: 02381 550105 Email: secre Website: |

Note: The Charity does not own or rent property but is grateful to the Merchant Navy Welfare Board for allowing it to register it at their address which will allow for continuity.

OBJECTS AND ACTIVITIES

Public benefit: The objects of the Charity are for public benefit, to provide charitable support and services to the Association’s membership, other connected persons, or associations, societies or other bodies whose objects are similar.

Governing Document: The Constitution adopted 11 June 2009; and amended on 24" October 2020, 24" April 202 and 26" May 2022.

Constitution: The Merchant Navy Association is an unincorporated association.

Summary of the objects set out in the Constitution.

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The Constitution is reviewed on an annual basis to ensure that it remains relevant.

Annual General Meeting 2024: The 2024 Annual General Meeting took place in The Royal Hotel, Waterloo, Liverpool on Saturday 26" October 2024.

Risk Assessment: A Risk Assessment Policy is in place and reviewed annually.

Other Policies: The Association has other policies in place which include election rules, safeguarding, grievances, data protection, privacy and intellectual rights. Each policy is reviewed on an annual basis and updated as necessary.

Data Protection: The Association complies fully with all data protection regulations and is registered with the Information Commissioners Office.

Working with related Charities and Organisations: The Association works with other related parties. It is a constituent member of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and regularly attends various appropriate meetings of their members. It is also a member of or works closely with several veterans’ organisations to lobby for and improve entitlements for Merchant Navy Veterans. The Merchant Navy Association is the sole body issuing veteran badges on behalf of the UK government.

Meetings: The National Council endeavours to meet four times per year. In normal circumstances two of those meetings will be held in a geographically convenient location and venue with suitable accessibility and facilities for attendees whilst the other two are held online.

Membership: Membership is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are resident in the United Kingdom, have UK Nationality, or reside in a country where an international Branch exists and/or are serving or have served.

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> Asamember ofa lifeboat crew > Asanemployee of the the Maritime & Coastguard

Asanemployee of the the Maritime & Coastguard Agency or its equivalent

Associate membership is available to those who do not qualify for full membership but who support the Objectives of the Association.

All UK members pay (currently) an annual subscription of £12.00 and those from overseas £18.00, primarily to cover the printing and postage costs of the Full Anead magazine which is published on a quarterly basis. During this financial year we have welcomed over 140 New members to the Association but unfortunately and with deep regret 35 died or resigned from membership. It is encouraging to note that membership at National level continues to increase but there are many more potential new members from both current active seafarers and those who have left or retired from the industry.

Administration: The day-to-day administration of the Association is undertaken ona voluntary basis by the members elected to the Executive Committee working from their own homes. Regular online and face to face meetings are undertaken with Council members.

Branches: Branches are affiliated to and uphold the principles set out from time to time by the National Association. All operate autonomously and are responsible for their own governance and finances. Branches agreeing to abide by the principles and guidelines issued by the National Association are allowed to use the MNA Name and logos which are copyright owned by the National Association.

The Association has branches throughout the United Kingdom and one overseas in the following locations.

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|||||||| |---|---|---|---|---|---|---| |Aberystwyth|Immingham|Ribble|Valley| |Axe Vale|Ipswich|Salford| |Blackpool|Kent|Scarborough| |Boston &|Lincs|Liverpool|Solent| |Bristol|London & Greater London|Tamworth| |Caithness|Mansfield|&|Ashfield|Taunton| |Dormanstown|&|Redcar|Medway|Tilbury| |Dumfries|Midlands|Torbay| |Edinburgh &|Forth|Morecambe|Bay|Weymouth &|Portland| |Exeter|Newport|Walton &|District| |Felixstowe|North Wales|West|Norfolk| |Glasgow & Clydeside|Pill|&|North|Somerset|Western|Isles| |Harrogate|Plymouth & Southwest|Wirral|

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Overseas: Singapore *Enquiries have been received relating to the potential of a new Branch being set up and launched in Portugal but remains very much in embryonic discussion phase.

Branches, provide an opportunity for fellowship and pride in being part of the Merchant Navy.

They enable members to foster a sense of belonging and being part of a cohesive movement to make changes happen and bea platform for change. They can also reach out to their local seafaring community and identify those who might be lonely or in need of help. Branches are an invaluable part of the Associations network.

Branch activities: All branches, whilst remaining autonomous, work closely with the National Association, which provides them with advice, guidance and support where needed.

The National Council: shall consist of no less than eight, nor more than twenty-one, National councillors.

The National Council shall meet together for the conduct of business as often as it shall think fit but shall endeavour to meet at least three times each year plus an AGM.

National Council meetings can be held online or in person.

The National Councillors are elected on a rotational basis by the AGM.

Each Councillor being elected for a term of five years and may seek re-election at the end of that term of office.

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THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1* SEPTEMBER 2024 to 31 August 2025

ACHIVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE

Strategic review sub-committee initial report: The initial report compiled by the strategic review sub-committee was submitted at late notice to the October 24 Quarterly Council meeting for information, which would then require further ongoing discussion and decision that would effectively put the meat on the skeleton.

To progress this initiative several meetings were held via both Zoom and subsequently Teams. Numerous proposals were put forward to bring about a more pro-active involvement of those elected to National Council and to enshrine into our everyday dealings a more open, transparent and democratic processes at the appropriate levels of decision making.

Change of National Secretary: The former National Secretary Captain David Parsons decided to retire from his role due to the workload expected within the post of National Secretary which was taking up far more of his time as a volunteer on behalf of the MNA in the role of National Secretary than he intended and despite several attempts to talk him out of retiring he stood firm in his decision. This meant that his former Deputy, Ken Usher would step up to the role of National Secretary a year sooner than ever anticipated from the 16'"°* December 2024 and in the meantime, David kindly agreed to work closely with Ken Usher during his period of notice to provide a seamless handover of the role and its responsibilities.

The National Council issued a letter setting out its sincere appreciation and thanks for the commitment and dedication to office and the wider membership of the MNA by Captain David Parsons. A copy of the letter was also published within the Associations “Full Ahead” quarterly magazine.

Strategic review Executive Statement: Following a series of online meetings the Executive issued a statement out to the National Council at a special meeting held on the 11" January 2025 setting out a list of proposals for consideration, recommendation and adoption by the National Council at its subsequent meeting to be held on 1* February 2025, allowing individual members of the National Council to consult with their Branches or other colleagues and to ask any questions for clarity during the

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intervening period. Each of the respective proposals was talked through and debated at the meeting on the 11" January 2025.

Acopy of the Executive Statement was issued to all Branches and is available upon requestvia secretary@mna.org.ul

National Council endorsement of proposals: The Executive Statement issued on 11" January 2025, was addressed in full, at the Quarterly meeting held on 1* February 2025 resulting in the overwhelming majority (all bar one) being moved, seconded and voted upon individually and endorsed unanimously by the attendees of the meeting. The proposals endorsed also included the advertising for a new Webmaster and for two additional roles of Press and Publicity Officer together with advertising champ (this latter role remains vacant if anyone is interested).

With the adoption of the Executive Statements proposals, several roles and responsibilities changed along with titles being filled the details of which are contained within the Executive Statement.

The contact details for the revised roles are as follows: Chairman, lan Hodge - ch nna.org.t Vice Chairman, Gerry McGeever— hai nna Membership, Roy Glencross— membership@mna.o Dep’ Membership, Paul Minter - ¢ m@mna.org.ul Events & Welfare, Tim BrantitsG a.org.ul Treasurer, Glyn Dodson -t\ 1.Org.u Dep’ treasurer, lan Purvey— treas@mna.org.ul Full Ahead, Sandra Turner— fullahead@mna.org.u! Governance, Henry Andrews — governance@mna Conference/Branch Comm’s, Ned Kelly— conference! ch@mna Webmaster, Mike Fitzpatrick— webmasi nna.org.ul Press and publicity, Jon Whowell| iINdpublicityG 1.Org.t Secretary, Ken Usher—secretary@mna.org.uk

Review of and updating of website: It was agreed by the National Council that the MNA Website would be updated. Therefore, several quotes to undertake the work were obtained in line with good governance and financial responsibility with Council finally opting to engage the services of Grow Media to assist in this review and updating of the website the domain address for which remain unchanged at www. u The National Council recorded its sincere thanks and appreciation to the former MNA webmaster Captain Terry Hughes, who developed the previous website from scratch

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without any previous experience in web development and overseen its operational function for over a decade, for which we shall be forever grateful.

Essential Trustee Training: Following the changes adopted by the National Council in February 2025, a training need was identified as many of the elected National Council members had not undertaken any training in ‘good governance or the roles and responsibilities of Charity Trustees’ The Association is a registered Charity which seeks to keep apace with diversity, inclusion and good governance advice. Training for National Council members was therefore considered important.

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This dedicated training session was generously funded by the MNWB and delivered with professionalism by the Hull CVS on 11" April 2025 prior to the quarterly council meeting being held in Hull the following day. The MNA wishes to place on record its grateful thanks to both organisations for the respective funding and delivery of the training.

Quarterly National Council Meeting 12" April 2025 - Hull

At this meeting the Council and visiting members had the pleasure to hear the very welcomed address from the Associations President Sir lan McNaught KNVC MNM FNI. Within his address to the meeting Sir lan confirmed his grateful appreciation to be elected as President and pledged to work closely with the Executive, National Council and just as importantly our individual members throughout the UK and further afield to promote the interests of active and retired seafarers at every opportunity and at every level of discussion or debate.

Additionally, we were extremely pleased to welcomea variety of individual members, and an extra warm welcome was given to Geoff Johnson of the Independent Hull MNA and National MNA who proudly gave members of the National Council a tour around historical sites and in particular the Trinity House Old Boys statues.

MNA Awards: At the National Council meeting held in February, it was agreed that the Secretary should source the supply of special awards which would be issued to individuals who have madea significant contribution to the development of the MNA. This was undertaken and the first presentations arranged to take place in London over

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the weekend of the MNDCS at Tower Hill. Other intended recipients could not attend in person, so alternative arrangements are being made to have their awards presented separately.

Chairmans Training & Development: As part of the ongoing training and development sessions it was also agreed that the Chairman of the Association would also undergo training which he completed in June along with several Chair persons from other Charitable organisations both within and external to the Maritime community which also encouraged exchange in ideas and allowed for a degree of networking, enabling lan Hodge to promote the aims and objectives of the MNA.

VE Day Commemorations: (8'" May 2025) The Nation had the opportunity to pay its respects and gratitude in honour of the Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth, through a series of national and local events and the observance of a two-minute silence. Additionally, members of the public were able to watch the VE Day 80 military procession and fly past that took place on the 5° May 2025. Once again there wasa distinct lack of mention across all media platforms of the involvement and commitment of the brave men and women of all ranks of the Merchant Navy.

Plymouth MNA Grant application to MNWB. An application was made to the MNWB for a grant towards the commissioning of a plaque in acknowledgment to the sculpture of the “night watchman” statuette designed by Bill Favata a former Master Mariner and latter a lecturer at the Plymouth School of Maritime Studies teaching young cadets. Bill was also a prolific artist. The Branch sought to raise the figure of around £1100.00 for the plaque and any additional sum raised would go towards the memorials upkeep situated on the Hoe. We are pleased to confirm that the MNWB endorsed the application for which the Plymouth MNA and the National Association express our grateful thanks.

VJ Day Commemorations. (15 August) The national and commonwealth tributes were led in the UK by the King and Queen and who were joined by World War two veterans at the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire and a two minutes silence was observed throughout the UK and Commonwealth Countries. The Service was well attended by national and local members.

MN Day (3 September 2025). This year marked the 10" Anniversary of the campaign to fly the “Red Ensign” and to promote awareness about the contributions of merchant seafarers in both times of conflict and peace. The campaign has gone from strength to strength since its inception back in 2015 but there is certainly a lot more progress to be made.

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The campaign which is held on the same date each year seeks to ensure that local town, city and other metropolitan authorities fly the Merchant Navy’s flag also known as the “Red Duster” above town halls and council houses across the UK to show support for the MN and in recognition of the vital role merchant seafarers play in keeping the nation supplied and in global maritime trades.

The date (3° September) marks the outbreak of war together with the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Athenia, the first British merchant ship (passenger) sunk by the Germans during WW2 which in turn began the longest continuous campaign of the war, being the “Battle of the Atlantic”.

Various services and ceremonies were held throughout the UK and Commonwealth who also recognise the date in honour of their own merchant seafarers.

Merchant Navy Medal for Meritorious Service (MNM) On the 3° September 2025, this year’s recipients of the award was announced and awarded to seafarers who have set an outstanding example to others by their devotion to duty or exemplary service and for people who are serving or have served in the Merchant Navy or fishing fleets of the UK, IOM, Channel Islands or the British Overseas Territories.

We are delighted to confirm that of the 12 medals awarded this year our very own National Council member Sharon Coveney was justifiably awarded the MNM for services to safety and welfare. Sincere Congratulations are sent to Sharon on her significant achievement.

Merchant Navy Day Commemorative Service (7 September) This day of commemorative services is held on the Sunday nearest to the 3 of September. Many, many commemorative services were held and very well supported throughout the UK and Commonwealth particularly in the traditional maritime ports and cities.

This year’s principle MNDCS organised in collaboration of senior MNA National Councillors as members of the MNDCS organising committee and on the day of the service held at the MN Memorial, Trinity Square Gardens, Tower Hill, London, this also involved the Merchant Navy Association Patron, President, Vice Presidents, Chairman, Ceremonials Officer and was supported by many other MNA members and Branches from around the UK, the service was well-attended in thankfully good weather.

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It was noted that the number of veterans attending is dwindling for a variety of reasons — something that this association will have to address and find some form of solution to improve recognition of the ordinary serving (past and present) seafarers of the Merchant Navy.

A separate report will be published on the MNA website being www.mna.org.u!

MV Derbyshire Memorial Service. A service to mark the 45th anniversary of the sudden and tragic loss of the MV Derbyshire with its 42 crew and 2 wives on board on the 9° September 1980 during typhoon Orchid in the South China Sea, was held on Saturday 13" September 2025 at Liverpool Parish Church of Our Lady and St. Nicholas, Chapel St, Liverpool (opposite the Pier Head) also known as the Seafarers Church.

The MV Derbyshire remains the largest UK built and registered vessel to be lost with all hands onboard. The families and supporters of those lost on the Derbyshire created the registered Charity - the Derbyshire Family Association, a campaigning body who fought long and hard to seek and secure justice on behalf of their loved ones and to find answers to the tragic loss. These dedicated individuals of the DFA secured funds to search for and locate the vessel remains, which led to the conclusion that there was no blame placed on the crew which perished.

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The MNA were represented at the service by our National Chairman, Secretary and
various members from the Liverpool, Merseyside, Wirral and North Wales Branches,
with the MNA Liverpool Standard and that of the Liverpool Retired Merchant Seamen on
parade as a show of utmost respect.
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Merchant Navy Annual National Service. The Annual Service in honour of the Merchant Navy was held at St. Pauls Cathedral, London on the 9" October 2024 and was once again a very well organised event and extremely well attended. The band of the Royal Marines played a variety of tunes and the last post. Although consisting of only three notes, leaves the listener with a feeling of melancholy and deep respect for those who have made their respective sacrifices in the duty of service to the Merchant Navy and their Country during times of peace and conflict.

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Tickets for future services can be obtained free of charge from the Seafarers Charity who organise the event on behalf of the Maritime Community via www.seafarerscharity.org

Please remember for future services that all ranks are welcome to attend.

Falklands War Memorial Service - Pangbourne. The service of remembrance and thanksgiving was held on Sunday 15" June 2025 at the Falklands Island Memorial Chapel in Pangbourne. The service sheet included the names of the fallen, including those of the MN and RFA. Our Ceremonials Officer Charles Woodward graciously represented the MNA and officially laid a wreath on our behalf.

The Not Forgotten Association (NFA) Buckingham Palace Garden Parties once again the MNA were invited to submit names of members to attend the Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace. Furthermore, many of our members attend various regional events organised by the NFA (see enotforg n.org for more information) once again our grateful thanks go to the NFA for their support towards all Veterans including those of the Merchant Navy.

Veterans Issues and Recognition the Association recognises the significance of all MN Seafarers and Fishers who have worked in support of the UK and also its armed services in times of war and peace. The Association continues to lobby government and other organisations to ensure that these men and women enjoy the benefits given to exmilitary personnel.

With the agreement of the Ministry of Defence, the Association takes responsibility for authenticating and issuing badges for MN veterans. Additionally, it is pleasing to note that Veterans UK, the government agency responsible for veteran’s affairs, following successful negotiations with the Association are now issuing veterans cards to those eligible members of the MN. These include those who have served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Maritime Auxiliary and any seafarer who has served on vessels utilised in the support of the armed services. Advice on applications can be obtained from our Events and Welfare Officer via 1ts@mna.org.uk

Full Ahead another successful year for our quarterly magazine — Full Ahead. This includes news about the association, its branches, diary events and articles of general interest to members of a maritime nature. The editor, Mrs Sandra Turner, works tirelessly in compiling the magazine and includes as much copy received from members and branches as possible. The National Council records its sincere thanks and appreciation to Mrs Turner for all her excellent work, time and commitment in producing this quality publication which is appreciated by all members of the MNA.

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Collaborative Working Partnership with the Merchant Navy Welfare Board (MNWB)

The Association has long been a constituent member of the MNWB which extended an invite for a collaborative partnership which was gratefully accepted and has led to improvements in the administration and welfare signposting, training and development of MNA Trustees and more. It is clear to both organisations that the Association will remain autonomous. The benefits of this arrangement to the Association include but are not limited to access to better support from an organisation with professional staff, excellent knowledge and a wide range of contacts throughout the maritime community and links with other charitable organisations. We extend our thanks to the MNWB for their support and encouragement.

MN Association Boat Club (MNABC)

The Boat Club is open to all MNA members. The benefits include:

With the mutual agreement of the Boat Club, and prior to the Annual General Meeting in October 2024, work was underway to separate it from the National Association in order that it can operate independently whilst maintaining its close affiliation, in the same way a local branch would operate. The Association would like to record its thanks the MNABC Commodore, Clive Edwards and the other MNABC committee members for all their ongoing work.

Merchant Navy National Honours Committee and Merchant Navy Medal for

Meritorious Service

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The Association is an active member of this committee for which it pays an annual subscription of £100. The committee reviews nominations and recommends them for an award. The MNA is continuing to support the Committee in its efforts to lobby government to raise medal’s position in the Order of Wear.

Welfare Grants. The Association is empowered to award “one-off” grants to help both working age and retired seafarers and their dependent families. Whilst beneficiaries are primarily members, it can also help others who meet the criteria. These grants can be used for the purchase of capital items or towards support. In most cases, it will signpost applicants to other sources of help as well. Importantly, when appropriate, it works with other organisations to share costs and also to seek expert advice, such as obtaining benefits or debt counselling.

Archives and Research. The Association’s archivist Ben Stock provides advice and information to the Council, the members and others in regard to MN History. He continues to add further information, including Survivor’s Reports to the Stockbridge Compendium of 20th Century Merchant Navy & Fishing Fleet Wartime Casualties. The Association has agreed that, for a small fee payable to itself, information about ship losses during both World Wars, which in many cases can include survivors’ reports, can be sent to enquirers. These maybe historians, or more likely, family members looking for information about their ancestors. The Association records it thanks to Mr Stock for all his hard work.

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THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION FINANCIAL REVIEW 2024/2025

MNA Account Status

Account AccountatQ4 Change in theperiod Comment
(31/08) (01/06 to31/08)
Current £6,100.55 £737.12 Paid out £13,208
Receipts £42,812.
£5k moved in from
Reserve Account for Hull
Council Meeting.
Reserve £143,254.77 £22,206.94 Transferred infrom
Fundraisingand donations.
Monies transferred out to
current account to maintain
aworking capital of£6k
Fundraising £506.14 (£30.896.06)
small donations. This
reducesthe risk oflosing
money should the accountbe
hacked.
WelfareSupport £3,664.39 (£223.20) PaidoutbyTBrant04.08.25
toMrs.
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Pro anc Loss Merchant Navy Assocation For the Q4 and Year End

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The Merchant Navy Association 32% from ship to shore, from past to present Cin}

This financial report has been prepared by the National Treasurer Glyn Dodson in conjunction with the Deputy National Treasurer lan Purvey and has been presented to the National Council for their consideration and decision.

The National Council, having considered this financial report, hereby recommends that the report be endorsed and adopted by the Annual General Meeting.

Introduction

This report is in two sections, the first being for our[financial][performance][for][ Quarter][ 4] covering the period 1st June 2025 to 31* August 2025.

The second section covers up to the end of the accounting financial year, 31° August 2025.

It is fair to say the last quarter is historically always quieter and the figures highlight that.

The performance over the year is where our interest should lay as this forms the basis of how well we did overall.

Profit & Loss Q4 (1* June to 31° August 2025).

Income - downforecaston by £4k

We only received £3,600 income in the last 3 months and that is really split between donations and membership.

Taken in isolation, it is worrying to see sucha low level of income over 3 months.

Expendituredown on forecast by £4K

Whilst we didn’t spend as much as in the previous quarters and less than we budgeted, looking at the costs “Full Ahead” magazine at £4.4k this quarter is our single biggest outlay and the cost of which has increased since our Q3 report.

ConclusionQ4

The quarter with less income and less expenditure balances out to what was forecast in the 2024/25 budget.

Profit& Loss 2024/5

MNA Annual Report and Accounts 2024/25

mna * The Merchant Navy Association ¥Sa% — from ship to shore, from past to present yn?

Income — up on forecast by £44.7k

Our income in the year is £73,762 which is extremely good. When setting out a budget you cannot consider donations, so our income is always perceived as low. This year we received £50k in donations. Membership was budgeted at £19,750 which is based on previous years, sadly this year is £1600 lower than forecast

Expendituredown on forecast by £7K

We spent £43,763 this year against a budget-spend of £50,910. We also spent £1000 less on “Full Ahead” than anticipated.

Conclusion 2024/5 Overall.

We have made an exceptional overall figure of £29,997 profit, based on income v expenditure, but that has been totally reliant on donations made to the Association in their various forms.

| think we would all agree that there is an urgent need for an action plan to be established and thereafter executed successfully to improve national membership levels. It is estimated within maritime industry circles and via recent national surveys conducted by other maritime charities that there are close to 200,000 active and retired seafarers who would be eligible for full membership and many more who would qualify for associate membership.

| would also suggest we need to look at additional alternative revenue strings, the “Full Ahead” quarterly magazine is a quality publication, however we need to make it more attractive to potential advertisers so it can be self-funding. We could also investigate the potential of our own website.

A word of warning to all if we do nothing at all combined with a couple of bad years in obtaining donations and falling membership will clearly put the charity in a difficult situation, whereby some very difficult financial decisions will have to be made as we cannot allow the Association to whither on the vine.

Reserves policy:

| Funds are held to cover at least 12 months of operational costs.

Cash held: Cash at hand, in the bank on 31st August 2025 was £153,525 (£123,165 — 2023/24) in unrestricted funds. The main financial risk of the charity is a reduction in annual subscriptions and the loss of all donations/legacies.

Primary funding:

|The regular sources of annual funding are from:

MNA Annual Report and Accounts 2024/25

aaa The Merchant Navy Association 3% a from ship to shore, from past to present CVIND

Exceptional Transactions. There were none.

Future Plans. The activities of the Association are set to continue largely as above, and it will also explore means of trying to increase membership and other income streams.

Declaration. The trustees declare that they have approved the trustee’s annual report above.

Signed on behalf of the trustees

==> picture [182 x 47] intentionally omitted <==

----- Start of picture text -----
Signature ’ -Sfeag
----- End of picture text -----

Full name Captain lan Hodge MNI

Position Chairman

Date 26th October 2024

MNA Annual Report and Accounts 2024/25

ee A a

The Merchant Navy Association ¥3a% from ship to shore, from past to present Cin),

THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1st SEPTEMBER 2024 TO 31st AUGUST 2025

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of Merchant Navy Association

| report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts the charity for the year ended 31st August 2025 which are set out on pages 9 to 11.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity’s trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”). | reportin respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination | have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

| have completed my examination. | confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act. or

Za the accounts do not accord with those records.

| have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Carrie Jensen ACA Forrester Boyd 26 South St Mary's Gate Grimsby DN31 1LW

MNA Annual Report and Accounts 2024/25