na 'I'he Nlerchant I'aii ,1S¢*()eialioi) frorn ship ro Shore. Irvm pdst to pteseni Att8¢hment 2. AGM Agenda Item 6. 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 1" September 2024 to 31" August 2025 MNAAnnual RepJrt8nd Accounts 2024125
na 'I'he Nlerehani laii, ,4641*0('ialioii from shtp fo Shore Ifoffl PdSt io piesent THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION BOARD OF TRUSTEE'S REPORT & ANNUALACCOUNTS 1¥t SEPTEMBER 2024to 31stAUGUST2025 CONTENTS Section Pages Report ofthe Trustees 2~17 Annual Financial Accounts 18-22 Independent Examiners report on financial statements 23 MNAAnnu81 Aaport 8nd Accou¥ 2024125
nina 'I'he Nlerchant .444501'ialioii fom %htp io shtsre. Iforn Pdsi io present THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR 111 SEPTEMBER 2024to 31•tAugust 2025 Trustees who managolha Assoclatlon-The Ngtlonal CounclUor8: Executlve Committee lwlth offoct from 261h Octobor 2024): Capt. l Hodge MRIN MNI C8Pt. C Woodward MNMAFNI Capt. O P8rsons Chairrnan Vice Ch8irmaD Secretary" (Re-elected 26 October 2025. Retired 16 December 2024) 8r8nch knaison" IResigned November 20241 Events & Welfare Officer Membership Secretary Deputy Membership Secretary Treasurer Deputy Treasurer Deputy Events Manager Deputy Welfare Officer C8Pt. David Knight JP T Brant MNM FEI R Glencross MNM P Minter G Dodson I PuNey F Kelly MNM G M¢Geever Bsc IHonsl CEng MSOE MIPiantE K Usher MNM C Edwards DepLrty Secretary" (Secretary from 16 December 20241 MNABC Commodore" {Resigned November 20241 Other Counclliors: A Hilder A Speight Bsc leng IMarEng M Wootton H Andrews S Coveney STodd MNM Councillor Councillor IRe-ele¢ted 26° October 20241 Councillor Legal Advisor {Elected 26" October 2024) MNW8 Liaison Officer (Elected 26" October 20241 Councillor (Appointed 26 October 2024 subject to election atthe 2025 AGMI Councillor (Appointed 26" October 2024 subject to election atthe 2025AGMI Councillor (Appointed 26" October 2024 subject to 81ection 8t the 2025 AGMI Webmaster. (Resigned December 20241 Councillor" IDied April 20251 R Evans A Palmer C8pt. T Hughes FRIN FNI Capt. G Peaston MNAAnnu81 Report 8nd Account$ 2024125
mna 'I'he Nlerehani .N'aii' .4si¥oeialioiJ ftom ship ro shore. Irorn pdsl 11) pl*%t Trustee electlons: Trusteeg are elected. by rotation. for a five-year term of office by the Annual General Meeting. An executive committee consisting18s of 26 October 2024 8nd subject to review) ofthe Chairman, Vice Chairman. immediate pastchairman. Secretary. Treasurer. Membership Secretary. Events &Welfare Officer are elected bythe N8tion81 Council underthe election reguLation$. The executive committee is responsible for the d8y-to-d8y administration of the Association. The N8tion81 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. fortheir commitment and dedic8tion to service for the greater good ol the Associ8tion and to the wider MNA membership and respective 8ffiliated Branch88. PATRON (Elected byNational Council) Admiral Lord West ot Spitheod GC8 DSC Prosldent & Vlce Presidents {Ele¢ted byNational Councio Capt8in Sir lan M¢Naught KCVO MNM FNI (President) Captain John Sail MNM (Vice President) Captain Malcolm Mathison MNM (Vice President) The N8tion81 Coun¢ll 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 8nd tor the general promotion of the campaign for the recognition and respect of active and retired se8f8rers of the Merchant Navy and Fisheries forthe sacrifices made duringtimes of peace 8nd conflict. Bank National West Minster 119 High Street Scunthorpe DN156LT Accountant8 Forrester Boyd Chartered Accountants 26 South St. Mary's Gate Grimsby DN311L MNAAnnu81 Raport and A¢counts2024125
Inna 'I'he Nlerchant .Naii' .155oeialioii from Ship to Shore Irom po>t lo ptèsert THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THEYEAR lat SEPTEMBER 2024to 311tAugust 2025 GOVERNANCE Charlty Name: THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION Registratlon Detalis: The Association is registered with the. Charity Commission for England &Wales as number 1135661 Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator Scotland IOSCRI as numberSC052677 Charlty's registared office: 8 Cumberiand Place, Southampton. S015 2BH Phone: 02381550105 secretary@mna.org.uk www.mna.org.uk Emall: Websito: Note: The Charitydoes not own or rent property but is gratefultothe Merch8nt Navy Welfare Board for allowing it to register it at their address which will allow for continuity. OBJECTS AND ACTIVITIES Publlc b8neflt: The objects ofthe Charity are for public benefit. to provide charitable support and services to the Association's membership. other connected persons, or associations, societies or other bodieswhose objects are similar. Govornlng Document: The Constitution adopted 11" June 2009: and amended on 24" October 2020. 241n April 202 and 26" May 2022. Constltutlon: The Merchant Navy Association is an unincorporated association. Summary of the objects 8•t out In tho Con8tftutlon. MNAAnnu81 R8port8nd Accounts202412S
mna 'I'he IllerchaRlI .I"aJi' .1(0Clat1OI) ITr)m %hip 10 Shore. Iro(n tts ptesent
b To foster comradeship and consideration to all those in the community ofthe sea. To help relieve and assist all serving and retired seafarers and their dependants who are in hardship or distress by reasons of poverty. disability. sickness, infirmity or otherwise. to help support the families of seafarers who have lost their lives in service or retirement. To inform the wider public on the role, purpose and historyof the Merchant Navy and Fishing Fleets and to signpostthose interested in a career at sea. The Constitution is reviewd on an annual basis to ensure that it remains relevant. Annual G•neval Meeting 2024: The 2024Annual General Meeting took place in The Royal Hotel. Waterloo, Liverpool on Saturday 26tty October 2024. RlskAs$ossm8nt: A RiskAssessment Policy is in place and reviewed annually. Other Pollcles.. 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 Protectlon: The Association complies fully with all data protection regulations and is registered with the Information Commissioners Off ice. Worklngwlth related Charftles and Organlsatlons: The Association works with other related parties. It is a constituent member ofthe Merchant NavyWelf8re Board and regularly attends various appropriate meetings oftheir members. It is also 8 member of orworks closelywith severalveterans, organisationsto lobby for and improve entitlements for Merchant Navyveterans. The Merchant NavyAssociation is the sole body issuingveteran badges on behalf of the UK government. M8etlng8: The National Council endeavoursto meet fourtimes peryear. In normal circumstances two of those meetings will be held in a geogr8phically convenient location and venue with suitable accessibility and facilities for attendees whilst the other two are held online. Memb8r8hlp: Membership is open to individuals over the age of 18 who are resident in the United Kingdom, have UK Nationality, or reside in a countryvthere an international Br8nch exists andlor are servingor have served. On a merchant ship On a fishingvessel As an employed crew member aboard a y8cht MNAAnnu•l RvM)rt and kcouffjs 2024125
mna 'I'he Nlerehant JaiTr" ,l*if•l)eialioii fiom Ship to shore. Irom pasi iu pre%ent
As a member ofa lifeboat crew As an employee of the Maritime & Coastguard Agencyor its equivalent Associate membership is available to thosewho do not qualify forfull membership but who support the Objectives ofthe Association. AIL UK members pay (currently) an annual subscription of £12.00 and those from overseas £18.00. primarilyto coverthe printing and postage costs ofthe FullAhead magazine which is published on a quarterly basis. Duringthis financialyearwe 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. Admlnlstratlon: The day-to-day administration ofthe Association is undertaken on voluntary basis bythe members elected to the Executive Committee workingfrom their own homes. Regular online and face to face meetings are undertaken with Council members. Branches: Branches are 8ffili8ted to and uphold the principles set out from time to time by the National Association. All operate autonomouslyand are responsible fortheir own governance and finances. Branches agreeingto abide bythe principles and guidelines issued bythe 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. Aberystwyth Axe Vale Blackpool Boston & Lincs Bristol Caithness Immingham Ribble Valley Ipswich Salford Kent Scarborough Liverpool Solent London & Greater London Tamworth Mansfield &Ashfield Taunton ktk Dormanstown & Redcar Dumfries Edinburgh & Forth Exeter Felixstowe Glasgow & Clydeside Harrogate Medway Midlands Morecambe Bay Newport North Wales Pill & North Somerset Plymouth & Southwest Tilbury Torbay Weymouth & Portland Walton & District West Norfolk Western Isles Wirral MNAAnnu41 RekN)rtond Account5 2024125
mna 'I'he. li lerehani laii. ,15+iociaiioii Iit)m %hip to shoe from ¥1 iu prp%effti Overseas: Singapore Enquiries have been received relatingto the potential of a new Branch being set up and launched in Portugal but remainsvery much in embryonic discussion phase. Branches. provide an opportunityfor fellovrfship and pride in being part ofthe Merchant Nawy. They enable members to foster a sense of belonging and being part of a cohesive movement to make changes happen and be a platform for Change. They can also reach outto 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 actlvltles: All branches, whilst remainingautonomous, work closelywith the Nation8lAssociation, which provides them with advice. guidance and support where needed. The Natlonal Councll: shall consist of no less than eight, nor more than twenty-one, National Gouncillors. The National Council shell meet togetherforthe conduct of business as often as it shall think fit but shall endeavourto 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 bythe AGM. Each Councillor being elected fora term of five years and may seek re-election at the end of that term of office. MNAAnnual Report A¢counts 2024125
mna 'I'he Nlerehani N'aii. ,4550('ialioi) ffom shtrp ro Shore. lioffl pdsl lu p>teseDt THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION TRUSTEES REPORT FOR THE YEAR 1•1 SEPTEMBER 2024 to 31•1 August 2025 ACHIVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE Strategic revlew sub-commltteo Inltlal report: The initial report Compiled bythe strategic review sub-committee was submitted at late notice to the October 24 Quarterly Council meetingfor information, which would then require further ongoing discussion and decision that would effectively putthe 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 oureveryday dealings a more open, transparent and democratic processes at the appropriate levels ofdecision making. Chang8 of Natlonal Secretsrr. The former National Secretary Captain David P8rsons decided to retire from his role due tothe workload expected within the post of National Secretarywhich 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 Usherwould step up to the role of National Secretarya year soonerthan ever Énticipated from the 16TbOI December 2024 and in the meantime. David kindly agreed to work closelywith 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 ofthe MNA by Captain David Parsons. A copy ofthe letterwas also published within the Associations "FullAhead" quarterly magazine. Strateglc revlew Executlve Statement: Following a series of online meetings the Executive issued a statement outto the Nationalcouncil at a special meeting held on the 11th January 2025 setting out a list of proposals for consideration. recommendation and adoption bythe National Council at its subsequent meetingto be held on 1st February 2025. allowing individual members of the National Council to consult with their Branches or other colleagues and to ask any questionsfor clarity duringthe MNAAnnual Rèport and Accounts 202412S
Inna 'I'he Nlerehant .Naii' .15'5()('iaiioii £hip to 5hore.frorn pasi to pie5ent intervening period. Each of the respective proposals was talked through and debated at Ihor the meetingon the 11 January 2025. A copy ofthe Executive Stetement was issued to all Branches and is available upon request via Natlonal Councll endorsement of proposals: The Executive Statement issued on 11 January 2025, was addressed in full. at the Quarterly meeting held on 1st February 2025 resulting in the overwhelming majority lall bar one) being moved. seconded and voted upon individually and endorsed unanimously bythe attendees of the meeting. The proposals endorsed also included the advertisingfor a newwebmaster and fortwo additional roles of Press and Publicity Off icertogetherwith advertisingchamp Ithis 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 follovls: Chairman, lan Hodge- Lliairman@mna.org.uk Vice Chairman, Gerry McGeever- echair@mna.org.uk Membership. RoyGlencross- 3mbership@mna.org.uk Dep. Membership, Paul Minter- Jepmem@mna.org.uk Events & Welfare. Tim Brant- '.nts@mna.org.uk Treasurer, Glyn Dodson- er@mna.org.uk Dep, treasurer, lan Purvey- eptreas@mna.org.uk FullAhead. Sandra Turner- IiJllahead@mna.org.uk Governance, HenryAndrews- ' yvt.. r nLince@mna.org.uk Conference/Branch Comm's, Ned Kelly- lunferencebranch@mna.org.uk Webmaster. Mike Fitzpatrick- 'iasierLo)mna.org.uk Press and publicity, Jon Whowl1- I,'"essandpublicity@mna.org.uk Secretary, Ken Usher- i.n&org.uk Revlgw of and updatlngof b*It8. Itwas agreed by the National Council that the MNAWeb8lte would be updated. Therefore, several quotes to undertake theworkwere obtained in line with good govemance and financial responsibilitywith Council finally optingto engage the services of Grow Media to assist in this review and updating ofthe website the domain address forwhich remain unchanged at The National Council recorded its sincere thanks and 8ppreciation to the former MNA webmaster Captain Terry Hughes. who developed the previous website from scratch MNAAnnu81 Report•n¢ A¢counts 2024125
'I'he. Nlerchant .I"aii' .4550Ciatioi) fTOm ihip 10 Shore. Itorn past io present without any previous experience in web development and overseen its operational function for over e decade. forwhich we shall be forever grateful. EssentlalTrust88 TraSning: Followingthe changes adopted by the National Council in February 2025. a training need was identified as manyof the elected Nation81 Council members had not undertaken anytraining in'good governance orthe 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 memberswas therefore considered important. This dedicated training session was generouslyfunded bythe MNWB and delivered with professionalism by the Hull CVS on 11" April 2025 prior to the quarteriycouncil meeting being held in Hullthe following day. The MNAwishes to place on record its grateful Ihanks to both organisations for the respective funding and deliveryofthe training. Quarterly NationalCoun¢ll M88tlng 12th Aprll2025- Hull At this meeting the Council and visiting members had the pleasure to hear ihe 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 closelywith 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 ordebate. Additionally. we were extremely pleased towelcome a variety of individual members, and an extr8 Warm welcome was given to Geoff Johnson of the Independent Hull MNA and N8tional MNAwho proudlygave members of the National Council a tour around historical sites and in particularthe Trinity House Old Boys statues. MNAAwards: Atthe National Council meeting held in February, it was agreed that the Secretary should source the supplyof special awards which would be issued to individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development ofthe MNA. This was undertaken and the first presentations arranged to take place in London over MNAAnnual Report and Account3 2024125
mna 'I'he Nlerchant .I'aii' .4550cialioii frorn %hip to 5hofE.froffl w51 10 wesent the weekend ofthe MNDCS at Tower Hill. Other intended recipients could not attend in person, so alternative arrangements are being made to have their awards presented separately. Chalrmans Tralnlng & Development: As part ofthe ongoingtraining and development sessions itwas also agreed that the Chairman of the Association would also undergo training which he completed in June alongwith severalCh8ir persons trom other Charitable organisations both within and extèrnal to the Maritime communitywhich also encouraged exchange in ideas and allowed fora degree of networking, enabling lan Hodge to promote the airns and objectives ofthe MNA. VE Day Commemoratlon3:18" May 2025) The Nation had the opportunityto pay its respects end gratitude in honour ofthe Second World War generation from across the UK and Commonwealth. through a series of nationaland local events and the observance of 8 two-minute silence. Additionally, members of the public were able to thot watch the VE Day 80 military procession and fly past that took place on the S May 2025. Once again there was a distinct lack of mention across all media plattorms of the involvement and commitment ofthe brave men and women of all ranks of the Merchant Navy. Plymouth MNA Grant applicatlon to MNWB. An application was made to the MNWB for a grant towards the commissioning of a plaque in acknovAedgment to the sculpture of the"night watchman" statuette designed by Bill Fav8ta a former Master Marinerand latter a lecturer atthe Plymouth School of Maritime Studies teachingyoung cadets. Bill was also a prolific artist. The Branch sought to raise the figure of around £1100.00 for the plaque and any additional surn raised wmuld go towards the memorials upkeep situated on the Hoe. We are pleased to Gonfirrn thatthe MNWB endorsed the application forwhich the Plymouth MNA and the NetionalAssociation express our grateful thanks. VJ Day Comm8moratlons. (15"Augustl The national and commonwealth tributes were led in the UK bythe King and Queen and who were joined byworld 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 (3vd September 2025). This year marked the 10" Anniversary ofthe campaign to fly the"Red Ensign" and lo 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. MNAAnnu8l RgPOrt8nd kcountg2024125
mna 'rhe Nlerchaiit ,laii' .4550eialioi) frorn ship to 5hore.Irorn w51 10 P-tsert The campaign which is held on the same date each year seeks to ensure that local town. city and other metropolitan authorities fiythe Merchant Navy's flagalso known as the"Red Duster" above town halls and council houses across the UK to show support forthe MN and in recognition of the vital role merchant seafarers play in keepingthe nation supplied and in global maritime trades. The date13rd September) marks the outbreakof wartogether with the anniversaryof the sinking of the SS Athenia, the first British merchant ship Ipassengerl sunk by the Germans duringWW2 which in turn began the longest continuous campaign of the war, beingthe"Battle of the Atlantic". Various services and ceremonies Vre held throughout the UK and Commonwealth who also recognise the d8te in honourof their own merchant seafarers. Merchant Navy Medalfor M8rltorlous SeNlce (MNM) On the 3R1 September 2025. this year's recipients of the award was announced and awarded to seafarers who have set an outstanding example to others bytheirdevotion to duty or exemplary service and for people who are sermng or have served in the Merchant Navy orfishing fleets of the UK, IOM. Channel Islands orthe British Overse8sTerritories. We are delighted to confirm that ofthe 12 medals awarded this year ourveryown National Council member Sharon Coveneywasjustifiably awarded the MNM for services to safety and welfare. Sincere Congratulations are sent to Sharon on her significant achievement. Merchant Navy Day Commomoratfve Servlce September) This dayof commemorative services is held on the Sunday nearest to the 3rd ofseptember. Many, many commemorative services were held and very well 5UPPOrted 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 organisingcommittee and on the day of the service held atthe MN Memorial. Trinity Square Gardens. Tower Hill, London. this also involved the Merchant NavyAssociation 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. MNAAnnu81 R8port Accounts 2024125
Inna 'I'he Nlerehani laii. .4•90claI1o1) from Ih*p io shore. Iforn pasi io piesent It was noted that the numberofveterans attending is dwindlingfor 8 Variety of reasons- something that this association will have to address and find some form of solution to improve recognition ofthe ordinary serving (past and presentl seafarers ofthe Merchant Navy. A separate reportwill be published on the MNAwebsite beingwww.mna.org.uk MV Derbyshlre Memorfal Service. A sep4ice to mark the 45th anniversary of the sudden and tragic loss ofthe MV Derbyshire with its 42 crew and 2 wives on board on the 9TN September 1980 duringtyphoon Orchid in the South China Sea, was held on Saturday 13" September 2025 at Liverpool Parish Church ot Our Lady and St. Nicholas. Chapel St. Liverpool (opposite the Pier Headl also known as the Seafarers Church. The MV Derbyshire remains the largest UK built and registered vesselto be lostwith all hands onboard. The families and supporters ofthose lost on the Derbyshire created the registered Charity- the Derbyshire FamilyAssociation, a campaigning bodywho fought long and hard to seek and secure justice on behalf oftheir loved ones and to find answers to the tragic loss. These dedicated individuals ofthe DFA secured funds to search for and locate the vessel remains. which led to the conclusion thatthere was no blame placed on the crewwhich perished. The MNA were represented atthe service by our National Chairman. Secretaryand various members from the Liverpool, Merseyside. Wirral and North W8les Branches. with the MNA Liverpool Standard and that ofthe Liverpool Retired Merchant Seamen on parade as a show of utmost respect. M.V. Oerby4hire Merchant NavyAnnual Natlonal Servlca. The Annual Service in honour ofthe Merchant Navywas held at St. Pauls Cathedral. London on the 9"October 2024 and was once again a verywell organised event and extremely well attended. The band of the Royal Marines played a variety of tunes and the last post. Although consisting of onlythree notes, leaves the listener with a feelingof melancholy and deep respect for those who have made their respective sacrifices in the duty of service to the Merchant Nawy and theircountry duringtimes of peace and conflict. MNAAnnu81 Report andA¢coyMs 2024125
na 'I'he Illerchanl laii. .4550Clatioii frorn ship to shore. Ifom past lo westni Tickets forfuture services can be obtained free ofch8rge from the Seafarers Charity who organise the event on behalf of the Maritime Communityvia www.se8farerscharity.org Please remember forfuture services that all ranks are welcome to attend. Falldands War Memorlal SeNlco- Pangbourne. The service of remembrance and thanksgivingwas held on Sunday 15th June 202S at the Falklands Island Memorial Chapel in Pangbourne. The service sheet included the names of the fallen, including those ofthe MN and RFA. Our Ceremonials Officer Charles Woodward graciously represented the MNA and officially laid a wreath on our behalf. The Not Forgotten As8oclatlon (NFA) Bucklngham Palaco Garden Partlas once again the MNAwere invited to submit names of members to attend the Garden Parties at Buckingham Palace. Furthermore. many of our members attend various regional events Organised bythe NFA (see for more inform8tionl once again our grateful thanks go tothe NFAfor their support towards allveterans includingthose of the Merchant Navy. Veter8n8188ue8 and Rocognltlon the Association reoognises the signifiGance of all MN Seafarers and Fishers who have Vrked in support ofthe UK and 8iso its armed services in times of war and peace. The Association continues to lobbygovernment and other organisations to ensure Ihat these men and women enjoythe benefits given to ex- military personnel. With the agreement of the Ministryof Defence. the Association takes responsibilityfor authenticating and issuing badges for MN veterans. Additionally. it is pleasingto note thatveterans UK, the government agency responsible fOrveten'S affairs. following successful negotiations with the Association are now issuingveterans cards to those eligible members of the MN. These include those who have served in the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, Royal Maritime Auxiliary and any seafarerwho has served on vessels utilised in the support ofthe armed services. Advice on applications can be obtained from our Events and Welfare Officervia . Full Ahead another succa88ful year for our quarterly mag8zlne- 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 Turnerfor all her excellent work. time and commitment in producing this quality publication which is appreciated by 8ll members of the MNA. MNAAnnual R8POrt and Account6 2024125
na "I'he li lerchani Naii" ,455ucialAOII Ir¢Mn 3hip io shore. ITom pdsi io present Collaborotlvo Worklng Partnershlp wlth the Merchant NavyW8lfar8 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 clearto both organisations that the Association will remain autonomous. The benefits ofthis arrangementto 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 ourthenks to the MNWB for their support and encouragement. MN Associatlon Boat Club (MNABC) The Boat Club is open to all MNA members. The benefits include: Keepingthe Association active in local sailingcommunities both on the coast and on inland waterways. Exchange of ideas for members through regional meetings. Lobby authorities on matters affecting safety on the water. Eligibilitytofiy MNABC pennant flag. lapel badge and ¢lothingwith logos for broader recognition. Affiliation to the RYA, otherorganisations and clubs. Partnership with the RNLI allowing membersto become MNA-RNLI Volunteer Ambassadors. Promotion of the RNLI'S Respect the Water Campaign on inland waterways. Formation of special interest groups. in particular the MNA Waterwatch scheme. Publication of the MNA Boat Club's"Boating Basics"guide for newcomers to boating Producing regular articles in publications such es FullAhead, The Pulse, Canals online etc. With the mutual agreement of the Boat Club, and priorto the Annual General Meeting in October 2024. work was undeaYtO separate it from the National Association in order that it can operate independentlywhilst maintaining its close affiliation, in the same way 8 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 Natlonal Honours Commltteo and Morchant Navy Medalfor Morltorlous Service MNAAnnual Reportand Accountr 2024125
Inna 'I'he. Nlerchanl .N'ai)' ,4550eialioii from ship to shDfE.from w51 Iv wesent The Association is an active memberof this committee forwhich it pays an annual subscription of £100. The committee reviews nominations and recommends them for an award. The MNA is continuingto support the Committee in its efforts to lobby government to raise medal's position in the Order ofwear. We(taro Grnnt8. The Association is eMp0vred to award-one-off" grants to help both workingage and retired $eaf8rers and their dependent families. Whilst benefici8ri6s are primarily members. it can also help others who meetthe criteria. These grants can be used forthe purchase of capital items or towards support. In most cases. itwill signpost applicants to other sources of help aswell. Importantly. when appropriate. it works with other organisations to share costs and also to seek expert advice. such as obtaining benef its or debt Counselling. Archlvos and Re8•arch. 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 Fleetwartime 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 sentto enquirers. These maybe historians. or more likely. family members lookingfor information abouttheir ancestors. The Association records it thanks to Mrstock forall his hard work. MNAAnnuo1 Report k¢ounts 2024125
nina 'I'he Nlercliant .Nai)' ,&56•oeiaiioii Irom ihip to shore.frorn pa%¢ lo Fytsent THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION FINANCIAL REVIEW 202412025 Account AccountatQ4 (31/08) Change in the period (01/06 to 31/08) Comment Current £6.100.55 £737.12 Paid out £13,208 Receipts £42,812. £5k moved in from Reserve Account for Hull Council Meeiing. Reserve £143.254.77 £22.206.94 Transferred in from Fundraising and donations. Monies transferred out to current account to maintain a working capital of £6k Fundraising £506.14 {£iO.896.06) Money moved out to allow this account to be used for small donations. This reduces the risk of loslng money should the account be hacked. Welfore Support £3,664.39 [£223.20) Paid out by T Brdnt 04.08.25 to Mrs. H LYXXX MNAAnnual Reporr and l£counts 2024125
Inna 'I'he. lerchant laii ,1550riaiioi) Irorn %hip to shDrE.from w5t io piès1 Ilan oss , the 04 and Y•ar Er¢J 2•?5 X35 ffu I iJu( [210 P4 IlJ40) fl• IW SI i { io ITJ NI IMJ• i) E61• ce'i IiJ• {141 ** (141 35 (Sn A4 (} ty)i ¥) 1 11410 fgF(> 11 •io fl l)J I 101 sy £0 c•J [37. (IX) (4 F41 ••14•J (2.ITF 4Jry)
Inna 'I'he. Nlercliani ,I"aii' ,1550cialioi) from Thip ro shore. Irorn pasi io pie*nt This financial report has been prepared bythe NationalTreasurer 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 Natlon8l Councll. havlngconsldered thls flnanclal report. hereby recommends that the report be endorsed and adopted bythe Annual General M8etlng. This report is in two sections. the first beingfor ourfinancial performance for Quarter4 coveringthe period 1st June 2025 to 31¥August 2025. Th8 second section covers up to the end ofthe accountingfinancial year. 31 August 2025. It isfairto saythe last quarter is historically always quieter and the figures highlight that. The performance over the year is where our interest should layas this forms the basis of how well we did overall. P.tQ We only received £3.600 income in the last 3 months and that is really split beeen donations 8nd membership. Tak8n in isolation. it is worryingto see such a low levelof income over 3 months. Whilstwe didn't spend as much as in the prewous qu8rters 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. The ouarterwith less income and less expenditure b8lances outto whatwas forecast in the 2024125 budget. Profil.&.S2o2415 MNAAnnual RaportaThJ Accounts 2024125
mna 'I'he. Nlerehant Nai). .45'.soeiatioi) from *hip to shore. Iroffl lo present Our income in the year is £73,762 which is extremelygood. When settingout a budget YOU Cannot consider donations. so our income is always perceived as low. Thisyearwe received £50k in donations. Membership was budgeted at £19,750 which is based on previous years, sadlythis year is £1600 lowerthan forecast We spent £43,763 this year against a budget-spend of £50,910. We also spent £1000 less on"FullAhead" than anticipated. We have made an exceptional overall figure of £29.997 profit. based on incomev expenditure, but that has been totally relianton donations made to the Association in theirvarious forms. I thinkwe would all agree that there is an urgent need for an action plan to be established and thereafter executed successfullyto 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 seatarers who would be eligible forfull membership and many more whowould qualify for associate membership. I would also suggest we need to look at additionalalternative revenue strings, the"Full Ah8ad" quarterly magazine is a quality publication. howeverwe need to make it more 8ttractive to potential advertisers so it can be self-funding. We could also investigate the potential of our own website. Aword of warningto all ifwe do nothingat all combined with a couple of bad years in obtainingdon8tions 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 pollcy: Funds are held to cover at least 12 months of operational costs. Cash held: Cash at hand, in the bank on 31stAugust 2025 was £153.525 (£123,16S- 20231241 in unrestricted funds. The main financial risk of the charity is a reduction in annual subscriptions and the loss of all donationsllegacies. Prlmaryfundlng: The regular sources of annualfunding are from: MNA Annu81 Report andAccounts 2024125
Inna 'I'he Nlerchant Naii. .456*ocialioi) Iforn ship ro Shore. Ifvm Pasi io presenT Membership subscription which. in 2024125 amounted to £18194 {2023124- £19,787) Donations-the Association receives a number of donations annually. In 2024125 these amounted to £50.116 {2023124- £58.4621 including GiftAid {All donors are asked to add Gift Aid where possible, and this money is reclaimed annually.) Legacies are also welcome. ExceptlonalTransactlon3. There were none. Future Plans. The activities of the Association are setto continue largely as above. and itwill also explore means oftryingto increase membership and other income streams. Declaration. The trustees declare that they have appfoved the trustee's annual report 8bove. Signed on behalf of the trustees Signature Full name Captain lan Hodge MNI Position Chairman Date 26th October 2024 MNAAnnual Report gnd Accounts 2024125
mna 'I'he Nlerclianl I'aii. .4550cialioi) from fjhtp ro Shore. Irorn pdsi lo pie%ent THE MERCHANT NAVY ASSOCIATION INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT ON THE FINANCIAL ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 1st SEPTEMBER 2024TO 31st AUGUST 2025 Independent Examiner's Report to the Twstees of Merchant Navy Association I report to the charitytrustees on my examination ofthe accounts the charityfor the year ended 31st August 2025which are set out on pages 9t0 11. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees you are responsible ft)rthe preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements ofthe Charities Act 20111.the Act"}. I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carryingout my examination I have followed allthe applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5llb) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examinetion. I confirm that no materi81 matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act. or the accounts do not accord with those records. I 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 understandingof the accounts to be reached. Carrie Jensen ACA Forrester Boyd 26 South St Mary's Gate Grimsby DN31 1LW MNAAnnual Report and A¢¢gunt8 2024125