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London Branch April 2012


Written by London Branch | Posted on 22nd April 2012


Greetings to all

At the time of compiling this rather regrettably short edition, no further information has been displayed on the Belfast web site regarding the re-opening of the ship to visitors other than that already given, which states that this will be "after Easter 2012". [Editor: The IWM is currently giving the date of reopening for HMS Belfast as 18 May 2012.] As Easter is quoted, it would seem very unlikely that any serious length of time beyond this point will elapse before access to the ship, it would be reasonable to assume that our May meeting will be able to go ahead without problems. But nothing is certain, of course, and members who normally attend meetings will be contacted by the Branch Secretary at least a week (or more) before the event, to clarify the situation. Just in case you usually attend, but are inadvertently missed out and do not receive a call, please contact the Branch Sec. using the contact address on the home page. Contact details may be left and a reply will follow to ensure that you do not make a fruitless journey to the Belfast. Let us hope that this will prove to be un-necessary and our normal meeting will again be held on the day. A reminder about the proposed visit — or visits — to Medusa (formerly HDML 1387) during the time she is on the Thames to take part in the Jubilee celebrations. David Carter has now received quite a few names of Branch members, and those of their families who wish to go aboard. When they do, some of the former will undoubtedly be reminded again of what life used to be like (in much less hospitable circumstances) and for wives, sons and daughters to see for the first time where dads spent their time (full board, lots of activities, length of stay unknown). And this will be thanks to all those involved in the restoration of the boat and the tremendous amount of planning, time and effort that has — and still is — being put into the project. Please notify David of any further names in good time, so that last minute additions can be avoided in his arrangements with the Medusa Trust. He can be reached using the contact details in the membership list or by forwarding a message to us using the contact address on the home page. London Branch member Doug Elliott phoned to say that he had, recently, been aboard Medusa whilst she was at her berth in Gosport Marina. The visit was part of a pre 90th birthday celebration arranged by his son-in-law — with his birthday on the 24th of this month. Doug was quite overwhelmed with the visit and the welcome he received from Brian Holmes, who showed him around. Brian told Doug that he was probably the oldest former Coastal Forces CO to have visited Medusa. Due to mobility problems Doug was unable to below, but made the most of the upper deck and bridge etc. being happy to get photos of the places he could not go down to. Should members boarding Medusa in June leave the boat with the same amount of enthusiasm for her that Doug now displays, the visits would certainly have been well worth while. Please let David know if you wish to be included. And finally, a reminder that members' details will be omitted from the new issue of the Branch Members List if subs have not been received by May 20th next. John Williamson reports a good response with subs renewals — a very heartening sign. The end of the road is not yet upon us! With best wishes, ED. Branch Sec.