Twenty four members and their guests enjoyed a pleasurable social gathering and agreeable meal at the Bolton Hotel today.
This event marked the end of meetings for this year. As we have come to expect, the hospitality and service offered to us is of the highest standard and much appreciated by all in attendance. Our thanks has been given to Janet Knox, Bolton Hotel Events Coordinator, who is always responsive to our needs.
Warden Eric, spoke briefly, welcoming all to the function and after the meal took the opportunity to present a membership certificate to Captain Mark Rothwell who has recently joined us.
Captain McEwan advised that he was shortly off to the UK to attend a Higher Command Course. This was the first meeting to be attended by Captain Shane Ardern. Michael Millar who recently underwent minor surgery was unable to attend and will be missed by the Branch when, before Christmas, he moves to live in Auckland. He intends to transfer his membership to the Master Mariners Auckland Branch.
Nic Campbell had previously advised that for health reasons he regretted not to being able to be in attendance.
The programme for next year is being formulated and a list of speakers being put together. It is timely to remind members that, as was instituted and encouraged, by Graham Williams when he was Branch Secretary, wives, partners and friends are welcome to attend any meeting that the speaker’s topic is of interest to them.
The first meeting of 2021 will take place in March with details to be given closer to that date.
Have a “Happy Christmas” and hope to continue with a Covid free New Year.
Ken Watt
SECRETARY