SOCA held it’s 2025 Fitting Out Lunch at the Cowper Arms on Saturday 29th March. There was a very good attendance with 22 members attending the very convivial gathering.
The Commodore, Terry, took the opportunity to thank the attendees and outlined the plans for SOCA events over the coming year.
The outgoing Commodore also presented the Commodore’s Cup to Peter Sackett who could not attend the2025 AGMwhere the cup was awarded to him.
The final action of the Fitting Out Lunch was for Geff to remind the attendees of his choices for the Commodore’s Charity for 2024-2025. It was decided to donate £400, £10 for every year of the 40 years SOCA had been in exsistence. This has been split evenly between the RNLI in recognition of it’s 200 year anniversary. With another £200 being presented to Grafham Water Sailability. Geff presented a cheque to Pauline who is a long time SOCA member and key member of Grafham Water Sailabilty.
The 2025 AGM was held on Thursday 13th March. The meeting was held at the RNA club WGC in addition it was also streamed as a ZOOM meeting for those members who couldn’t attend in person. The technical issues that we have on earlier meetings seemed, in the main, to be overcome and the whole session run very smoothly. This gave the retiring Commodore, Geff, the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.
Commodore’s Report
Commodore aboard Mutual FriendPast Commodore’s
Talks and Presentations.
April :- Dave Arnold gave a very interesting talk titled Antarctica and the Falkland Islands which was based on his trip in February 2023 to the Southern Oceans. May :-Sailing in the Greek Islands 2023. A talk was given by Terry with Stewart which contained many amusing anecdotes. A talk that was enjoyable and humorous with many stunning photographs. The meeting was well attended both in person and on ZOOM. September:– The planned presentation had to be delayed to another time due to illness. However in its place SOCA held a RNLI themed evening with videos and quizzes. The SOCA Commodore also made a donations to the Hitchin & District branch of the RNLI October :-Swinging, Spinning and Wobbling: pendulums, gyroscopes and Inertial Navigation A well attended meeting at the RNA W.G. City where Jeremy Batch presented in person. November :- Topic was a presentation on the steam tug CHALLENGE which is the last surviving example of a large purpose-built, Thames ship-handling steam tug, where she was based for her entire working life. January :- Sailing adventure in Patagonia. From Puerto Montt to Puerto Williams and around Cape Horn. Three months in an incredible place to sail. Dolphins and Penguins followed them on their trip. February :- Exploring the Rivers of Western France. Paul Bragg discussed some of the exciting adventures that he & Elaine have had navigating the rivers of Western France, in their Island Packet 380 sailing boat, Jennie B
Social Events, Quiz Events and Training
AprilSOCA held a celebration lunch on Saturday the 13th of April 2024 to mark the 40th Anniversary of its inception. The event was held at the Cowper Arms. The event was very well supported with numerous ex Commodores in attendance. June, As is usual in the sailing season many members were away sailing taking advantage of the good weather. Therefore, an informal drinks and chat was held at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City. July. Due to most members being on holiday or boating an informal get together was held at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City in place of the normal meeting. July. BBQ/ Dinghy Sailing. A BBQ & Dingy Sailing event was held at Paxton Lakes Sailing Club. A very good turnout with SOCA Members & BOSG Members enjoying good weather and with some wind for the sailors. July. A total of 18 persons took to the skies on a Glider Experience event. Very Good flying conditions and it was getting dark before the planes were put away. A very successful evening. August. A social event was held at the RNA in W G City. where future events was discussed. November.SOCA held its Laying Up Lunch at the Cowper Arms in Welwyn North. November. BOSG Laying Up & Christmas Lunch at the Prince of Wales Bedford. December. SOCA 2024 Photo Competition The annual nautical themed SOCA photo contest which included a pre-Christmas social, a Commodore’s fund raffle plus RNLI fund raising with Merchandise sales and donations. The best photos from this event will be in the 2026 SOCA calendar. February. RYA First Aid Course run by Ashley Cato Barton Turf Adventure Centre
Sailing in Company
May Sailing Weekend (East Coast). This was rearranged to later in the year {August}. June Honfleur and Mutual Friend meet up at Ipswich. August.AUGUST Cruising In Company (CIC) Sailing Weekend (East Coast). 4 Yachts joined each other at Levington for a weekend of sailing in company. September Sailing Weekend (Solent). Not officially organised during 2024. October Broads Sailing Weekend organised by BOSG members. OctoberSOCA members sailing in the South Ionian Island.
Trophies
Astrolabe :- for members presentation to the club
Awarded to Paul for his presentation “Exploring the Rivers of Western France” and for organising the excellent talk “Around The Horn” by Judith Jacobsen. Unfortunately Paul could not attend so he will be presented with it at a later date.
Joseph Evanson Trophy :- best log / navigation
Awarded to Alex Nicholas for his trip to Ostend (and back) in the company of other SOCA members.
Kelphil Bell :- for outstanding contribution to the club
Awarded to Dave Arnold for his outstanding contributions over many years of membership. His talk on trip to the Southern Oceans including Antarctica and Falkland Islands, is an example of the numerous talks he has given to the club. He also always has inspiring photos for the calendar and has had many years of service on the committee. Unfortunately Dave could not attend so he will be presented with it at a later date.
Belaying Pin :- For notable contribution at a sailing event
This is an On the Water trophy awarded to a boat rather than a member. It has not been presented for a number of years however the committee decided to reinstigate the award this year and awarded the Belaying Pin to Just Fleur – (Bob Leonard) for Stalwart participation and comradeship at the Summer East Coast Cruise 2024.
Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore
Awarded to Peter Sackett for his outstanding efforts in amalgamating SOCA and BOSG. Unfortunately Peter could not attend so he will be presented with it at a later date.
The outgoing Commodore (2024/2025) confirmed his Charity Choices for his year were the RNLI and Grafham WaterSailability.
2025 AGM Proceedings
The new Commodore then ran the 2025AGM, going through Apologies, 2024 Minutes, Treasurer’s Report, finalising with the election of new officers. His last action as SOCA Commodore was to thank all his fellow officers and committee members for their work during the year and for the presenters and organisers of events that made his year as Commodore during the 40 year anniversary an enjoyable experience.
The Commodore then stood down and handed over proceedings to Andrew (President) who conducted the appointment of the new Commodore.
The new Flag Officers for 2025/2026 were then endorsed by the membership at the AGM.
Terry Branson elected as Commodore Stewart Warren as Vice Commodore Paul Comley as Rear Commodore
Left to Right Paul, (Rear Commodore), Stewart (Vice Commodore) and Terry (Commodore 2025-2026)
NCI watchkeepers provide the eyes and ears along the coast, monitoring radio channels and providing a listening watch in poor visibility. When people find themselves in trouble, they are there to alert HM Coastguard and direct the appropriate rescue services to the casualty.
High technology and sophisticated systems such as radar and telecommunications have vastly improved safety at sea, but there is no substitute for a watchful pair of eyes. Accidents do happen and a computer or technology cannot spot a distress flare, an overturned boat, a yacht with problems or children or adults in trouble. That is why their lookouts and watchkeepers are an often-unseen lifeline to all those who use our coastal waters, footpaths and coastline.
HISTORY
In 1994 when two fishermen lost their lives off the Cornish coast near a recently closed Coastguard lookout, local people decided to open and restore the visual watch. When the first station was opened at Bass Point on the Lizard, NCI was born.Today, 2,800 trained volunteer watchkeepers at 60+ stations keep a visual and listening watch around the coastline of England and Wales.
The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events. “Future Events”
Saturday 29th March Fitting Out Lunch at Cowper Arms. The 2025 Fitting Out Lunch will be held at the Cowper Arms next to Welwyn North Railway Station. Please let the Commodore know if you are attending by Friday 21st March with meal choice. See SOCA 2025 Fitting Out Lunchfor details
Thursday 10th April. Sailing in the Greek Islands 2024. A talk is intended that will tell the story of a group of SOCA members who enjoyed a Greek Flotilla holiday to the South Ionian Islands in October 2024.
SOCA 2025 Calendar Orders required by 30th November
Our 2025 calendar features some of the photographs which were entered into last year’s photo competition by SOCA members.
Please be generous with your ordering so that we can make a good profit for the Commodore’s Charity.
Perhaps you have family and friends who would like to place an order.
£6 A5 Small calendars £10 A4 Medium calendars £18 A3 Large calendars
We will be printing to order so please reserve your calendars today.
Email your order to:socasailing@me.com
Your calendars will be available at the 12th December meeting or Stevenage collection or posted. (We will need to cover costs on orders that require p&p).
Direct transfer to SOCA bank account preferred, or cash on collection.
Bank details will be sent with order confirmation.
SOCA held its Laying Up Lunch at the Cowper Arms in Welwyn North. Eighteen members were in attendance for a very enjoyable and convivial meal.
The autumn gathering followed the recent, successful, practice of holding the event at lunchtime rather than in the evening as this suits the majority of the members. In addition the Cowper Arms has the advantage of being very close to Welwyn North Station for those who wish to arrive by train.
This event was scheduled so we could celebrate that March 2024 was both the 200th anniversary of RNLI’s formation and the 40th anniversary of SOCA being formed. The planned presentation on the RNLI had to be delayed to another time due to the presenter being ill, (he has offered to conduct his presentation at a later time). However in its place SOCA held a RNLI themed evening for its September meeting, including showing some videos available on the RNLI website and a few group quizzes,
The main part of the evening was a presentation of a cheque to the Chairman of the RNLI Hitchin & District Branch of the RNLI, John Pearce. The majority of the £260 that was donated was from donations from individual members with a top up from the Commodore’s charity fund. After the actual cheque, (rather than the one in the picture) was handed over John gave a quick speech to the audience highlighting the difficulties that the local branches of the RNLI have had in recent years with falling numbers of people able to organise events that can be used for collecting donations. He made a plea for anyone who is interested and can help to contact him. (pearcej53@virginmedia.com).
Various videos were shown during the meeting. If you click on the images below you should be taken to the Youtube website where the video can be seen
RNLI_200th_Timeline_Film 200 years in 200 seconds, a brief history of the RNLI.A video from 1924 The 100th Anniversary of the RNLI Saved by a motor life-boat – Film made to celebrate the RNLI’s centenary in 1924. Featuring Whitby and Staithes & Runswick lifeboat stations. Youtube version.
.
The Tradition of the Lifeboat Service – a cinema appeal Archive footage – from the 1940s? – of the RNLI service. Includes launch footage from the Mumbles down a slipway, and the Robert and Ellen Robson at Whitby being drawn through the streets
A simple Refresher Quiz on the RNLI which you should get 10/10 if you have visited the RNLI website
1. How many times were lifeboats launched in 2010?
223
3,223
9,223
17,223
2. RNLI crew members are all …….
fishermen
men
very tall
volunteers
3. How many crew members are there in the RNLI?
Over 500
Over 5,000
Over 50,000
Over 5 million
4. Where are the RNLI Headquarters located?
Blackpool
Goole
Liverpool
Poole
5. The RNLI was founded by Sir William Hillary in which year?
1724
1824
1924
2004
What is the person in charge of the lifeboat at sea called?
Boat Boss
Captain
Coxswain
Mechanic
The RNLI`s newest class of lifeboat is called what?
Severn
Shannon
Trent
Tyne
How many lives has the RNLI saved since its foundation?
Over 1,400
Over 14,000
Over 140,000
Over 1,400,000
The RNLI`s purpose is to do what?
Paint boats orange
Recruit volunteers
Rescue people
Save lives at sea
The RNLI have how many lifeboat stations around the coast?
Over 20
Over 200
Over 2,000
Over 20,000
This quiz was written by Mr Adrian Boyd from the RNLI.
Despite some technical issues (with sound quality) when we tried to conduct a joint, in person and ZOOM, meeting the club did eventually manage to successfully hod the 2024 AGM which again was a relaxed, social evening which gave the retiring Commodore, Andrew, the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.
Commodore’s Report
Various discussions took place between Committee members of SOCA and BOSG during the year. The outcome was that the existing BOSG members joined SOCA on mass as Country members.
AprilSOCA Fitting Out Lunch June, An informal drinks and chat at the RNA in Welwyn Garden City. July. A walk followed by a meal at Stewart and Tanya’s. August. SummerBBQ at Richard and Norma’s house. September. Due to technical issues the planned presentation was moved to the October meeting. In its place the attendees held a social at the RNA. November. 2023 Laying Up Lunch December. SOCA 2023 Photo Competition
Sailing in Company
May Sailing Weekend (East Coast). Spring Bank Holiday cruise held in conjunction with NOSCA on the East Coast with dinner at Walton and Frinton yacht club. SeptemberSailing Weekend (Solent). This event was effectively cancelled due to bad weather. Two of SOCA’s south coast yachts ventured out but then returned to home ports without meeting up.
Links with BOSG & NOSCA
Gliding Event July 23 organised by BOSG Website Link to NOSCA Newsletter Attendance at Sailing events BOSG members becoming Country members of SOCA.
Saturday the 13th of April 2024 SOCA will be holding a celebration lunch to mark the 40th Anniversary of its inception.
Thursday 16th May. Sailing in the Greek Islands 2023. A talk will be given by Terry with Stewart providing additional anecdotes. A talk that is bound to be enjoyable and humorous.
I trust you are all well and treating the closure of this seasons ‘messing around in boats’ bit, as an opportunity to socialise in the coming shorter days. The club has a good collection of interesting members talks lined up that should last us beyond Easter. We’ll be holding our annualLaying Up Supper on 11th Nov at the Knebworth Station Pub, 12:30 for pre-eats social, 13.00 sit down – we have 15+ so far, the more the merrier. Geff is collecting menu choices – need these soon, certainly by end of October.
So, finally I have chosen my
Steam Tug Challenge
‘Commodores Charity’ for 2023‘ – based on an amazing chance trip on board the Steam Tug CHALLENGE. (there’s a talk in the making, details later) We were accompanied by the WAVERLEY paddle steamer, a sailing barge, River Thames ferry and a diesel powered tug / pilot boat. Out to the WW2 Thames forts and back – come to the talk as and when it is arranged. Challenge I believe was owned by the Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust and I propose that we direct the SOCA Charity fund for 2023/2024 into this organisation – or whatever “group / division” of the DLSRT is responsible for the up keep of CHALLENGE. I believe she’s based on the Medway – certainly get onboard and go or a day trip if you can.
CHALLENGE is the last surviving example of a large purpose-built, Thames ship-handling steam tug, where she was based for her entire working life, although she carried out work as far afield as Scotland , Holland , Belgium , France and the south coast of England . She was built in 1931 by Alexander Hall & Co. Ltd of Aberdeen , for the Elliott Steam Tug Co. Ltd (who operated her until 1950). Her 1100hp triple expansion steam engine was also built by Hall, whilst her boiler* was by Palmer’s Shipbuilding & Iron Co. Ltd, of Hebburn. She passed through two further ownerships: Ship Towage (London) Ltd (1950-1969) and London Tugs (1969-74).
CHALLENGE was one of the Dunkirk Little Ships engaged in the evacuation of Allied troops from France in May and June 1940. On 31 May, she worked at Dunkirk berthing vessels in the harbour during the evacuation and, the following day, towed small craft to Dunkirk to evacuate troops. At one point, she towed a disabled destroyer loaded with troops back to port. She was also involved in duties at Dover around this time, assisting ships which were engaged in the Dunkirk operation.
After returning to the Thames , she was fitted with a flying bridge to mount an Oerlikon cannon, and a forebridge for two Lewis guns. Her work in 1941 included towing Maunsell anti-aircraft towers out into the Thames estuary; towing Army Sea Forts for assembly in the estuary. In 1944, she towed parts of the Mulberry harbours used in the D-Day landings.
On 3 July 1944, she was damaged by a V1 flying bomb in the Royal Albert Dock and was repaired at Rotherhithe. She still bears the marks of this attack. After the war, she continued in Thames service and was converted from coal to oil firing at Sheerness in 1964.
In about 1971, she was laid up at Gravesend, having been the last steam tug to serve on the Thames . In 1973, CHALLENGE was sold to Taylor Woodrow Ltd for preservation at St Katharine’s Yacht Haven, near Tower Bridge, and was berthed there as a static exhibit. More recently she was acquired by the Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust (July 1993) for restoration to steam. With the aid of Sun Tugs and the Port of Tilbury she was moved downstream to Tilbury where groups of volunteers slowly brought her back to working condition. The hull was in need of repair, particularly along the waterline.
It’s been another interesting sailing season, and as usual numbers at the summer monthly meetings have been low, reflecting everyone’s nautical activities. However with the shortening nights and the run into end of year it’s time to catch up on future events.
10th-July-Honfleur-in-Dunkirk
In October your HONFLEUR crew will present a short slide show off their recent “expeditionary force” to the continent... all is well, the natives are friendly, and the required paperwork proved to be no hindrance.
The traditional Photo Comp will be held in December – only digital entries, details soon.
Soca is 40 next year and the RNLI will be 200. We plan a very very short AGM in March followed by a SOCA 40th party – with accompanying photo show….. dig out your old pics please.
RNLI…? We’ll think of something.
The Laying Up Supper will be held at the Station Arms Pub in Knebworth on either 4th or 11th November.
Despite the atrocious weather the club managed to successfully hold the 2023 AGM which was a relaxed, social evening which gave the retiring Commodore the chance to look back at the past year and for the new Commodore to discuss plans for the next season.
The meeting commenced with the Commodore’s review of the past year followed by the presentation of the club’s trophies. Below are extracts from f the slides used by the Commodore for his review of the year.
“Talks / Presentations”
May Stewart Warren presented “Three Men in a Boat“. A retro talk using SLIDES of a trip from Portugal to Tenerife in the last century (1990s).
DecemberSOCA 2022 Photo Competition Winners were Terry, George, Paul, Tanya, Stewart & Geff, a selection from the entries will form the basis of next year’s calendar 2024. A raffle was held which made a healthy boost to the funds for the Commodores Charity.
A very enjoyable and well supported sailing event was held mid September. It started for most from Hythe Marina on Saturday 10th September, Cowes on Sunday 11th September. whereas some of the boats had congregated from further afield. Attending craft were Ariel Spirit (from Hythe), Hypertonic (from Southsea), Jetstream (from Port Solent), Saluki (from Chatham) & Skylark the smallest and travelled the furthest (from River Crouch).
When a sailor has died they can be honoured with the sounding of eight bells; meaning “end of the watch”. _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
The 2022 Trophy Awards were as follows
Astrolable TheAstrolabe Trophy(donated to the club by Roy Maynard) for a member’s presentation at a club evening. Awarded to Ashley Cato, Barton Turf Adventure Centre for the best attended presentation of the year.
Kelphil Bell The Kelphil Bell is one of the oldest awards within the club. It was awarded by the Commodore to Geff Briant, for his work on the amazing club website, club talks and assistance with technology.
Commodore’s Cup :- Awarded at the discretion of the Commodore to John Gardener, for his extensive cruising on Shrimper Skylark.
John could not attend the meeting so the cup will be presented to him by the Vice Commodore at the next opportunity.
Following the award of the Trophies, The 2022 Commodore stood down and the President, the previous Commodore, asked for nominations for the 2023 Commodore. Andrew Davidson was appointed who chaired the rest of the AGM which started with the appointment of new officers. Then the minutes of the 2022 AGM and the Treasurer’s report were approved .
Then the officers for 2023 were elected.
The new Flag Officers for 2023 endorsed by the membership at the AGM. 2022 Commodore is Andrew (Right) Vice Commodore is Geff (Centre) Rea Commodore is Terry (Left)
The meeting concluded with a reminder of upcoming events.
“Future Events”
SOCA Fitting Out Lunch Saturday 1st April Arranged for lunchtime, 13:00 at The Station Pub at Knebworth. Details to be sent out before start of March when the spring menu is announced.
Sailing in the Greek Islands 2022 Thursday 13th April A talk by Terry on the flotilla sailing holiday that was enjoyed by various SOCA members.
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas, and trust you have had a enjoyable sailing year which has certainly had its share of fine weather, lets hope we get the same next year. The first club sailing event was the East Coast Cruise at the end of May which culminated in a dinner at Fox’s Marina Ipswich. Honfleur crewed by four SOCA members managed to make it followed by Stewart, Tanya, Paul Redd and Denise all of whom arrived by car.
25th – 28th May 2001 Cherbourg Rally
Paul had recently retired from work and had just bought a Cornish Crabber which he was looking forward to using in his retirement. This as we know was the last SOCA event Paul attended as he sadly passed away in September shortly after being diagnosed with cancer. He was SOCA Commodore for the year 1999-2000, I think that’s Paul at the helm of what I believe is a Colvic 28.
Tom. Sarah and Baby
Paul was a past neighbour of mine for many years at Becket Hall, Welwyn and joined the club soon after me. He had two young children Tom and Sarah who I was very pleased to meet again at Paul’s funeral. Tom was showing off his latest 3 month old addition which he is holding in the picture above with Sarah standing alongside .
The reception was fittingly arranged at Pin Mill and was thoroughly enjoyed by all. Our heart felt condolences go out to Denise for this tragic curtailing of their retirement years together.
The last yachting event was the South coast cruisearranged by Martyn Reed at Hythe Marina. This was a very successful event with 5 yachts all helped along by Martyn and Sean’s hospitality and the particularly fine weather.
Jetstream at Hythe Marina Sept 2022
Just to remind everyone the next meeting is on the 12 January 2023. Tanya will be giving a talk on her experiences diving on the scuttled German warships in the freezing cold waters of Scapa Flow.
Awarded to Paul for his presentation “Exploring the Rivers of Western France” and for organising the excellent talk “Around The Horn” by Judith Jacobsen.
Awarded to Dave Arnold for his outstanding contributions over many years of membership. His talk on trip to the Southern Oceans including Antarctica and Falkland Islands, is an example of the numerous talks he has given to the club. He also always has inspiring
This is an On the Water trophy awarded to a boat rather than a member. It has not been presented for a number of years however the committee decided to reinstigate the award this year and awarded the Belaying Pin to Just Fleur – (Bob Leonard) for Stalwart participation and comradeship at the Summer East Coast Cruise 2024.
The new Commodore then addressed the meeting and informed the meeting of his chosen charity. 
The main part of the evening was a presentation of a cheque to the Chairman of the RNLI Hitchin & District Branch of the RNLI, John Pearce. 
In November we are experimenting with a Zoom presentation by Jeremy Batch.
A retro talk using SLIDES of a trip from Portugal to Tenerife in the last century (1990s).
The 
The Kelphil Bell is one of the oldest awards within the club. It was awarded by the Commodore to Geff Briant, for his work on the amazing club website, club talks and assistance with technology.
The first club sailing event was the 
