MEMBERS were welcomed to the meeting on Monday, August 3 by our Chairman, Mike Taylor.

Following a number of humorous stories, business matters were swiftly concluded and one member was congratulated on a recent birthday.

Members had clearly been intrigued by the title of the talk, The Purton Ships Graveyard to be given by Paul Barnett and that interest and curiosity was fully justified as we heard the story of the the largest ships’ graveyard in maritime Britain, so close, yet unknown to so many of us.

The story began in 1909, just north of Sheerness in Gloucestershire when a strong tide washed away 60 metres of the bank threatening the nearby canal. A number of old barges were deliberately beached and over the years whilst the silt has strengthened the bank, the numbers of vessels beached had reached 86 by 1999!

As Paul noted, every vessel has a different story and clearly , as one of the Friends of Purton, he has undertaken a massive amount of research. Unfortunately this wonderful collection is in real danger of being lost, partly due to the ravages of time but significantly today, as the site has no legal protection, to vandalism, the wanton destruction of ancient timbers including their use at barbecues!

David Stone spoke for all members in thanking Paul for his knowledgeable and passionate account of the Purton Ships Graveyard .

At our next meeting on Monday, August 17, we will welcome Les Kinmond who, as head of the formerly known Malvern CAB in 2007, managed the merger with Wychavon CAB into a wider South Worcestershire branch – a move which secured the charity’s future. He will talk on the role and future of the organisation.

Our meetings are held in the Abbey Hotel. Tea and coffee is available from 10am and the meeting begins at 10.30am. Guests are very welcome so come along and join us. For further information please e-mail the Programme Secretary, t.batesworc@btinternet.com.

TONY BATES