The Tug Tender Calshot Trust Company Limited, the Charity which owns the historic Southampton steamer TT Calshot, today announced new appointments and resignations.
For the first time in twenty-three years, the Charity has a brand new Board of Directors.
On Saturday 21st November 2020, the Annual General Meeting was held virtually for the first time, with a significant attendance in membership, and a high level of voting turnout recorded.
During the Annual General Meeting, long-standing directors Terry Charles Yarwood and James Delderfield were not re-elected to the Board of Directors.
Having been with the Charity since it was founded in 1996, they leave the organisation after 23 years of charitable service. Records of thanks were extended for their long-standing commitment to the preservation of both ship and Charity.
Having made an enormous contribution to Calshot over their tenure, the talent, time and effort put into the project by the departing Directors will be long remembered, celebrated and recognised.
Enhancing the companies Board of Directors are three experienced and well-qualified individuals.
Joining the Board is Stephen Attenborough, from Bideford based heritage ship the SS Freshspring. Stephen brings with him a wealth of knowledge on Governance, Administration and Fundraising.
Mark Adams is also appointed Director. He is the Compliance Manager for Bernhard Schulte Ship Management in Singapore, and brings with him his experience as a Senior Technical Superintendent.
In addition, Kieran Henshall is voted onto the Board and joins as Interim Chairman, being an active Trustee of the former Thornycroft built, and Red Funnel passenger ship MV Balmoral (1949).
The Board pays tribute to the long-standing dedication and hard-working endeavours of the volunteers. For over twenty years they have met tirelessly to carry out essential maintenance, remaining instrumental to the ongoing preservation of the ship.
In recognition of their work, it is time to say thank you, to each and every volunteer that has contributed to furthering Calshots aims.
Kieran Henshall, Interim Chairman of TT Calshot says:
“We are incredibly grateful for the confidence placed in us by the membership, who have voted for an exceptional opportunity: A brand new Board of Directors, with the experience, skillset and knowledge to bring about Calshots restoration, and safeguard her future.”
“Together we would like to take the opportunity to thank the volunteers for their continuing resilience, and commitment to the vessel. You have been the indispensable lifeblood of this organisation. This ship would not be here, if it weren’t for your unwavering support.”
“Today marks a new beginning for all of us, with a new management team, a new chapter, and a new direction. As trustees, we now look forward to working closely with Southampton City Council, Associated British Ports and National Historic Ships.”
Councillor Satvir Kaur, Cabinet Member for Homes, Communities and Culture says:
“I would like to thank former trustees for their contributions for over the years, alongside the dedication and hard work of all the volunteers who continue to help preserve this vessel as part of Southampton’s heritage.
We look forward to working with the new trustees and supporting them where we can in their endeavours to secure a long term future for the Tug Tender Calshot. ”
Alastair Welch, Director of the Port of Southampton says:
“I look forward to working with the new directors of the TT Calshot trust as they seek to secure a future for the TT Calshot.”
Hannah Cunliffe, Director of National Historic Ships UK says:
“The tug tender Calshot is a significant vessel with strong associations to the port of Southampton and has been listed on the National Historic Fleet since 2007. As she enters this new phase in her history, I look forward to working with the appointed Directors by offering support and guidance on their conservation journey.”
Member of the TT Calshot, John Puddy, says:
“I was able to attend the AGM on the 21st November and was very impressed with the Directors appointed. They had a realistic vision of the future and demonstrated the ability to achieve that vision. As Chair of a similar maritime project I can confirm that we will do all we can to collaborate in support of the team and their ship.”
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About the TT Calshot
Built for Red Funnel in 1929, TT Calshot spent her working life serving the World’s famous ocean liners, from the RMS Olympic (1910), sister ship to the Titanic, to the RMS Mauretania (1906).
Between 1930 and 1964 she conveyed the rich and famous but was requisitioned by the Admiralty during World War II, where she assisted in the transfer over 750,000 American troops with R.M.S Queen Mary and R.M.S Queen Elizabeth. TT Calshot then returned to Southampton, where she was needed as a Headquarters ship in preparation for the Normandy Landings. After the war, she returned to work for Red Funnel.
In 1953 she assisted in reuniting 150 British prisoners-of-war with their families. Returning to service as a tender, she continued conveying the Celebrities of her time, before being sold to Holland America Line for further work in Ireland.
Later, she found a new role as ‘Galway Bay’, ferrying passengers from Galway to the Aran Islands, before being brought back to Southampton for active preservation.
Guarding the Gateway to Southampton Docks since 1980, the TT Calshot now stands as Southampton’s last link to the golden age of ocean liner travel.
Further Information
Please email Kieran Henshall at enquiries@thecalshot.co.uk
