Cardiff

Cardiff Branch has the honour of being the first Branch to be formed after the Founding of The Watch Ashore in London in 1933. The first progress report, by Mrs. W.H. Coombs in July 1933, stated that a Branch was to be set up in Cardiff. Unfortunately, all early records were destroyed in the bombing of World War 2, but as Cardiff celebrated its’ 21st. Anniversary in February 1956, it would appear that it took some time to officially formulate the Branch.

In the years up to 1947, the Ladies were very active with card-parties, dances, concerts and other functions, and supporting each other. Regular visits were made to the Royal Hamadryad Hospital for Seamen (now defunct) with gifts of fruit, cigarettes and notepaper, which were much appreciated.

1947 was a year of crisis for Cardiff Branch due to the fall in Membership caused by the age of many of them, and it came close to closing. However, the local newspaper carried an Article and photograph of four of the surviving members under the head-line “Watch may be doomed”, with an invitation to a Cheese and Wine party at a Church hall. 35 ladies attended and many became Members helping the Branch to survive.

For many years Cardiff Branch supported the Reardon Smith Nautical College (again, now defunct) in their Events, presenting the Watch Ashore Cup annually.

Cardiff successfully hosted several National Week-ends, which is an annual event of The Watch Ashore, when 75 to 100 Members representing all Branches throughout the United Kingdom visit different areas. These were very happy occasions when friends met up, all experiencing a special relationship with each other due to having a unique life married to a Seafarer.

The branch is now closed.