The Watch Ashore

Officers of the branch

Chairman: Pat Warren

Secretary: Jean Jones

Contact the Cardiff Branch

To get in contact with the Cardiff Branch please use the details on our main contact page.

Charity Campaign

For the last three years our national Charity Campaign has been in aid of The Jubilee Sailing Trust. At the 2009 National Triennial Pat Warren had the pleasure of receiving a cheque for £1562 from Margaret Gray on behalf of the Trust.

Read the Jubilee Sailing Trust letter responging with their thanks.

Upcoming Events

Our programme of events is currently being updated and will be uploaded soon. For more information please contact the Branch Secretary.

The Cardiff Branch 1935 to 2007

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.

Meetings

The Cardiff Branch meet on the 3rd. Wednesday each month, in Members houses.

In addition to the regular meetings, visits out are much enjoyed. New members will be warmly welcomed.

For details on our meeting times and membership please contact the Branch Chair or Secretary.

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 has 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 are very happy occasions when friends meet up, all experiencing a special relationship with each other due to having a unique life married to a Seafarer.

The Branch is still active with Fund-Raising Events to support Maritime Charities. There are 9 members, who meet the 3rd. Wednesday each month, in Members houses. In addition to the regular meetings, visits out are much enjoyed. New members will be warmly welcomed.

Gallery

Cardiff 1983 - Golden Jubilee