After eight very successful years in office Captain Tom Crookall MBE has handed over the reigns of MNWB Chairman to fellow member of Council Mrs Liz Richardson. In her capacity as Deputy Chief Executive of NUMAST Welfare Fund and member of Council for over three years, Liz has a wealth of experience in the welfare sector. She is also a key member of the Maritime Charities Funding Group. The change in Chairman perpetuates the informal rotational change from the Ship Owners & Ship Managers to the Trade Union membership class. Following the election, Liz thanked Tom for his invaluable contribution to seafarers’ welfare over the years and Tom took the opportunity to thank all members of Council and staff for their support for him during his tenure as Chairman. He added that he had enjoyed chairing the Board during a period of great change and, in his view; the Board had become increasingly proactive in achieving its objects. He was especially pleased to leave such an enthusiastic and positive staff in place for the future. Tom was then duly elected as Vice Chairman for one year. Liz stated “I feel extremely proud and privileged to be unanimously elected as Chairman of the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and I look forward to facing the challenges that undoubtedly lie ahead”. The MNWB Council of Management also said farewell and thank you to long standing Sailors’ Family Society member, Mr Tim Vernon (second right of picture). Mr Ian Scott, the new General Secretary of the Sailors’ Families’ Society was elected to replace him. The Board remains extremely grateful to all members of Council and its Constituent member organisations for their continued support.

Posted: 2008-07-16