MacLachlan Partner to support Seafarers Charity

Tuesday, 07 April 2009

Mark Griffin, Partner at MacLachlan has joined the Board of Trustees of the Merchant Seamen's War Memorial Society (MSWMS) a Registered Charity based in Surrey that provides services to Seafarers and Fishermen in need.

The Charity was set up in 1917 to look after the interests and health of Seamen of the Mercantile Marine who were suffering ill health or injury and were financially unable to procure the treatment and comfort necessary to restore them to full health.

It was during World War II that it became obvious that something would have to be done for the men who by their service to their country were in increasing numbers being permanently disabled as a consequence of enemy action.

The National Union of Seamen set about purchasing and converting their war time headquarters in Alfold, Surrey into a permanent rehabilitation and training centre both as a memorial to those Seamen who had lost their lives whilst serving in the Merchant Navy and also in gratitude to those who survived but sacrificed their health by serving their country. The immediate aim after World War II was to retrain wounded and disabled Seamen into either agriculture or horticulture with a view to them successfully regaining employment away from the sea.

As needs changed, since 1993 the charity has provided sheltered housing as its main service to Seafarers in need and the provision of holidays to those who do not require long term accommodation, but who would benefit from a break in the tranquil settings of the Estate.

Mark has been involved with the Trust since 2004 and his association with the Merchant Navy dates back to 1981 when he served in the Merchant Navy as a Deckhand. For those interested in the supporting the Trust please visit www.mswmsociety.org.uk.