The Northumbria Unit of national, nautical charity, the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) has welcomed a new Head of Unit onboard.
Operating regionally from Berwick to Hartlepool, The MVS Northumbria Unit has two small vessels based at St Peter’s Marina on the Tyne and meets regularly at Newcastle College for lectures and theory workshops.
Accountant Jennifer Mitchelson is taking over the helm from Angela Carrington who has built up the unit’s good reputation within the maritime community during the last seven years. Jennifer originally volunteered her services to the unit helping to keep their financial accounts in order but very soon, she decided to don her lifejacket and learn the ropes as an active operational member of the team.
In her day job, Jennifer is the Interim Head of Finance with NCG- London, one of the largest national training and college groups in the UK, of which Newcastle College is a part.
“The whole unit are very grateful to Newcastle College as they not only let us use their teaching facilities, but they have kindly let us store one of our small vessels over the winter in their facilities at Wallsend,” she said. “We’d particularly like to thank Principal Scott Bullock for the help he has given to the Unit and the support he has given to me.
“I’m really looking forward to leading the team. We’ve a lot of experience between us and together we do a lot of good work on the river to help our communities. I’d like to expand the unit and if anyone wants to know more, they can contact me via our MVS Northumbria Facebook page.”
As a thank you for her sterling service to the unit, outgoing Head of Unit was presented with a brass ship’s clock and barometer by the members.
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Editors Notes
The Maritime Volunteer Service is a uniformed, voluntary organisation, founded in 1994 with full charitable status with its patron being HRH Prince Michael of Kent.
The organisation has more than 25 active units spread around the UK coastline at major port & river areas, with more units planned. Northumbria Unit is based at St Peter’s Marina.
The aim of the MVS is to keep the country’s maritime traditions alive. Practical training in seamanship, small boat handling, engineering and communications helps to achieve this.
Membership is open to both men and women irrespective of ethnic origin or disability from the age of 18.
New members are always welcome – no experience necessary.
For more information on the MVS please contact
Keith Newman 07814 397951
Interviews available
Photo shows Angela Carrington handing over the helm to Jennifer Mitchelson