Volunteers from a Tyneside nautical charity now have lashings of rope to practise their knot work thanks to one of Tyneside’s most established businesses.
International wire & rope manufacturer Bridon answered the SOS call from the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS). The Northumbria Unit is just setting up in the region and is a part of a national charity with more than 30 units across the country.
Each unit trains their members in valuable maritime skills in both afloat and ashore skills that can be called upon by the community in times of emergency. MVS members are trained in handling boats, seamanship, basic marine engineering and operational support skills including radio and telephone communications, all of which can be put to good use in times of natural disaster or emergency.
The unit have a 21 ft Delta Rib which will enable them to help authorities on the region’s rivers and to get involved in river and sea projects.
Head of Unit, Nigel Campbell said:
“As a uniformed organisation, the MVS have a real part to play in the community. We have a proud history, formed from the ashes of the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service with a training programme second to none.
“We are very grateful to Bridon International for the rope donation. Everything we need to teach others has to be sourced from our volunteers pockets and this quantity of rope will help in the teaching of traditional seafaring knots, lashings, whippings and splices.”
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Manufacturing Manager, Chris McDine was delighted to help the charity.
“We’ve a long tradition of producing rope for the Royal Navy and Merchant Navy. The MVS ethos of teaching others about our maritime heritage is to be commended and I’m sure the rope donation will help them achieve some of their objectives.”
Anyone who is interested in boats and maritime activities can visit the unit every other Wednesday evening at 6pm at South Tyneside College in Room G204. No experience is required as full training will be given. ( from Mid September)
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Photo shows: L to R Chris McDine (Manufacturing Manger), Mick Charlton (Service Centre Manager).Sean Dodds (Team Leader) and MVS Head of Unit Nigel Campbell.
Contact Keith Newman 07814 39795