Dormanstown/Redcar Branch of Merchant Navy Association

Ennis Square, Dormanstown.

The Dormanstown/Redcar Branch of the Merchant Navy Association (MNA) was founded 04/02/1993 holding its first meeting in the Ennis Square Social club Dormanstown.

Word of forming a branch in this area was by word of mouth at first, with only eight men “Turning To”, Ted Dobson of Redcar was elected Chairman, Tom Jones as Treasurer and Terry Sullivan of Dormanstown Secretary. David Buckworth who also was at that meeting, donated £10 to open an account at the Yorkshire Bank. It was agreed that meetings would take place in the Social club once a month on the second Thursday of the month later changed to a Wednesday.

A branch Standard was bought with money donated by Cathrine Cookson the best selling author to the tune of £400.

It didn't take long for the membership to grow, and soon the branch numbered 70 boosted by the numbers of associate persons who wished to be aligned to the MNA.

The branch membership today stands at around 60, with only a handful of associates.

It is always surprising that more ex-seamen have not come forward to join when we consider the thousands of men who sailed out of the Middlesbrough pool alone.

The branch very soon became very well known with invites coming from all the leading military associations in the area who had not forgotten what the Merchant Seamen had done during world conflict.

The branch also joined the National MNA to which it is still a member today, member that is well known through out the country from South East Cornwall in the South to the Northern tip of Scotland and into Caithnesshire.

In 1994, after much work carried out, Terry Sullivan had to retire his position on health grounds, and following a meeting in Redcar RBL David Buckworth of Redcar was asked if he would take up the position, at the following branch meeting David told the meeting that he agreed and would work fully for the branch and its members at all times.

One of the biggest mile-stones in the MNA's history is the granting of September 3rd in 1990 As Merchant Navy Day that finally resulted in the branch holding its own parade here in Redcar, it is very safe to say that the annual MNA parade is one of the biggest in these parts, very well, attended and supported by all the military associations and RBL's in the area.

This event is organised by branch Chairman Derek Shorter who took over the reigns in 1997 from Ted Dobson, Derek is a prolific worker who organises without help from start to finish, with the exception of Cec Nichols who produces and prints all programmes as required.

In 1995, Secretary Buckworth raised the idea of having an anchor memorial to seamen here in Redcar and it was in 2000 that the branch got its anchor memorial in the Garden of Remembrance opposite the Cenotaph. This garden also holds memorials to other ex-service associations.

The Dormanstown/Redcar Branch of the Merchant Navy Association is well run with a very friendly crew who like to work together to further the branches good name, and to carry out the act of Remembrance to the thousands of MN Seamen who never 'paid off' and another idea they hold dear, are the outings they share together when ever possible. These outings are not just for members but for the member’s wives as well so that this family remains a family.

Any person wishing to join the branch may do so by the contacts shown on this web site, and let me assure you all, you will be made most welcome and taken into the bosom of the branch to be able to play any part you may wish to contribute.

David Buckworth

Branch Secretary