3 From the Editor’s Desk A merican political commentator and journalist George Will has quipped that ‘the future has a way of arriving unannounced.’ So it is, after eleven years of work in the trenches and with some trepidation, that I announce my decision to step down as Senior Editor of The Kedge Anchor to assume lesser responsibilities as a ‘consulting editor’ Ken Flemming, my co-editor for the past few issues will be assuming command—he is already taking a primary role, although the transition is likely to continue for a few more issues. I have the fullest confidence in Ken’s abilities; he has some good ideas about how to meet and, perhaps, even improve on the standards that have been set for the newsletter by me and our editors emeritus, Paul and Penny Dalton, who continue to cast long shadows over we incumbents. There are sure to be changes—Benjamin Franklin offered sage and succinct advice: ‘When you’re finished changing, you’re finished’. Order and change should proceed hand in hand if the newsletter is to remain relevant . The challenges of today cannot be met with yesterday’s tools…In that regard, your editors and council are considering a move to an electronic format which would eliminate many of the constraints of print publication, considerably reduce printing costs, create greater access and provide for more effective and timely distribution of information to the membership. We don’t plan to completely eliminate the printed edition of the Kedge Anchor, recognising that not all members have computers or internet access. There will probably be changes to the print edition too, as Ken seeks to streamline its format and seek more contributions from our readers. As for me, I will continue to send in my small bits and pieces for the ‘Book Notes’, ‘Collector’s Corner’, and ‘In the Auction Room’ columns and honour requests for mainstream articles as required. In closing, it would be dismissive of me not to acknowledge the great and continuing support I have received from individuals at home and abroad. Editors can too often become ’one-man bands’ who develop tunnel-vision. And lose touch. A few, among the many, who made contributions, inspired me, or otherwise kept me on task were (in no particular order): Dennis Hyatt, Stephen Howarth, the late Colin White, Michael Nash, the Daltons, Richard Endsor, Don Rosenberg, Anthony Cross, Richard Venn, Louis Roeder, John Curtis, Linda Ebrey, and Robert Fosterjohn (who started it all). I also owe great appreciation to Peter Warwick, Bill White and the cascading members of Council for their assistance, patience and, at times, their indulgence. Lastly, I salute my wife Dana, who has served admirably during my tenure as copy-editor, proofreader, technical guru, hand-holder and trouble-shooter at large. Thanks to all who have tried to make the KA as good as it can be. And thanks for the satisfaction. RBM NEWS FROM COUNCIL The AGM and Members’ Day was held on Saturday 5 May, and reports can be found elsewhere in this issue. Unfortunately the Chairman Peter Warwick was unable to be there as he was at sea somewhere in the Azores ‘on his latest recruitment drive’, so Vice Chairman Bill White deputised. At the AGM Carol Robbins and Gillian Knight were elected to Council for the first time as well as Dr Huw Lewis-Jones, editor of the Trafalgar Chronicle, although he had previously been co-opted to Council. Paul Ellis, Projects Officer, was also co-opted for a second time. The newly elected Council met on Saturday 26 May, when the new members were properly welcomed. Council discussed several matters arising from the AGM and the subsequent Members’ Forum, including the extension of the educational programme to the Sea Cadets, and the approaching bicentenary of the engagement between the Shannon and the Chesapeake. Council decided to set up a small Projects Sub-Committee to manage the Conservation Projects programme. This will consist of Peter Warwick, Bill White, John Curtis and Projects Officer Paul Ellis. The budget for 2012 projects was set and suggestions were discussed for the main conservation work to be carried out this year. Costings will be obtained before a final decision can be made. In addition Council heard that a recent visit to Horatia’s grave at Pinner had shown that some renovation was required, and Paul Ellis will look into this. Bill White suggested that a feasibility study be made into a proposal to produce DVDs on aspects of naval history that officers could take to sea with them. These could be produced in conjunction with universities and organisations such as the National Maritime Museum and the National Museum of the Royal Navy. Council agreed that this was a terrific idea that should be developed further. As always, the Events programme was also discussed, and Council decided to establish a small Sub-Committee to manage this. The list of fixed and possible events for 2012 and 2013 was gone through in some detail and the 2012 programme can be seen in this issue. Finally, Council discussed the plans of Winston Leese, the Club’s Merchandising Officer, particularly for the production of new Club ties and scarves for ladies. The remaining Aynsley plates would be sold at the Trafalgar dinner on 20 October 2012. John Curtis Hon Secretary
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