National maritime charity, the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, celebrated more than 50 years of service from two of its longest serving trustees at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) in London.

Mr David Gundry, Vice Chairman of the Society, and trustee, Captain Malcolm Lowle, who have now retired from the Society, served Royal Alfred for 27 years and 24 years respectively. 

The Right Honourable the Viscount Cobham, President of the Society, presided over the charity’s AGM at Trinity House in London as residents, tenants, volunteers and staff joined the charity’s board of management to mark the occasion.

The Society acknowledged the significant contribution of David and Malcolm as two of its longest serving trustees, as well as the achievements of other members of staff and volunteers.

The AGM also allowed the charity to reflect on another successful year, with home occupancy levels at around 97 per cent and a host of improvements continuing at the Society’s nursing care home, Belvedere House, in Weston Acres, Surrey. The meeting also offered the opportunity for the charity to unveil its new website which has been designed to reflect the high standard of care the Society offers. 

As well as bringing Royal Alfred’s online presence in-line with its updated branding, the new website gives prospective residents an insight into what life at Belvedere House is like and the facilities available.

The Society was also keen to showcase its staff members, with updated profiles now available on the site. The home has more than 100 members of staff who all play a vital role in the running of the home and helped to achieve the Society’s overall GOOD rating from its latest unannounced Care Quality Commission inspection.  

Royal Alfred Chief Executive, Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt, said: “The 2017 AGM was a great event enjoyed by residents, tenants, staff, members, and trustees of the Society. We were able to announce significant changes to the charity including the retirement of two of our longest serving trustees and reflect on the achievements of the previous year. 

“We were pleased to acknowledge the new website and hope the site will help us to continue achieving our charitable objects and prove a useful resource for future residents, as well as staff and current residents.

"As a charity we are reliant on the generosity of our benefactors and believe the new website pays tribute to the excellent standard of care our staff provide on a daily basis and highlights the importance of continued support for seafarers.” 

To find out more about the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society please visit the new website: www.royalalfredseafarers.co.uk. To keep up to date with the latest news from the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society you can follow and like the official Society Twitter (@RAseafarers) and Facebook pages.

Article supplied by Charley Tunnicliffe