A RETIRED seafarer has set up the first Merchant Navy Association branch for North Wales.

Former radio officer Mike Ridehalgh said the group aims to bring the together the seafaring community in the region.

He is forming the group with former colleague Tony Fell. Mike said: “Tony and I both went to sea in 1957/58 as radio officers and we both served with various companies. We both sailed on numerous types of vessels and progressed our careers to senior officer level as radio electronic officers, we retired from shipping before our job got replaced by a box and we moved into the North Sea oil industry, myself on drilling rigs and Tony doing the full Monty of drilling rigs, pipe layers, accommodation rigs and platforms.

Membership is open to anyone who has served or is still serving as merchant seamen.

“North Wales is a fairly prolific catchment area for merchant seafarers and this is a fantastic opportunity to bring that community together whether they be officers or crew members, seaman, engineers, cooks, stewards or whatever trade, both serving and retired,” Mr Ridehalgh said.

“We are now looking to recruit members to join our branch which we hope will allow those of us with an interest in the sea to socialise.”

Darren Millar, member of Welsh Parliament for Clwyd West, said North Wales has a “proud tradition of people working at sea. “ I am delighted to hear that a new branch of the Merchant Navy Association is being established here in North Wales; the region has proud tradition of people working at sea,” he said.

“I would encourage anyone who has a background of working at sea and who lives in North Wales to sign up and join other seafarers across North Wales.”

For anyone who is interested in joining, get in touch at mnagc21@btinternet.com