Maritime Volunteer Service East Sussex

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

Uncle Albert's Corner: A Right Nautical Do at Sovereign Harbour

Now then. Pull up a stool, because I've got a tale for you, and this one's true, which, as anyone who's heard me talk about my time on the Arctic convoys will tell you, is not always guaranteed.

Thursday just gone was Merchant Navy Day, and down at Sovereign Harbour our lot from the Maritime Volunteer Service didn't just mark it, they did it proper. Flags up, Red Ensign flying, the works. I stood there watching that Red Duster snap about in the wind and I'll tell you, it took me right back. Not to the convoys, mind, I wasn't actually on them, whatever I might've told you after me fourth pint, but to a genuine respect for the people who kept, and still keep, this country fed, fuelled and going.

Because that's the thing people forget. Every banana, every tank of diesel, every parcel that turns up two days late from somewhere you've never heard of, that's the Merchant Navy. No fanfare, no medals ceremony on the telly, just blokes and women doing an unglamorous job that keeps the whole show on the road. Bit like Trigger with his broom, only considerably more essential to the national interest.

Our MVS volunteers gave up their time to make sure that wasn't forgotten this year. Proper turnout, proper respect, and not a single dodgy market stall in sight, which, for anyone who knows my family, is a minor miracle in itself.

So here's to the Merchant Navy, past and present, and to the volunteers at Sovereign Harbour who made sure Eastbourne stood up and noticed. Cushty.

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20/08/2026

Uncle Albert’s got something to say about Merchant Navy Day!

Now gather round, everyone, because this is important.

On Thursday 3rd September 2026, the Maritime Volunteer Service Unit at Sovereign Harbour, East Sussex, will be joining The Seafarers’ Charity in celebrating Merchant Navy Day.

And we’ll be proudly supporting the “Fly the Red Ensign” campaign.
Now, I know what you’re thinking...

“Uncle Albert, what’s all this about a red flag?”

Well, it’s not a warning that Rodney’s been left in charge of the boat.
The Red Ensign, affectionately known as the Red Duster, is the official flag of the UK Merchant Navy. It represents the thousands of seafarers who work tirelessly to keep Britain supplied with food, fuel, medicines and all the other things we’d rather not discover we can’t live without.

And some of them support the Royal Navy too, through the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

So on 3rd September, we’ll be flying the Red Ensign at Sovereign Harbour and showing our appreciation for the Merchant Navy, past and present.

And you can join in too!

Got a Red Ensign? Fly it.

Don’t have one? Wear something red.

Want to support the campaign online? Use
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.

Simple.

Although knowing Rodney, he’ll probably turn up in a red tracksuit and claim he’s done his bit.

Merchant seafarers have played a massive part in keeping this country going, often working away from home and out of sight. That deserves recognition.

So on 3rd September, let’s put the kettle on, fly the Red Ensign and give the Merchant Navy the recognition it deserves.

And if anyone asks why we’re flying a red flag...

Just tell ’em:

“It’s not because we’ve spotted trouble, Rodney. It’s because we’re celebrating the Merchant Navy!”

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30/07/2026

During the war... well, not this time!

Del Boy, Rodney, you'll never guess what happened yesterday at the Sovereign Harbour Unit in Eastbourne.

We had the great honour of welcoming a visit from Trinity House. Along with our Head of Unit, Greg Darby, we were delighted to host Martin Sharpe, MVS Chief Volunteer Officer, Captain Nick Spence, MVS Liaison Officer, and David Bell, MVS Fundraising Officer, from MVS National Headquarters.

We proudly showed them around East Sussex 1, which is currently undergoing her extended refit, before introducing them to My Lad Be.

To round off the visit, everyone enjoyed a brisk trip out of Sovereign Harbour aboard the MVS RIB for a run along the beautiful Eastbourne coastline.

As if that wasn't enough, the day was rounded off with an excellent lunch and plenty of good conversation. It was a real pleasure to showcase what our volunteers do and the dedication that keeps the unit going.

A huge thank you to our visitors for taking the time to come and see us. It was an exceptional day and one that everyone involved will remember.

Now then, Del, if you'd seen that RIB, you'd have been asking if we could flog a few rides down the Nag's Head!

30/07/2026

During the war... well, not this time!

Del Boy, Rodney, you'll never guess what happened yesterday at the Sovereign Harbour Unit in Eastbourne.

We had the great honour of welcoming a visit from Trinity House. Along with our Head of Unit, Greg Darby, we were delighted to host Martin Sharpe, MVS Chief Volunteer Officer, Captain Nick Spence, MVS Liaison Officer, and David Bell, MVS Fundraising Officer, from MVS National Headquarters.

We proudly showed them around East Sussex 1, which is currently undergoing her extended refit, before introducing them to My Lad Be.

To round off the visit, everyone enjoyed a brisk trip out of Sovereign Harbour aboard the MVS RIB for a run along the beautiful Eastbourne coastline.

As if that wasn't enough, the day was rounded off with an excellent lunch and plenty of good conversation. It was a real pleasure to showcase what our volunteers do and the dedication that keeps the unit going.

A huge thank you to our visitors for taking the time to come and see us. It was an exceptional day and one that everyone involved will remember.

Now then, Del, if you'd seen that RIB, you'd have been asking if we could flog a few rides down the Nag's Head!

19/06/2026

“During the war…”

“No, Uncle Albert, not everything starts during the war…”

“Well alright Rodney, but if you spend enough time around boats and volunteers, every story starts to sound the same.”

Standing on the quayside at Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour watching our lot from the Maritime Volunteer Service wandering aboard the Nao Santa María, I had to smile.

Three of our Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour Unit members, led by Deputy Unit Leader Robin Russell alongside volunteers Francis Lawrence and Alison Messi, took the opportunity on Friday to visit this remarkable vessel during her stay in Eastbourne.

Now Rodney, this ain’t your average day trip.

The Nao Santa María is a modern reconstruction of one of the most historically significant ships ever to sail. Five hundred years ago, vessels like this changed maps, opened trade routes, connected continents and, depending on which history book you pick up, caused no end of arguments ever since.

Walking her four decks gives you a proper sense of scale and perspective. Tiny living spaces, heavy timber construction, and enough rope to make modern sailors quietly appreciate engines, radios and weather apps.

Watching our MVS volunteers taking an interest reminded me what organisations like ours are all about.

Volunteer maritime services are not just turning up for exercises, making tea and arguing over who forgot the lifejackets. They are about preserving seamanship, learning from the past and building capability for the future.

You could almost hear Rodney saying, “Uncle Albert… imagine crossing the Atlantic in that.”

To which there’s only one answer:

“Course we would’ve managed, Rodders… although I’d still have packed a spare engine and a decent flask.”

A brilliant visit and a good reminder that maritime heritage is not something to look at from the shore. It’s something to step aboard and experience.

Well done to Robin, Francis and Alison for flying the flag for Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour Unit and the Maritime Volunteer Service.

15/06/2026

ES1 making her way home.