Hull Independent Merchant Navy Association

26/10/2026

The Association has with great sadness learned of the deaths of two of its members, founder member Charlie Brooks and long-term member Geoff Brookfield.



They will both be greatly missed by all their many friends and shipmates, Bon Voyage & Fairwinds. R.I.P.



Deepest sympathies to both families on their sad loss, from All Hands of the Hull I.M.N.A.

24/10/2026

The next association meeting will take place on Friday 30th October in our home port of the Tigers Lair, doors open at 10.00, with the business part of the meeting starting at approximately 12.30, after which members are free to continue socialising until 4/5pm, with snacks provided by the management of Tigers Lair.

2026 Christmas Party tickets will be available at only £5.00 pp, this includes entertainment and buffet and will be held in the Tigers Lair on Tuesday 8th December, doors open 12.00hrs, numbers restricted to 80 fully paid-up members only.



Get you tickets early to avoid disappointment

09/09/2026

The association commemorated Merchant Navy Day on Sunday 5th September, at the MN Memorial situated on Hull’s Minerva Pier, with the Lord Mayor and MP Emma Hardy present to represent the City.

The association was well represented by its own officials and members, with the event continuing at the Lair, the association’s Home Port where everyone continued to enjoy the afternoon with a lovely buffet provided.

The next General Meeting will be held on Friday 25th September at the Lair, starting at 12.30, so come along and enjoy an afternoon with friends and shipmates old and new.

04/09/2026

At the kind invitation of the Immingham Merchant Navy Association, Hull IMNA, Secretary Paul Ralph and former Chairman and special advisor Eddie Piercy MBE attended the unveiling of a new memorial bench, dedicated to all who served in the Merchant navy and Fishing Fleets, located at the Immingham War Memorial.

The unveiling was performed by The Earl of Yarborough, Immingham Branch Patron, during a service of dedication in the presence several civic leaders, MN Veterans and members of the public.

The whole event was very well organised by the Immingham MNA, with a reception held afterwards in the nearby County Hotel, congratulations to all concerned in your successful acquisition of a truly outstanding memorial bench, as seen below.

23/08/2026

The next association meeting will take place on Friday 28th August in our home port of the Tigers Lair, doors open at 10.00, with the business part of the meeting starting at approximately 12.30, after which members are free to continue socialising until 4/5pm, with snacks provided by the management of Tigers Lair


Hull’s Northeast Coast Reunion takes place on Tuesday 15th September at the Tigers Lair, final call for tickets for this event will be again on sale for this event at £3.00pp.



This event is for fully paid-up members only and members from our sister associations of Goole, Harrogate, Immingham, and Scarborough. Starting at 12.30, with entertainment and buffet provided, ends 16.30 to 17.00hrs.

08/08/2026

27/07/2026

Hull Maritime Museum.
An invite received for representatives of the association to attend a preview of the newly refurbished Maritime Museum on Friday 7th, prior to the official opening on Saturday 8th August 2026.
The association has for some-time been engaged in negotiations with Hull C.C and Museum officials regarding proposals to enhance the maritime ships bow memorial, as part of the whole refurbished maritime quarters of Hull.

Present view of the memorial New proposed view can been seen on the photo attached.
Those representing the association are.
President Cyril A. Butler MBE.
Chairman. Andrew Armstrong.
Secretary. Paul Ralph.
Cultural/Civic Adviser. Ian Pearson.
Special Advisor. Eddie Piercy MBE.
Vice President. Reg Kemp will attend separately as a representative of the MV Norland Crew, the Hull vessel that was part of the “Task Force South” playing a key role in the successful liberation of the Falkland Islands in 1982. Reg co- authored the much-acclaimed book “MV Norland, Britains Secret Weapon” that gave an accurate and detailed account of the vessels time in the South Atlantic. The book, which was co-authored by the recently departed Michael Wood, whose funeral service is taking place on Friday 31st July, with senior members of the association present, along with our Standard.
Michael will be sadly missed by all who knew him.

27/07/2026

The next association meeting will take place on Friday 31st July in our home port of the Tigers Lair, doors open at 10.00, with the business part of the meeting starting at approximately 12.30, after which members are free to continue socialising until 4/5pm, with snack provided by the management of Tigers Lair.

Hull Merchant Navy Reunion, Tuesday 15th September at the Tigers Lair, tickets for this event are again on sale for this event at £3.00pp.

09/07/2026

It is with great sorrow that the association has learnt of the sad death of Michael Wood, who was a great friend and supporter of the association, officiating at the Merchant Navy Day Service’s in his role as Town Crier.

Deepest sympathy to Margaret and all the family on their sad loss, our thoughts are with you at this sad time.

R.I.P. Michael.

26/06/2026

Edwin (Eddie) Piercy and Cyril A. (Cab) Butler wish to thank everyone for their messages of congratulations received on being awarded, Member of the British Empire, MBE; in the Kings Birthday Honours.

Both are greatly proud and honoured to be given this award and humbled by the response shown by family, friends, fellow Merchant Navy members and well-wishers both here in Hull and further afield.

Their work will continue promoting the maritime history and heritage of the British Merchant Navy, especially in Hull, while continuing to serve the Hull Independent Merchant Navy Association.

Best wishes to all.

Eddie & Cab