The inaugural meeting of the Friends of the South African Naval Museum was successfully held on Thursday 31 January 2019.  Although the turnout was less than expected on the blustery “night at the museum”, all the objectives were successfully met.  The Officer-in-Charge of the SA Naval Museum, Commander Leon Steyn presented the activities of the museum to the Friends and reflected on the many successes and growth, while acknowledging the challenges and opportunities the future holds for the museum.  The nominated chairperson of the Friends, Captain Chris Dooner (Ret) then presented the proposed Constitution to the Friends.  The Friends of the South African Air Force Museum have been very helpful to assist and the process to establish the Friends have been bench-marked from their established structures.  The Friends posed a number of questions to Cdr Steyn and Capt Dooner, but in turn also offered a number of great ideas.   The members were invited to put their creative caps on for the design of a Friends of the Museum emblem or badge and this will be opened up to all interested Friends joining in the near future.  The meeting was concluded with some light refreshments and a tour of the museum.

The next meeting (the Annual General Meeting) will be held on Thursday the 28th of March 2019 at 18:00 at the SA Naval Museum.  A draft of the Constitution can be obtain from chris.dooner@gmail.com or info@sanavymuseum.co.za while application forms to join the Friends are available online from this website or from the SA Naval Museum reception in Simon’s Town.

In the photo fltr:  Cdr Leon Steyn, WO1 Harry Croome, R Adm André Rudman, Dr Kerry Louw, Mr Grant Duncan, Lt Cdr Glenn von Zeil, Mr John Sutherland, Capt Chris Dooner.  (Photo:  CPO Marc Zeeman)