Our monthly talks are open to all members (and invited guests by prior arrangement only) and cover a balanced programme of topics within an overall maritime theme.
Talks are held at The Athenaeum, 18 Church Alley, Liverpool L1 3DD, usually on the third Thursday of each month from September through to May at 12.30pm, with refreshments available from midday. Unless advised otherwise, members do not need to indicate attendance in advance, and can simply turn up on the day. Members who wish to invite guests must notify us at contactlnrs@gmail.com at least 24 hours in advance. The calendar of events is as follows:
This talk will describe the short but valuable life of the Glen Line’s MV Glenorchy, launched in 1939, and sunk in August 1942 whilst sailing as part of the famous ‘Pedestal’ convoy to Malta.
This talk looks at the first 175 years of the Cunard Line, its triumphs and disasters.
After WW2, with an increasing threat from the USSR, the UK implemented a major increase in the Royal Navy’s ability to deal with the treat of mine-laying in home waters. The inshore threat was countered by building 243 inshore sweepers that proved so useful that their roles developed well beyond that envisaged, with some serving the nation for over four decades.
The launching of the Russian armoured cruiser Rurik in 1890 presented a new threat to British global trade. In response, Sir William White designed two ‘Powerful’ class cruisers. Often derided as white elephants, this talk illustrates that they were actually formidable vessels based on sound strategic thinking and design practice.
En-route from Germany to the USA, the Flying Enterprise’s dramatic plight and the bravery of her Master, Captain Carlsen, and the First Mate of the rescue tug Turmoil, Kenneth Dancy, gripped the British nation which was unaware of the top-secret cargo the vessel was carrying,
In April 1918 the Western Front was in stalemate. News from the front was unremittingly bad, and thus came about the daring naval raids on St George’s Day 1918, designed to stop the submarine menace operating from Belgium, and allow unfettered reinforcements to cross the Channel. This talk will highlight the key role played in the operations by the Mersey ferries Iris and Daffodil.
This talk charts the life and career of Liverpool engineer and shipowner Alfred Holt, who was responsible for significant advances in marine engineering. This enabled him and his brother to create one of the most successful shipping lines in Britain.
The SS Great Britain was conceived and born in Bristol, but lived her life operating out of Liverpool for thirty years. This talk is about her owner’s Liverpool business, and their service to Australia.
