Liverpool Seafarers Centre took centre stage at a gathering of the great and good of the shipping world.
The ecumenical charity was selected as one of two charities to benefit from the annual dinner of the UK Chamber of Shipping, held at the London Hilton, Park Lane.
This premier black-tie event in the shipping calendar was attended by 800 people from across the maritime industry.
Sir Michael Bibby, president of the chamber and managing director of Liverpool-based shipping company Bibby Line Group, nominated two good causes as official charities for the event and chose Liverpool Seafarers Centre (LSC) along with Merseyside Adventure Sailing Trust (MAST).
Trustees Pamela Brown and Lawrence Aye-Maung represented the centre as guests at the event, which was also attended by HRH Princess Anne. Both were also invited to the pre-dinner reception where they engaged with guests outlining the charity’s vital work.
The event heard speeches from Maritime Minister Nusrat Ghani MP, as well as Sir Michael, who urged her to share what she could do for the shipping industry. HRH, The Princess Royal also addressed the guests, giving a powerful speech highlighting the importance of shipping to the UK economy together with the transportation of goods.
Pamela said: “It was a marvellous opportunity for anybody involved in the maritime sector to make themselves known, but it was also a great chance for us to spread the word about Liverpool Seafarers Centre and it was superb for Sir Michael to choose two Merseyside charities to benefit.”
Lawrence, who has been involved with the centre since it was founded, spoke to Princess Anne at the reception. He said: “She asked me how we were getting on and she was surprised when I told her we have 900-1,100 people passing through the centre each month. I also met with the Maritime Minister, who recalled her visit to the centre in May 2019.”