Welcome to the Bristol Branch of the Merchant Navy Association. The Branch was formed on the 21st of May 1996 when Merchant Seamen and Ex-Merchant Seamen got together at the former International Seafarers Center in Avonmouth. From a handful of men under the guidance of Harry Higgins who was elected Chairman until 2002 when Captain Hamish Grant was elected as Chairman the branch has grown until now. We have around one hundred and fifty members scattered from the UK, to Australia, Canada and France. In 1996 the members of this branch pledged to collect funds in order that a memorial to the local merchant navy seafarers who sailed from the ports of Bristol and Avonmouth during both peace & war, could be erected in the City of Bristol. A target of £100,000 was set. Finally in 2001 we were able at last to raise a Memorial to our merchant seamen as a permanent tribute to those who "go down to the sea in ships", some never to return. On Monday 21st of May 2001 the Memorial was unveiled by HRH The Princess Royal. On the 16th of July 2002 the Bristol Branch was given the "Freedom of The City of Bristol".
Full Membership is open to all who have signed articles under the Red or Blue Ensigns, Seafarers who have only served under foreign flags, served as Supernumery at sea, served as Deep Sea Fishermen, served with the RNLI, or served with the Maritime Coastal Agency.
The Branch meets every second Wednesday of the month 1200hrs for 1230hrs start at the Whitchurch & Pensford Royal British Legion, Staunton Lane, Whitchurch, Bristol BS14 0QF
