From ...
the Editor |
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We apologise for the extreme lateness of the previous issue and will try hard to avoid a repetition. We include the Fleet Values Statement, which was to have been sent with that issue.
Mariner runs on contributions from members. Please let us have your notes, articles and photos.
Mariner is now complemented by a weekly newsletter emailed to all members of the Fleet whose email addresses we have. If you are not receiving it but would like to, please let Bob Clayton know (9298 3888 or bclayton@shf.org.au).
Warm congratulations are due to two special volunteers who were recognised at a ceremony aboard James Craig on 3 March, at the start of Harbour Week 2006. Volunteer and member of the John Oxley Hull Restoration project Barry Jones was the recipient of the Community Service Award, and Michael York OAM received the Lifetime Achievement Award.
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When asked how he felt about the award, Barry told us that, having been an active member of the Sydney Heritage Fleet for some seventeen years, he felt grateful and appreciative. "Our sole purpose is to add value to the community," he said. This is a great expression of the volunteer spirit in the SHF.
Michael York, a Governor of the Sydney Heritage Fleet and for several years its President, said that he felt most excited about the award; he had enjoyed a number of achievements, including competing in the Olympic Games, but the most significant was the restoration of the James Craig.
Finally, a question: is there a preferred or traditional practice on the use or avoidance of the definite article in reference to vessels? For example, is it better to refer to John Oxley or the John Oxley? And what about "the Oxley"? This won’t make the difference between sinking and swimming, but readers may like to provide guidance.
Ralph Seccombe
mariner@shf.org.au
Fax 9298 3839
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The John Oxley Kickstart Appeal
Jon Simpson, SHF General Manager, Reece McDougall, Executive Director of NSW Heritage
Office, and Barry Jones, John Oxley project team leader. Barry, aged 82, is one of our most
active volunteers. ....Read more on page 3
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From ...
the President |
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One of the enduring strengths of the Fleet is the diversity in experience, life skills and interests of our volunteer community. I am continually surprised and delighted as new and different capabilities among our members come to light. More important, it is pleasing to see in our various workplaces how well we treat each other, respecting differences of personality, opinions and priorities. I am sure that most of you would agree that as a community we do live up to the standards outlined in the Fleet’s Values Statement, according each other mutual respect, the opportunity to be heard and the opportunity for all to participate fully in the organisation.
Of course from time to time tempers are frayed, often from tiredness or frustration, and differences of opinion lead to argument or stand-offs between individuals. Such is the nature of most family disagreement, generally solved by accepting a cooling-off period and recognising that seldom does one side of the debate hold all the right. People have suggested that our Constitution should contain a conflict resolution policy. I personally do not support such a move. Ultimately conflict has to be resolved by the involved parties, and both need to recognise the other as a fellow volunteer giving his or her time and effort freely to our common cause. We won’t always like everyone else in the Fleet but I do expect us all to show respect to each other, and indeed as I move around our community, I observe that this is very much the case.
By the way, if anyone has some spare time over the next few months you might ask the Waratah team if they would like some help with their maintenance program!
Regards,
Tony Hunt
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