The new season of indoor meetings got off to a fine start with a talk by Captain William Wells at Trinity Methodist Church in Kidderminster.

He was paying a return visit to the centre.

This time his subject was Trinity House.

William Wells is a master mariner.

He i a former ships captain and licensed commercial marine pilot.

He ended his 49 years at seas as the senior river pilot in the Port of London.

Trinity House was granted its first charter in 1514 by Henry VIII, its major benefactor.

As well as assisting the safe passage of vessels around our coasts.

Trinity House gives grants to maritime charities, funds a merchant navy training scheme and maintains retirement for mariners.

It is the lighthouse authority for England, Wales, the Channel Islands and maintains lighthouses , 8 light vessels, 19 beacons, 48 radar beacons and nearly 500 buoys.

Trinity Houses Statute duties are funded from levies on all ships calling at UK and Irish ports.

Since 1836, all lighthouses have been administered by Trinity House.

Prior to that they were in private ownership.

The first lighthouse was built in Lowestoft in 1609.

The first pilot station was established in 1890.

The present headquarters of Trinity House are situated near Tower Bridge in London.

The building dates from 1796, it was badly damaged by bombs in 1940.

The master of Trinity House is the Princess Royal and the elder brethren are advised by the younger brothers.

Traditions have been maintained over the 500 years since it was founded.

William Wells took his audience on a tour of the Trinity House building by means of a visual presentation.

Many paintings, models and items of furniture can be found in the attractive surroundings, including the ships bell dated 1953, from the Royal Yacht Britannia.

He gave a lively and interesting presentation outlining the history of Trinity House from 1514 to the present day.

Details of the activities of this local group of National Trust members can be obtained from the centre’s membership secretary Roy Fox on 01562 886728.

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