March 2023 Meeting - The Mission To Seafarers
Steve Loader is the Port Chaplain at the Royal Portbury Docks, who now lives in Portishead. At the docks is the Seafarers Centre opened in 2001 by Princess Anne. Sailors from over 50 different countries pass through the docks at one time or another and many of them are unaware of the support that the Chaplain brings until he arrives on their ship usually with gifts donated by generous organisations and individuals.
He helps the seafarers and the dock workers as well for spiritual and personal support. For example, he was there for the Ukranian and Russian seafarers; for the Turkish seafarers following the earthquake. He is non political and will support whatever religion or belief. During Lockdown many seafarers were stuck on their ships in port for 12-17 months without shore leave and no visitors. Steve was able to keep in touch by shouting initially then as things improved he began to go aboard, first on deck only and eventually inside. He was able to provide them with free SIM cards and WIFI routers so they could keep in touch with their families as well as the hats, Christmas boxes, games and puzzles, clothes, toiletries and sweets etc they needed via donations. He has helped those who are sick, bereaved, have accidents or may need help to leave their ships. Steve cannot personally do some of these but he can find the right people to help.
Steve reiterated how important all of our donations are to the seamen and women that go through the port. They give out around 5000 hats per year and the seafarers are extremely grateful. Steve gave us a very interesting and informative talk with the help of photographs taken of those he has met from the ships. Some become like family and he stays in touch when they return home and to the sea.