About this Outport
The Bristol Channel Outport was formed in Cardiff on the 28th August 1964, since then meetings have been held at least annually. In the last two decades with the close of Bristol and Cardiff Nautical colleges and the reduction of shipping into South Wales ports the meetings have become more social functions increasing to four per year.
Outport Honorary Secretary for Bristol Channel
Mr Ieuan Clark
Our area covers South and West Wales and adjoining English counties including Bristol. We are still centred on Cardiff with three functions per year in the locality and one yearly maritime themed visit alternating between Wales and the Bristol area. The functions are a Ladies Lunch in February with the Master and Clerk and their ladies invited, this is usually held at the Penarth Yacht Club where the outport has a membership, Maritime visit in May, late Summer buffet in early September and a Christmas luncheon in early December.
Our Maritime visit over the years has taken in the Hydrographic Dept. Taunton, Milford Haven LPG Terminal and Port Control, Swansea Trinity House depot and their Nav.aids ship ‘Patricia’, Tenby Lifeboat, Pembroke Sunderland Museum, SS Great Britain Bristol, Gloucester & Sharpness Ship Canal Cruise, Port of Bristol Authority covering Avonmouth & Portbury docks.
The Outport tries to maintain per person charges below £26.00 with Junior Associates and Apprentices still serving as Cadets free of charge. We do not normally invite local dignitaries so as to avoid prohibitive costs. Normal attendance at functions is around the mid to high thirties.
Our membership is 14 Liveryman, 40 full members (Members/Freeman), with presently 27 Associates and Apprentices. There are also some 20 regular paying guests and widows from the maritime world.
The present Chairman is Captain Rod McDonald and the Honorary Secretary is Mr Ieuan Clark. Our Outport representative in court is Captain Terry Hughes.