In April 2023, Merchant Navy man, Jim Spencer, passed away. He was a director, volunteer & trustee at the Maritime Centre for over a decade. He grew up in Scarborough and went to the Graham Sea Training School where he eventually spent his last few years as it was turned into retirement flats. He was in the Merchant Navy and travelled the world. He served in both The Mala front and The Falklands campaign amongst many others. photo shows him at the Bombardment Centenary service in December 2014. Jim regularly took part in the 'Blessing of the boats, service at Seafest each year and the 1954 lifeboat disaster memorial day. Jim donated his collection of minature battleships to the SMHC.
Photo above of Jim with his medals at sunrise on 16th December 2014, marking the centenary of the bombardment.