Winter Lecture by Michael F Hawkins BEM

_{Book by Friday 3rd November}

On Wednesday 8th November  we're delighted to be welcoming Michael F Hawkins.

Michael’s presentation will outline the significance of the small vessels that were involved and commandeered by the Royal Navy from the Flotilla that left Poole for Operation Dynamo the evacuation of the BEF Dunkirk to the build up and deployment of vessels and personnel on D Day.

Michael joined the Royal Navy as a “Boy Stoker” aged 15 and served for 32 years. In 1986 while serving on HMS Arrow he was awarded the BEM in HM The Queen’s Birthday Honours List. His final 5 years of Service was at The Defence Intelligence and Security Centre Chicksands as part of the Joint Service Intelligence Organisation. 

On leaving the Royal Navy, Michael joined Schneider Electric as the MoD sector manager. He developed and managed the team which allowed Schneider Electric to become incorporated within the Integrated Supply Chains for Prime Contractors to the MoD and the Royal Dockyards. He then progressed to manage the Marine Sector where he promoted the development of Schneiders solution to Cold Ironing. The provision of Electrical Shore Connections for all vessels to comply with IMO and Country regulations for vessels relating to Air Pollution from main engines and generators.

Since his retirement he is now a volunteer researcher and guide for National Museum Royal Navy predominately working on HMS Warrior in Portsmouth Historical Dockyard but also was part of the research team for HMS Invincible MAST Project.  He is a Trustee and Committee Member for Poole Maritime Trust and a trained NCI watch keeper at Hengistbury Head.

 
The lecture will start at 18:30 prompt, so we recommend you arrive in good time to get a drink from the bar to take to your seat in the Island Room. If you are booked for supper, it will be served in the River Room after the lecture, please sit where you wish.
_{Book your seat and your supper}

Members should book for supper no later than Friday 3rd November, along with any dietary requirements. Supper this week will be
 

MENU CHOICES - all £15.00:
Smoked Chicken Cassoulet
Lentil & Veg Stew
Smoked haddock Kedgeree
 

If you would like to attend the lecture without the supper, please also reserve your seat so that we can monitor numbers.

_{Book seats and suppers here}