ISSUE 177 WINTER 2016

SIGNS OF SPRING • EAT YOUR WAY TO HEALTHA 'FLEETING' HISTORY!

2 | SPA NEWS

WINTER 2016

EditorLinda FernleyEmail: linda@hellosoutherly.com

SPA SecretaryHelen Page Tel: 020 7934 5129Email: helen.page@shell.com

Assistant SecretaryLynn Forsdyke Tel: 020 7934 5137Email: L.Forsdyke@shell.com

SPBA TreasurerIan LanderyouTel: 020 7934 5131Email: Ian.C.Landeryou@shell.com

Pensions Team helpline0207 934 1190

CONTACTS SPA BENEFITSThese are some of the regular benefits, to the best of our knowledge. Some may be not always be available. You may need to show your membership card and/or quote SPA.. Our message, however, is always to “shop around”Details on the SPA website: www.pensions.shell.co.uk/spa

SPA, 40 Bank Street, London E14 5NRwww.pensions.shell.co.uk/spa www.facebook.com/shell.spa.news

SPA L INDA'S EDITORIAL

Dear Readers,

Welcome to your Winter issue of SPA News. Although as I write, Christmas is just looming, by the time you read this it will be January, so I'd like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy and healthy 2017!

To cheer you in what can sometimes be a long and dreary month, we thought we'd send Ardella off to do a little green-fingered investigation into where you can visit the best displays of our lovely early spring flowers. You can see that she's done a pretty thorough job of it on p18.

With regards to what's happening in the company, on page 9 we look at the history of the Brent oil field through the eyes of one family, and on page 10 Mark

Gainsborough, EVP of New Energies, shares his thoughts on renewables and how he sees the company's future.

Helen's page has notification of three vacancies that readers might be interested in applying for. Sadly, Helen herself is stepping down in April (sob, sob), and there is a further SPA committee vacancy and one in the SPBA; you can read about them on pages 6-7.

In our feature article on pages 14-15, member Mike Riley shares with us some 'Key moments in the history of Shell Fleet', and on page 17 Elaine McFarlane, long-time STEM Ambassador, shares her enthusiasm for encouraging young people to take up careers in science, technology, engineering and maths.

As usual, Tina Gilchrist gives a very useful update on all things financial (p11-13), while Helen Page takes a fresh (and realistic!) look at dietary advice. There's also a round-up of recent reunions and branch news (p24-25) and our Time Out offers on p22-23 include another great opportunity to have a splendid day out at Henley Regatta at a substantially reduced price.

Yet again I entreat you to continue sending me your letters and photographs, along with any suggestions for future articles. The deadline for material for the Spring issue of your magazine is 4 March; I look forward to hearing from you!

Warm regards,Linda.

INSURANCEHome, motor, travel: Sutton Winson 0800 783 3723 shellscheme@swib.co.uk www.suttonwinson.com/SPA50plus Insurance (Bluefin) 0800 195 8002Health, Bupa 0800 600 500 quote 9147Health, HMCA 01423 866985 www.hmca.co.uk/shellpa Denplan 0800 838 951 www.denplan.co.uk

FINANCEForeign exchange, UK Forex https://www.ukforex.co.uk/?pid=1344 State benefits, CBG Solutions 01423 819452

LEISUREWoodbank (Aberdeen) 01224 884700Lensbury Breaks 020 8614 6444Lensbury membership 020 8614 6466Fred.Olsen Cruises 0800 0355 108 www.fredolsencruises.com quote SPA10 Saga cruises 0800 051 3355 www.saga.co.uk/cruises Cruise & Maritime Voyages 0845 3752318 quoting 'SHELL01'& South Quay Travel P&O, Cunard & Princess Cruises 0843 374 2288 quoting '000GEN'

SPA NEWS | 3

SPA LETTERS

Readers may remember my article about the Scottish mountains in the Winter 2015 edition of SPA News where I mentioned the activities of surveyors with accurate modern GPS equipment attempting to 'pro-mote' mountains to a higher status. Well, they have been at it again with the result that earlier this year the Scottish Mountaineering Club confirmed a new addition to the list of Corbetts – Cnoc Coinnich above Arro-char on Loch Long in Argyll. The current Ordnance Survey map shows this as 761 metres high, just short of the magic 2,500 feet to qualify as a Corbett. However, the new survey has added 2.5 metres to this and the result has been agreed by the Ordnance Survey, so the new height should appear on OS maps in due course.Naturally, this presents a challenge to existing 'Corbetteers'

A NEW CORBETT! COLIN MORSLEY

HOOPLA!– BERYL ELDERFIELD (NEE DURRANT)

I was so surprised to see the hula-hoop photograph in the Autumn SPA News – I remember it well! The photograph was taken on the roof of No 1 Kingsway and I think the four girls were from the photographic unit, which was based there. I had recently moved from 31 Gt St Helens, where I worked in Sales Promotion and Advertising, to join S.I.C.C. in St Swithins House, and am standing on the left against the wall!My word 1958 ... how time flies!

and I attach a photograph of four intrepid Shell Aberdeen veterans who visited this hill in fine conditions on 20 September 2016. From left to right: Sam Clayton, Brian Purves, David Windle and Colin Morsley.

Thanks Colin – do keep us posted of any new mountain 'promotions'! Ed

AUK TASK FORCE – TONY ALLWRIGHT

In the Autumn 2016 issue of SPA News (p17), you asked for stories about Auk. Auk was not only Shell Expro’s first North Sea oil discovery (1970) and first oil production platform (1974); it was also – unsurprisingly – the first field to show its age in terms of declining production and deteriorating infrastructure. By 1984, its prognosis was only three years of economic life. I was asked to lead a multi-disciplinary team, the 'Auk Task Force', to find ways to extend its life and simultaneously plan its abandonment.

To everyone’s surprise, we concluded that Auk could be readily and considerably rejuvenated through a combination of workovers, sidetracks, new wells, artificial lift, a new pipeline to Fulmar, upgraded export pumps, improved dewatering and enhanced pigging. For a cost of £65 million, this would release a further 20 million extra barrels, which would extend Auk’s life from three to 20 years. All talk of abandonment was, er, abandoned.

Here's a fancy cover I designed for our 300-page report.

We proposed that a new team be established to implement our findings in a project to be known as AUKID – Auk Incremental Development. The highlight at the big celebratory party at the end of our successful AUKID study was when I presented each of the ladies (staff, wives, girlfriends) with, of course, ... a splendid orchid. Redevelopment of Auk went ahead much as we proposed, though in a slightly differently format and without our brilliant choice of AUKID as name. Nevertheless, the result is that Auk is still producing happily today – 32 years after our proposals.

4 | SPA NEWS

SPA LETTERS

MORE AUK MEMORIES – RODERICK ARCHER

I started with Shell Expro in February 1971. I was hired as a Technical Assistant in the Downstream Building, on the seventh floor and worked for the Central Team. I recall hearing about the third appraisal well on the field which was drilled in 1971. Later on, I was asked to help one of the new geologists who'd been added to the team, who'd been asked by the Chief Geologist to produce another paper diagram, which he wanted to use in a forthcoming presentation. It was a cross-section of the Auk Field. So I was busy assisting this new member of staff, a nice Frenchman as I recall. In due course, I think Auk was produced into an oil tanker which berthed at a SBM (Single Buoy Mooring System). Somewhere, I have my Auk celebratory tankard!

THE SOMME – BILL COLLINS

I wrote last year, enclosing a poem about the Great War, which you very kindly printed and made a 77-year old very proud! Here's my latest poem about the Battle of the Somme; it's a 100 years since this bloody battle ended, and which lasted from July to November 1916. I hope it might be of interest to some of your readers.

THEATRE THANKS – JACQUI FURNEAUX

I went recently with my daughter to see The Red Barn at the Lyttleton Theatre. We had a really lovely evening and the production was superb. It was a real treat to have such good seats and a programme! Thank you so very much for picking my name out of the hat; we are both very grateful for our lovely evening out.

Thanks for your letter, Jacqui; it's always good to hear that a member has enjoyed one of the complimentary events! Ed

HELL ON EARTH – THE SOMME

If ever there was a hell on earth that place was called the Somme20,000 killed. The battle's first day ground gained - the answer "none"Month after month the battle raged, the land mass turned to mudIt's death rate rising day on day. More carnage, death and bloodYet still the brave fought on and on, more scenes of death to comeThe cries of young men dying, their last breath - "please help me Mum".They battled on for five long months, 420,000 dead and goneAll this and only five miles gained in the Battle of the Somme.Let our silence be a remembrance for all those passed and goneWe bow our heads with gratitude; with our freedom "we live on".

Bill Collins, 2016

SPA NEWS | 5

A WRY SMILE – JOHN GRAYLING

Having read a recent article in the Daily Telegraph in which the vice-president of Retail stressed the huge role of Shell Stations in selling food, drinks etc, I recalled a training course in the late 50s or early 60s in which the speaker, from the fuel side, was asked why the Group did not use our filling stations to sell a range of things like food, drink etc. The expert’s reply was clear: customers only went into a station as a last resort, needing fuel. They were certainly not in 'buying mode', and would not want to waste their money or time on anything other than petrol. So company policy was not to even try to sell more things.

Plus ca change!

AYE, AYE, CAP'N! – ROY TUBBS

We had a splendid NM Hants lunch at Keats restaurant, Ampfield, Hants recently and in the process caught up with a small piece of personal history. When a ‘young’ Roy Tubbs and David Carpenter first went to sea with Shell Tankers (UK) in summer 1966 the Captain of our first ship, the ‘Haminella’, was a certain Ivan Downer. Fast forward 50 years and Ivan (who is a member of our SPA Group but only attends when lunches are close by his Winchester home) joined us for lunch – see photo attached. It's a small Shell world!

Ivan is now 92 years old, in good health for his age and told me he retired in 1976 after 35 years service and thus has been a Shell Pensioner for longer than he originally worked. I'm now going to use him as my role model for longevity and maximising my Shell Pension – it must be all that salt air that makes the difference!

David, Ivan, and Roy at Keats

TALES OF THE UNEXPECTED – J REDFEARN (ON SPA'S FACEBOOK PAGE)

Regarding your recent article on Roald Dahl's time with Shell, I came across the following. It was a speech that the author made at a Sales Rep Conference in London, run by his publishers, Jonathan Cape. One manuscript page, written in blue ink on lined yellow paper, contains part of his speech in which he thanks them for their hard work in selling his books, and talks about the ease with which he sold kerosene for Shell in 1934 compared to the difficulty at the time of persuading people to buy books!

6 | SPA NEWS

SPA HELEN'S PAGE

I came across these little words of wisdom while on holiday in Thailand and thought how appropriate they are to start the New Year. I don’t think I need any other resolution – I shall just pin this to the fridge magnet. It seems to cover all bases.

As January is so gloomy, we thought that rather than a traditional snow scene on the cover of this winter issue, we would lift the spirits with a healthy, colourful display, reflecting this issue’s features on healthy nutrition and spring flowers. The shortest day is in the past, so we look forward to warming up again.

Spring is the busiest time in the SPA office, as we start to plan for the annual Branch Chairs’ conference in April and the AGM in May. Despite the continued decimation of the Shell Centre wings, we are fortunate that we have been granted permission to hold the AGM in the restaurant in Shell Centre, with its stunning views over the London Eye and the Thames. Those who have joined us previously will know that the standard of canapes and wines are superb. Last year, individual portions of fish & chips in a 'newspaper' cone were irresistible. So if you bought an SPA diary, make a note in it now: Thursday 11 May at 4.30, Shell Centre.

Talking of which, the diaries this year made a record profit of £3,400. Thank you to those who supported us and apologies to those who did not manage to get one. We were victims of our own success and completely sold out. The usual band of volunteers, who process the orders, get more efficient each year. Particular thanks go to Pauline Langley, who has been with us since the start, and is now regarded as the chief expert and supervisor. All she gets in return, apart from appreciation, is a Shell sandwich!

In the summer issue, Sutton Winson, the insurance company, ran a prize draw for a seasonal hamper and £250 John Lewis vouchers. The lucky winner was Lynn McCready, who received her prize just before Christmas. She wrote: “The hamper is truly luxurious, full of lovely useful goodies. We are really very pleased with it. I was waiting for its arrival to thank you both for that and the John Lewis vouchers, which came about two weeks ago. Both prizes are very welcome at this time of the year.”

On a more serious note, you will have received the letter informing you of the Company’s proposal to cease the PLR scheme later this year. Although disappointing, the basis for this decision is understandable, given the huge savings that have to be made by the Company in the current climate. Increasingly demanding

regulations, especially relating to health and safety, and the cost of managing the scheme, make it difficult to continue.

However, the company reaffirmed its support for SPA, which demonstrates the continuing importance of pensioners to the company. With an army of nearly 35,000 compared to a working population of about 4,000 in the UK, pensioners can act as ambassadors for the company. We hope you find the business pages of SPA News interesting, and will pass them onto friends and family.

"To keep the body in good health is a duty, otherwise we shall not be able to keep our mind strong and clear"

Buddha

SPA NEWS | 7

FROM THE SPA SECRETARY

DO YOU FANCY THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD?

After 10 of the happiest years as Secretary, it is time to hang up my pecten. I’d like to think that my successor would be equally happy to:

• Work with Linda, the editor on the design and content of SPA News and liaise with the company for interesting business news

• Manage and minute committee meetings (six per year)• Formulate the annual financial review and budget• Respond to queries from SPA members• Liaise with suppliers for the benefit of the membership• Work with Lynn (Assistant Secretary) to plan events such as

the Chairs conference, AGM and roadshows• Keep members informed by updating the website and

Facebook pages, and giving talks to SPA branches (Committee members also undertake talks).

You would not be alone. After four years, Lynn knows about most things, and the committee is a willing bunch of thinkers and doers. It's a rewarding job: almost everyone who contacts the office is grateful for whatever help we can give them. I love the fact that we are always busy: the day whizzes by. We are based at Canary Wharf, three days a week, with plans to move back to Shell Centre in the next three years. With the constantly-changing technical wizardry, you would need to be comfortable in today’s IT world. We would like the new Secretary to start March/April.

The downside? The delicious lunches of yore are gone and don’t expect to get rich.

Contact me for an informal chat and further information: 0207 934 5129

NATIONAL COMMITTEE TREASURER VACANCY

David Watters is coming to the end of his tenure in May. He must have enjoyed it as he stayed the maximum two terms. The financial demands are not arduous; David himself does not have a financial background. You do need to be able to add up and navigate your way around a spreadsheet. As we

have online banking, most of the work can be done from home. David is a member of the committee and prepares a quarterly financial statement for it. He and the Secretary take part in an annual financial review. The post is voluntary; travel and expenses are reimbursed.

Again, contact Helen Page and she will put you in touch with David, if you would like to find out more. Applications need to be made by the end of February.

SHELL PENSIONERS BENEVOLENT ASSOCIATION SECRETARY/TREASURER

Ian Landeryou is also wanting to spend more time with his family, after five years looking after the registered charity’s money. Ian liaises with PLRs to present requests for support to SPBA Trustees. How this will work when the PLRs have gone is yet to be decided. His investment committee helps him in making the most of the fund. He too, manages and minutes the Trustee meetings. He has the lovely task of despatching Christmas grants to members nominated by PLRs. A background in finance is a definite advantage.

Like me, he works three days and is paid, but as Paul Daniels used to say – not a lot. Ian would be happy to give more information to those who may be interested: 0207 934 5131.

Canary Wharf

8 | SPA NEWS

SPA L IGHTER SIDE

PHILOSOPHERS OF THE 1900s (COURTESY OF MEMBER IAN WALKER)When a man opens a car door for his wife, it's either a new car or a new wife. Prince Philip

Wood burns faster when you have to cut and chop it yourself. Harrison Ford

Having more money doesn't make you happier. I have 50 million dollars, but I'm just as happy as when I had 48 million. Arnold Schwarzenegger

We are here on earth to do good unto others. What the others are here for, I have no idea. WH Auden

Home cooking. Where many a man thinks his wife is. Jimmy Durante

America is so advanced that even the chairs are electric.Doug Hanwell

If God had intended us to fly he would have made it easier to get to the airport.Jonathan Winters

I have kleptomania but, when it gets bad, I take something for it. Robert Benchley

As I hurtled through space, one thought kept crossing my mind – every part of this rocket was supplied by the lowest bidder. John Glenn

America is the only country where a significant proportion of the population believes that professional wrestling is real but the moon landing was faked. David Letterman

I'm not a paranoid, deranged millionaire. Goddammit, I'm a billionaire.Howard Hughes

After the game, the King and the pawn go into the same box.Old Italian proverb

THE PRIEST, THE MINISTER, THE RABBI AND THE BEARA priest, a minister and a rabbi want to see who's best at their job, so each goes into the woods to find a bear and convert it.

Later, they regroup. The priest begins: "I found a bear, read to him from the catechism and sprinkled him with holy water. Next week is his first communion."

"I found a bear by the stream," says the minister, "and preached God's holy word. The bear was so mesmerised, he let me baptise him."

They both looked down at the rabbi, who is lying on a stretcher, wearing a neck brace: "On hindsight," he croaks, "maybe I shouldn't have started with the circumcision."

SHORT AND SWEET!One of the most wonderful things in life is to wake up and enjoy a cuddle with somebody ... unless you're in prison.

I saw a poster today where somebody was asking “Have you seen my cat?” So I called the number and said that I hadn’t. I like to help where I can.

I just like to sleep naked. The air-hostess could have been a little more understanding...

Truly delicious tofu recipe: 1) Chuck the tofu. 2) Fry a juicy steak.

They say you can’t get a decent job without education. But look at Albert Einstein – he was a drop-out and still ended up being the first man on the moon!

SPA NEWS | 9

SPA BUSINESS NEWS

ALL IN THE FAMILY: THE BRENT PIONEERSBY JO WRIGHTON, SENIOR EDITOR, EXTERNAL RELATIONS

Just over 40 years after the huge Brent oil and gas field started operations, one family’s story reflects its history … and the birth of a new industry. Back in the 1970s, Lawson Petrie was working on one of the biggest and most complex engineering projects of his time: the construction of one of four vast platforms in the Brent field in the North Sea.

“We were pioneers,” says Lawson today of his work building Brent Charlie, which stands as tall as the Eiffel Tower. “We had to think on our feet and find our own way forward. It was like building a huge Lego set for the first time.”

Lawson spent most of his career working on the Brent platforms in the outer reaches of the North Sea which, since 1976 have produced around 10% of the UK’s oil and gas and around £20 billion in tax revenue. Lawson retired in

2015 but his 34-year old son, Nairn, follows in his footsteps, working for Brent’s project design team in Aberdeen. Nairn is a pioneer of a different kind; he helps shape the decommissioning of the Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, and Delta platforms. The biggest decommissioning project in the North Sea in terms of effort and scale, the UK Continental Shelf alone will cost up to an estimated £45 billion in the period to 2050. And it’s creating new opportunities; Aberdeen University, for example, plans to offer the world’s first Master’s degree in decommissioning this year. Nairn’s father says: “I’m proud that my lad will be working on dismantling this huge beast that I helped build. It’s about time for it to retire.”

FAMILY TRADITIONS

Raised in Dundee, Lawson expected to follow the family tradition of shipbuilding; his father was a rigger in the local shipyard, and his grandfather drilled holes for the rivets holding together the steel plates of battleships. At 16, Lawson joined a local shipyard as an apprentice designer, but it was the beginning of the UK’s energy boom and he soon saw opportunities in the oil and gas industry. In 1978, he joined Shell as a design engineer and by 1985 was resident engineer for the Brent field. But the highlight of his career was working as the main project engineer on the redevelopment of the Brent Charlie platform in the mid-1990s, helping to extend its life beyond the expected 25 years.

“It was the biggest offshore brownfield project in the world at the time and effectively turned an oil field into a gas field,” says Lawson.

TOUGH CONDITIONS

The Brent Charlie redevelopment took three years. Lawson worked in two-week shifts, living offshore during huge storms that could last for days,

including one memorable time when the platform was hit by a 30-metre wave. “We had to stay locked in as this huge structure shifted in the storm. I still remember that shunting sensation,” Lawson says. The work was often hard and physically demanding. To inspect equipment in Charlie’s concrete legs, Lawson would make a 10-minute climb down a vertical ladder carrying radio, gas detector and breathing apparatus in case of emergency. It was noisy and hot. The family found a routine but felt Lawson’s absences. “I drew a portrait of myself and slipped it into his bag so that he wouldn’t forget me,” he recalls. Sometime after leaving university, Lawson encouraged Nairn to apply for a role in Shell’s design team. Nairn and his team helped with Shell’s recommendations to the UK government for removing all four of the Brent platforms’ topsides, the part visible above water. The government has already approved the lifting of the Brent Delta topside in a single block.

Lawson is impressed. “When we were building Brent, I always imagined it would be dismantled piece by piece,” he says. “It’s amazing to think that one vessel can lift the whole structure. That’s Star Trek territory.”

If you contributed directly or indirectly towards Brent, why not share your memories and experiences, which will be compiled into a memory e-book this spring. Go to: www.shell.co.uk/brentmemories

A colourful electronic 40th Brent Anniversary supplement has been produced: www.shell.co.uk/sustainability/decommissioning/brent-field-decommissioning/brent-field-news-and-media.html If you don’t have internet access, contact SPA office (details p2) for a hard copy.

Lawson Petrie today

Lawson Petrie

Background image: Brent Charlie

SPA NEWS | 9

10 | SPA NEWS

SPA FEATURE

NEW ENERGIES "MORE STRIDE THAN SPRINT", SAYS MARK GAINSBOROUGH, EVP NEW ENERGY

Launched in 2016, New Energies sits alongside Integrated Gas, reflecting its strong linkages with Shell’s natural gas business and power trading capabilities. By the end of the century, renewable energy is expected to account for an estimated 70% of the energy system.

Mark explains: “Frankly, if we didn’t start now, we’d be too late. At the same time, Shell needs to pay the dividend, so there is a balance to be found in the pace and level of investment.”

“Even as renewable energy grows as part of the energy mix, those most heavily invested in the industry are still working out how to make a profitable and competitive business over the long term. In New Energies, we are likely to see multiple small project investments rather than the traditional huge scale projects Shell is known for,” Mark said.

In terms of scale and size aspirations, Mark envisions the business being comparable to our successful Downstream Lubricants or Chemicals business in the medium term.

“Perhaps at some point it even reaches the scale of our IG business; keeping in mind that IG was built over the course of 50 years, that’s the time horizon we need to be thinking in.”

TEST YOUR RENEWABLE ENERGY KNOWLEDGE!

1. How much was invested in new energies globally in 2015?

A) $3 billionB) $30 billionC) $300 billion

2. According to Shell’s Scenarios, how much of the energy system will be in new energies by end of century?

A) 50%B) 70%C) 90%

3. How much has the cost of offshore wind decreased in the past four months?

A) 10%B) 20%C) 30%

4. How long will it be before solar PV costs are competitive with gas power generation at $5/Mmbtu?

A) 1 yearB) 5 yearsC) 10 years

THERE ARE THREE FOCUS AREAS:

NEW FUELS

Shell is the largest blender of biofuels, and with some early success in developing second-generation biofuels (producing ethanol from cellulosic waste), we’re nearing a point where we may see full scale deployment.

While hydrogen for mobility has taken longer than expected, Shell has ambitious plans for hydrogen fuelling stations in Germany. Manufacturers are working on hydrogen-fuelled vehicles; long term, there could be opportunities for long-range transport of hydrogen, similar to our LNG business today.

INTEGRATED ENERGY SOLUTIONS

We focus on wind and solar in this space, as we believe these will be most material in terms of scale and potential in renewable power generation. The cost of offshore wind and solar PV is dropping.

CONNECTED CUSTOMER

This is about envisioning Shell in the long-term not as an ‘oil and gas’ company, but as an ‘energy and mobility’ company.

Answers: 1) C, 2) B, 3) C, and 4) trick question: Solar PV is already competitive at $5/Mmbtu

SPA NEWS | 11

by Tina Gi lchr is t

STATE BENEFITS

State Pension top up scheme: To take advantage of buying additional Class 3A national insurance contributions to top up your State Pension, do so before the scheme closes on 5 April 2017. People are eligible if they are entitled to a UK State Pension and already reached their State Pension on or before 5 April 2016. This includes men born before 6 April 1951 and women before 6 April 1953.The Scheme offers you a chance to increase your State Pension by up to £25 a week, giving you a guaranteed extra income for life.

Those who think they can benefit are able to buy additional State Pension – worth up to £1,300 a year. In most cases, surviving spouses and civil partners will be able to inherit at least 50% of the extra pension. The maximum top up is £25 per week, but you can purchase anything between £1 to £25 per week. The cost of a State Pension top up is based on your age and takes average life expectancy into account. For a 65-year-old, an extra £10 of pension a week will cost £8,900 (£22,250 for the full £25), for a 70-year-old, the contribution rate for the same amount of pension would be £7,790 (£19,745 for the full £25), whereas for a 75-year-old the contribution rate for the same amount of pension is £6,740 (£16,850 for the full £25).

STATE BENEFITS

BENEVOLENCE TINA'S NEWS

The State Pension top up, like the State Pension, may be taxable. It may also affect any means tested benefits you receive, so it is not right for everybody –If you die: the contribution (minus any top up you've claimed) will be refunded to your estate if you die within 90 days of topping up. If you die after 90 days, your contribution will only be refunded to your estate if you deferred taking your State Pension.

You can apply online at: www.gov.uk/statepensiontopupYou can also apply by phone: 0345 600 4270, Textphone: 0300 200 3519 or +44 191 2182076 from abroad. Lines open: Mon-Fri 8am-8pm, Saturday 8am-4pm.

Free Gas, Oil & LPG boiler grants: As part of the UK's Energy Company Obligation (ECO), low-income households in receipt of certain benefits may be entitled to a free or subsidised boiler paid for by the big six energy companies. The scheme is only available to families on low incomes in England, Scotland and Wales (in Northern Ireland you can apply for the Warm Homes Grant). Even if you don’t qualify for a 100% free boiler grant, you may still be eligible for a contribution towards the cost of a boiler replacement. If you receive Child Tax Credit or Pension Credit

you automatically qualify. If not, you will need to receive another qualifying benefit.

To begin the application process you can complete the online application form to determine whether you are eligible. Your application will be referred to an approved contractor in your area with funding available to carry out the work. They will contact you within a few days to arrange a suitable time to visit your property and check both your paperwork and your existing boiler, and confirm your eligibility for the grant. If successful, they will then carry out an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) to calculate how much funding is available under the scheme and inform you of the outcome. The whole process usually takes around 4-6 weeks. If you don't have access to a computer, ring the enquiry line on: 0333 212 0013, or contact your fuel provider directly. For further information visit: www.boilergrants.co.uk. The boiler grant scheme only runs until 31 March 2017.

Women’s State Pension: I urge women who reach their State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016 to send for a pension statement to find out:a) their state pension ageb) how much state pension they will be entitled to.

Under new State Pension rules, women who reach State Pension age on or after 6 April 2016, can no longer claim a pension (or inherit a pension) using the contribution record of their husband. This will also apply to women who are divorced, who, under the old state pension system could use the contribution record of their ex-husband to top up their contribution record if they had a shortfall. For people who retire on or after 6 April 2016, you will need to have paid (or been credited) with a full National Insurance Contribution for 35 years, and a minimum of 10 years must have been paid to claim any pension at all. If you paid over 10 years but not for 35 years, your pension will be reduced on a pro rata basis. If you do have a shortfall,

12 | SPA NEWS

SPA T INA'S PAGES

you may like to consider topping up your pension by paying a Class 3 Voluntary National Insurance Contribution. If you stayed at home to look after children, and received child benefit, you will automatically be protected. You can either apply for a pension statement online at: www.gov.uk/check-state-pension (also available in Welsh, Cymraeg), or you can apply by ringing the Future Pensions Centre on: 0345 3000 168, or from outside UK: +44 (0)191 218 3600 Textphone: 0345 3000 169, Textphone from outside the UK: +44 (0)191 218 205 Mon-Fri, 8am-6pm.

Child Element Universal Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit - HMRC has confirmed that the child element in Universal Credit and the individual element in Child Tax Credit will be payable to a maximum of 2 children from April 2017.

TAXATION

Inheritance Tax, Family Home Allowance: There is now more clarification on the new family home allowance (also known as the main residence nil-rate band). From 6 April 2017, an additional allowance of £100,000 per person will be introduced for individuals where a property that has been their principal residence (or a property that has been used as a main residence in the past) is passed to a direct descendant. The threshold will then increase to £125,000 in the 2018/19 tax year, £150,000 in 2019/20 and £175,000 in 2020/21. Estates worth £1m that include a qualifying property worth at least £350,000 could at this point be passed on tax-free.

Where the value exceeds £2m, the additional residence nil-rate band will be tapered at a rate of £1 for every £2 over this amount. This means it would be completely lost if a joint estate is worth more than £2.4m in 2017/18, rising to £2.7m from 2020/21. Estate planning therefore continues to be vital for many families.

The additional allowance will only apply to a single main residence – investment or holiday properties won’t count. However, it will be available to those who downsize or sell their home (or have done so since

8 July 2015) and, on death, pass on assets of an equivalent value. If this is the case, you will need to keep details of the sale of the property and evidence that it was your main home. The residence nil-rate band will only apply to properties left to direct descendants. Direct descendants are defined as children, grandchildren and step, adopted or foster children and their lineal descendants.

Sale of UK property by people living abroad: I have been asked to issue a reminder to Shell pensioners living abroad and owning UK property, that as from April 2015 if they sell their UK property, not only are they liable to capital gains tax (on gains from April 2015) but also that they must register the sale with HMRC within 30 days of completion (even if there is no tax liability), or risk a substantial fine. More detail can be found on the HMRC website at www.gov.uk/guidance/capital-gains-tax-for-non-residents-uk-residential-property.

Self Assessment Tax Returns: HMRC is urging first-time Self Assessment customers to register for a Personal Tax Account and see how easy submitting a tax return is. The Personal Tax Account is available to everyone and, once

registered, each customer’s personal tax details are stored in one convenient and secure online place. Everything needed to calculate and pay any tax owed is right at the customer’s fingertips, and it means getting in touch with HMRC is faster too, with access to services such as webchat and virtual assistant. The deadline for submitting your self-assessment return for the 2015/2016 tax year is 31 January 2017. Customers submitting their tax return online for the first time will need to register for an activation code, which will be posted to them, and can take a few days to arrive.

FINANCE

Secondary Annuities (selling your annuity for a cash lump sum): The government has decided not to take forward plans to introduce a secondary annuities market. Allowing consumers to sell on their annuity income was always dependent on balancing the creation of an effective market with making sure consumers are properly protected. The government said that it has become clear that it cannot guarantee consumers will get good value for money in a market that is likely to be small and limited. Pursuing this policy in these circumstances would

SPA NEWS | 13

Tina Gilchrist of CBG Solutions Ltd has been contracted by the SPBA to provide updates and a helpline on state benefits.

For the helpline service, contact Tina: CBG Solutions Ltd 44 Rydal Road Harrogate North Yorkshire HG1 4SD

01423 819452 or 07711 555931

(please note, the phone service will be unavailable until 24 Jan; until then please use the email service) tina.gilchrist@cbgsolutions.co.uk

When you contact Tina, please mention the SPA and give her a phone number on which she can speak to you if necessary.

Ian Landeryou SPBA Secretary/Treasurer 020 7934 5131 Ian.C.Landeryou@shell.com

CONTACTSput consumers at considerable risk. Consumer protection is a top priority for the government and it is not willing to allow a market to develop that could produce poor outcomes for consumers, such as receiving poor value for their annuity income stream.

The government has always been clear that, for the majority of people, keeping their annuity incomes will be their best option, estimating that only 5% of people who currently hold an annuity would have taken advantage of this reform.

FCA to force annuity providers to encourage customers to shop around: The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has said that Annuity providers will be required to inform their customers how much they could gain from shopping around and switching provider before they purchase an annuity. The regulator plans to ask providers to build an "annuity comparator" tool, in the form of an information prompt before an annuity is purchased.

The prompt will have to show the difference between the provider's own quote and the highest quote. Firms will be required to give consumers details of whether the annuity is a single or joint life product, whether the rate of income paid by the annuity is guaranteed, and the total pot that will be used to buy the annuity. They will also be required to deliver the information in a personalised form in a format set out by the FCA

New ‘trace a lost pension tool’ launched: Have you checked whether you have any pension due to you from all of the employers you’ve worked for? There are millions of pounds sitting in lost pensions. Could some of it be yours? Sometimes people don’t even realise that they have a pension because of automatic enrolment. If you’ve been automatically enrolled and you haven’t opted out, you will have one, so make sure you keep track of it! Or, perhaps you were sold a contracted out policy in the 1990s. When did you last get a statement?

Losing a pension continues to be an issue for many, especially when you have been in more than one scheme, have changed employer or moved home. But,

there are some simple tips you can use to help keep track of your pension pots, including making sure contact details are up to date. Whatever the reason for losing track, it’s important that you claim your pension entitlement as soon as possible. The Pension Advisory Service (TPAS) is contacted by lots of savers each year, asking for help finding a pension they may have lost. To help savers locate lost savings, the specialist team at TPAS has developed a new ‘trace a lost pension’ tool available from their website.

For further information visit: www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk or telephone TPAS on 0300 123 1047, where one of their technical specialists will be happy to help.

GENERAL

Older Drivers – Flood Warnings: Older drivers take more risks in wet weather, according to a new survey released as part of the Environment Agency’s flood action campaign. The survey reveals that almost half (49%) of those over 65 would drive through flood water compared with 40% of 18 to 24-year-olds. Overall, 48% of drivers in the UK would put themselves in danger by driving through flood water.

The Environment Agency and AA are reminding people that attempting to drive through flood water can be life-threatening. The organisations say that no one should take the risk, pointing out that just 30cm of flowing water is enough to float a car. In the last five years, the AA has been called out to almost 23,000 flood rescues. Many of these could have been avoided if people had checked flood warnings before they travelled.

The Environment Agency’s flood warning service can be found at: https://flood-warning-information.service.gov.uk/ This is a free service and is updated every 15 minutes. Alternatively, for current flood warnings in force call the 24-hour floodline on: 0345 988 1188 Type talk: 0345 602 6340 (for the hard of hearing).

Jury age limit to be raised in England and Wales: As of 1 December 2016 the upper age limit for

jurors in England and Wales was raised from 70 to 75. The new age limit will better reflect the healthy life expectancy of people in England and Wales, and will mean that juries are more representative of the communities they serve. It is the first change of its kind in almost 30 years and will allow a growing demographic of older people to participate in this vital civic duty.

14 | SPA NEWS

SPA FEATURE

Mike sailed as Chief Engineer with the Fleet; he joined in 1962 as Engineer Apprentice and went on to spend 12 years at sea with Shell Tankers (UK) Fleet in various ranks, followed by 30 years ashore, before retiring from STASCO in 2004 as Project Manager, LNG Ship New Construction. He’s also the custodian of the Shell Fleet Association’s collection of Fleet Memorabilia.

Shipping has played an essential part of the Royal Dutch Shell story from the day that the traders, Samuels, decided that to grow their fledgling oil business they needed to become ship owners. Until then, they’d simply got a ship they’d chartered to take silks and sea shells to Europe to return via the Black Sea to pick up a few cases of kerosene for sale in the East. If oil could be sent in bulk via the Suez Canal, then a lot of money could be made.

The problem was that, since it opened in 1867, tankers hadn’t been permitted in the Suez Canal. Undaunted, Marcus Samuel employed the renowned naval architect Sir Fortesque Flannery to design a tanker that would be acceptable to the

Suez Canal Company and ordered not one ship but ten!

In the same year that Royal Dutch produced its first oil in Sumatra, Samuel’s first tanker was under construction in West Hartlepool, sailing from the builder’s yard on 26 July 1892. She was named “Murex” after the shellfish from which royal purple dye is obtained and, from his extensive collection, Marcus Samuel gave the captain an example to display on board – beginning a tradition that has continued to today.

Almost a month later, having loaded 4,000 tons of kerosene in Batumi, it made history by becoming the first laden tanker ever to transit the Suez Canal.

Curiously, ships that made their money carrying oil were still propelled by coal. The irony was not lost on Marcus Samuel and he tasked his Marine Department with finding a solution. The 1902 edition of Lloyds Register shows that of a world total of 192 steam tankers only 53 burned oil in their boilers. Of these, Shell owned 23, followed by Royal Dutch with five, so by the time the two firms joined forces in

KEY MOMENTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE SHELL FLEETBY MIKE RILEY

1907, this was another area where they already led the world.

Maritime matters nowadays are the responsibility of Shell International Trading & Shipping (STASCO), who also provides direct management for some 50 vessels. Although oil tankers still feature, Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Carriers now dominate today’s fleet.

In the 124 years since Murex’s historic voyage, Shell’s marine department has been involved in many significant maritime events. Space permits just a few highlights:

The first was in 1910 when Anglo-Saxon Petroleum commissioned “Vulcanus” – the world’s first ocean-going motor ship. Her diesel engine was a big commercial success and so reliable that it was used ashore for several years after the vessel was scrapped in late 1931. Vulcanus heralded a new age and for the next 40 years, the vast majority of ships ordered for the Shell Group had diesel propulsion.

In 1933, the company placed orders for a class of 20 motor ships known as

A modern Shell LNG Carrier – the 135,000-cubic metre “Gallina”

SPA NEWS | 15

'Triple-Twelves' because they could carry 12,000 tons of cargo at a speed of 12 knots, while consuming 12 tons of fuel per day. They were so successful that, by 1939, another 32 had been built, together with 27 9,000-ton, and four 15,000-ton variants. When war broke out, Shell’s design was adopted as the standard tanker for the government’s massive building programme.

In 1942, Shell’s Marine Department produced plans for converting seven British and two Dutch Triple-Twelves to Merchant Aircraft Carriers, which helped win the Battle of the Atlantic.

This was just one of the department’s innovations but peacetime bought a new focus. Two new 12,000-ton tankers were chosen to be test-beds for new technology and both would provide world firsts. “Auricula” was the first motor ship to burn heavy fuel oil in its diesel engines. “Auris” firstly helped pioneer diesel-electric propulsion and later became the first merchant ship to be powered by a gas turbine.

“Hemisinus” was an example of the classic Shell tanker design of the early 1950s – the 18,000-ton ‘H’ class. Thirty were built for the British flag and 16 (prefixed ‘K’) for the Dutch flag.

The closure of the Suez Canal during the 1967 Six-Day War, and the resultant routing of crude oil tankers around the Cape, triggered a demand for bigger ships. The third Shell tanker to bear the name Murex was one of this new breed – a 200,000-ton Very Large Crude Carrier or ‘VLCC’. The next decade saw further size increases, culminating in the world’s first half a million tonner, Shell’s Batillus in 1976.

The 1960s saw the development of a new trade in which Shell would swiftly become world leader – the maritime transportation of liquefied natural gas. Shell was closely involved with the development of “Methane Princess” and “Methane Progress”—the world’s first commercial LNG Carriers – and has continued to be at the forefront of this industry ever since.

THE FLEET ASSOCIATION has been going for over 65 years and now boasts almost 450 members, mainly in the UK, but some abroad. Anyone who had careers in the Shell Tanker Fleet and related offices ashore is welcome. The 68th AGM and Reunion Dinner will be held on Friday 21 April 2017 at Lensbury.

For further information, contact the Secretary Capt Douglas Davidson MBE at sfrsa@aol.com

HQS WELLINGTON, an ex-1935 Grimsby Sloop of the Royal Navy, moored at Temple Stairs on London's North Embankment, is now the HQ of the Honourable Company of Master Mariners and the Wellington Trust. Whilst HCMM is a London Livery Company it has ‘outports’ in most of the UK's major ports. In addition to social events, its purpose is to support Merchant Navy staff and mentor those working towards their Master's Licence. The Wellington Trust is a charity set up to maintain the ship. It operates in London but welcomes members from all walks of life, particularly ex-Shell staff. The Trust runs an extensive education programme and is funded by the Sir John Cass Foundation, with its roots back in its old Sea Training College. It acts as a museum, with regular exhibitions and lectures.

For information about membership and events, see www.thewellingtontrust.com or via SPA office.

ROD BROWN was the last MD Shell Tankers UK. He retired in 1994 when STUK merged with Shell International Marine to become Shell International Shipping, which in turn merged with Shell International Trading to become STASCO. Trying to follow the various name changes of just the marine elements that finally ended up as part of STASCO is complex and not well understood even by people that worked on the Marine side!

He is involved in both of the above and provided the editor with a couple of witty ditties about the fleet. They are too long to reproduce but if members would like a copy, please contact SPA office.

16 | SPA NEWS

SPA FEATURE

Following on from the previous Fleet article, member Maureen Gotts contacted us with some interesting memorabilia. Her friend, Gill, while clearing out her loft, came across a mountain of old papers, relating to the Fleet, along with two framed pictures, all of which belonged to a James Clark.

Although we could not find him on the Shell database, Mike Riley (member of the Fleet Association) dug around in the Fleet archives to discover that James Clark joined the Shell Provident Fund 1947 and was a Chief Officer with Shell. It’s amazing what we can find out!

FLEET MEMORABILIA

BRIGHT IDEAS BY GARETH THISTLETON

Are you involved in a local school as a governor, volunteer, parent or grandparent? The Bright Ideas Challenge encourages young people to use their creativity and science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) skills to come up with innovative ideas – and win up to £5,000 for their school.

Despite the importance of careers in this field, the UK has an annual shortfall of over 69,000 engineering graduates and technicians and needs to encourage more young people to gain skills to help protect the country’s tradition of innovation, fuel the economy, and ensure today’s young people are well placed to secure rewarding, well-paid jobs. And that journey starts in the classroom.

That’s why we’re asking you to talk to your local secondary schools about the Bright Ideas Challenge – Shell’s latest competi-tion to help inspire the scientists and engineers of tomorrow.

WHAT IS THE BRIGHT IDEAS CHALLENGE?

This competition supports Make the Future and invites second-ary students, aged 11-14, to use their creativity and STEM skills to come up with innovative ideas to power cities of the future. It’s designed to spark young people’s curiosity in science and engineering and, crucially, help teachers deliver the curriculum in a fun and engaging way.

The competition draws on Shell’s well-respected Scenarios

work and comes complete with all the resources schools need to get involved, including a step-by-step Teacher Toolkit, Student Workbook, Classroom Presentation, four mini videos, and fun hands-on activities.

Students can enter in teams of up to five and we’re hoping to see students from across England, Wales and Scotland tak-ing part. If the innovation and creativity shown by last year’s 400+ entries are anything to go by, we can’t wait to see what students come up with this year!

THE PRIZES

Schools can win up to £5,000 to super-size their STEM les-sons, with 12 winners from across Great Britain receiving £1,500 for their school, a tablet computer for every winning team member and funded trips to Make the Future Live – Shell’s four-day festival of ideas and innovation.

To find out more about the competition please visit shell.co.uk/brightideaschallenge

SPA NEWS | 17

IT IS ROCKET SCIENCE!

Engineering UK predict that employers, including Shell, will need to recruit an additional 1.82 million people with engi-neering skills by 2022. However, not enough young people are currently opting to study science, technology, engineering & maths (STEM) subjects. This could create a potential skills gap, which would have a negative impact on the economy. In recognition of this, the government launched a three-year campaign in 2014: “Your Life”, designed to increase numbers of young people studying post-16 maths and physics by 50%.

Shell also supports and invests in a wide range of STEM initiatives, including 'Big Bang' (UK young scientists and en-gineering fair) and 'The Energy Quest', which helps students understand the science and maths behind energy. To help narrow the gender gap in STEM subjects, Shell also spon-sors 'Girls in Energy', which provides year-long, hands-on engineering experiences to inspire young women to pursue STEM sector careers.

All these initiatives are reliant on volunteers, willing to give insights into their personal career paths in science and engi-neering industries. Currently, over 30, 000 UK STEM Ambas-sadors regularly promote STEM subjects. Shell pensioner, Elaine McFarlane, has been a STEM Ambassador for over 15 years, acting as a role model and actively encouraging women into science. Supported by Shell, she s been involved in numerous activities such as 'Lab in a Lorry' (a mobile labo-ratory with interactive, hands-on experiments); careers fairs; interview technique and CV writing workshops.

Elaine McFarlane

Most recently, Elaine assisted with a rocket building ses-sion at the University of Chester Thornton Science Park. The University Faculty of Science and Engineering in collabora-tion with Starchaser Industries offered a group of Year 8 and 9 students the opportunity to be rocket scientists for a day.

"Students built and launched flying model rockets powered by real rocket fuel," Elaine tells us. "They also enjoyed inter-active demonstrations, videos and an awesome science show with multiple flashes and bangs! I judged the competition for the best decorated rocket. Inspiring the next generation is so rewarding. I was amazed and impressed with the quality of the students' work. It was wonderful to see their energy and total commitment to this activity. It's exactly why I volunteer as a STEM Ambassador.”

Elaine’s contribution for STEM was recently recognised with a nomination for 'Cheshire Woman of the Year, 2016'. More information on how to become a STEM Ambassador can be found here:www.allaboutstem.co.uk/stemnet/ambassadors-programme/

The STEM website recently published an article about Elaine's STEM involvement – you can read it at www.allaboutstem.co.uk/2016/10/star-stem-ambassador-elaine-mcfarlane/

18 | SPA NEWS

Winter seems to drag on forever but spring is just around the corner. Lift your spirits with a trip to a beauty spot or garden to enjoy the first flowers of 2017.

EARLY BLOSSOMS

Warmed by the Gulf Stream and sheltered by walled gardens, the National Trust’s Trengwainton near Penzance, Cornwall boasts rhododendrons, in bloom from February onwards, and a towering 20 metre magnolia campbellii. Less exotic is the WW2 Dig for Victory garden, complete with Anderson shelter. For the grandchildren, there’s seed-planting at half-term and an Easter Egg hunt on 2 April. Tel: 01736 363148. Off the Cornish coast, the sub-tropical Abbey Garden on Tresco Island in the Scillies, has 300 plants in blossom on its sheltered terraces, even in deepest winter, with species native to 80 countries from Brazil to South Africa. If it rains, there’s the Valhalla Museum of ships’ figureheads. Visit this ‘Kew without glass’ by ferry from Penzance or plane from Exeter, Newquay and Land’s End www.tresco.co.uk / Tel: 01720 424108.

CROCUS CARPET

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Surrey enjoys a riot of purple and white crocuses from the end of February. Admission to all the gardens and hot houses £15. www.kew.org / 020 8332 5655.

SWEET SNOWDROPS

Once called The Fair Maids of February, snowdrops are the first bulbs to bloom, symbolising hope. Rowallane Garden, County Down, N. Ireland has snowdrops galore plus its own variety

SPA MISCELLANEOUS

THE DARLING BUDS OF MARCHARDELLA JONES TAKES A STROLL AROUND BRITAIN’S EARLY FLORAL DISPLAYS

of daffodil – Narcissus ‘Rowallane’. Tel: 028 9751 0131. A circular walk round the canal lake and walled garden at Ickworth House, near Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk reveals snowdrops and aconites in a meadow of 60,000 bulbs. The Scottish Snowdrop Festival 3 Feb-12 Mar, features 60 gardens across the highlands, lowlands and islands www.scotlandsgardens.org / 0131 226 3714.

DELIGHTFUL DAFFS

The Allerdale Ramble crosses 54 miles of the National Peak District Park. There are heritage plants in the walled garden at Wordsworth House, Cockermouth, where the poet played as a child, and, of course, hosts of golden daffodils on the fells www.allerdaleramble.org.uk The less energetic can follow a daffodil trail to the historic house and tearoom at Basildon Park, Berkshire. The Winter Garden at Dunham Massey, Cheshire is filled with early blooming dwarf Narcissus Tête-à-Tête. Hever Castle, Edenbridge, Kent, home of the Boleyns, boasts thousands of bulbs plus a yew maze, classical statuary and a lakeside loggia. From mid-Feb, £16 entry www.hevercastle.co.uk / 01732 865224. St. James’s Park, Westminster has the lion’s share of the one million bulbs planted annually across the Royal Parks and there’s no admission fee.

EXOTIC BEAUTIES

Intrepid Victorian plant hunters brought azaleas, camellias, rhododendrons and magnolias from the Himalayas, Assam, Burma and the Far East, providing dazzling displays from March onwards. The Savill Glade at Westonbirt Aboretum, Gloucestershire offers scent and colour plus guided walks, both dog-free and dog-friendly. www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt / 01226 776040. At Caerhays Castle Gardens, St Austell, Cornwall Williamsii camellias and 600 types of magnolia bloom in a seaside setting with a Regency castellated manor house by John Nash www.caerhays.co.uk / 01872 501310. Wentworth Castle, S. Yorks, has the National Collections of rhododendron, camellia and magnolia, and 26 listed buildings, follies and monuments throughout the 60-acre garden. www.wentworthcastle.org / 01226 776040. Planted in the 1830s, The Isabella Plantation, Richmond Park, London, is famous for evergreen azaleas, at their best in April. www.royalparks.org.uk / 0300 061 2000.

BEAUTIFUL BLUEBELLS

Enjoy carpets of flowers in the bluebell woods at Blickling Estate, Norfolk, Hatchands Park, Surrey, and Calke Abbey, Derbyshire. Admire the blue view from woodland ‘sofas’ carved out of tree trunks amid glorious beech avenues at Hinton Ampner, Hampshire. The silver sand dunes of Embleton Beach, Northumberland, are an unusual habitat for bluebells, with cowslips, burnet roses and bloody cranesbill flowering later.

SPA NEWS | 19

SPA MISCELLANEOUS

SHELL IMAGE REMAINS UNDIMMED

Member Barry Richardson is the proud owner of an elderly MG (“a bit like me!” he says), and came across a complimentary, nostalgic article on Shell advertising posters in his ‘MG Enthusiast’ magazine.

"National Motor Museum at Beaulieu has a display of Shell advertising posters. Originality, great graphics and typography ensured the Shell name was synonymous with motoring, the inference being that this was the right choice for every driver. But long before many of us would get behind the wheel, the Shell logo would be familiar to us from our Dinky Toys, Hornby trains and model garages, for Shell long ago recognised the importance of brand recognition. Catch them young was the unspoken theme, and what a success it has been.

So it should come as no surprise that the instantly recognisable Shell logo has been a constant in our collective motoring lives. We all have brand preferences, and yet the Shell logo is not only familiar, but also almost universally reassuring. Like all good brands it exudes quality, performance, innovation and reliability – one that we instinctively trust.

Of course, Shell operates in a most competitive market. In an age where price is seen as everything, there’s always a cheaper alternative, and petrol marketing is no different. Does cheaper mean a dilution in quality? What will it do to our engines? Does it really matter? It’s all about perception and all the factors that influence every judgment we make. If we

ALL ABOUT CARS

encountered a multi-brand filling station where prices were equalised, which brand would we choose?

Yet if it all comes down to our individual impression of a particular brand, much of that is the product of our residual memory. It could be those wonderful posters and light-hearted advertisements of the past, or even the Shell logo on a Works Sebring MGB from the 1960s. Equally it can be a pragmatic decision, like the one I made to use Shell exclusively – fuel and very significantly X100 oil – when I first took the MG TC to Europe. That proved to be a great choice, and wherever we were that familiar logo looked after us. So today a Shell filling station is still my first choice for the MG3.”

Thanks to Barry and to Simon Goldsworthy, Editor, MG Enthusiast magazine.

DID YOU SPOT THE GARAGE IN COLYFORD, DEVON?

In the last issue we showed a photo of an old petrol station; member John Underhill generously offered to donate £50 to a charity of choice, to the first person to correctly identify the location.

Not only was Mike Pickup the winner, he also provided an additional snippet that Lawrence of Arabia was known to have refuelled his motorbike at this filling station, obviously many years ago!

Mike chose the Society of St. James, a Hampshire-based homelessness charity, providing accommodation and support to over 2,500 people each year – a worthy cause.

John himself has been honoured for his work with the British Legion.

DONATE YOUR IDLE CAR

If you need to get rid of a car you no longer need and would like to do some good at the same time, Giveacar is a not-for-profit social enterprise that can turn it into cash for any UK charity. They arrange free collection nationwide, then either sell your car at auction or scrap it, with proceeds going to your charity, taking a small fee proportional to the donation amount raised. To date, they’ve disposed of 22,000+ vehicles and raised over £2 million for UK charities.

Tel: 0207 736 4242 or email support@giveacar.co.uk

Barry is keen to point out that he and his wife are drinking apple juice!

John Underhill

20 | SPA NEWS

SPA F INANCE

TIPS ON FINDING A FINANCIAL SERVICE PROVIDER

It can be daunting going through Yellow Pages to find someone to help with preparing a will or Lasting Power of Attorney, which can be a sensitive chore. Many members may already be aware of Checkatrade, where customers can rate the service they have received from local tradesmen. It is a most useful source of information. Now comes Checkaprofessional, offering a similar service for a whole range of professional service providers.

SHELL AND HYUNDAI EXTEND THEIR PARTNERSHIP TO MOTORSPORT

World Rally Championship 2016. Thirteen countries. Driving conditions: Snow and ice, gravel and asphalt. Temperature range: -30°C to +40°C. These are the extreme conditions in which the Hyundai Shell World Rally Team has been competing.

Battling damp fog, low visibility and the notoriously challenging Welsh gravel roads of Thierry Neuville, the team finished in third place on the 12th round of the World Rally Championships 2016 in Wales.

Though Shell and Hyundai have been partnering since 2005, the two companies embarked on a new adventure when Hyundai Motorsport returned to the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) World Rally Championship (WRC), with Shell as the Title Sponsor and Official Lubricant supplier of the team. The Shell Helix Ultra that the team used is specially formulated to improve performance by minimising friction and

combating wear. The team’s progress and results since joining forces with Shell speak for themselves. Since the introduction of Shell Helix Ultra motor oil with PurePlus Technology, Shell has helped Hyundai Motorsport develop an extra 1.5 horsepower, representing an average of six seconds advantage at the end of each rally.

A couple of years ago we were alerted to discounts being offered by Hyundai to Shell Pensioners and family members. Member Bob Pryce has benefitted twice, saving about 15% each time. Details are on the website: www.platinumhyundai.co.uk/special-offers/pdfs/Hyundai-Affinity-Advert.pdf or from Platinum Hyundai, Manor Road, Marston Trading Estate, Frome BA11 4BN Tel: 01373 46335.

Another source of information is LEBC (lebc-group.com ) – a national organisation with branches throughout the country. They can provide independent advice on financial planning and wealth management.

And don’t forget our own Tina Gilchrist, CBG Solutions, who can provide a list of accredited service providers in your area. Tina’s contact details are on page 13.

SPA NEWS | 21

SPA HEALTH

EAT YOUR WAY TO OLD AGE

Care UK has published an excellent guide, covering many aspects of eating. 'Eating as we age' has been created to help anyone who experiences problems with eating or drinking, or those caring for an older friend or relative. If you have concerns, your GP is the best source of advice.

UNDERNOURISHMENT: Losing weight, having a reduced appetite, or being dehydrated are not always normal signs of ageing. Other signs of under-nutrition include loose fitting clothes/jewellery, ill-fitting dentures, tiredness, sores around lips, hair loss.

Loss of appetite has many causes – a reduced sense of taste and smell, decreased physical exercise, medication, health conditions, or lack of motivation to cook. You could try these tips:

Serve smaller meals, more often; six small meals a day are easier to digest and less daunting than three larger ones. Cheese and crackers or a bowl of fruit mid-morning might be attractive, or suggest a dessert in the afternoon instead of after lunch.

INSOMN-EATING: many older people don’t sleep well, so have snacks available at night so they can help themselves. A person living with dementia may be ‘out of sync’ with the time, so their eating patterns can be unusual.

FOOD TASTES CHANGE AS WE AGE: with failing taste buds, many older people find they enjoy spicier foods, such as curry. Enhance flavour with herbs and spices, e.g. mint, paprika, lemon. Ginger aids digestion and smells fresh.

ADD A SPLASH OF COLOUR: make food visually attractive. Grapes, satsumas, bananas and tomatoes stand out more than sandwiches and crisps – and provide vitamins and minerals.

ENCOURAGE A LIQUID LUNCH: if someone doesn’t want to eat, try a nutritious smoothie or milkshake as an occasional meal replacement. Add half a banana and full-fat yoghurt to increase the calorific value.

Make life easy by serving food on a plate with a higher rim, e.g. pasta bowl, and ensure they have reading glasses so they can see the food. Keep it warm, so it’s more appealing; some food can be reheated in the microwave.

SNACK ATTACK: the following are a few suggestions to encourage people with poor appetites to eat between meals:

• Glass of fortified milk with a biscuit, cake or flapjack

• Crumpets, tea cake, scones with cream, butter, jam and chocolate spread

• Rice cakes or crackers with spreading cheese or cream cheese

• Three or four rice cakes

• Individual full-fat desserts such as chocolate mousse, yoghurts, trifles, rice pudding.

‘FOOD FORTIFICATION’ increases calories without increasing the amount of food. Tips include:

• Add butter/grated cheese to mashed potatoes and vegetables and to soups, stews, pasta or scrambled eggs on toast. Don’t forget the dumplings with casseroles!

• Add dried fruit or banana to porridge, along with cream, milk, sugar, honey or jam

• Serve meat and fish with creamy sauces, e.g. white, parsley or cheese.

22 | SPA NEWS

SPA T IME OUT

LENSBURY BREAKSThis year Lensbury is offering members

two and five night accommodation deals. Set on the banks of the River Thames, it is close to Kew Gardens, and Hampton Court and central London are a short ride away.

3-7 night offer

Standard Single

Standard Double

Superior Double/Twin

Executive Queen

Executive King

5 nights total Per night

£310.00 £62.00

£390.00 £78.00

£455.00 £91.00

£815.00 £163.00

£915.00 £183.00

2 night offer 2 nights total Per night

Standard Single

Standard Double

Superior Double/Twin

Executive Queen

Executive King

£145.00 £72.50

£195.00 £97.50

£210.00 £105.00

£330.00 £165.00

£370.00 £185.00

A BOY’S OWNOn retirement, Brian Page realised that memories of working offshore were too precious to lose and was compelled to write A Boy's Own Offshore Adventure.

Brian tells of everyday, true events which he experienced as maintenance supervisor on Auk. Determined to counter the popular belief that working offshore in the oil industry was the

Rates include Full English buffet breakfast, VAT, parking, wi-fi and full use of The Lensbury’s leisure facilities, including indoor pool, gym, sauna & steam, tennis, seasonal watersports, and some fitness classes.

MEMBER DISCOUNT AT HENLEY ROYAL REGATTA

SPA member Nigel Scandrett, owner of The Maidenhead Steam Company, is again offering discounted hospitality during the Henley Regatta. Last year about 40 members enjoyed the event.

In addition to river cruises, there's a complimentary bar throughout the day, morning champagne, lobster lunch, and afternoon tea. The company is based on a four-acre riverside garden site, in the grounds of a Tudor mansion, adjacent to Henley Bridge, Regatta HQ, and the race finish. The offer is available Wednesday 28 June, Saturday 1 July or Sunday 2 July. The cost is £175 inc. VAT instead of the usual £255 + VAT. Contact Nigel on 0203 044 2925 or nigel@maidenheadsteam.co.uk. Additional information www.henleyregatta.info.

SPA NEWS | 23

modern equivalent of being sold into slavery, Brian has gathered together a number of personal anecdotes which may help to redress the balance.

“What there was in abundance during those early years would now be consid-ered as misplaced excitement, but we didn’t know that at the time. It's worth re-membering that working offshore wasn’t compulsory and you could leave if you

WHERE TO SEE SHELL HERITAGE ART COLLECTION EXHIBITIONS IN 2017 BY MELINDA MCSHANE, CURATOR

Items from the Shell Heritage Art Collec-tion will be on show at 12 different venues in 2017. One of the biggest exhibitions will be at Upton House, now owned by the National Trust, but once home to the second Shell Chairman, Viscount Bear-sted. To celebrate the 90th anniversary of Viscount Bearsted acquiring the property, new rooms and displays will show 34 paintings and posters of the 1920s era from the Shell Heritage Art Collection. The exhibition opens on 25 March.

From 6 May until 2 July a large selec-tion of posters and paintings from the ever popular ‘Visit Britain’ campaign will be on show at Mottisfont Abbey, another

National Trust venue, near Romsey in Hampshire.

Until 19 February there are two works at Pallant House Gallery near Chichester, West Sussex as part of ‘The Mythic Meth-od: Classicism in British Art 1920-1950’. The exhibition explores how Modern British artists drew on classical myth and ideals in a ‘return to order’ following the First World War.

To find out more about other exhibi-tion venues, visit the Shell Heritage Art Collection ‘What’s New’ pages on their website: www.nationalmotormuseum.org.uk/Shell_Art_Whats_New

SOMEONE TO TALK TO AND SOMEONE WHO LISTENS

Jack used to go on holiday to the South of France (on his motorbike and sidecar) with his wife many years ago. He loves to remember the happy holidays they had together – he shares his stories with his telephone volunteer who loves to hear about them.

Imagine if Jack wasn’t able to talk to anyone on a regular basis. His wife sadly passed away and his health isn’t what it used to be, making it difficult for him to get out and about and to stay in touch with people. It would be difficult for him to share his travel stories and to form a new friendship.

Call in Time is a free telephone friend-ship service run by Age UK for people aged 60 and over. The service works by matching you with a trained and sup-ported volunteer who, together, can enjoy a weekly phone chat at a time that is most suited. You can share stories about anything from travel, fishing, or even the latest episode of Coronation Street, and all from the comforts of your own home.

‘When I speak to my volunteer the sun is shining even if it is raining outside.’

‘The weekly call brightens up my day and puts me in the right mood for the rest of the week.’

If you think you or someone you know would benefit from the additional support a telephone friendship call could provide, then get in touch.

Call: 0800 434 6105 to find out how to join.

Email: callintime@ageuk.org.uk, or visit the Age UK website at: www.ageuk.org.uk

wanted to. Funnily enough, as you read this epic tale of bravery and self-sacrifice, you can perhaps see why we didn’t.”

If you're curious about this book, or any of the other three in the 'Boy’s Own' series that Brian has published, details and an order form are available at www.aboysownadventure.com

24 | SPA NEWS

There are a number of reunions and meetings organised throughout the year from different business departments. We will advertise the reunions that we know about.

SPA REUNIONS & MEETINGS

East Europe 2017 July at Champagne Charlie’s, exact date to be confirmed. Contact Tom Salmons 01580 714572 salmons@tiscali.co.uk

Oman Golfers Association The 38th Annual Meeting will be held at Kenwick Park Hotel & Golf Club, North Lincolnshire,11, 12, 13 July 2017. Contact Fred Gray 01624 837247: Email: facgray@manx.net

SCUK/SICC 35th Shell Chemicals Reunion Lunch: open to all who have been involved in Chemicals in SCUK and SICC, including partners, guests and deferred pensioners. Friday 7 April 2017 at Lensbury. Contact Jon Warnke 01483 417387, jgwarnke@btinternet.com

Far East The 2016 Far East Reunion was held at the Lensbury Club in Teddington in April, with a very good attendance. We think everyone there enjoyed the lunch and liked catching up with friends, acquaintances and colleagues from their time in the Far East. The reunion is open to everybody who worked for Shell in the Far East and their husbands, wives or partners. Please inform anyone who you think might be interested. We have booked the same venue for 11 May 2017 and hope to see everyone again plus some new faces. Mike Schaafsma mike.schaafsma@googlemail.com Emilie Hunt at emiliehunt@hotmail.com

7th Industrial/Commercial Lubricants: Worcester, 24 April 2017.Contact Neil Bown: 01630 647129 nimbo@btinternet.com

Shell Travel Club has vacancies to:Captivating Cambridge, 23-26 February, Ian Kent iankent006@btinternet.com.The Magic of the Manx, 10-15 Sept 2017, Nicola and Michael Osgood, minosgood@btinternet.com Madeira, 12-19 October, Steve Jones, steven_jones2@sky.com

Membership details, contact Pauline Barnes: membership@shelltravelclub.com

Shell Fleet: For anyone who had careers in the Shell Tanker Fleet and related offices ashore. The 68th AGM and Reunion Dinner will be held on Friday 21 April 2017 at Lensbury. For further information contact the Secretary Capt Douglas Davidson MBE at sfrsa@aol.com

TOM’s, going for 40 years, was formed by staff from the defunct Lubricating Oil General Dept of Shell International. An offshoot of the Lensbury Wine Appreciation Society, it was started by Tom Jackson and Ted Murrell. When he retired in the early 1980s, after a stint in Venezuela, Tom marshalled retired ‘Lubs’ folk who he'd worked with from the 1950s. It became known as Tom’s Club, meeting the first Tuesday in the month, every two months, starting in January. We meet in The Lensbury bar for a few drinks, lunch, and a great deal of gassing. Average attendance is 20-30. This gathering was intended to carry on the reputation that LOG Department had for ‘socialising’ in the 1950s, at many watering holes within easy staggering distance from our offices in Great St. Helens and City Gate House. The North Pole was infamous, and The Moorgate, too – glorious heady days. We lived through four decades of rapidly changing times. Tom, who passed away mid 1980s, was inspired to form this group, and we all remember him with great affection.A man with immense enthusiasm stepped into the breach, Les Brown, who for over 30 years has continued to energise this

wonderful camaraderie. We invite retired Bunkers Division staff, and anyone else for that matter, to join what is an entertaining bunch of old duffers, with memories to match! Les has even created a TOM’s website http:/shell.randomvision.co.uk/How about that for devotion! My great friend deserves a ‘gong’!

TOMS (OR 'TUESDAYS, ODD MONTHS') BY TOM LANGFORD

The Travel Club enjoy onboard jazz

SPA NEWS | 25

SPA BRANCHES

Marches branch met for our AGM on 12 October. A convivial gathering of 17 at Leominster Golf Club considered how we want to run the branch and agreed to continue with two lunch gatherings in April and October, and possibly a summer picnic. Maggie Covington handed over the ‘Chair’ to Andy Johns but continues, as Membership Secretary, her amazing 24-year run on the Committee. Gill Stovold and Stewart Officer continue as Secretary and Treasurer respectively, with the committee completed by Peter and Margaret Ford and founder member, Colin Price. A donation of £350 was made to the valuable work of SPBA.

MARCHING ON BY ANDY JOHNS

It is now some 23 years since Shell transferred its agrochemical business to Cyanamid of the USA, later to be absorbed into the German multinational chemical company, BASF. But old loyalties die hard, and some 20 former colleagues continue to keep in contact through a long (4+ hour) lunch hosted in April and October at the Village Inn at Liddington near Swindon.For around a decade after the sale of the Division, the ever efficient secretaries organised a get together of agricultural staff in Ely, but these sessions gradually came to an end. However, former Regional Technical Advisers, Keith Temple and Colin Palmer, continued to meet following Keith’s retirement, alternately in Oxford and Liddington, providing an opportunity to swap reminiscences.

The formula seemed to work and before long they were joined by former Western Region colleagues, Phil Gibson and David Walker, and the venue stabilised at Liddington. Although the sessions had no formal structure or defined dates, more ex-colleagues learned of the get-togethers and so the list of email addresses expanded to include other former colleagues, and particularly field staff from the product development department.

SHELL CHEMICAL UK AGRICULTURAL DIVISION LUNCHES

In the photo from our autumn 2016 get together are (from left to right):Back: Ken Fish, Richard Gedge, Peter Light, Rob Morrison, Phil Gibson, Brian Harris, Glyn Jones, Howard Bradbury & David Walker. Front: Pam Moult, Keith Temple, Ros Wise & Colin Palmer.

The next lunch is planned for April 2017, at either Swindon or Oxford. Any former AgDiv colleagues interested in joining us, please contact Colin Palmer at colin.palmer.uk@gmail.com

Shell Northern Ireland Branch and BP got together at the Jim Baker Bowling Stadium, in county Antrim. The event was well attended and everyone enjoyed meeting up again, in some cases with colleagues they hadn't seen for over 20 Years. Shell and BP were paired against each other and the bowling competition was full of fun. A lunch was organised at the club and cups and medals were given out to winners and participants. Everyone agreed that it should be an annual event, so it's in the pipeline for next year. John Young, PLR for N. Ireland, was our photographer. As you can see, a great day out was had by all.

FUN DAY OUT, SHELL VERSUS BP BOWLING COMPETITION, BY ALMA ATKINS

26 | SPA NEWS

SPA BRANCH EVENTS, CALENDAR, 2016 AND CONTACTS

Cheshire Kenneth Skeldon Email: kenneth.skeldon1@virginmedia.com 17 Jan New Year Buffet, Oak Room t 21 Mar AGM, Whitby Club16 May Visit Rooftop of WalesMonthly talks, all at Whitby Club

Chilterns & Thames Valley Judith Turner Tel: 01895 637188 Email: judith.turnerspa@btinternet.com

Cumbria & LancashireKen Lovell Tel: 01900 823414 Email: kennethlovell@btinternet.com 22 Mar Spring Lunch, venue tba10 Apr AGM, Longlands Hotel, Carnforth

Devon & CornwallDavid Watters Tel: 01803 856648 Email: dgwatters@gmx.com

East AngliaSally Brown Tel: 01502 585023 Email: spbrown.blackshore@gmail.com6 April AGM and Spring Lunch at Park Farm Hotel, Hethersett,

Nr Norwich

EssexIris Shaw Tel: 01375 679908 Email: irisshaw@tiscali.co.uk15 Feb John Dowsett’s popular quiz15 Mar Speaker Bryan Thurlow19 Apr Speaker Peter Layzell17 May Cream tea at the Springhouse Club

Greater Manchester (details on branch website)Bryan Clarke Tel: 0161 456 5083Email: groveblue@sky.com 13 Mar AGM, Sale Conservative ClubRegular events: flat walking every 3rd Thur, hill walking every

2nd Wed

Isle of ManFenella Gray Email: fenellagray@manx.net

Isle of WightJocelyn Hardy-Bishop Tel: 01983 866303 Email: johardybishop@hotmail.co.uk

KentLinda Leborgne Tel: 01634 262081 Email: linda@leborgne.freeserve.co.uk29 Mar The Good Old Days’ Music Hall Show at Sheerness 11 May AGM, Boughton Golf Club

The MarchesGill Stovold Tel: 01568 760241 Email: gill.stovold@virgin.net 4 Apr Lunch, Leominster Golf Club

MidshiresAlan Chandler Tel: 0121 705 1648 Email: alan.16@blueyonder.co.uk

North London & HertsRobert Hillyard Tel: 01707 654165 Email: robert_hillyard@hotmail.com 22 Mar AGM, Brookmans Park Golf Club19 Apr Visit to Bentley Priory (Museum HQ Fighter Command

during Battle of Britain)16 May Guards Museum Guided Tour followed by pub lunch29 Jun Summer Lunch, venue tbc

North & Mid HantsMalcolm Wells Tel: 01256 346743 Email: malcolm.j.wells@btinternet.com

21

SPA NEWS | 27

SussexNigel Beesley Tel : 01903 812775 Email: Nigel@thebeesleys.co.uk 25 Apr Spring Lunch, The Hydro Hotel, Eastbourne, noon

YorkshireHanneke Wood Tel: Contact SPA Email: pandhwood@mac.com 14 Feb AGM and festive Lunch, Pavilion Hotel, Fulford, York

Northern IrelandAlma Atkins Tel: 02890 839003 Email: almaatkins@icloud.com

Northumberland & DurhamMal Thompson Tel : 07725919098 Email malcolmethompson@hotmail.co.uk

ScotlandJune Wilson Email: sspamembershipsec@gmail.com

SelkentPauline Langley Tel: 020 8856 1816 Email: pelangley0@gmail.com

Severn & AvonGerry Mapson Tel: 01452 712084 Email: camap.gb@blueyonder.co.uk

South Hants & DorsetColin Lambert Tel: 01202 749676 Email: colin@lambert14.orangehome.co.uk

South WalesGill Beach Tel: 01792 369320 Email gillianbeach@mac.com

East SurreyMartyn Hankin Tel: 020 8946 2519 E-mail: jandmhankin@hotmail.com.16 Mar Pub Lunch, The Rubbing House, Epsom Downs9 Jun Pub Lunch, Onslow Arms, Lockwood and Arun Canal

trip, tbc

West SurreyMargaret Parsons Tel: 01483 811103 Email: mike_margaretparsons@btinternet.com

1) Cheshire

2) East Anglia transport museum

3) Yorkshire armouries trip

4) Selkent, Foundling museum

5) N London Herts Hatfield Forest walk

6) Scottish walkers

3

4

65

28 | SPA NEWS

GOLDEN (50 YEARS)

SPA CONGRATULATIONS

Here is a selection of the many wonderful photos we receive. To share details of your celebration, please contact Lynn Forsdyke.

By Lynn Forsdyke

Baker, Janet & Ray of West Sussex – 8 Oct. Prior to retirement Ray worked in Shell Tankers.

Bowen, Mary & Cecil of Chester, Cheshire – 21 Sep. Prior to retirement Cecil worked at Stanlow Refinery.

Cleugh, Norma & Brian of Birkenhead, Merseyside – 17 Dec. Prior to retirement Brian worked in Shell UK Oil Products, Stanlow.

BLUE SAPPHIRE (65 YEARS)

DIAMOND (60 YEARS)

Jarvis, Tricia & Peter of South Wirral – 1 Oct. Prior to retirement Peter worked as a Maintenance Technician at Shell Stanlow.

Rylatt, Jan & Rod of Perth, W. Australia – 20 Oct. Prior to retirement Rod worked in Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd. They celebrated with family in the UK & friends in Perth.

Wright, Linda & Phil of Hungerford, Berks – 17 Dec. Prior to retirement Phil worked in Shell UK Oil Products.

Woodhouse, Penelope Julia & Peter of Frodsham – 3 Dec. Prior to retirement Peter worked for Shell Bitumen, Ellesmere Port.

Barnes, Evelyn & Lionel of Pyrford, Surrey – 22 Sep. Prior to retirement Lionel worked in Shell International Chemical Company Ltd.

Gibson, Elizabeth (Betty) & Colin of Daventry, Northants – 6 Oct. Prior to retirement Colin worked for Thermocomfort, Shell Chemicals. They celebrated with family in Sevenoaks, Kent.

Harrison, Phyllis & Arthur of Upton, Chester – 29 Sep. Prior to retirement Arthur worked as an Electrical Engineer at Stanlow.

Lord, Joy & Eric of Sandy, Beds – 27 Oct. Prior to retirement Eric worked at Thornton Research Centre.

McLaren, Maureen & Jack of Cheshire – 29 Sep. Prior to retirement Jack worked at Thornton Research Centre. Celebrations included afternoon tea, a family party and a trip to Edinburgh.

Craddock, Doreen & Jim of Plymouth – 20 Oct. Prior to retirement Jim worked at Shell’s Cattedown Depot, Plymouth. They celebrated with a family afternoon tea at a country hotel on Dartmoor.

SPA NEWS | 29

Pensioners who are SPA members will automatically be included in this column. We will include the death of a spouse of a SPA member but totally rely on you to give us the details. Please note we’re unable to print any obituaries that are over a year old.

We regret to report the death of the following members:

Adams, Mrs Beryl Daphne (88) widow of John Graham – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 16 October

Allain, Mrs Sheila Frances (89) widow of Frank Cyril – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 15 September

Ashton, Mrs Mary Violet (96) widow of William Noel – Shell Research Ltd died 28 September

Aye Maung, Ronald Mackenzie (84) Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 24 October

Bacon, Michael (70) – Shell UK Exploration and Production Ltd died 2 September

Barker, Mrs Rosina Eileen (87) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 26 September

Barnes, Mrs Vera (80) widow of John Thomas – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 26 October

Battle, Robert James (68) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 10 November

Beaumont, Ronald (82) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 16 August

Beedle, Mrs Vera (88) widow of William Leonard – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 22 August

Bell, George Spowart (82) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 7 September

Beveridge, Mrs Olga Mary (93) widow of James Michael – SIPM died 17 November

Binns, Mrs Joyce (75) widow of John Michael – Shell UK Ltd-Stanlow died 13 August

Bishop, Mrs Kathleen Gervaise (93) widow of Francis George – SIPM died 2 September

Blackshaw, Mrs Edith Annie (83) widow of Capt Peter Ian – SIPM died 6 October

Blow, Mrs Rhoda Irene (83) widow of John Harker – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 6 October

Bowden, Mrs Elizabeth (82) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 31 October

Bradshaw, Mrs Ingeborg Margaret Kathe (88) widow of Bernard – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 23 October

SPA OBITUARIES

Brady, Miss Patricia (77) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 9 August

Brown, Frederick Stewart (86) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 11 October

Burton, Mrs Margaret Dilys (98) widow of William Ernest – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 19 October

Bye, Mrs Ada (87) widow of Alfred Claudian – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 8 September

Cade-Hughes, Colin Edward (61) – Shell Nederland Verkoopmaatschappij Bv died 17 September

Caesar, Gerald Arthur (92) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 17 October

Cairns, Mrs Mary (89) widow of James – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 31 August

Calaz, Leonard Edward Benjamin (90) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 12 September

Calver, Mrs Eileen Annie Doreen (94) widow of Percy Ernest – SMBP/Power/Nat.Benzole died 2 November

Carroll, Mrs June (87) widow of Sidney Alfred – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 17 October

Cattanach, John McLelland (79) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 30 September

Clare, John Edmund Conquest (86) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 23 October

Clark, Mrs Gillian (Gilly) wife of Stephen – Shell Global Solutions died 1 November

Clarke, Mrs Evelyn Doris Ruby (93) widow of Paul Vincent – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 21 October

Clarke, Mrs Evelyn Gladys (87) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 24 August

Clayton, Harry (76) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 30 June

Cleland, Mrs Rosamond Wilkinson (98) widow of William James – Shell Chemcials UK Ltd died 19 October

Cole, Mrs Doreen (93) widow of Arthur John – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 26 October

Collie, Mrs Stella Doreen (87) widow of Robert Forbes – Shell UK Exploration and Production Ltd died 18 September

Collins, John Robert (77) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 3 September

Colquhoun, Robert (77) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 31 August

Cooper, Mrs Freda (92) widow of George Edward – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 27 September

Cooper, Kenneth Wallace (96) – SIPM died 26 August

Cousal, Arthur George (86) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 1 October

Cox, John Lancaster (88) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 17 October

Davies, Donald Graham (86) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 22 September

Deighton, John Vincent (84) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 9 September

Dobson, Stanley (88) – Shell International Ltd died 25 September

Dodwell, Mrs Jane Mary (92) widow of Timothy Leonard Rowland Goodwin – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 16 November

Doerr, Mrs Monica Edna Grant (89) widow of Robert Anthony – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 16 September

Drury, Sidney John (79) widower of Mary – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 1 March

Duff Tytler, Mrs Marie Elaine (69) wife of Anthony (Tony) – Shell Haven Refinery died 12 June

Earle, Mrs Joyce Marie (81) widow of Norman John – Colas Products died 13 October

Eden, Mrs Joan Winifred (91) widow of Samuel Henry – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 19 September

Ellis, Reginald Thomas Samuel (92) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 1 November

Evans, Mrs Gladys Maud (91) widow of Dennis – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 26 September

30 | SPA NEWS

SPA OBITUARIES

Ferguson, Gordon Martin (72) widower of Mavis – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 31 August

Firth, Mrs Barbara (84) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 20 September

Fisher, Bernard (83) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 12 September

Fitchie, Ronald Vernon (87) – SIPM died 4 October

Ford, Raymond Eric (86) – Shell Research Ltd died 3 November

Forder, Brian Frederick William (79) – Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd died 4 October

Foster, Michael Whitfield (84) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 1 November

Foy, Mrs Avril Pauleen (80) widow of Peter – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 9 November

Freelander, Mrs Lilian Maud (89) widow of Leonard Joseph – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 26 September

Frost, Mrs Doris (94) widow of Leonard Raymond – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 1 October

Galbraith, William Ward (88) – Colas Products died 13 September

Gibbons, Brian Frederick (77) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 27 August

Gray, Mrs Kathleen Norah Ivy (86) widow of Albert William – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 12 October

Gray, Mrs Norah Philomena (82) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 20 October

Griffin, Norman Edgar (87) – Shell Chemical Distribution Company-Jordan died 6 November

Hardie, Mrs Kathleen Elizabeth (89) widow of Charles – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 23 September

Hargreaves, Trevor Thomas (85) – SIPM died 21 September

Harrop, Alan (64) – Shell Information Technology International Ltd died 8 September

Hartley, Miss Margaret (82) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 14 October

Henson-Webb, Mrs Florence Mabel (90) widow of Charles Harold – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 18 September

Herlihy, John Malcolm (82) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 7 November

Heywood, Edward Arthur (92) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 10 September

Hindley, Ernest Stanley (88) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 11 September

Hogg, Mrs Antoinette (79) wife of A O (Sandy) – Shell Retail and Distributor Trade died 14 October

Holder, Edward (77) – Colas Products died 11 October

Holland, Harold (93) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 13 October

Holmes, Cyril (89) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 19 November

Holmes, Leslie (89) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 3 October

Hooper, Wallace Frederick (86) – Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd died 4 October

Horne, Mrs Ann (80) wife of Ernest (Ernie) – Killingholme Depot died 19 September

Houghton, Kenneth Austin (93) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 2 November

Hourihane, Terence (94) – SMBP/Power/Nat.Benzole died 14 September

Howard, Kenneth (88) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 24 November

Hoy, Raymond (86) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 2 November

Hughes, Mrs Winifred (90) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 21 July

Hurley, Brian Edwin (89) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 9 October

Jackson, Mrs Angela Patricia (80) widow of Norman William – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 27 October

Jacobs, Mrs Lorraine Marie (90) widow of Leslie Charles – SMBP/Power/Nat.Benzole died 11 September

Jarman, Gordon Henry (86) – Shell Research Ltd died 22 September

Jefferson, James McComb (81) – SMBP/Power/Nat.Benzole died 18 October

Jeffrey, Malcolm Robin (85) – Shell International Ltd died 12 September

Johnson, Kenneth Ian (84) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 8 November

Jones, Mrs Joan Thelma (86) widow of Donald – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 19 September

Kennedy, Thomas Irwin (76) – Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd died 3 November

Kent, Mrs Beatrice Louisa Mary (90) – SIPM died 26 August

Knott, Mrs Joyce Irene (86) widow of William Thomas Henry – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 25 October

Kynaston, David John (57) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 8 September

Lanigan, Mrs Ivy Doreen (95) widow of Thomas – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 29 September

Lees, Mrs Muriel Dorothy (89) widow of Ronald Arthur – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 16 October

Lewis, Miss Jean Helen (84) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 1 November

Littlewood, Leonard John (96) – Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd died 1 September

Livings, Francis Arthur (89) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 21 October

Lockwood, Albert Richard Harry (84) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 25 September

Lovejoy, Mrs Beryl Elizabeth (87) widow of Charles Aubrey – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 14 August

Lowe, Robert (86) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 14 September

Lugg, Ivor Stanley (94) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 10 October

Macdonald, Mrs Marjorie Winifred (87) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 29 October

Macready, Donald McLean (63) – SIPM died 19 September

Martin, Mrs Doreen May (86) widow of James Francis – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 10 November

Mason, John (83) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 30 September

McMillan, Mrs Mary Ann (102) widow of James – Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd died 19 September

Menzies, Henry (82) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 31 October

Mihell, Geoffrey Robert (80) – Shell International Ltd died 7 October

Mitchell, Alfred (94) – SIPM died 14 October

Mitchell, James Brunton (89) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 30 August

Moore, Mrs Ann Elizabeth (95) widow of John Roland Lawson – SMBP/Power/Nat.Benzole died 19 October

Morley, John Michael (73) – Shell Chemicals Ltd died 17 September

Mosley, Mrs Freda (92) widow of George William – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 12 October

Mulhearn, Louis Thomas (99) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 29 September

SPA NEWS | 31

Mumford, William Henry (89) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 31 October

Murrell, Mrs Patricia June (92) widow of John Albert – SIPM died 21 September

Noguera, Joseph Luis (78) – Shell Company of Gibraltar Ltd died 17 October

Norbury, Mrs Ruth Hamilton (95) widow of Terence Arthur – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 2 November

Norris, Gerald Russel Allanby (84) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 20 September

O’Bryen-Broadbridge, Miss Ruth Margaret – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 25 October 2016

O’Connell, Patrick Denys (91) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 11 October

Oliff, Mrs Rosie Lilian (98) widow of Arthur Albert – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 26 October

Oliver, Mrs Patricia Lavinia Queenie (76) widow of Capt Brian Lewis – Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd died 29 September

Oliver, Walter (82) – Shell International Ltd died 3 October

O’Neill, Mrs Joyce (84) widow of Dennis Michael Frederick – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 17 September

Orman, Mrs Grace (89) widow of Peter – Shell Research Ltd died 24 October

Owen, Alan John (90) – Colas Products died 27 September

Palmer, David John (86) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 8 October

Pedder, Mrs June Jeanette (87) widow of Raymond Edwin – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 11 September

Pegrum, Alan Cyril (83) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 24 October

Pereira, Mrs June Doris (81) widow of Valerius Bede – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 22 September

Powell, Terrence Ronald (70) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 11 November

Price, John (69) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 14 October

Purse, John Gilbert (67) – Shell Chemicals Ltd died 10 November

Rayner, David Frederick (76) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 6 October

Read, Mrs Deirdre Mary (87) widow of John Scott – Shell Eastern Petroleum (Pte) Ltd died 11 July

Redman, James Arthur (69) – Shell Abu Dhabi BV (Sad Bv) died 26 October

Robinson, Terence Harold (86) – Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Ltd died 24 September

Roughsedge, Neville (76) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 8 October

Sampson, Alan John (79) – Shell Research Ltd died 4 October

Sanders, Mrs Avril Elizabeth (69) wife of Joseph - Plymouth Terminal died 20 July

Sheard, Mrs Margaret Olivia (94) – SIPM died 24 September

Shenfield, Stanley James (90) – Shell International Ltd died 23 October

Shepherd, John Hudson (90) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 7 September

Shuttleworth, Alec (79) – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 25 September

Sinacola, Brian (82) – Shell Chemcials UK Ltd died 27 August

Skipp, Alan Ronald (93) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 5 October

Slattery, Mrs Mary Elizabeth (79) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 3 September

Slaughter, Mrs Barbara Ann (80) widow of Peter William – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 15 November

Slee, Bernard Charles (79) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 12 September

Smith, John (91) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 27 August

Smith, Mrs Ruth Maria (95) widow of Hector Edwin Ernest – Shell Mex & BP died 15 November

Snook, Mrs Ruby Ena Elizabeth widow of John Reginald Hilsdon – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 12 October

Southard, Mrs Barbara (81) widow of Emrys Gordon – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 29 September

Spelman, Mrs Annie (88) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 16 October

Stephenson, Mrs Elsie (98) widow of Henry Fussey – Shell Mex and BP died 22 October

Stewart, Alexander Ian (85) – Shell UK Exploration and Production Ltd died 15 September

Stibbs, Leonard John P (90) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 18 October

Stirling, Mrs Sybil (83) widow of John Davison – Shell Research Ltd died 8 October

Summers, Mrs Valerie (75) wife of Ray – Thornton Research Centre died 20 March

Swift, Mrs Annie (90) widow of William – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 24 October

Taplin, Mrs Joyce Christian Annie (92) widow of William Thomas Edward – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 11 October

Tew, Mrs Joyce Mary (93) widow of Peter Douglas – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 2 September

Thomson, Laurence Arthur (87) – Shell Mex and BP died 2 September

Thompson, John Frederick (73) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 4 November

Thompson, Mrs Maureen Mary (74) widow of Humphrey Benson – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 18 November

Vezey, Albert (91) – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 6 November

Vincent, Mrs Edwina (90) widow of William Albert – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 16 October

Walker, Mrs Elizabeth Mary (98) widow of Kenneth – Shell International Petroleum Company Ltd died 25 October

Walker, Mrs Winifred Joyce (87) wife of Maurice – Stanlow Refinery died 16 June

Ward, Mrs Joyce Frances (88) widow of Frank Arthur – Shell International Trading and Shipping Company Ltd died 14 September

Ware, Mrs Andrea (70) widow of Michael Peter – Shell Chemicals UK Ltd died 7 August

Watkins, Alan George (84) – Colas Products died 23 October

Webb, Mrs Maureen (91) widow of Maurice Thomas Jean – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 24 October

Wells, Peter (91) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 1 September

Wildsmith, Mrs Muriel (84) widow of Thomas Francis – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 27 October

Williams, Brian Robert (84) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 11 November

Williams, Norman Rowland (94) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 16 August

Williams, Mrs Yvonne Frances (87) widow of Roger Henry – Shell Dev (Hong Kong) Ltd died 11 November

Wood, Thomas Stanley (81) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 19 September

Woodruff, John Arthur (91) – Shell UK Oil Products Ltd died 19 November

Wright, Mrs Isabella Ann (94) widow of Lachlan James Macinnes – Shell Tankers (UK) Ltd died 3 November