About SNR (South)

In the summer of 1960, the Society for Nautical Research (SNR) held a recruiting drive to increase their membership. One event was an evening drinks party held on HMS Victory’s quarterdeck. SNR Council member W O B (Bill) Majer took the opportunity to launch a Hampshire branch by recruiting some of those present. They named the new society SNR (South). You did not have to be a member of the parent body to be a member of SNR (South) though many were.

The history of SNR goes back to 1910 with an inaugural meeting in London under the chairmanship of the marine painter W L Wyllie with two admirals elected to the Committee. The Society became nationally known when it launched the Save the Victory Fund in 1922. Early that year the Society had arranged for Victory which was sinking in Portsmouth harbour to be docked in Number 2 Drydock for two weeks of emergency repairs. These repairs are still ongoing!

SNR (South) proved an instant success with membership averaging sixty to seventy members. Eight monthly meetings are held from October to May, with summer and autumn visits to places of historical interest. The Society arranges special events and conferences as opportunity arises. All meetings are held at the Royal Maritime Club, Queen Street, Portsmouth. See the Events page for details.

Members also receive a monthly newsletter, containing Society updates and articles of maritime interest, during the meeting season.

SNR (South) is separate from but affiliated with national SNR (https://snr.org.uk/). We welcome applications from SNR members.

The SNR(S) Committee Members are:

  • President: Cdr John Bingeman (Retd)
  • Vice-President and Membership Secretary: Stephen Payne
  • Chairman: David Baynes
  • Vice-Chairman: Nick Hawkins
  • Treasurer: Mike White
  • Secretary and Newsletter Editor: Derek Nudd
  • Richard Blake
  •  Lt Cdr Mark Brady (Retd)
  • David Verghese

Committee Members are elected for a three-year term and may offer themselves for re-election at the end of the term. There is no limit to the number of terms they may serve.