On Friday 18th November, 2022, at The Hellenic Centre in Marylebone, London NW1, from 7pm to 8.30 pm, the Oinoussai Benevolent Fund in conjunction with Isalos.net and Naftika Chronika, organised a presentation and panel discussion on Oinoussian Shipping: Tradition, Benevolence, Solidarity and Innovation.
This event was part one of this year’s 80th Anniversary celebrations of Oinoussai Benvolent Fund. This free entry event was attended by both English and Greek shipping executives along with many students studying maritime history. About 150 people filled the main hall of the Hellenic Centre as the OBF President took his place behind the lectern to talk about the eight decades of history and achievements of OBF.
Afterwards, Mr Ilias Bissias of Naftika Chronika invited the panellists to join him onto the stage to begin a lively and interesting discussion. The panellists included: Mr Panagiotis Korakas of isalos.net, Mr George T. Lemos OBF Vice-President, Mrs Maro Limnios, former director of Oinoussian Maritime Ltd, Mr John M Hadjipateras OBF President and Dr Katerina Papakonstantinou, Maritime historian.
Mr Bissias presented a short video about the impact of Oinoussian shipping and followed up with a discussion on tradition, innovation, solidarity and innovation where each panellist was invited to answer a couple of questions each. The answers given were pertinent and entertaining.
Following this, Mr Panagiotis Korakas treated the audience to an impressive presentation with slides that highlighted some of the esteemed individuals who pioneered the successful history of Oinoussian shipping for over a century. There was a special mention for the pivotal role played by the women of Oinoussai whose importance could not be underestimated.
After opening the floor for any questions, the discussion came to a satisfying conclusion. There followed plenty of wine and finger food and an opportunity for the audience to meet the panellists and discuss the points raised during the discussion.
This was a perfect start for OBF’s 80th Anniversary celebrations which was to be continued by ‘The Oinoussian Ball 2022’ the following day.
