by John Faraclas
The best ever global social event of its kind over the last 40 years in the British capital – the administrative capital of Shipping, was by far, the 30th Anniversary Ball of HESGB at the iconic West End venue JW Marriott Grosvenor House on Park Lane, adjacent to Hyde Park.
842: the pin number unlocking success!
Breaking all previous records with 842 members, friends and guests from just over 40 nations:
- a warm welcome and registration from twelve young volunteers supervised by the deputy treasurer Vicky Kotsovolou;
- an hour of reception drinks with networking to the fore;
- folklore dancing by the unrivalled Lykeion ton Ellinidon – supervised by Anita Williams, bringing excitement to all present – included due to Lent were respective dances (see relevant photos herein);
- Hayley Russell and the Scarlett Dolls performing;
- dancing to the music of DJ Avoustinos Galiatsos – always moving and improving;
- the unprecedented Raffle Draw with many surprises and very thoughtful gifts;
- excellent food and drinks;
- shipshape and Bristol fashion organisation and lay-out thanks to Camila de Oliveira Diniz and the HESGB events team;
- a super-active lady photographer**;
- two photo booths, one with HESGB customised magazine with reflections of two European glamorous cities (Paris and London) and two shipping and seafaring islands of Greece – Andros and Chios) and the Glambot one;
- tight security; and
- jovial mood of all making this anniversary the talk all over Planet Ocean.
Add the welcoming speech and address by HESGB president Dimitris N. Monioudis – both food for thought given the circumstances we live in particularly in this uncertain world, and the message of hope he passed on, optimism that after the tempest the light of peace will shine again…
As in all previous events, charity was the name of the game with three charities appreciating the kindness and generosity of supporters helping all those in need.
The programme, a book/catalogue for all offices with over 110 adverts and Poseidon on the front cover at his best was praised by many***.
The performance of the Lykeion ton Ellinidon surpassed any expectation; well done to the chairman Mrs. Pigi Skinitis (pictured above on the right) and the supervisor/head teacher Ms Anita Williams!
As in previous Anniversary Balls, Academics, Accountants, Architects and Civil Engineers, Associations, Aero Tourism Clubs, Brokers, Bankers and Financiers, Bunker suppliers, Charity Organisations, Chartering Brokers, Claims Specialists, Class Societies representatives, Cruise Industry groups, Diplomats, Diving and Underwater specialists, Environmental Protection and Products companies, Fashion designers and clothing specialists including super models, Flag States and Ship’s Registries, Florists, Freight Forwarders, Food and Drinks groups, Gifts designers, Hotel and Resort companies, IT Computer and Communications specialists, Jewellers, Logistics and Ports services, Lubricants companies and suppliers, Marine Engineers, Marine Paints, Maritime Arbitrators, Military Authorities – Coast Guard officers and Defense Attachés, Naval Architects, Navigational Systems and Aids specialists, and lawyers all such interests were there in full force…
And more…
…Marine Equipment and Services, Offshore Companies, Oil Companies, P & I Associations, Press and Media, Regulatory, Salvage Towage and Wreck Removals entities, Security Anti-Piracy, Cyber Crime and Terrorism specialist firms, Shipmanagers, Ship Agencies, Ship Chandlers and Suppliers, Shipbrokers, Shipyards representatives for shipbuilding / shiprepair and conversions, The entire Shipping Markets and sectors – Bulk, Oil /Containers/ LNG and LPG carriers / Reefers, Travel Agencies – specialists also in Marine Travel, and Underwriters were present and we noticed once again that guests’ partners engaged in other sectors, such as medicine, the arts, public services were more than impressed with our industry!
We hope that the newly-elected and enhanced Governing Committee will continue to enhance the status of this Society for the benefit of all involved in the wider Shipping industry.
Congratulations to all in the Governing Committee, the Sponsors and Supporters and to all those who attended as well as to those offering gifts for the Raffle and support to the Charities.
I have counted 50 absentees from last year due to business pre-commitments, business travel and other reasons, but irrespective of that, 128 more attended this year with the new generation in full force!!! Add the fact meeting family and friends from the distant past and supporters of www.allaboutshipping.co.uk !
AND then, the Planets aligned!!!
See you next year on the 28th of February 2026; ensure you book a place! Look out for the HESGB bulletins for six or so events taking place this year!
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HESGB: The idea to form a Club had been regularly mulled over since the early 1980’s, but it was not until the summer of 1995, that a group of Greek Engineer friends, based in the UK and predominantly Graduates from Newcastle and Sunderland, decided to form a “Club of Greek Engineers” with its main goal to maintain social contact amongst its widely spread membership. Later that year, the first General Assembly was held, at which time, the official name of “Hellenic Engineers Society of Great Britain” was endorsed, the Society’s statutes were formulated and the first Governing Committee was elected.
From inception, the aim of the Society has been to nurture and promote professional and social contact among its members and particularly younger members, newly positioned within the shipping industry. This is achieved by holding informal gatherings, providing a forum for exchanging views on technical matters and by organising numerous social and cultural events.
The Society started off with around eighty Founding Members and since then has increased in membership year on year, firmly establishing its presence within the UK maritime industry.
In fact, just as Greek shipping history goes back over 4, 000 years, we are proud to report that our Society’s membership has a collective experience within the industry exceeding 4, 000 years with many members requested to share their views and expertise in various prestigious international fora, such as IMO, Intercargo and BIMCO.
At the same time, the society has been privileged to welcome into its ranks a number of non-Engineer Associate Members, to actively participate and support its functions, thus broadening HESGB influence even further. 2009 was truly memorable in the Society’s brief history.
The new logo was introduced to critical acclaim, based on the trireme, the ancient Greek warship which was fast, agile and state of the art, all attributes HESGB seeks to emulate three millennia later. The website will be completely revamped and relaunched bringing our members even closer together. Worth logging on for the record of interesting functions… www.hesgb.com
**** The HESGB Governing Committee
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*This is how we nicknamed the Hellenic Engineers Society of Great Britain sixteen years ago…
** Katerina Nomikou
***by Mark Aaron and Elaine Seaman
