Burleydam Women's Institute

The Sinking of the Lusitania does not sound a very entertaining topic for the May meeting of Burleydam W I , but Mike Royden made it so because of his enthusiasm for his subject. He told members that his family, the Roydens had built over 250 ships at their company, Thomas Royden, in Liverpool, and that was the subject of another of his talks.

The Lusitania and her sister ships, which included the Britannica were built in Liverpool, at the turn of the twentieth century, when it was fashionable to sail on these very fabulous and luxurious ships. There was great competition between the different shipping lines, which included Cunard and White Star, to win the Blue Riband of the Atlantic. This was won by the ship making the fastest crossing of the Atlantic to America, so greatly prized.

The Lusitania set off from New York on her voyage to Liverpool with a full complement of passengers and crew and was not long into her passage she was struck by a torpedo from a German U-boat. She went down in 18 minutes. This was in May 1915 when the German submarines were unchallenged on the seas. Germany was at war with Britain, and had warned neutrals that British ships were targets.

Of nearly 2000 people on board, 1100 drowned, including 123 American citizens, which might have contributed to America joining the war with the Allies 2 years later. The Germans said the reason for their attack on a passenger ship, flouting conventions of war, was because the ship was carrying armaments to Britain, which was never admitted, but believed by many. Mike Royden was obviously very involved in the shipping businesses in Liverpool and brought his great knowledge and enthusiasm to his talk. He was thanked by Karen.

The competition was for a boat related item and won by Caroline with a painting of a seascape, Bryony was 2 nd and Joan was 3 rd . In the business time, the Malbank Group trip to the Black Country Museum was discussed and 2 members agreed to go. We have 2 new members joined this spring and there was a New Members day at Whitefriars advertised. There has been much material sent for inclusion in the new website, which it is hoped will be up and running soon.

Visitors and new members always welcome, next meeting June 3 rd when Alan Scutt will tell us about the Whitchurch Food Bank.