Greek members of the ‘A’ rated, 100 million GT North of England P&I club bid farewell yesterday to managing director Rodney Eccleston during a reception at the British Embassy in Athens. It was Eccleston’s last official event in Greece before he hands over to deputies Paul Jennings and Alan Wilson when he retires in September this year. Addressing around 300 members and their guests, Jennings reciprocated the welcome by British Ambassador Dr David Landsman and paid tribute to Eccleston’s successful tenure as managing director. ‘North has expanded and grown in strength significantly over the past ten years, and we will continue to base all of our operations on high-quality membership, excellent service and prudent finances. ‘Two years ago the club’s directors set a target of increasing owned tonnage in the medium term to 10% of the world’s owned fleet and, in the longer-term, to a minimum of 12.5%. Under Rodney’s stewardship we have already met our medium-term objective and, during the next few years, Alan and I will do everything in our power to achieve those longer-term goals.’ In reply Eccleston said, ‘It has been a great privilege working with our Greek membership and a source of immense satisfaction to see the significant growth in Hellenic entered tonnage. ‘When I first joined North 36 years ago, our whole fleet was less than 2 million GT. However, with the help and long-term support of our Greek members – many of whom have gone on to become directors and chairmen – we have now grown to 100 million GT and rank among one of the very top clubs in the world. This is a testimony to the strength and support of our Hellenic membership, which continues to grow.’ Former chairman and current director George Procopiou of Dynacom thanked Eccleston on behalf of members based in Greece and presented gifts to him and his wife Joyce.