On 31 August 2023, the Cruising Association bids a retirement farewell to stalwart staff member Jeremy Batch.
Since stepping into his role almost a decade ago in November 2013, Jeremy has become the first point of contact for members and visitors alike. Jeremy has always been the epitome of exceptional customer service, ensuring each visitor crossing the threshold of CA House received a warm and memorable welcome and was supported whatever the reason for their visit.
Jeremy has been a familiar face around Limehouse and the CA for 23 years. He became a CA member in 2000 and worked at Limehouse as a Lock Keeper from 2004-2013 before joining the CA team.
Hugely popular amongst members and staff, Jeremy is renowned for calmly sorting things out, with his ever-present humour always shining through. He runs the Library and Information Centre, manages cabin bookings, looks after the technical side of CA House events, runs the shop and plenty more. Many members know Jeremy best through the volunteer support he gives to the CA London Section at its Wednesday night events. Jeremy has actively supported many volunteers across the CA Sections and Committees, sharing his expertise unstintingly.
Jeremy’s wide-ranging knowledge, not just of the history of the CA but also a diverse range of maritime and historical topics, ensures his talks are in demand. He enjoys delving deep into his topics to unearth fascinating insights. As research for his talk on gyroscopes in February, he has taken his first flying lesson - apparently, even a Cessna has three gyroscopes!
Jeremy was instrumental in introducing Eventbrite to streamline the CA event booking processes. His commitment to get this off the ground gave invaluable support to CA Sections and enabled our events programme to continue after the pandemic.
Commenting on his retirement, Jeremy said, "I’m retiring only from paid employment, not from life! I’ll definitely miss my colleagues and the members, as well as the staff and trainers in STL and St John Ambulance. But I’ll be continuing to help Alison and John Hadley with the Wednesday night lectures as a volunteer, so I’ll be keeping in touch."
Jeremy shared a recent encounter with a delivery to CA House, saying, "As I signed for the package, the courier said, ‘So is this a care home?’ I’m not sure if he thought I was one of the staff or one of the residents. Either way, he must have reckoned I was ready for retirement!"
Jeremy is also heading to college from September 2023, adding, "I’ll be doing the Cornhill Training Course, which ‘equips men and women for teaching the Bible in the local church’, which in my case is St Anne’s, Limehouse. It’s only 1 day a week for a year, but there’ll be homework…!"
He commented, "To get to Bible college at Elephant & Castle I’ll have to go 3 stops on the Northern Line, which I’m told makes the Northwest Passage look tame!"
Jeremy will continue as a member of the CA and as he puts it will also be going ‘extreme narrowboating’ on the Thames as a member of the St Pancras Cruising Club.
Lucy Gray, CA Chief Operating Officer, commented, "Many members will not realise the vast amount of time and commitment Jeremy has given to the Cruising Association for the past ten years, both as a staff member and a volunteer. He is a shining example of someone who has provided unwavering support and hard work, always with a smile and great humour.
"The CA owes him an immense debt of gratitude. While his daily presence at CA House may come to an end, we’re pleased that we’ll continue to see Jeremy in a voluntary capacity where he’ll continue to share his vast knowledge and humour!"
As Jeremy sails into retirement, the CA extends its gratitude and celebrates ten years of dedication. We wish you smooth waters and fair winds on your new adventures.
CA Supper Club Send Off
The CA is hosting an event to commemorate Jeremy’s retirement with a special Club Supper on 6 September. You can drop into CA House throughout the day to say farewell. Refreshments during the day and an evening finger buffet supper can be purchased from the bar.
Normally there’s no need to book, but we expect the 6 September evening to be extra popular so please book here so we know you are coming.
14 August 2023