Sheerness

April 2008, Room 101

Room 101 has been renovated with the addition of two new phones, a carpet and a fresh coat of paint. But there is nothing Orwellian about the Room 101 in the port of Sheerness. It is a safe and comfortable space from which seafarers can telephone their families.

Room 101 was established by AOS in early 2006. Originally, two telephones were installed in an otherwise disused port building secured by a digital lock. Port chaplain Daniel Mulcahy and his pastoral team circulate the door code among seafarers and port personnel during ship visits. That way, seafarers can access the room at their own convenience. Supplies of clothing and other resources are also available.

In response to requests from seafarers, more phones have been added and partitions put in place to allow some privacy. Daniel anticipates even greater demand in the future as the number of ship calls increases in Sheerness. Many ships carry gravel for the Olympic Village development.

With no other facilities for seafarers nearby, Room 101 is very much appreciated as these comments taken from the visitors' book show.

Room 101 visitors' book

"Thanks for caring".
Crew of Fortuna Bay

"Thanks for the winter clothing – they will certainly comfort us. God bless all and more power".
LK, Spring Bob

"It’s a big help for us thank you very much. Please continue the good work. God bless you all".
AV, Snowland

"It is nice to know that someone think of us".
AO, St Lucia

"Thanks to Stella Maris cos it connecting me to my heart".
RK, Amer Chopa

"It’s been really nice to see that there is someone who cares for Seafarers. God bless you with more strength to serve this noble cause".
SAR, M/V Ivory Tirupati

One of the first seafarers to use Room 101 when it opened. Since then, many more have passed through. In the future, Daniel and his team hope to offer Internet facilities too.