Commander Brian Boxall-Hunt has retired after 17 years as chief executive of The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society.

Captain David Dominy is taking over leadership of the society which cares for more than 60 residents and tenants at its Banstead-based home Belvedere House.

Boxall-Hunt said: “I have had a memorable 17 years leading the society, and will miss seeing everyone on such a regular basis. While I have had the pleasure of everything from hosting visits from HRH The Princess Royal to the most recent large scale modernisation, my biggest highlight has been being able to support a team that offer high quality care to former seafarers and their dependants.”

Commander Boxall-Hunt has overseen a range of projects at Belvedere House, including the development of a state-of-the-art dementia unit, an extensive renovation to the home and the building of the North Field as a place for residents to enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

The Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society was founded in 1865 to help retired seafarers and their dependents and has the capacity to support up to 68 residents and 24 tenants at its care home and sheltered living accommodation on its own 14 acre estate.

Captain Dominy, who joins the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society with a wealth of experience having worked across national, cultural and ideological boundaries, said: “The opportunity to join an award-winning care home that is focussed on the care and welfare of seafarers’ and their dependents is one I am relishing. I look forward to working with the experienced staff team and board of trustees this year and beyond, with my focus being on picking up where Commander Boxall-Hunt has left off, and continuing to provide high quality care in line with the Royal Charter.”

For more information on the Royal Alfred Seafarers’ Society, please visit their website: https://royalalfredseafarers.co.uk/