John returned the coal-fired paddle steamer Kingswear Castle to service in 1985 and subsequently ran the business for nearly 30 years as well as sailing as one of her captains. He is now Chairman of the Kingswear Castle Trust and a Trustee of the Maritime Heritage Trust.
The Council of Experts comprises up to 12 experienced individuals drawn from across the historic ships and heritage sectors who have demonstrated exceptional conservation, technical, business management, governance or strategic planning skills. Members are appointed by a Nominations Panel and advise on key issues affecting National Historic Ships UK and the constituencies that it serves.
Council members
John Megoran
Captain David Newberry
David served as an engineer in the Royal Navy both at sea and ashore, before becoming Captain of HMS Warrior and Chief Executive of the Warrior Preservation Trust.
Simon Stephens
Simon is Curator of the Ship Model and Small Boat Collections at Royal Museums Greenwich. He looks after and researches the large and varied collection of ship models at the National Maritime Museum.
Will Stirling
Will is a shipwright based in Plymouth. Stirling and Son specialise in the new build and restoration of traditional boats from dinghy up to 200 tons. He is a qualified marine surveyor, specialising in the inspection of wooden and steel vessels, and sails on Arctic expeditions each summer in traditional boats.