In a message dated 1/26/2010 9:10:31 A.M. Central Standard Time, carolstree@btinternet.com writes: Found amongst possessions of the COPLAND family of Sheerness is a membership booklet belonging to L C SHRUBSOLE Esq. of ' The Islanders'. The policy of the society was to try to ensure that ' two British ships shall be laid down for every one of the next strongest European Power'. No date, but a 1909 House of Commons speech by A J Balfour is quoted from. Entrance fee 2/6, no annual subscription. I think this may be Lewis Charles SHRUBSOLE born 1865 Sheppey. He is not related to my family and I don't know how they acquired the document, but I would like to know more about the society. Has anyone heard of it? Google not helpful. Carol ------------------------------- To unsubscribe from the list, please send an email to KENT-ENG-request@rootsweb.com with the word 'unsubscribe' without the quotes in the subject and the body of the message Very interesting.....this sounds very much like the naval policy of W. Churchill before and while he was First Lord of Admirality. I also suggest Googling or researching A J Balfour for more history. Balfour was prominent during this period as world events led the way to WWI and later to WWII, which some historians now consider to be one war. Regards, Steade