| Entries are in reverse chronological order... |
| 1 |
December 29, 2008 - 07:21
AM
Alan Perry
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Ancient Mariner -
Could we please have two (relatively
innocuous)reviews when you have read Ben's books.
Prior to my purchase of such literary gems, I want
to ensure that they will not cause (yet more)
upheaval in my household !
MAJB has caused
enough of that to last a good while.
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| 2 |
December 29, 2008 - 06:30
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
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| |
Amongst our pressies
from Father Christmas my wife and I each received
a book written by that well-known seafarer, lawyer
and author Ben Aldiss. My daughter, who sent them,
hopes that none of the characters is based upon
me, she wouldn't like to think that her father
behaved anything like that when he was at sea!!!
Not sure what caused this but shall start reading
soon. This coming year will be the 54th
anniversary of my first meeting Ben, and I'm not
sure that he has improved with age!
'Hutch'
with a speech therapist, the mind boggles. Hope
the poor chap has ear-plugs! Get that hospital
straightened out Donald and get home
soon.
PS For those who doubt my belief in
Father Christmas may I point out that if Gordon
Brown believes he saved the world then I am
entitled to my fantasy.
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| 3 |
December 27, 2008 - 08:10
PM
bob steer
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Don Hutchinson was
missing from Swires Xmas party here in Sydney,a
man who was always first to arrive,first in line
for the oysters and first to the gin and tonic.I
called Joyce and he has had a minor stroke and is
in Mount Wilga hospital for a week or two.I
visited him the other day and found him in good
spirits,(not Gordons)with his speech slightly
affected.A speech therapist is attending and as I
told Don he should have had this treatment years
ago it's nothing to do with therapy!!!!
I will
keep you informed of his progress,he has always
been a hard man to keep down.
Also have a
weekend guest named Gwyneth Hughes who wishes to
be rememberd to all.
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| 4 |
December 24, 2008 - 09:07
PM
Mark
Beaumont |
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| |
How splendid it is
that, at a moment's notice, friends who might not
have seen each other for years can exchange
greetings over this wonder that is the Internet.
This web site has been around for ten years
already, and I know that it has certainly kept me
in touch with good men from years gone by who
otherwise might be drinking alone. So far,
nobody's asked for their loans back, either, so
things are looking good.
Let me join the
cheerful host: Merry Christmas and a Happy New
Year to all ex-Swire friends worldwide! And to
anyone else who reads this, come to that. I've
never been fussy.
May your parrot never
poop in your pint.
Mark
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| 5 |
December 24, 2008 - 04:18
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
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This S.O.F. in sunny
Central Queensland (temperature about 33 C today)
sends his best wishes to all the other members of
the S.O.F.A. for a Joyful Christmas, and a Happy,
Healthy, and Prosperous 2009.
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| 6 |
December 24, 2008 - 06:36
AM
Darrell
Daish |
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With 35 minutes to go
to Christmas I will have to retire to my virtuous
couch otherwise Father Christmas may not bring me
any presents!! However, I cannot go before wishing
all those great seafarers who made Swires a
wonderful company to have sailed with a Very Merry
Christmas and a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous
2009. With Canada at -24deg C, U.K. having their
coldest December and here the temperatrure will
only be 18deg C, I cannot see there being any
change to the sea level for many years to come. As
with anything the Politicians come up with, Global
Warming, Carbon Dioxide Emissions Trading Credits,
etc. it is only another way of taxing us.
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| 7 |
December 24, 2008 - 04:54
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
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As it is fast
approaching Christmas Day down under, a Happy
Christmas to you all from a sedate but not sunny
Bexhill. | |
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| 8 |
December 23, 2008 - 06:34
AM
bob steer
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Complements of the
Season and a peaceful new year to all my readers.
From a sunny land down under.
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| 9 |
December 22, 2008 - 07:34
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
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Gilbert,
My eldest
daughter lives at Kelowna,BC so I get frequent
updates on the warmth!!!!!! I think youngest girl
is more sensible, she lives in Oz.
We have had
the coldest December for over 30 years and still
the morons waffle on about global warming!
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| 10 |
December 22, 2008 - 02:45
AM
Gilbert
Reid |
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The temp. for
Christmas Day should rise to -24C. (photo from our
British Columbia T.V weather forecast). Seems
global warming along with Santa Claus is finally
coming to town!!
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| 11 |
December 21, 2008 - 10:43
PM
Joshua Gregary Allan
Swire |
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Sorry this has not
much to do with your website, I came upon it
looking for family history I was wondering about
the history of your association, if it would lead
me to my ancesters I only know as far back as my
great grandfather Gus Swire who served in the
Second World War.
The site www.swire.com
has the history of this particular branch of the
family, Joshua - MAJB
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| 12 |
December 18, 2008 - 01:55
AM
Dave
Christopher |
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Alan, thanks for the
make of that fine engine on the Feng. I was
telling some local engineers how good it was at
self cleaning the scavenge space. You dont find
models like that any more eh !!
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| 13 |
December 17, 2008 - 03:59
AM
Brooke
Hibberdine |
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Sad news today. My
wife Maureen passed away on 13th. December
2008.
I am still living in Whitianga. NZ. and
doing a bit of private piloting on the Manukau
with the LPG vessels. Otherwise am playing a lot
of golf and Supervising Mercury Bay Golf
Course.
Brooke, I am sure I speak for
all SMA members in extending our sincerest
condolences to you on Maureen's passing -
MAJB | |
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| 14 |
December 15, 2008 - 04:57
AM
Darrell
Daish |
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| |
David with your
ability it is a wonder that Ancient Mariner has
not contracted you to provide beer and a BBQ to
that far flung piece of the British Empire,
Bexhill on Sea. It would be a noble gesture
especially during the Festive Season as it would
save him from having to leave his car at the local
watering hole and getting "her who must be obeyed"
driving him back in the morning to pick it up.
Here in the, before the elections, centre of the
idiotic PC world we now refer to those who still
reside in "The Old Country" as ones of "Peach
complexion with the bar sinister on their coat of
arms" | |
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| 15 |
December 10, 2008 - 06:01
PM
David
Walker |
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| |
Entertainments Officer
! Thats a bit flattering. I just regarded myself
as the provider of beer and BarBQs. In fact just
as The Simple Butler.
More anon as I am off
to London for the Xmas Curry with an assorted few
SMA farts. I don't mind being a Pommie B. its an
Old Pommie B. I object to.
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| 16 |
December 10, 2008 - 04:16
PM
Alan Perry
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The truth emerges, now
we know where DRW learnt his hula-hula routines,
what sort of other entertainmenents did he provide
in Dubai. David, can we have a full report please
- I figure this will be the major closing story
for 2008 and may well continue well in to 2009.
Photographs would be appreciated. You obviously
were not alone in your endeavours to bring a small
amount of hilarity to the disadvantaged SPO
seafarers in Dubai - could you name accomplices
please. Do I forsee a forthcoming
"Walkergate".
MAJB - take this matter up please
! | |
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| 17 |
December 10, 2008 - 03:20
PM
Robin
Lewis |
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| |
For the members of SMA
who can remember that far back; a name from the
past = Alasdair Mill-Irving. Alasdair is presently
attending a course at Glasgow College of Nautical
Studies and one of the names he recalled from the
dark distant past was DRW. Alasdair mentioned that
the last time he saw DRW, he was entertainment's
officer for SPO in Dubai. Is this correct David?
Alasdair will be at GCNS till Friday if anybody
wishes to pass on contact details via
myself. | |
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| 18 |
December 10, 2008 - 10:32
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
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| |
David,
There are
many phrases from our old days which were
considered ok but haven't you noticed that one
gets odd looks in the pub when using them now? I
do believe that our southern cousins can no longer
call us "pommy bastards", a term of endearment of
which I was proud! | |
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| 19 |
December 09, 2008 - 06:50
PM
Terry
Connell |
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| |
Re David Walker's kind
comment about my photographs,I do so hope that
viewers realize that by clicking on the "All
sizes" icon in the tool bar above the picture they
can see a much larger one than the first. There's
a lot of detail to be seen if you look at the
"original size"
http://www.flickr.com/photos/metch/
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| 20 |
December 09, 2008 - 11:04
AM
Mark
Beaumont |
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DRW in a grass skirt?
The mind boggles...
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| 21 |
December 09, 2008 - 07:52
AM
David
Walker |
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KANAKA to quote
Websters Dictionary
"a native of the South Sea
Islands. This is a neutral term in Hawaiian, but
derogatory as used in English."
Perhaps that
should be Strine?
I merely quote a term
that was commonly used at the time, and if anyone
is concerned about PC consider me Hawaiian. My
Grass skirt size is waist 36 and inside raffia 18
!! | |
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| 22 |
December 09, 2008 - 04:42
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
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The PC "thought
police" will be after you David, using such
phrases, Kanaka!!!! | |
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| 23 |
December 07, 2008 - 10:10
AM
David
Walker |
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| |
Have you viewed Terry
Connells excelent collection of photos, if you
have'nt you should.
There is is one there
that prompts all sorts of nostalgic and good
memories. Look at the one entitled Rabaul No.3
Unloading steel. Standing on the bulwark (what
would "Elf n Safety Say"?)is a young Geoff
McKenzie that well known ex RAN sub mariner who
became MR Stevedore of PNG. (is he still with us?
I hope so)
Geoff was something of a
character and during the course of my eleven years
at sea in CNCo I came across him many times. First
when I was in Wenchow when we called regularly at
Rabaul north bound from Ozz to HK. and Japan. I
always remember Geoff complaining about how the
Kanaks were getting unionised and that when they
worked Freezer Cargo he had to provide them with
"Protective Clothing". This consisted of ex War
Dept "fearnought jackets" felt type duffle coat
material in white and Donkey Jacket size. When I
remarked about them being bare foot on hard frozen
boxes of meat, and where were their boots Geoff
replied "What do you think I'm going soft on
them?"
Another great Geoff-ism was when he
was hauled up in front of the Local Beak for
swearig at a Kanaka down the hatch of some ship.
The plaintiff in the witness box complained that "
he didn't mind Master calling him a Black B-----d
but that he had called him (presumably because
Geoff was having some form of early PC) "a stupid
Nong Nong" Geof was keen follower of the Goon
Show. Result was G was fined £10 Ozz and honour
was restored.
Last time I saw Geoff was in
Dubai in the mid seventies when he was on a
marketing trip trying to sell his ARBI lift a
device he invented that attached to a fork lift
truck and could lift and manoeuvre a fully loaded
20ft. container without craneage. ARBI was short
for " a rich bitch" the fond name he refered to
for his wife Irene (?) who was the company
accountant and who was the brains to his financial
success.
Does anyone else remember Geoff.
It will be could to hear your stories. At least it
wil make a change to inane sporting comment
!!!
Cheers all
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| 24 |
December 07, 2008 - 05:55
AM
Stu |
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The last I heard of
David Clarke was that he had parted company with
the lady from Oregon, was doing some piloting
around the Felixstowe/Harwich area and living in
Ipswitch. | |
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| 25 |
December 07, 2008 - 03:30
AM
Wallaby
Supporter |
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Mark, you missed the 7
a side competition on Saturday in South Africa USA
28, Australia 26 | |
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| 26 |
December 06, 2008 - 06:20
AM
Alan Perry
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Talking of tiddly
winks, I sailed with (then) 2/O David Clark on
auld "Eriskay" (laterly shore based in Port
Moresby). Before commencing his seagoing career
with Shaw Savill & Albion, David attended
Lancaster University where he joined the Tiddly
Winks Society. He told me a tale one night of how
the University Librarian took deep umbrage when
David insisted that the University subscribe to
"The Winking World" for placement on the library
shelves.
Does anybody know what befell
David ?
Last I heard of Clarkie (if we
talk of the same man) was that after leaving CNCo
he trotted off to live in Portland, Oregon,
farming something or other with that delightful
lady whom he rescued off some beach in PNG when
she wrecked her yacht. Haven't heard of him since,
and that was a long time ago. Anybody? I'd also
love to hear what "The Finger" is up to these days
- MAJB | |
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| 27 |
December 05, 2008 - 08:58
PM
Mark
Beaumont |
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| |
I cannot stand aside
and let the integrity of English sport be
challenged so unkindly. For goodness' sake... we
have won the World Singles Tiddlywinks
Championship on the last three occasions.. is
there a greater sport, other than perhaps
croquet?
http://www.cheng.cam.ac.uk/~pjb10/winks/results.html
Talking
of croquet.. apart from a bit of bother with the
South Africans, we've done pretty well there too,
having won The Wimbledon Cup (World Championship)
pretty solidly since 1990. Mind you, half the
world's competitive players are English.
At
least the Brits invite players from other
countries, unlike the Americans with their
ridiculously esoteric World Series
Baseball.
If I come across the latest
results for World Tadpole Racing, I'll post again.
I'm sure we'll be among the
leaders.
Mark
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| 28 |
December 05, 2008 - 08:30
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
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Bob, don't sell your
cabinet yet, after the recent European tour you
may yet be able to fill it with Wallaby trophies
in the future. i don't think the Ancient Mariner
will have a use for it !
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| 29 |
December 05, 2008 - 11:11
AM
Jimmy (davey)
Crockett |
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Ole' Smoke! It was my
post that got clobbered! I had an American lady
visitor, (She leaves her pet cat with me when she
goes out of town) and I showed her all the entries
and she thought that my effort at ribald humour
was hilarious! In fact she asked me for the site
name so that she could have a look-in for herself
when she returned to HK. The last thing I want to
do is offend anyone. You know 25 years ago when I
gave up drinking, and pursued more healthy &
productive existence, and painted Chinese Art and
wrote Doric & Haiku poetry I really believed
that I had made it!
I even won the 1988 SCMP
HK Chess championship!
But for all my
achievements, there's nae doot aboot it, I am
still jist terrible auld sailor!
Sorry to the
ladies! I wont do it again!
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| 30 |
December 05, 2008 - 10:08
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
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| |
Bob,
If we're
having a sale could you include:
I)Rugby
stadium, formerly used by England but now
redundant.
2) Lords Cricket ground,
ditto
3)Palace of Westminster, formerly used by
British Parliaments in the days of democracy but
now redundant since transfer of all powers to
Brussels.
4)Various 12th & 13th century
Churches previously used for Christian worship but
now frowned upon as upsetting to other
faiths.
4)A well used , and once well-thought
-of,country now totally broke, where one gets free
handouts if living the life of Riley and in debt
but a slap in the face if one has been prudent and
saved.
For sale in one lot or separately by
tender, any reasonable offer over Zimbabwean $5-.
considered. Offers should be addressed to The
Commissar, 10 Downing Street or Gorbals "Honest
Mick" Martin, at Speaker's House. An accompanying
brown envelope would, no doubt, be an
advantage. | |
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| 31 |
December 05, 2008 - 04:53
AM
Darrell
Daish |
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| |
Thank you Mark for
editorial action. As Captain Harrison (Lemmy
Caution) remarked "I said to myself Harrison,
Harrison we must have decorum."
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| 32 |
December 04, 2008 - 08:03
PM
bob steer
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There is a very fine
display cabinet for sale,to give an indication of
size it previously held ;
Rugby League
World Cup.
Rugby Union World
Cup
International Rules Trophy.
Tri-Nations
trophy.
Trans-Tasman Touch Football
Trophy
Davis Cup
Hockey world Championship
Cup
The Ashes Trophy
and the one that hurts
most of all
The Bledisloe Cup
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| 33 |
December 03, 2008 - 06:25
PM
Mark
Beaumont |
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| |
Gents
I have
taken the liberty of removing a couple of posts
from the Log where things were getting a tad out
of hand. It's all my fault for introducing the
pretty lasses below and firing up a few dusty
cylinders, perhaps; but we're in the public domain
here, so I'm just polishing the brass. We do have
lady members aboard and, perhaps, a few gentlemen!
Let's keep the rapacious ribaldry for the fourth
beer at Curry Lunch! Thanks,
all.
Mark | |
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| 34 |
December 03, 2008 - 04:54
AM
Alan Perry
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Dave Christopher and
Stu Shields had a discourse on the topic of the
East German built "Fengtien" in this Log on 7 Nov
2008.
I sailed as 2/E on "Fengtien" in 1984
(GAD was Master).
The engine was a
K8Z70/120E. How do I know - I was at MAN works at
Hamburg last week (where they built all the
U-Boat engines from 1936) and lo and behold,
there was a sister vessel alongside the repair
berth with the main engine, yet again, causing
considerable grief. | |
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| 35 |
November 30, 2008 - 06:47
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
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| |
No razor strops there,
Mark | |
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| 36 |
November 29, 2008 - 06:41
PM
Mark
Beaumont |
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| 37 |
November 29, 2008 - 12:08
PM
Alan Perry
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Hanky Panky with
Beaumont's Beauties, heaven forbid ! I love the
guy dearly and could not possibly despoil his
virgins. | |
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| 38 |
November 27, 2008 - 08:27
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
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| |
There's nothing wrong
with my shooting team, and I should warn anyone
thinking of trying hanky-panky with them that they
are cannibals. What do you think they are between
their legs?!! | |
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| 39 |
November 27, 2008 - 04:28
AM
jockmacrock |
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| |
Mark Beaumont
Just
a typical CNCo Mariner....
Trust him to find a
strip club in the Jungle!
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| 40 |
November 27, 2008 - 03:52
AM
Darrell
Daish |
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| |
Strange goings on at
Bexhill-on-Sea judging by the photograph. No
wonder the team was disqualified at Bejing if
those are the blow pipes they used which the 3
ladies on the left have between their legs? You
think you have problems Maurice being ruled by a
Scotsman we in the Land of the Long White Cloud
have just emerged from 9 years of Petticoat Rule
by someone who made The Iron Maiden look like a
Princess. | |
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| 41 |
November 26, 2008 - 07:03
PM
Stu |
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| |
That photo was one I
sent to MAB Maurice and it was a picture of my mum
taken a few years ago that I wanted him to see.
Third lady from the right
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| 42 |
November 26, 2008 - 04:39
PM
Alan Perry
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| |
It would appear that
MAJB has a penchant for PNG lusty maidens. Which
of these lovelies won his affections I wonder. I
don't know about Maurice but I, like other unnamed
CNCo cads found the Bogenstrasse Kaitai's much
more pleasing to the eye if nothing else
!
I suppose leering at Beaumont's Beauties
is more stimulating than hearing tales of down
under sports, especially the Australian
humiliations.
She was from PNG? Heck,
she said she was the illegitimate daughter of an
Englishman from Bexhill-on-Sea. Must have been the
beer that confused me, then. Almost as bad as the
time I returned to the ship in Keelung after an
hour or twelve ashore and was asked by the lads
how it had been, lying with a girl with one arm.
One arm? I hadn't noticed, I confess -
MAJB | |
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| 43 |
November 26, 2008 - 03:28
PM
Mark
Beaumont |
|
| |
The inevitable
repercussions of England's colonial crusades,
surely, Maurice? We gave them a reasonable justice
system but made the mistake of also giving them
the British educational model; so now they can all
spell Social Security, and have come back to
roost. Having said that, they're not bad at sports
either, one must confess.
I just happen to
have in my possession this stirring shot of the
British 2008 Olympic Ladies' Shooting Team with
their coach Lord Morerich Burbling. Caused a bit
of a stir in Beijing by using blowpipes rather
than something decent from Holland & Holland
but, heck, we didn't expect to win.
 | |
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| 44 |
November 24, 2008 - 03:43
PM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
I do wish you folk in
the southern hemisphere would cease going on about
sporting activities! We in the old country have
given up all sports such as cricket, rugby, (both
types), and football, anyone claiming to represent
this country at such things is obviously a
Zimbabwean, South African, Australasian or of
Afro-Carribean heritage. If you don't believe it
then look at our teams!! How does a Maori qualify
for the English rugby team? That's nearly as bad
as having a bloody Scot as Prime Minister!
| |
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| 45 |
November 24, 2008 - 11:42
AM
Terry
Connell |
|
| |
Re Mark's "short
socks" pic below, here's a well-dressed P&O
4th Officer/signalman white socks fully hoisted
AND white shoes.
Go to my Flickr page and see the "P &
O 1953-57" set.
Re quartermasters, there's
also a picture of one in the same set.
Have
a nice day. | |
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| 46 |
November 23, 2008 - 05:59
AM
Darrell
Daish |
|
| |
Yes Alan I am sure
Bob's use of the word from the Toyota advert
refers to the general feelings of the Aussies to
the calm, orderly and systematic disembowling of
the overconfident Kangaroos by the Kiwis. However,
it is unfortunate that the gentlemenly Black Caps
were unable to emulate the Indians and knock over
Ponting's men. I have just spent the weekend at a
Vintage Port reunion here in Christchurch where I
met up with Peter Small who was with CNCo prior to
becoming a Barrier Reef Pilot. Great to see him
again after about 43 years.
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| 47 |
November 22, 2008 - 10:59
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
|
| |
All the southern
hemisphere teams triumphed again in the 15 a side
game this weekend. Never mind Bob, at least in the
13 a side game the coach was from this side of the
ditch. | |
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| 48 |
November 22, 2008 - 12:56
PM
Alan Perry
|
|
| |
Does Bob Steer's
enlightening 'strine expletive perhaps refer to
the hammering that Aussie league suffered at the
hands of the Kiwis.
Can't think of anything
else.
What think ye Darrell ?
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| 49 |
November 22, 2008 - 07:19
AM
Bob Steer
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| 50 |
November 20, 2008 - 04:43
AM
Alan Perry
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| |
Quartermaster, what
does this word mean. I looked up all the best
reference volumes at hand and found that this was
a species of seaman that became extinct soon after
the Dodo.
In a life previous to service
with CNCo, I served for a short period with Union
Steam (N.Z. "drift and dream"). They had a
peculiar species of seaman known as a "mud pilot".
He took the wheel in and out of port because he
was the only one on board who could steer a
relatively straight course. The remainder used to
cross the oceans dodging submarines (or CNCo. gin
bottles). | |
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| 51 |
November 19, 2008 - 11:32
PM
Mark
Beaumont |
|
| |
One can't be too
careful...
 | |
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| 52 |
November 19, 2008 - 07:06
PM
David
Walker |
|
| |
Whats wrong with
"steam" I remember on Funing there was a valve on
deck painted in red with a neat cast bronze label
saying "ANTI PIRACY STEAM" At least if they got
aboard they were clean !!!
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| 53 |
November 19, 2008 - 05:33
AM
Darrell
Daish |
|
| |
Well Alan/Maurice at
least the Indian Navy does not hold back. First
Mother Ship down how many more to go? One can see
now why the Indians and Chinese are taking over
from the Yanks as the leading countries. At least
the RN can take pride in saying we trained
them??!? Gun Boat diplomacy worked before so
perhaps it will again providing the mamby pamby PC
Brigade can be overcome. I don't think the
revolver I had in my safe would be much help these
days though. | |
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| 54 |
November 19, 2008 - 02:31
AM
Gilbert
Reid. |
|
| |
For as serious as
piracy is, I recall the tale of the Pirates who
boarded a CNCo.vessel in the Formosa Strait. They
got as far as Capt. Watson's cabin where he
offered them a few drinks. Some hours later,
whether it was because of the alcohol or Watsons
trumpet playing it appears they forgot why they
were actually on board. Either way they left the
ship empty handed.
Would seem like nowadays
these anti piracy skills are being lost!!
| |
|
| 55 |
November 18, 2008 - 06:12
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
And so say all of us,
Alan. I seem to recall that the US Marines' hymn
starts "From the Halls of Montezuma to the shores
of Tripoli" the latter referring to their action
in 1805 against the Barbary Coast pirates. Has the
"civilised" world now become so liberal that it
cannot bring itself to exterminate these
people?
I can't see that President -elect
Obama,(any Somali relatives?), will have any
problem with releasing captives from Camp Alpha,
just send them to UK, we will give them refuge and
lots of money of course!
| |
|
| 56 |
November 18, 2008 - 05:48
AM
Alan Perry
|
|
| |
Now we have a VLCC
hijacked - apart from being an item to pad out
news broadcasts, nobody seems to give a stuff. If
it was a 747 full of yanks, the sh-- would really
hit the fan. Once again nobody cares about long
suffering Jolly Jack.
I'm damned sure if it
was an Israeli tanker, things just may be a little
different !
Never mind an enquiry into why
the Royal Navy killed three pirates, there should
be an enquiry into why Somalia hasn't been wiped
off the face of the earth.
| |
|
| 57 |
November 14, 2008 - 04:32
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
There is, of course,
to be an inquiry into the shooting of three Somali
on the high seas! There should be an inquiry into
why the rest of them weren't eliminated.
| |
|
| 58 |
November 14, 2008 - 12:11
AM
Alan Perry
|
|
| |
It was soon after Sir
Carousalot's return to Devonia that he patented
the leather razor strop. Generations of curious
barbers never worked out where he got the idea
until ........ | |
|
| 59 |
November 13, 2008 - 04:50
PM
Mark
Beaumont |
|
| |
Could we not just use
some of their ill-gotten gains to fly the wives
over directly, Perry? They'd need escorting, of
course, being attractive lassies.
Reminds
me of an old picture Stu sent in once of his Mum
(third from right, I believe) meeting the
world-famous explorer Sir Carousalot
Perry-Pilar-Pillock of the Quinine, with
Bar:
Since posting the
picture above, we are honoured to have been
contacted by the Brixham and Patpong Old Boilers
Society, who comment as follows:
Your
feature photograph was circa 1898. Sir Carousalot,
upon his return from the Scottish Highlands (where
your photograph was taken) opened the South
Devonia Academy Of Gentlemanly Grooming. Here,
circa 1910, he poses with one of his more enduring
proteges, the genial Mr Magoo:
What, we wonder, would
Sir Carousalot have thought of short socks?
| |
|
| 60 |
November 13, 2008 - 01:51
PM
Alan Perry
|
|
| |
I understand that not
only have these pirates tremendous wealth but they
also have the most beautiful wives in Somalia.
Perhaps they could give us Old Farts a lecture on
how to keep these beautiful wives happy after they
have run out of "steam".
I think SOFA could
make substantial revenue, starting at Bideford in
Devon, by taking these "gentlemen" on a country
wide tour of after dinner speeches.
| |
|
| 61 |
November 13, 2008 - 01:17
PM
Stu
Shields |
|
| |
Yes Maurice, I agree
and I reckon that Colin Darch should do the right
thing and accommodate them in his spare room,
seeing in as he's already had a working
relationship with them.
In fact, we could
offer them honorary membership of the SMA so that
they could amuse us with their tales of bravery
and pillage after our annual dinners.
| |
|
| 62 |
November 13, 2008 - 06:49
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
At last, some action
against the Somali pirates. Now I suppose the
captured survivors will be given refuge in the
UK! | |
|
| 63 |
November 10, 2008 - 02:16
PM
Terry
Connell |
|
| |
Hello All.
I have
added some more pictures to the CNCo set on my
Flickr page.
If you click on any picture
you will see an icon above the resulting
enlargement labelled "All Sizes". If you further
click there you can see the original size,if you
wish, which in many cases is much larger than uour
screen. You can then see a lot of detail. The
quality of these slides has deteriorated terribly
over the years and I have had to work on them in
Photoshop to make something of them.I have scanned
them to 4000 dpi som as to have a permanent
record. Well, as permanent as is likely to be
required I mean.
As to the short socks and
black shoes that photo was taken on my last trip.
I didn't have 1st Mates epaulettes on
either. | |
|
| 64 |
November 10, 2008 - 04:33
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
Having been a
neighbour of Calum Anderson for a while I started
on the Islay, he probably distilled it in the wee
shed behind the big hoose! Progress reports depend
upon how much I can get through. There's no TV in
this house!!! | |
|
| 65 |
November 10, 2008 - 02:12
AM
Jimmy (jockmacrock)
Crockett |
|
| |
The Whisky
story.....about the tourist who was visiting the
famous Loch, while having a drink in a pub over
looking the water.
He was chatting to the
barman about the elusive monster, and enquired
about its appearance. Like how many humps does
Nessy have?
The barman leaned on the bar and
lowered his voice and answered secretively.....
"Well it all depends", he said, "If you've bin
drinking the straight whisky, it has got one hump,
if you've bin drinking the single Malt it will
have two humps, and if you have been drinking the
double malt, the monster will have three
humps."
"And how many double malts will I have
to drink to see the monster?". ........
"Nivermind", said the barman, "Yer sure tae catch
him jist before ye fa' aff yer cheer!"
| |
|
| 66 |
November 09, 2008 - 04:00
PM
Jimmy
Crockett |
|
| |
Yes I enjoyed sailing
on the 'Fatshan', and I was always dressed in
uniform whites (Socks fully hoisted) and met a lot
of other interesting people too! I enjoyed
entertaining aboard and ashore, and I was blamed
for starting the Macau Grand Prix party onboard
going over to Macau!
Other times I actually met
people going to Macau who shouldn't have been
going to Macau, and the person they were with
shouldn't have been going there either, especially
on the same ferry and sharing the same cabin. But
then, at that time, it was quietly well known
that, 'going to Macau,' was as popular as that
other clandestine voyage, cheekily referred to as,
'going to Dundee.'
Ahhhh! the 'Fatshan', in
any seaway had a nice roll to her!
| |
|
| 67 |
November 09, 2008 - 11:55
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
Prior to departure for
the deserts of Morocco my daughter-in-law said
"you know where the whisky is, help yourself". I
need aid from the Scots, which should I choose,
the Balvinie, the Islay, the Glenorchy or the
Cardhu? Perhaps I should stay with the
Bells?
I'm no Scot, but I met one once:
he suggested sampling them all, and then repeating
the process several times to be sure of your
preference. By which time, you won't be able to
find the Bells, let alone drink it -
MAJB | |
|
| 68 |
November 08, 2008 - 10:30
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
|
| |
Mark it appears we
would have a ball, no diesel engines, no steering
gear etc. no computers, we would just sit at
kiosk, collect the money and enjoy retirement with
XXXX and G&Ts. if only that were possible,
just dreaming !!!!!!!!
| |
|
| 69 |
November 08, 2008 - 05:38
PM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
I thought I recognised
young Stu amongst that lot!
| |
|
| 70 |
November 08, 2008 - 04:55
PM
Mark
Beaumont |
|
|
|
| 71 |
November 08, 2008 - 07:43
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
Mark,
Was the young
Japanese male or female? This might lead us to
identify the C/E!!!!!
Male, Maurice. I
think that after the time it took to persuade said
C/E to discard his own boiler suit for once, the
sight was just too much for him - MAJB
| |
|
| 72 |
November 07, 2008 - 10:45
AM
Mark
Beaumont |
|
| |
Just in case anybody
has yet to spot the socks...
I do have a fond memory
of a certain Scottish C/E on "Coral Princess"
whose idea of going to sea did not include
cavorting and carousing in the "Moonlight Room" of
an evening. That said, finally one night he was
persuaded to don mess kit and make a showing. If
my memory serves me correctly, as he sat down with
a beer, a young Japanese took to the dance floor
in a gold lame boiler suit. "Right, that's it", he
said, and disappeared back to his cabin. Actually
he said a bit more than that, but this is a family
forum :)
Mark
| |
|
| 73 |
November 07, 2008 - 08:52
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
Black shoes I can just
about accept, but short socks....!
Going to
dinner at Brasenose College, Oxford, this evening,
when I asked my Gran'daughter to clarify the dress
code she replied "no pyjamas or track suits"! Talk
about falling standards!
| |
|
| 74 |
November 07, 2008 - 06:59
AM
Stu
Shields |
|
| |
Yes Dave, I remember
that MAN model: it was an East German built bloody
awful one.
I had the "joy" of sailing on
the other two...Foochow and Kweilin and after my
experience, I realised that with East German
technology, we had nothing to fear from the
Eastern Bloc.
Our dear friend David Ewings
was not amused when I suggested that the only way
to solve the problems on Kweilin was to sell the
ship. (I didn't use those exact words though)
Eventually, I was proven right.....she was an
absolute nightmare and had to go.
I also
remember that cylinder oil you sent across to the
Poly.....it was full of bits of cotton waste and
caused endless problems when we used it. Don't
worry though....I don't bear a grudge.
| |
|
| 75 |
November 07, 2008 - 03:05
AM
Dave
Christopher |
|
| |
had an interesting
question thrown at me the other day, about water
in slow speed 2 strokes..........well I was 3/E on
the last voyage of the Fengtien, when we had our
little scavenge fire in the Taiwan Strait. It
ultimately resulted in the under piston cooler
melting and filling the engine with SW. Now here I
fall foul of a fading memory....can anybody
remember the model of MAN / B&W that we had ??
It was an eventful trip, with many of the chaps
pulling our hair out....not that I had much left
after only 3 months, we had a couple of other
fires, ran out of water, and I spent a night in
Portland pumping cylinder oil into a truck for the
Poly !! Ron Sullivan retired, and we sold the
........mighty vessel a month later in San
Fran...where we all flew home from.....
| |
|
| 76 |
November 06, 2008 - 03:50
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
|
| |
Ancient Mariner,
perhaps you need new glasses, didn't you notice,
the photo of Terry on the bridge in whites wearing
"BLACK SHOES" | |
|
| 77 |
November 06, 2008 - 12:40
PM
julian
thorogood |
|
| |
Mark, like Trev I am
late in thanking you for all your effort and
considerable expertise in keeping the SMA 'on
line'. The new format is excellent. Thanks very
much indeed for your help in keeping this
important connection going for us all.
PS.
In 1975 I sailed into HK on the Kwangtung for a
docking. Ralph Kennett was the Master. Ralph's
cockatoo Coca Cola wasn't well, it had eaten the
second hand of his desk chronometer, again, and
was indisposed. Ralph decided that Bill Wilson the
Chief and I could have the Saturday night off so
we went to Macau with our wives on the FatShan
from West Point. I wandered up to the bridge and
met the 2/0, his name was Jimmy.... he invited us
all up, arranged deckchairs for the ladies at the
aft end of the bridgedeck and we spent a
delightful afternoon chugging past Lantao. On
arrival we played Fan Tan on a nearby junk
lowering our cash through a hole in the deck when
Jimmy joined us and suggested the new Casino at
the Lisboa Hotel...Bill Wilson ended up winning a
fistful of HKD's on the roulette wheel and treated
us all to dinner (with wine). The Fat Shan sailed
at 0100hrs on the Sunday morning,I think,and I do
believe Jimmy sent down a number of cold beers( no
aircon then)to us in our tiny 2 berth cabin in
steerage. I never saw him again, Sunday was a bit
of a blurr really, but someone told me his name
might have been Crockett... if it was...
Thanks
for the beers Jimmy!
| |
|
| 78 |
November 06, 2008 - 06:45
AM
Trevor KR
|
|
| |
Mark
Idle sod
that I am, I've been meaning to send this for
ages. Jolly good new log format. Even simple
plumbers can appreciate it
Trevor
| |
|
| 79 |
November 06, 2008 - 05:07
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
I agree with Ben, one
must always maintain standards whatever the
situation. I remember a comment from the late
Mickey Seale when the number of stewards was
reduced and small 'fridges fitted to every
officers' cabin, Mickey stormed into my office and
said "bloody hell, you'll be expecting a man to
pour his own gin tonics next!!".
Terry, nice
pics but.. short socks, tut tut!
| |
|
| 80 |
November 05, 2008 - 09:59
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
|
| |
Ben, it is most
reassuring to know that when on the beach in
tents, at least the priorities were observed with
decorum. | |
|
| 81 |
November 05, 2008 - 07:06
PM
Ben Aldiss
|
|
| |
Changsha groundings
.As the ancient mariner says I was in Manila, with
him, when the news of the first grounding reached
us.In a startling exercise in pusillanimity our
very senior Captain sent me - mere 2nd mate - to
'I quote ' break the news to Sir John Masson .'Sir
John the then London Taipan was a man renown for
his nasty temper and the shortness of his
fuse.Talk about shooting the messenger! By a
coincidence I was later appointed mate of the
Changsha immediately after she was refloated in
Yokkaichi and can confirm that there was said to
have been a break down in comunications that led
to the engine room vitals being in pieces when the
typhoon struck. There was reference in those far
off days to some what energetic Ball of
Kerrymuirstyle 'poodlefaking'on the run up to
Japan- this is of course remains hearsay
No
matter that stranding was seemingly organised with
amazing aplomb.The passengers comfortably seated
at the dinner table when the ship took the ground.
Indeed there used to be a photograph of the
Master's tiger , in uniform,complete with silver
tray out side the senior flag decked tent about to
serve mid day gimlets - I have no idea where that
one went.
As they say the past is another
country , where they did things differently
.---Such fun! | |
|
| 82 |
November 05, 2008 - 04:48
AM
Terry
Connell |
|
| |
I have just received
permission from Brian Bird to put his
"Recollections of the grounding" on my .mac
Homepage.
http://homepage.mac.com/methc
I
have also put more photos in the CNCo set on my
Flickr page
http://www.flickr.com/photos/metch/
In
Brian's Recollections he mentions a Jimmy Morton
as 3rd Mate. Can anyone tell me a little more
about this chap as a Jimmy Morton and I shared a
cadet's cabin in Lyle's Cape Corso and I would
like to contact him again.
| |
|
| 83 |
November 04, 2008 - 06:59
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
|
| |
Terry, your entry re -
the details of the "Soochow" under tow, and the
grounding of the "Changsha" at Yokkaichi complete
with photographs is great. No doubt many S.O.F.
will also find it most interesting. Well
Done. | |
|
| 84 |
November 04, 2008 - 11:02
AM
Terry
Connell |
|
| |
Regarding the Changsha
grounding - I have uploaded some photographs into
a "Set" labeled "China Navigation Co." on my
Flickr page.These were sent to me by Brian Bird
very kindly who was 4/O at the time.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/metch/sets/72157608645722913/
I
have copies of the official salvage report and the
engine room fire report that followed.
You
can download them from this web page. Open the
CNCo folder to see the icons.
http://homepage.mac.com/methc
Also,
over the next few days (or weeks) I shall add
scans of some of the photos I took during my three
years with CNCo. | |
|
| 85 |
November 04, 2008 - 05:48
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
We shall be in
Twickenham for a week from 8 Nov. "babysitting" 15
year old Gran'daughter. My mobile is 07938835992
if anyone is in the area and fancies a beer. NOT
Sat. as all those rough rugby people will be
around!
I think we should get copyright on the
Ship's Log before someone pinches it and writes a
book! Must have been a blow to Frank Hindle's
pride to have to take tugs to berth!
| |
|
| 86 |
November 03, 2008 - 07:57
PM
Terry
Connell |
|
| |
Regarding the towage
of the "Soochow" by the "Fukien". I was only the
humble 2nd Mate at the time. The hero of the hour
was the Chief Mate whose name has slipped from my
memory. If he reads this perhaps he might
contribute and correct any errors. He was not a
happy man after having to re-connect the tow just
after the Brisbane pilot boarded about midnight
thirty. The pilot erred by calling for too much
speed too soon, apparently.
Anyway,what
happened was this. We had almost finished loading
in Sydney so I was doing the usual setting out of
our Northbound courses to Brisbane on our
well-used chart which as you will all know are set
close to the coast so as to avoid the South
setting current which runs strongest along the 100
fathom line. The chart was so well used that both
the previously used North bound and the South
bound courses were plainly visible in spite of
liberal use of a rubber so pencilling them in
again was just routine. I had been doing this for
almost two years.To my astonishment Frank Hindle
appeared at my side, and then to my further
astonishment took over from me and proceeded to
draw a line from the North bound alteration point
by Coffs Harbour (I don't have access to a chart
of the coast and Multi maps being only for land
lubbers doesn't give the names of headlands) to
the South bound alteration point some 12 or more
miles off shore from near Brooms Head.(I'm looking
at a Multimap of the area as I type). Now what
does a humble 2nd Mate do when the Captain wants
to steer an unusual course. Point out the error of
his ways? Of course not. I thought to myself,I'll
correct this later on. However in the event, I
didn't and at the appropriate moment the 3rd Mate
altered course to follow the Captains unusual
course.
Now comes the amazing part. Normally
our North bound course was so close to the shore
that the course line passed OVER North Solitary
Island and usually we would just make a small
alteration to avoid if it SHOULD it happen to be
right ahead, Most times it wasn't so we passed it
by quite close on the port side. This trip though
there was no need to do that as we were some two
miles to the East due to Franks incorrect course.
Just as we were coming up to Island abeam the
engine broke and we came to a stop, dead in the
water. The only breeze was very light,maybe force
three or even less, from due East. After some time
we found ourselves been driven slowly,oh so
slowly, directly towards the Island and it was too
deep to anchor! Where was the South going current
that should have shoved us clear? At that time of
year it was not unusual for the current to be very
weak but for there to be none was even more
unusual. By this time messages were flying through
the ether and a tow was being arranged. As we
drifted closer the compass confirmed a steady
bearing and thoughts of fending ourselves off this
rock started to be considered. And then miracle of
miracles, the breeze lightened and at the same
time a trickle of North going current lifted us
away from the imminent danger. A further miracle
weakened the current and increased the breeze so
that we slowly drifted shorewards into water
shallow enough to anchor. Sighs of relief all
round. The rest is humdrum by comparison. The Mate
organized the breaking of the cable after hanging
off the port anchor and we all settled down to
wait for the tug. Over the horizon came the
Fukien,diverted from Brisbane to come to our aid.
With a grand seaman-like manoeuver she passed down
our starboard side causing a cry to be heard from
one lady passenger, "What a big tug!",rounded up
under our stern and steamed slowly along our port
side whilst a flurry of ropes were flung across.
She then went ahead of us, anchored and our
intrepid Chief Mate connected our chain to her
wire.
For the first time ever,at least whist
Frank Hindle was in command, the Soochow was
berthed using tugs.
There must be someone who
can add to this. | |
|
| 87 |
October 28, 2008 - 09:30
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
|
| |
Paddy-San, re the
"Changsha" grounding at Yokkaichi, I think Arnold
Lucks was 3/E at the time doing his motor time.
After that he was back on the steamships as C/E on
the old "Hupeh" | |
|
| 88 |
October 28, 2008 - 04:31
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
|
| |
"Changsha" first
grounding was in 1956, I think, on the Forts at
the entrance to Yokohama Bay. Almost inexplicable
as it was daylight and quite clear visibility. I
was 4/0 on "Taiyuan" in Manila at the time and we
all looked at the chart and wondered! Perhaps
JBHJA might recall, he was 2/0 on "Taiyuan".
Master of "Changsha" was Frank Booth, nice chap, I
met him about 4 years later when he was sailing
with Shung Cheong and gave me some bridge to
bridge advice on anchoring in some God-forsaken
place in Indonesia.
Fred Follett would have
had some pics of the Yokkaichi grounding, he was
Master. Ship stayed remarkably upright about 300
yards from the water! Some salvage
operation!
My late wife, who had been Purser of
"Taiyuan" and sailed with Freddy, was with me on
"Chefoo" when we anchored off in almost the same
position for a typhoon in 1962. When I went below
to see if she was OK she was wedged in an armchair
cuddling a large bottle of Reich's beer and
announced she would be most upset if I did a
"Freddy"!! | |
|
| 89 |
October 28, 2008 - 03:52
AM
Darrell
Daish |
|
| |
Like Paddy-san I have
seen the photograph of Changsha with tents. Also
others where the salvage team dug trenches from
Changsha to the water in order to refloat her.
Can't remember now who showed them to me, possibly
Fearless Freddie Follett or Paddy Gorman. Quite a
salvage feat in 1959. Don't know about the other
grounding.
As the U.K. has not granted me
asylum and changed the rules so that I cannot get
a £1.2M house to live in with the rent paid by the
local council we have decided that it is time to
return to The Land of the Long White Cloud. Back
in Paradise on 5/11/08. Also getting too cold for
a Wight Man??!? | |
|
| 90 |
October 28, 2008 - 01:46
AM
Gilbert Reid
(Paddy-san) |
|
| |
The Changsha went up
on the beach in Yokkiachi during a typhoon in
1959. There's a famous (or infamous) photo of the
vessel lying on it's side with all the tents
pitched around supposedly for the passengers. In
Oct.1959 I was first trip "Fiver" on the Chefoo
and the C/E was Jock MacKendrick Weir from
Kilmarnock who who had been the Chief on the
Changsha. Seems they had the fuel priming pump
adrift when the typhoon struck. However "Jock"
never said much to me as he said I was an East
Coaster(Fife). The then 4th.Eng.on Chefoo was also
from Kilmarnock, Davy Meikle
| |
|
| 91 |
October 27, 2008 - 11:31
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
|
| |
As our secretary Stu
has indicated , this year's cruise will be on the
P.S."Waverley". For those who are interested there
is a description complete with photographs
at:
http://www.waverleyexcursions.co.uk/
A
vessel on which I travelled on a number of times
many years ago in the late 1940's and early 1950's
when the vessel was employed on a service from
Gourock to Arrochar. She is a beautiful old paddle
steamer, now restored.
| |
|
| 92 |
October 26, 2008 - 10:45
PM
Mark
Beaumont |
|
| |
No help on Changsha
(what would I know, anyway?) but while idly
surfing I was reminded of this excellent
resource:
www.theshipslist.com/ships/lines/cnc.htm
Particularly,
as it seems to pin down the date for the
introduction of Maurice's funnel flag!
Mark | |
|
| 93 |
October 26, 2008 - 04:00
PM
Wallaby
Supporter |
|
| |
The "Changsha" went
aground twice during her time with CNCo. Has
anyone any details of the groundings and the
salvage operations, including photographs etc. It
would make interesting reading.
| |
|
| 94 |
October 26, 2008 - 10:46
AM
Mark
Beaumont |
|
| |
Thanks for the kind
words, gents. If I can make further improvements
to the Log in due course (editing, pics maybe)
I'll do so, but for now 'twill
suffice.
Mary, you jumped off a 130' crane?
That was a bit daft, surely. Must have hurt. You
should have attached yourself to it, at
least.
I confess that I had to look up
"Zip-slide". In my day I think we called that a
"Flying Fox"... used to have one set up in my
garden decades ago until it brained a neighbouring
kid and the Powers-That-Be removed
it.
Impressive, nonetheless. Now that
you've done the Clyde, Mary, how about something a
little even more adventurous:
www.vidly.net/video-worlds-longest-zip-slide.html
Mark
| |
|
| 95 |
October 26, 2008 - 07:21
AM
Mary
McConnell |
|
| |
Having been requested
by Mark to tell a story or two, I thought I would
let everyone know that I recently celebrated
turning 50, by jumping off a 130ft high crane and
doing a 1000ft fundraising Zipslide across the
Clyde, yee
haa!!
http://www.justgiving.com/marymcconnell
Next
year, it might possibly be abseiling off the Forth
Road Bridge?! | |
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| 96 |
October 26, 2008 - 05:11
AM
Ancient
Mariner |
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Gone very quiet since
Mark changed the format!
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| 97 |
October 26, 2008 - 02:45
AM
John Kelly
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Sir,
This old
computer illiterate finds the new site user
friendly, well done (BZ)
Yours with best wishes
to all,
John Kelly
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| 98 |
October 25, 2008 - 01:03
PM
John
Madeley |
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Mark, Excellent work
in setting up the new SOFA Log, beers are on Stu,
Graeme, Dudley and Trevor!!! Many thanks also for
posting the Cyprus photo in "Rogues
Gallery" | |
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| 99 |
October 24, 2008 - 01:32
PM
Alan Perry
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MAJB - You have done a
marvellous job of transfering our Ship's Log. I'm
sure all Old Fart's will be most gratefull for
your efforts.
We toast you, as always, with
another coldie down the neck.
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| 100 |
October 24, 2008 - 07:17
AM
Jimmy
Crockett |
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Just testing 1 2 3 4 5
6.....anybody there?
The news is that I went up
to the China Nav. Office and was interviewed by
Doris Luk.
She was very lovely, kind and
charming and she gave me a wonderful present! Two
China Nav caps.....I am very impressed! They look
really 'swank' and elegant and I later went into a
coffee bar and tried one on. I tell you chaps....I
felt so good and confident....like a new man....I
even felt like going right back to the office and
ask for my job back! ......Instead I went up to
Central and grabbed a few of my pals and treated
them to lunch then I swaggered around for a bit
then went home!
Mind you I need a hat, because
my thatch has worn out and I need protection from
the freezing blast of cold air on the HK buses!
(Remember when we complained about the heat?) So
now I have a new excuse to get out of the house
and go to town....testing my brand new China Nav
cap |
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