Ship's Log Entries 2011

2011 was a more than interesting year globally which saw several more members leaping on the SMA bandwagon for their own safety. Don't worry chaps, there's always room on the SOFA. We lost a few friends, sadly, but gained others. Read entries from all the usual suspects, below, plus many more.

Entries are in reverse chronological order... 1 December 31, 2011 - 12:43 PM Bob Harris   Its past midnight here so a very Happy New Year to everyone, may 2012 be good for you. Bob Happy New Year and all it brings to you, Bob. I usually try to switch the Log to the next year around GMT so you're ahead of the game, as are all those sheep fanciers and kangaroo chasers down under. Living in the US, observing GMT enables me to make the update before the US goes potty dropping their balls all over Times Square and I take too many libations. Furthermore, it stops Stu getting confused - MAJB 2 December 31, 2011 - 04:38 AM Ancient Mariner   Why am I not surprised, Mark? Happy New year to All. 3 December 30, 2011 - 03:16 PM Mark Beaumont 4 December 30, 2011 - 02:12 AM Ancient Mariner   Same to you Bob, but please leave out reference to cats, can't stand the bloody things! M 5 December 29, 2011 - 09:22 PM bob steer   And so say all of us especially those of the Swire Mariners and to you Most Ancient One all the best for 2012 and may all your cats have kittens. 6 December 29, 2011 - 01:58 PM Ancient Mariner   Well done Ricky, can't keep an old man down! 7 December 28, 2011 - 11:02 AM Bob Harris   Bob, It seems a never ending struggle for you guys in that vast flat continent, just take today's announcement that you are recruiting ex Naval staff (particularly engineering) from NZ, UK, Canada etc to man your submarines and ships. Never mind the Injun invasion which I think you will repel anyway, where is your home guard spirit in not offering your vast marine engineering experience to plug the holes in your submarines with your fingers? No offense to the lollipop men but I have always preferred lollipop girls myself. A very happy New Year to you and yours Bob. 8 December 27, 2011 - 10:10 PM bob steer   and unappreciated,here we are fighting for our lives on the field of the gentlemens game and you are casting horrible nasty things about that very noble pastime of being a lollypop man!!! Shame on you,shame on you.Lollypop men of the world unite,arise and we will cast aside those like you and others who try to put our team of cricketers down.Just wait til the Sydney test and we will see who are the champions. 9 December 27, 2011 - 07:30 AM Ancient Mariner   BH Oh, you are cruel!!!!!!! 10 December 26, 2011 - 11:07 AM Bob Harris   AM, In Dubai they have traffic lights to allow Camels to cross and in Aussie they probably have lights for Wallabies to cross after their crushing defeats. I seem to recall Bob S was the lollipop man 11 December 26, 2011 - 08:32 AM Ancient Mariner   Apologies to all in NZ, my sone and his wife are there so it must be Burbidges making the earth move again! Best Wishes to all from Newmarket, the one place in the world that has traffic lights to allow horses to cross the road!! Back to sunny Bexhill tomorrow. 12 December 26, 2011 - 01:35 AM Stu   Good to hear from you Darrell...we were concerned after the latest round of the shakes and I hope your place isn't in too much of a mess. I'm sure that things will be better next year. Keep smiling. 13 December 25, 2011 - 03:20 PM Darrell Daish   Thank you Bob for the Christmas Missive which tidings are accepted without reservation in the manner they are intended. They are accepted as in the terms of the ACC and the EQC on the condition that legal remidies are not allowed. From us in the shakey parts of the Shakey Isles who are shaken, stirred but not beaten, like a good Gin Martini may all members of SMA enjoy the Festive Season and have a wonderful 2012. 14 December 25, 2011 - 12:54 PM bob steer   What ther heck is all that about????? Happy Christmas Bob 15 December 25, 2011 - 09:04 AM Bob Harris   Please accept with no obligation, expressed or implied, my best wishes for an environmentally conscious, socially responsible, low stress , non addictive , gender neutral celebration of the winter solstice holiday practiced with the most enjoyable traditions of religious persuasion or secular practices of your choice with respect for the religious / secular persuasions and / or traditions of others, or their choice not to practice religious or secular traditions at all . I also wish you a fiscally successful, personally fulfilling and medically uncomplicated recognition of the onset of the generally accepted calendar year 2012 , but not without due respect for the calendar of choice of other cultures whose contributions to society have helped make our country great ( not to imply that NZ is necessarily greater than any other country ) and without regard to the race, creed, color,age, physical ability, religious faith or sexual preference of the wishee . By accepting this greeting, you are accepting these terms : This greeting is subject to clarification or withdrawal. It is freely transferable with no alteration to the original greeting. It implies no promise by the wisher to actually implement any of the wishes for her/ him or others and is void where prohibited by law, and is revocable at the sole discretion of the wisher. The wish is warranted to perform as expected within the usual application of good tidings for a period of one year or until the issuance of a new wish at the sole discretion of the wisher . :) Happy Xmas Bob 16 December 24, 2011 - 05:38 PM Tony Ravenhill   Merry Christmas everyone, time for a happy G & T 17 December 23, 2011 - 11:01 AM Bob Harris   Strange AM, I too had the same experience quite some years later when I was seconded to BP from SPO. I also stopped under those great high walls to check the map and was accosted similarly. Perhaps its a known pick up point for known SPO escapees. There are many more tales to tell about Aberdeen in the more recent times, I'm talking about the 90's not the 20's 18 December 21, 2011 - 01:49 PM Ancient Mariner   I think the first ship to have the Taikoo flag on the funnel might have been a "W", ex Watts Watts. I went out with the painting contractor, tried one size, then Captain King, (Marine Supt.), phoned and told me to make it larger. We fiddled with sizes until he approved. This procedure was folowed with each class of vessel. Those ships not calling at HK were told what size flag to paint based upon HK experience. London thought that the blue was too light for Taikoo, but accepted that it showed up better against the black funnel. This is to be filed under"zzzzzzzzzz" in the file of useless information! Aberdeen harbour, as shown on the cover of the recent Marine News, has certainly changed since I visited to see what offshore supply boats were supposed to do, prior to the formation of Swire Northern Offshore. I recall stopping at a layby on the way to Peterhead in order to check the map, and being challenged by a uniformed chappie, with large dog, wanting to know why i was parked at the walls of H.M. Prison!!! I don't think that will appear in the history of SPO! 19 December 20, 2011 - 03:16 PM Stu   I just received the following e-mail from ex CNCo Mate David Harper:- Gentlemen -- I am David Harper and I've written a novel I've called "KWANGCHOW - Freddy Everard on the China Seas". I served a couple of years on CNCo ships as third and second mate (59-61). The first ship I served on was the KWANGTUNG brand new and right out of Taikoo Dockyard. The book started as a memoir but then I changed it into a novel and so fact and fiction are very much intermingled. I recently retired to Mexico (from the USA where I spent most of my maritime industry career - not seagoing) and wrote the book here. It has just been printed (self published) in Guadalajara. I would of course love to sell it but living in Mexico makes it difficult to get it distributed. Mail is unreliable and UPS costs are prohibitive. I learned of the SMA from George Latham (living in Australia) - who was a shipmate of mine on the KWANGTUNG and he was kind enough to send me photos of the ship and even and old group photo of us taken at a ship reception in Kobe (which features in the book) as well as a crew list. The photo of me on the back cover is taken from that picture. My wife and I will be in England in June 2012 to attend the HMS Worcester 150th Anniversary in Portsmouth and I wonder if there are any other SMA members who are Old Worcesters and attending? Anyway I shall bring a bunch of books with me in case I can sell them there. I am in the process of trying to get an agent in England but it is a daunting task especially because I am living in Mexico. The illustration on the front cover was done by a local Mexican artist and depicts the KWANGCHOW (I used that name in the novel instead of KWANGTUNG) sporting its distinctive Taikoo logo on the funnel. I think the K class were the first ones to have the logo on the funnel (the photo I got from George confirms it had the logo although I myself had forgotten it). Any suggestions/ideas or help you can offer me would be greatly appreciated. I would be happy to join the SMA but have no means of sending UK pounds and Mexican mail is very slow and unreliable anyway. Perhaps I can do it when I get to England. We will be in London from June 23-28, 2012. Sincerely David Harper 20 December 19, 2011 - 10:01 PM Mark Beaumont   I should remind ye merry gentlemen that if you haven't got around to mailing your Christmas cards yet, we still have some stock left (in fact, all of it, curiously) of the charming seasonal cards we produced for you back in 2005. Members who were born yesterday may never have seen or enjoyed these, so I'm happy to provide the link once more. You can use them any year; in fact, if you were to write in pencil and send them to friends you know well, you could always ask for them back. I'm sure they'd be more than happy to return them: www.swiremariners.com/xmascard.html And on a personal note, may I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and all the best for a happy and healthy 2012. Mark 21 December 19, 2011 - 05:31 PM Bev K.   Reminds me of the response I got from an Aussie post office when sending a cable: "Captain Kidd, Fukien Hong Kong Radio." Bev K. 22 December 19, 2011 - 07:57 AM Mark Beaumont 23 December 19, 2011 - 07:09 AM Ancient Mariner   So CNCo ships are to be re-named after Chinese cities and provinces, sound familiar to anyone? 24 December 18, 2011 - 05:09 AM Ancient Mariner   A slur upon Bexhill-on-Sea!! About to depart for yet another pre-Christmas lunch, golf club today; no driving as the sheriff's posse is on the prowl. The UK chapter of TGIF had Christmas dinner in London on Thursday, apart from yours truly the other CNCo connected folk present were Glen Docherty and Norman Dicker. It was held at the Cavalry & Guards Club so we rough types had to be on best behaviour. Glad to say that they can pour gin tonics there almost as good as HK! 25 December 18, 2011 - 02:35 AM Stu   You're right Mark.....so why wont they send me a password? 26 December 17, 2011 - 06:58 PM Mark Beaumont 27 December 17, 2011 - 01:56 PM Wallaby supporter   Stu, No problems here in Aussie, maybe your cold winter has frozen your computer - or you have to insert another coin in the machine !!!!! 28 December 17, 2011 - 02:49 AM Stu   Well, I can't even get into the www.swiremarinershk.com site because although I registered, they didn't send me a password. It seems they have it stitched up tighter than Fort Knox and I now know that I'm not the only one who's having problems with it. I also belong to the Port Line old boys association and that's much the same and in the end, potential members lose interest and don't bother trying to looking at it. I don't any more because it's too difficult to get into. 29 December 15, 2011 - 09:45 AM Bob Harris   Mark, I must be going blind, I looked up and down that list this morning They call us Swire Mariners Association (UK) not realising, perhaps, that we are a global network of old farts who have actually travelled out of Bexhill-on-Sea and traversed various bits of Oggin to recline on sofas the world over. But if you still can't see us there, try more tonic water; or perhaps you've been bitten by a rabid monkey - MAJB 30 December 14, 2011 - 07:04 PM Bob Harris   A bit naughty of them not to provide a link to the SMA site! Or don't we rate anymore It's there, Bob. Right hand side - MAJB 31 December 14, 2011 - 02:05 PM Stu   Gentlemen...just had the following from Doris Luk and it seems the Hong Kong version of the SMA web site is up and running. Anyway, here's her message:- We are very pleased to announce that we have successfully launched the HK Swire Mariners website at our 8th reunion last Friday 9/12. Similar to the Swire Mariners Association , we hope the website can provide a meeting point for retired staff to stay in touch with one another and more importantly, with the Group. Can you pls pass on to anyone who are interested to log into http://www.swiremarinershk.com/ and register as a member to enjoy the viewing of the Photo Gallery and the Forum. We would welcome any interesting photos they wish to share with us. 32 December 14, 2011 - 10:45 AM Bob Harris   Strange how the Aussies come out of the woodwork justifying their existence when things go bad! With respect to Frank, RIP, our paths crossed many times on various projects I did and his somewhat eccentric exuberance used to amuse me . He was a good skipper. 33 December 14, 2011 - 04:57 AM Hugh Ripley   Anyone know of a good tailor in H.K.Stopping off for a couple of days on our way back from U.K. and thought I might smarten myself up a bit in my old age with a made to measure bit of clobber - the old Safari suit is getting a bit dated. 34 December 13, 2011 - 09:56 PM Chris Coy   Seasons greetings to all. Firstly note new email address! We are just coming up to three years at the Quarterdeck, Soldiers Point. Since my last entry we have sold our Fisher 37 and now have a Halvorsen 42 Coastal Cruiser. Winter 2010 (Aussie winter) we went up the coast to queensland for 3 months and new boat performed well. Home for Xmas and next year trips will depend on wether or not Roslyn has to have hip replacement.All my 'bits ' still working ,must be the good oiling from the Gordens bottle and maintance with good red from South Aust.Only regrets are that nI have always missed the UK reunions (once by a matter of hours) and that I cant see when I will make it for a coup-le of more years.You know where to find a Bed and Beverage if you are in the Sydney region. Cheers Chris 35 December 08, 2011 - 10:41 AM David Walker   Capt. Frank Galloway. Sad to report that Frank has died at home in Spain. He died yesterday of a pulmonary embolism. Frank joined SPO in the early eighties and served in many SPO and HKS&T vessels with distinction.He was the lead Capt/Salvage Master in the recovery of HMS Nottingham from rocks off Lord Howe Is. Frank was brought up on the Isle of Man and joined Shell as an apprentice. He then served in the Admiralty Salvage Service prior to joining SPO. I am sure we all join in sending condolences to his wife Maria and daughter Sarah (I have their address if anyone wants to write) 36 December 07, 2011 - 07:05 PM Peter barton   To All, especially those of you that have sailed on “Coral Princess”. CNCo Management is looking for a good original copy of the aerial photo “Coral Princess” taken in Milford Sound for inclusion in a new CNCo history to be published shortly. If any of you have one, could you please contact me, Peter Barton at peter.barton@chinanav.com Thanks and Happy “Sofa” sailing. Regards Peter Good morrow to you, Cap'n Barton. I have the original negative for this somewhere, as I took the shot(s), but many years have passed and we're talking needle in a haystack when it comes to tracing it. I have a large print of it, framed, but that is in storage. I've passed that info on to Charlotte already. In due course, I could rephotograph that image, but not to your deadline, I fear. As far as I know, the only other copy of this picture is held by CNCo as it was used for a diary some years back. It's not an aerial shot, by the way, I took it from a lifeboat! - MAJB 37 December 05, 2011 - 01:39 AM Bob Harris   Darrell, I watched the NZ Open at Clearwater on TV over the weekend and they made a point of showing how ChCh is getting back on its feet, it looks to be very good planning and Bob Parker seems to be doing a good job. I see Clearwater is as uninteresting as usual and I still feel justified for buying at Terrace Downs 38 December 02, 2011 - 06:08 PM Darrell Daish   Bob, Maybe Hutch was hoping his nurse's name was Fergie, ex Dutchess of York, who would suck his toes!! Ancient Mariner, Fortunately, we have just returned from a week in Otago. So will not be in line for injuries from 2 out of control cyclists. 39 December 02, 2011 - 05:02 AM Ancient Mariner   My eldest son and wife are off to NZ in a week or so, if you should see a middle aged couple cycling the Otago Trail then stay well clear as I'm not sure of their sanity! What is worrying is that one is an airline pilot and the other a doctor!!! It can' t be something inherited, I always went for comfort on my trips. 40 November 29, 2011 - 03:07 PM bob steer   Just talking to Hutch's nurse who said he was complaining about cold toes,he is now tucked in and gave her a warm smile as she did so.He is showing good signs of improvement. 41 November 29, 2011 - 02:18 PM Wallaby Supporter   Good day Wimp Man, nothing wrong with XXXX Gold, at least it doesn't knock you silly as quickly, especially as the advancing years go by. 42 November 28, 2011 - 06:15 PM Warwick   Alister, I thought CNco men drank REAL beer. Purchased a carton of your beloved XXXX, it is only LIGHT beer 3.4. Brew some REAL beer such as Crown Larger which is 4.9. Your a 'whimp' mate. Cheers Warwick, Alastair DOES brew his own, and in considerable quantities, we're told. Scroll down this very page for a picture of his brewery. I think he only uses XXXX on his Cornflakes or when he's not feeling like drinking alcohol - MAJB 43 November 24, 2011 - 01:12 PM Darrell Daish   Very sorry to hear that the prognosis for Hutch is not good. Bob please pass on my best wishes if you speak to him or Joyce. 44 November 24, 2011 - 02:35 AM bob steer   He is not good,speaking to Joyce earlier on today and future not bright.Joyce is bearing up and sends her thanks for your thoughts. 45 November 23, 2011 - 05:18 PM Ben Aldiss   Re Don Hutchinson will someone please pass my good wishes for his speedy recovery along to his family .Thanks (Incidentall, amile stone,I think Don is the last floating staff member to have served at sea through out the war) 46 November 23, 2011 - 04:59 AM Ancient Mariner   Whenever someone visits Hutch, or speaks to his family, please pass on my best wishes for a speedy recovery. 47 November 23, 2011 - 04:22 AM Miker O'Keeffe   I learned this evening from Jim Wilby that Don Hutchinson has suffered a heart attack and is in Royal North Shore Private Hospital. At this time he is not allowed visitors. 48 November 21, 2011 - 01:32 PM Ben Aldiss   Those indeed were the days. Two weeks alongside in Sydney, sometimes more; first class food;smart clean little ships. After years of coaburning standard tramps; a year on the Great Lakesplus a three year voyage as second mate in Bank Line I knew heaven when I had arrived there: and yes I do rememberhaving the handcuffs dropped on me We had the best of it, Bless the wharfies and their amazing 'walk up starts'. 49 November 21, 2011 - 07:54 AM Ancient Mariner   What a fine body of men, and lady!! Ruddy cheek, Stu, I've hardly changed, still the slim ten and a half stone. What a day that was, do you remember having the handcuffs dropped on you Ben? One young lady not in the pics was one year old then, she is now lady-in-waiting, or something similar, to the Duchess of Cornwall! 50 November 19, 2011 - 02:16 PM Ben Aldiss   Stu The bloke you are looking at is my best man , Mike Dixon 5th engineer at the time , now retired to Kent. The ancient mariner is at the extreme end of the line , beardless in those days . We've all changed in the past 55 years. Ben 51 November 19, 2011 - 01:25 PM Stu   Just looking at the group photo Ben, how did you manage to get Rudolph Hess to attend your wedding? (Second from the right. I can't spot the ancient one, time must have changed him so much). 52 November 17, 2011 - 02:13 PM Ben Aldiss   Re Taiyuan.I have recently unearthed photographs taken aboard Taiyuan in 1956 (my wedding day to be precise) They might interest some people as they include all the mates and engineers of those days - rig of the day 'Blues'. How do I send you folks a photograph?( I was two years second mate of the Taiyuan 1955-57) and later about the same amount of time , in dribs and drabs master) I believe Stu has answered you by email but for the sake of others: 1. Send a JPG if it's on your computer 2. If not on our computer, scan it and send the JPG 3. If you don't have a scanner, send it by mail to me (address on request) and I will scan it and return it to you. Note, also, that we have our FACEBOOK facility for SMA which allows you to upload as many pictures as you wish and even create albums online. Saves the web-brat work, too! - MAJB 53 November 16, 2011 - 11:35 AM Bob Harris   Mark, I see a couple of SPO's early supply vessels standing by and the house of the 1000 A......s hasn't changed much! 54 November 16, 2011 - 08:09 AM Rob Jennings   B&S Praya Building in HK Does anyone have a colour photograph of the B&S Praya building in HK? We only have B&W shots in the archives and would really appreciate a colour one. I'll gladly scan and return any negatives, slides or prints you may have and return the originals. Many thanks Rob A reminder of what it looked like. Great photo - MAJB 55 November 15, 2011 - 05:42 AM Rob Jennings   David, Pleased the photo brings back happy memories. If only all my work was so positively received! To answer your question about the model behind - it's also Taiyuan. The mirror behind made taking the photo awkward but did at least mean we got both sides in the photo! Brgds Rob ps Mark - so pleased to hear the good news. I pray it continues. Thanks, Rob, appreciated. David Walker has written up some interesting stuff about 'Changsha' and 'Taiyuan' which I have added under his 'Kuala Lumpur' contribution, to be found within the Rogues Gallery. Scroll down the page a bit when you get there, you won't miss it and it's worth the read - MAJB 56 November 15, 2011 - 04:00 AM David Walker   Taiyuan Model Thank you Mark for posting the photo of the Taiyuan Model also thanks to Rob Jennings. Can't see anything that has fallen off although there are some changes to her as built and as model. The gangway was further aft and there was another flight from maindeck to promenade deck. There are no awning spars on the after end of the boat deck. This area had a side to side awning underwhich Horse and Frog racing took place also the "English Supper" nights. Passengers were served Fish and Chips in newspaper for their dinner, and other English delicacies, which I can't remember. English Supper was a Donald Hutchinson invention. Will the Duty Officer ask the Duty Engineer to start the steering gear and then send the Quartermaster to the bridge and bring the Rudder Midships.Such a venerable Old Lady should not stand in repose with her rudder hard a starbd.(perhaps someone in the now un-nautical Hong Kong Office should bring it to their notice)Hard-a-starbd. implies she is about to make some drastic alteration of course for collision avoidance!!! What is the model behind, Changsha ? Brings back all sorts of memories. The two doors on the after end of the starbd bridge deck area, fwd one battery lkr.and the aft one the the Gyro Room. Spent many hours in there dealing with that un-speakable bouncy Brown Gyro. "B" thing once fell over on me after full maintainance and more than adequate run up time leaving Mercantile Berth Brisbane. Basically it took a dislike to being swung a hundred and eighty degrees by tugs to go down river. Oh Happy Days. 57 November 14, 2011 - 11:42 PM Stu   Of course................we had it tough but tell that to the ancient ones and "They don't believe you" 58 November 14, 2011 - 06:17 PM Mark Beaumont 59 November 14, 2011 - 01:23 PM John Madeley   Dear AM Only 3 days on the bridge. You obviously did not do a rig or barge move in Brunei when there was no Mate!! 60 November 13, 2011 - 10:27 AM Ancient Mariner   What has fallen off "Taiyuan"? I do recall that when Swires moved into the new domain that one of the display cabinets collapsed and JAS had stern words with the architect, but I think it was "Anking" that came to grief. Anyhow, why would HK want a model of a ship now that CNCo has been exiled to Singapore, is it to remind them of what the Taikoo empire was built on? I recently had a request from my son to sign a petition to the UK Govt. objecting to a relaxation of the strict brules on airline pilots' hours. I signed, of course, but I thought of the days,not hours, that some of us have spent on the bridge or in the engine room when weather or something else dictated. I think my record was three days! 61 November 13, 2011 - 02:23 AM Stu   Great news Mark, it's now time to get some meat on your bones. Eat some stodge and drink lots of beer.....it works for me. 62 November 13, 2011 - 01:37 AM Darrell Daish   Mark, That is great news and best wishes for a long and healthy future. I think that I will have to crack open my bottle of 15 year old Glen Livet as your news deserves more than a couple of cans. 63 November 11, 2011 - 09:24 PM Bob Harris   Mark, Great news, I'll crack a can or two for you. All the very best. 64 November 11, 2011 - 07:28 PM Mark Beaumont   This is just a quick note to those friends within and without the SMA who have been so supportive of late. In a recent letter to you all I said that results of pathology following my last surgery tested negative for active cancer cells; well, as of this week, the results of a follow-up CT scan say the same. This is, clearly, very good news for me, although I and the doctors remain cautious about getting too excited because the trial I have been on is ground-breaking stuff and unproven to date. Should it turn out that it really has done the trick, then I am warmed by the fact that this opens the door for the medical profession to offer this course of treatment to others also, and I'll be written up in some boring medical journal; if it hasn't, well, it's given me a lot of time that eighteen months ago I was told I was unlikely to have. I know that some of you have your own problems, and if you ever want to chinwag on the subjects of testicular and other teratomas, malignant melanoma, prostate cancer, germ cell tumour or carcinoma, I'm your man! Don't clutter up the log, though! If you have any questions or comments, please click the little email envelope top right in this box and be in touch. Always good to hear from friends, in any case, and thanks again for rallying round during what has been a tough time for my family. Mark 65 November 11, 2011 - 11:06 AM Bob Harris   Mark, Looking at the photo I would suggest that a few "bits" have fallen off over the years and not been replaced. Story of my life, Bob! - MAJB 66 November 11, 2011 - 10:43 AM Mark Beaumont   The exquisite model of "Taiyuan" that graced the London office for many years was recently moved to Hong Kong "to help fill the cavernous space of the new JS&S HK offices", as reported by archive chappie Rob Jennings. Wallaby Supporter encouraged him to send a copy of this picture for display here, and we are more than happy to oblige. Click on the pic for the full version. 67 November 11, 2011 - 10:27 AM Bob Harris   He, who should not be named has gone very quiet, perhaps he's delving into his bottom draw looking for love letters from a Zulu queen? AM, You should move here, Coconuts are the source of all sorts of legal/illegal concoctions here, some of which I am told is very good and indistinguishable from Whisky. I have 15 such trees in my garden but all they seem to manage is to destroy my garden light fittings and keep the maid in pocket money flogging the nuts! Does anybody remember those cardboard ER safety shoes we used to be issued with back in the 60's? Nothing like having the maid flogging your nuts, Bob. But I think I'll hold off on the photographic record in this instance! - MAJB 68 November 11, 2011 - 03:09 AM Ancient Mariner   Now,now, AP. Mustn't snipe at our fellow europeans,(small e you'll notice),in their desperate situation. The Greeks can't help it! Sad to hear that cricket score but you shouldn't put girlie-boys into a mans game. Off to see if Sainsbury's have any offers on gin or scotch this weekend, times is 'ard chaps. 69 November 10, 2011 - 03:43 PM Alan Perry   Correct Wallaby Supporter, when I was on "Asian Pearl", the Mates had to put on their carpet slippers before entering utopia. THe Bosun used to try to come below in his deck boots - he was definitely personna non gratia. When we were in respectable ports and we had our normal visitors of elegance I used to strategically position a couple of large potted palms on the landing outside the control room. All that was missing was the hammocks, the gin slings, and the bikinied beauties. Regrettably, the Greeks bought the "Pearl" and within hours the whole ship was a "sh--hole". Dave Snowdon stayed on for the handover passage and he was reduced to tears. 70 November 10, 2011 - 02:27 PM Wallaby Supporter   Seem to remember in days gone by, we engineers had to be sure not to wear our engine room shoes outside the engine room and leave dirty footprints on the deck and alleyways etc. Nowadays I'm told that it is the mates who have to make sure they don't enter the engine room unles their feet ere spotlessly clean !! 71 November 10, 2011 - 01:41 PM Darrell Daish   Bob, Your cricketers can't even beat the Black Caps World Record for the lowest score. Never mind there is always the 2nd Test. 72 November 10, 2011 - 11:01 AM Bob Harris   Aussie all out for 47!!! I wonder what Bob has for an excuse now? 73 November 09, 2011 - 01:48 PM Brian D. White   Dear Stu Many thanks for your email of 26 September. Great to hear that the Dover/Folkstone weekend went well. I’m only sorry that I couldn’t join you this year. I was particularly saddened to learn from the October newsletter that Julian had passed away back in September. I haven’t seen him since a memorable year with Julian as Chief Officer of “Sinkiang” - initially under the command of Andy Taylor and then Ken Nettleship. I am attaching a photo of Julian from those days taken at Nauru (I think) and the ship itself drifting somewhere off one of the atolls in the Gilberts (as they then were). Fun days! I’d be grateful if you would please circulate the photos to those who might remember Julian from those days. I am thinking particularly of Trevor Kay-Russell and Roger White – and also Ken if you have an email address for him. I look forward to catching up at an SMA function - hopefully next year. Kind regards Brian 74 November 09, 2011 - 01:46 PM Mark Beaumont   No cartoons, AM? OK, a photo, then... 75 November 09, 2011 - 01:33 PM bob steer   As one ages so does one's memory,damned if I can recall The Perry ever in a dirty boiler suit!!!!1 76 November 09, 2011 - 05:26 AM Ancient Mariner   I made only one trip on "CP", went to Guam to see what the USCG inspection was like, Chris Humphry was master. Did the voyage to Yokohama, I recall that all the pax were female!!!!! My paradise came to an end when greeted by Tommy R at Yokohama with a message from HK to go with him to Kobe to look at a WW bulker that London was thinking of buying. Despite our report the purchase went ahead and "Erisort" joined the fleet! Nice few days with Tommy anyhow, I think the MHI rep acted as interpreter between us! (Never could do the Geordie accent). My boiler suit stayed pristine until I became a school bursar, expert at clearing blocked sewers with a set of rods on a Saturday afternoon! (No cartoons please Mark) 77 November 08, 2011 - 08:25 PM Mark Beaumont   Ah, the thought of Squirealot Perry in a crisp white boiler suit. Monogrammed, of course, Alan? I have to recount a tale from "Coral Princess" days that I've probably told before. A certain Chief well familiar with the vessel was not known for his willingness to socialise with wittering tribes of Japanese passengers, far preferring the company of a cold one and a mate or two in his cabin or the OB. There were rumours, indeed, that he possessed no uniform, only endless white boiler suits. Well, one night he was finally persuaded to dress in his finery - No.10s or Mess Kit, can't recall - and join other officers in the "Moonlight Room" for a libation or three whilst gazing idly at the dance floor. He wasn't idle for long. Right in front of him was a young male passenger gyrating in a... gold lame boiler suit. "^&%(*#)#!!! And to think I got all ponced up to come down here. I'm off." And he was :) Mark 78 November 08, 2011 - 11:17 AM Alan Perry   But, yes, I seem to remember Bob S usually put on a case of beer, mind you, being already primed, he scuppered half of it. Being an Engineer at sea was a strange thing. As a 4th and 3rd, I dreamed of the day I would become a 2nd so that I could wear a "white" boiler suit. By the time I got to 2nd, the days of a 2nd keeping his boiler suit clean were long gone. I then dreamed of a Chiefs job, once again, so that I could sit in the Engineer's Office half the day and keep my boily clean. Alas, by the time I got to be a Chief, the days of UMS three Engineer ships, with the Chief doing one day in three, including nights on board in port, were upon us. That is when I said "to hell with it". By the time I got to be a Chief, the old joke (I think Betty Morrison might have told me) about the piece of string from the Chief's cabin door to the Engine Room door so that the Chief would'nt get lost going below on standbys (on the rare occasions that he did), was wearing a bit thin. 79 November 08, 2011 - 10:10 AM Bob Harris   Gents, Ahh! Doxfords, I will always remember my first trip in a ship equipped with a pair of 8 cyl beasts. A 6 week coastal around NZ then 24 stops in 22 days between Auckland and Panama each because of those bloody swinging links and the sump making a ton of water an hour, there were no cold beers provided by the Chief afterwards and no fancy bar to drown our sorrows in. My letter of resignation went in from Panama. After a few months of wine/women/song it was off to CNCO and the Pap Chief and yet another Doxford plus Bob S to boot! but that had a newer version with hoses not links and the start of another story. I guess the moral is that those early days inspired us all to become a Chief one day and have a nice white boiler suit! 80 November 08, 2011 - 03:40 AM Ancient Mariner   Am I the only one to have shovelled coal to keep the boilers going? And that was training to be a Deck Officer! The biggest bloody shovel I have ever seen, I'm sure less than half the contents found their mark. Perhaps that's why we spent six weeks in Hamburg in 1951 converting to oil-burner. What a time that was, still officially "occupation" and got arrested by Military Police for being in an area "out-bounds to Allied personnel". Fortunately the MP's handed us over to the RN shore patrol who promptly took us round the corner and released us! 81 November 08, 2011 - 02:17 AM Alan Perry   We loved the case of beer the Chief had on ice (hopefully) when we came out of the boiler/scavenge trunking/crankcase, we loved the cleanup, and then of course the run up the road to the "Mosquito Bar", the "Yellow Brick Road", "Pandora's", or wherever. It's strange how the quaffing of a few coldies and the administrations of a local maiden put all to right. It was a good life, I wouldn't give tuppence for a life at sea these days though. 82 November 08, 2011 - 01:38 AM Stu   Even dirtier Gilbert would be a crawl through the scavenge trunk or an adventure inside the boiler. An internal visit through a sewage tank or even a heavy oil fuel tank are also exciting places to view. No wonder I'm bald...................of course, we loved every minute. 83 November 08, 2011 - 12:50 AM Gilbert Reid.   A regular TV program here is on "Dirty Jobs". A few marine examples like "shucking oysters" but so far seen nothing on changing a Doxford piston or Bottom end "hysterical" bearing at sea. Standing on your staging plank with one hand for yourself and one for the company you swung a 14 lb.hammer but most times it took a 28 pounder to move the nut in which case both hands where on the hammer shaft. All this excitement while soaked in oil and the ship usually rolling. I'm sure the oil drain sump below the crankcase had little to do with mechanical requirements but to prevent Engineers from drowning should they slip off the plank !! Still, after arrival in Aus. and a few Schooners during the "6 o'clock swill" in "Chloes" (a nude painting behind the door) Melbourne all was forgotten, until now!! 84 November 07, 2011 - 05:35 AM Ancient Mariner   By some error I found myself watching a bit of the Regby League game between Oz and England at the weekend. Not too sure of the rules but I would have thought that a round-arm smash to the face would be illegal in most sports other than wrestling! The referee considered it a shoulder charge so I assume he should have gone to Specsavers or is of Pakistani origin! 85 November 05, 2011 - 02:23 PM bob steer   this is a test run and to let you know all is well in australias cricket world. 86 November 03, 2011 - 11:37 PM John Madeley   Greetings Hugh, Clicking on Robin Lewis in the address section creates an error message but if you right click and use the copy email prompt then paste into your emails it will appear. Cheers, John John, must be a problem your end, there's no error message when clicking on Robin's contact. Forgive me... I've removed his email from your message as we try to avoid posting email addresses directly for reasons of spam etc. - MAJB 87 November 03, 2011 - 06:22 PM Hugh Ripley   Does anyone out there have an email address and/or contact details for Robin Lewis? All such contacts (including an email link for Robin) are on our Members page, Hugh, which we try to keep up to date! - MAJB 88 November 03, 2011 - 01:02 AM Warwick   IKEA has opened the largest store in the Southern Hemisphere, 2.5km in square. That would be good exersize, a few punters have been LOST inside and can't find their car. Speaking of punters, all 3 places in the Melbourne cup were foreign owned, like the rest of OZ, we have sold of the farm to Japan (Dairy Farmers) China (minning rights)Holland, Germany et al. 89 October 31, 2011 - 10:02 AM Ancient Mariner   I thought that both Qantas and Air NZ were partly owned by Singapore? I like the attitude of Qantas management, BA could take note! 90 October 29, 2011 - 06:58 PM Darrell Daish   Warwick, At least there is one thing that we in the Land of the Long White Cloud and World Rugby Champions can be thankful to the Commerce Commissions for is that they would not let the wonderful Air New Zealand join up with Qantas. 91 October 29, 2011 - 02:49 AM Bob Harris   Warwick, I guess that's what you get for advertising your menu on the tail plane! Anyway how many good companies have the unions sent bust by greed and shear laziness in Aussie? You reap what you sow. I presume the queen was not disadvantaged other than lack of parking space for planes. 92 October 29, 2011 - 12:18 AM Warwick   The s..t has just hit the fan here in Oz. QF have grounded their entire fleet, domestic and international as of 17.00 AEST. When any flight finishes it sector that is were it will stay, indefinately. As you all know the unions/ associations are in dispute with QF. Pilots, engineers, baggage handlers etc. It is currently bleeding 15 million a week. Can you imagine the flying Kangaroo, the second oldest airline in the world (after KLM, I think) kaput!!! 93 October 24, 2011 - 04:18 PM Mike O'Keeffe   Cyril Cocksedge is in the SDA Hospital(San) recovering from a triple bypass operation. Going well and soon to move to rehab. Where that will take place still uncertain when I spoke to him Mike, please pass Cyril best wishes for a swift recovery from all of us at the SMA - MAJB 94 October 23, 2011 - 09:14 PM Bob Harris   It was a golden moment..but the silence is because of a self induced headache that formed sometime after. I have never seen such a nervous AB pack, it just goes to show what pressure they must have been under. Anyway the best team WON!!!! 95 October 23, 2011 - 06:11 PM Warwick   Bravo, the ABs squeaked home. Congrats to both teams, a GREAT effort by the French. 96 October 23, 2011 - 09:20 AM Alan Perry   "Silence is golden .........." 97 October 22, 2011 - 10:59 AM Bob Harris   Bob, I just can't resist, what did it feature a clutch or whatever of wallabies jumping over a cliff? 98 October 21, 2011 - 11:01 PM bob steer   My bloody web page has expired!!! 99 October 21, 2011 - 10:16 AM Bob Harris   Mark, I'm always on the wrong end of a camera, Julian may be able to help as he was out here earlier this year. Anyway you do have a very early one taken by Cyril I'm not cruel and heartless, but there is no better sport than poking fun at the Aussies, they are easier to shoot down than the bloody monkeys in my garden! 100 October 21, 2011 - 02:27 AM Bob Harris   Bob, You would be dogs dinner if not for the failure of the Welsh boot! Roll on Sunday. You're a cruel and heartless man, Bob, taking advantage of a poor fellow when he's down (and probably down to his last can of Fosters). You'll have to send me a picture of your good self so that you don't feel left out in the scheme of things - MAJB 101 October 20, 2011 - 11:20 AM Bob Harris   Bob, Your time comes, or do you have a Welsh miner in your bottom drawer as well? I guess you have, given the amount of holes you have dug only to fall into! 102 October 18, 2011 - 12:11 PM Mark Beaumont   Jim Coneybeare has alerted us to this site which will be of interest to members: http://www.saveourseafarers.com/ The site requests that the public encourage their respective governments to pay more attention to the very serious issue of contemporary piracy, and includes this very powerful video: 103 October 18, 2011 - 10:58 AM Mark Beaumont 104 October 17, 2011 - 03:59 PM bob steer   O! Darrell you are so wrong you don't think I am sitting here NOT worrying about my french ancestors who may well be represented in their mighty rugby side.For it was many years ago that my great aunt fled the shores of England with her French lover and thus started the French branch of the Steers!!!!I guess that they might have put a bit of juice into the rugby side that has made it into the final of the world cup and may even put the blacks to the sword!!!! VIVA LA FRANCE 105 October 17, 2011 - 11:11 AM Bob Harris   Darrell, I think its called family planning.! I'm sure he's switched to the local hooch now but hasn't let on to the wise men that come bearing gifts. On an aside I trust your house is recoverable? My apartments on Colombo St (St Mary's) stood up very well. Cheers 106 October 16, 2011 - 09:16 PM Darrell Daish   Bob, What forethought to have both French ancestory, your Great Granddad, Robspierre Steerant, and your distant Maori ancestor. Now you do not have to worry who wins next Sunday. As for League that should not be for gentlemen like you and I to discuss. Alistair, you may have to seek out Taffy Rowlands and learn the Gaelic if Wales beat you for the bronze medal. I suppose now you will all be wanting to return Dingo Deans to us. 107 October 16, 2011 - 08:15 PM Warwick   The Wallabies were doomed when Cooper kicked the ball out on the full from then kick off. That set the trend for the game. Replace him with Berrick Barnes or Kurtley Beale, Kurtley played all his rugby in #10 for Joey's in the first xv from aged 15. The ABs will clobber Les Blues. 108 October 16, 2011 - 01:35 PM bob steer   Aussies 42 New Zealand 6 !!!!! What a fantastic result undoubtedly World Champions. There was another game being played somewhere against someone who I can't recall undoubtedly not in the same league or class as the Australian Rugby League team. VIVA LA FRANCE!!!!!!!!!!!! 109 October 16, 2011 - 01:00 PM Wallaby Supporter   At least we don't have to speak Welsh or French. 110 October 16, 2011 - 07:57 AM Mark Beaumont 111 October 16, 2011 - 03:19 AM Bob Harris   AM, Don't worry about the airwaves and as for the airlines no problem they are all walking home. Bob, Well what can I say other than He! he! he! you looser's. I'm not rude so I will not really rub it in as you deserve. 112 October 16, 2011 - 02:59 AM Ancient Mariner   May the airways in the southern hemisphere stay clean and polite! I shall not switch on for a couple of days. 113 October 15, 2011 - 11:49 AM Bob Harris   A sad day for Wales, and I don't know how many Welsh members we have. But below is the phonetic translation of the Welsh National Anthem. My hen laid a haddock on top of a tree Glad farts and centurions throw dogs in the sea I could stew a hare here and brandish Dan's flan Don's ruddy bog's blocked up with sand Dad. Dad. Why don't you oil aunty Glad? When whores appear on beer bottle pies Oh butter the hens as they fly! 114 October 14, 2011 - 12:39 AM Alan Perry   I think MAJB should be on standby for a website overload on Sunday as the underlings from the Land of Oz flood the site with their various trivial excuses and accusations of unfairness and Referee incompetence following the Oz defeat. 115 October 13, 2011 - 02:58 PM bob steer   It's not nice Ancient One,it's very frightening with the disaster that is waiting to happen,any moment,to that beautiful part of New Zealand. We might even give them a tiny bit of pity come Sunday. 116 October 13, 2011 - 06:22 AM Ancient Mariner   Nice pic in today's Telegraph of the ship outside Bay of Plenty, boxes about to topple off. 117 October 12, 2011 - 11:29 PM Hugh Ripley   I beg to differ Roger. LEX was under the command of Hasse Nilsson and I did, until a couple of years ago when I lent them to a ship appreciating type fellow,have some very good shots of the Runic taken from one of the zodiacs. I recall that we had to wade through thigh-deep water to get in close to her but we were stopped from actually boarding her by all the extremely sharp bits of coral-encrusted metal lying around her, complements of the Australian airforce which were using her for target practice. 118 October 12, 2011 - 10:43 AM Bob Harris   Bob, You must have been wearing a skirt again, but nevertheless I am surprised by your mode of transport, I would have thought for such a eminent, deranged perhaps person such as you. You would have had a private ambulance suitable modified of course with gin/ice/tonic storage built in. As for your continued support for the Wannabes, the above assumption may be right. I think Colin Mead has called it correct. 119 October 12, 2011 - 05:23 AM E. Roger White   Ref Alan Perry dated 11-10-11. Sorry to dissapoint you Alan, but CNCo have visited Middleton Reef. Under command of C.Coy, LEX visited in 1981. Lowered zodiacs and explored the reef. Purchased fish from the many trawlers, and observed Runic and the Japanese trawler. Runic presented a skeleton of a fine Shaw Saville liner, and the Japanese trawler food store comprised mainly sea water. This was thirty years ago, maybe things hve improved since then!!! Regards, Roger White 120 October 12, 2011 - 12:51 AM Warwick   Rugby semi final Oz 19 NZ 12. Final Oz v France Oz 21/17. Bold predictions, one has to be positive. What does the Wallaby suporter think?? 121 October 12, 2011 - 12:38 AM Alan Perry   Not only was BS's comment uncouth, brash, and potentially incorrect, but also an insult to the inherent genteel kindness of his neighbour from across the pond, and of course, to his Maori ancestor. Reference should be made to BS's comment of 25 Sept 2011. Mr. Perry is also of the opinion that Mr. Steer might find this article educational and efficacious in furthering his understanding of antipodean anthropology - MAJB 122 October 11, 2011 - 09:22 PM bob steer   Have just returned from a few days in the southern city of Melbourne,why you may well ask,but one of my absolute pleasures whilst there was stepping onto a very full bus and I was offered a seat by wait for it a New Zealand tourist!!!!! Such a rare thing a gentleman from the land across the sea.Anyhow I put things right when I said I appreciated the seat but we would still beat the sh*t out of him on Sunday night....Yeah,yeah,go the mighty wallabies!!!!!!!!!!!! 123 October 11, 2011 - 11:06 AM Bob Harris   Alan, I think I just beat you 68-69 with USSC on the Tofua, then poached by NZS for a bit of coastal then UK on the Hinakura, almost put me off for life, I sent my resignation from Panama. After a brief spell enjoying the pubs and not understanding why people had seaman's books it was off to CNCo and the Pap Chief with the now person who has a cocktail of ancestors, BS! and few other notables. I think we must have crossed at some stage? 124 October 11, 2011 - 03:37 AM Alan Perry   Bob - top of the class (almost). It is "RUNIC" and she did go aground on Middleton Reef in Feb 1961 and she is still there. Also still there and largely in one piece is the Jap fishing boat "FUKU MARU". This vessel was cached for several years with emergency food supplies and was used as a shelter for the crews of several wrecked yachts. From memory, the word "FOOD" had been very crudely painted along her sides. I'm sure I must have seen the Reef during my Union Steam days (1970-71) as I'm sure a CNCo vessel would never have sailed close enough to read the ship's names. Surprised they didn't rename the Japanese fishing boat FUKU DEPTH SOUNDER. Here's more info, anyway: Middleton Reef - MAJB 125 October 10, 2011 - 11:37 AM Bob Harris   Alan, Just guessing bit I think is was the Runic stuck on Middleton reef for six weeks. Bob 126 October 10, 2011 - 09:31 AM Alan Perry   When crossing the Tasman between NZ North Cape and (I think) Brisbane, there is an old Shaw Savill vessel high and dry on a reef mid-Tasman. I have seen it several times and I seem to remember it was often used as a navigation marker. Was it the "Suevic" ? I'm sure AM must know the answer to this one ? 127 October 10, 2011 - 07:48 AM Ancient Mariner   Now who is AP referring to? 128 October 10, 2011 - 03:15 AM Alan Perry   Correction "RENA" sitting on Astrolabe Reef off Tauranga (where I was born) is a 1990 built 3351 TEU box boat owned by Costamare (Greeks) but charterd to MSC. She is classed with ABS and P & I is Swedish Club. Vessel was detained by Port State Control at Fremantle on 21 July 2011 for 17 deficiencies. Most of the deficiencies were LSA and all reflected "poor housekeeping" however amongst deficiencies were course recorder and rudder angle indicator. Incident can only be crew negligence and probably sub-standard crew, however having said that .... there were more reputable Companies who also put ships on Reefs ! 129 October 09, 2011 - 07:42 AM Alan Perry   MSC (shades of "MSC Napoli" - except "Napoli" was operated by Zodiac, this one is actually operated by Med Shipping). 130 October 09, 2011 - 02:12 AM Ancient Mariner   I'm not a betting man but......Oz 15 France 9. Unless there have been more name changes I assume that the grounded vessel in NZ is not one of "ours"? 131 October 08, 2011 - 09:05 AM Alan Perry   Rugby final - NZ 27, France 9. 132 October 08, 2011 - 05:24 AM John Madeley   Rugby, If the Entente Cordiale ever existed, it certainly does not now. Close the tunnel. 133 October 07, 2011 - 01:57 PM Stu   Just back from Julian's funeral and in attendance were........... Graeme Drewery who gave a very nice talk about Julian and read e-mails from Roger White and Ray Dodkin. Also there were Matt Coyne, Julian & Sheri Thorogood, Colin Darch, Jim & Cathy Bird, David Walker, David & Jean Falkner, Alan Perry and me Stu. John Madeley had said in a phone call that he would like to have been there and felt that he should have been but Cyprus is a long way to come so at least we knew his thoughts were with Julian on that day. For those of you who are wondering, the reason for Julian's passing was septicaemia (blood poisoning)....very low blood pressure and finally, heart failure. Sadly, if he'd received an anti biotic shot earlier, his life might have been saved.......all so very sad. 134 October 07, 2011 - 10:59 AM Bob Harris   Mark, You had better lock up the dog as well, Dave was always impartial and besides he was into cattle which I presume you don't have wandering around your pad.He gave up wellies years ago and grew his fingernails instead, it gave him a greater variety of positions! Give him my best anyway. Blushing bride... do tell more? Predictions ... 2 out of 4 were correct I think. Your comments remind me of a joke... or two. Young couple, just married, check into their honeymoon hotel. Stammering shyly, the groom does his best to ask for the key to their suite. The clerk yawns, having seen such nervousness and giggling a hundred times. "Bridal?" he says, reaching for a key. "Er, no..." says the young groom, "I think I'll just grab hold of her ears until I get the hang of it." And then there was Elmer, the old farmhand who went along to a village hall meeting where someone was lecturing on the paranormal. The speaker asked the audience "Has anyone ever seen a ghost?" About seven people raised their hands. "Has anyone ever touched a ghost?" About three hands. "Well now, has anyone ever made love to a ghost?" Elmer leapt up, hand in the air. "Yessir, Oi done that" he cried, "Oi have!" "Sit down, you old fool" shouted his pal, Henry. "You didn't ever make love to no ghost." "Oh, ghost?" said Elmer. "Oi thought 'e said GOAT". - MAJB 135 October 07, 2011 - 10:12 AM Mark Beaumont   I'm threatened with a visitor from NZ next Monday in the form of one David Ewings and his blushing bride. I've locked up the sheep in preparation and hidden the welly boots, filled the fridge with Argentinian beer and gassed up the barbie; anything else I should consider? By Monday, NZ will have crushed the Argies, presumably; England will have drunk all the decent Bordeaux having hammered France, Wales will have struggled but beaten Ireland and the Boks will have kicked the Wallabies back over the Tasman. So we'll have plenty to discuss between counting our grey hairs. So sorry to hear about Julian and, indeed, Irene. I know that so many of our members knew them both well. Mark 136 October 05, 2011 - 09:11 AM brian cushing   Shocked and saddened to hear of Julian's passing away. A great shipmate and far too young to have passed over the bar. 137 October 03, 2011 - 09:51 PM Mike O'Keeffe   Irene Sullivan's funeral will take place at 1000hrs on Friday October 7 at Olsens Funerals, 691 Old Princes Highway, Sutherland NSW in the South Chapel. For those travelling by train the funeral paplour is about 100 metres from Sutherland Station 138 October 02, 2011 - 02:48 AM Bob Harris   Bob, He He He!there is a couple of big ones coming up. 139 October 01, 2011 - 05:42 AM John Madeley   Very saddened to hear of the passing away of a true shipmate. We remained very firm friends despite him introducing me to my first and probably most expensive Wife when I was Best Man at his wedding. Julian RIP 140 October 01, 2011 - 12:23 AM Brian Butler   Stu FJT has sent me the letter on Mark B. Thanks. For info, I have moved and the new address is: 7305/323 Bayview Street, Hollywell 4216 Qld. Australia Tel+61(0)7 55774919 Cheers Brian 141 September 30, 2011 - 05:37 PM Mike O'Keeffe   Ron Sullivan's wife Irene passed away last night 29/9/11.Friends of Ron and Irene will be saddened by the loss of this great lady. More details as they come to hand 142 September 30, 2011 - 12:42 PM Stu   Fellow SMA members..........Below is an update on Julian Gomersall's funeral. I originally made a mistake saying the pub that the wake is to tak place in was the Blue Bull, when in fact, it's the Blue Ball.............. The funeral service will be held at East Devon Crematorium, Wimple on Thursday 6th October 2011 at 1345. Family flowers only, but donations to the Royal British Legion, c/o Northcott Brothers, Church Street Sidford, Devon. There will be refreshments afterwards at The Blue Ball, Sidford. 143 September 30, 2011 - 05:44 AM E.R. White   Does anyone have contact details for John Hannaway. Formally Chief Officer of Polinesia. More importantly my best man in 1984. We have lost contact following moving to Queensland. Last known address was Werribee in Victoria. I would appreciate any help in this matter. Roger White 144 September 29, 2011 - 03:00 PM Graeme A Drewery   Julian Gomershall This untimely and ever to be lamented passing away of our dear friend Julian came as a shock to us all. This especially so following the enjoyment of the weekend gathering of the SMA at Dover. A reunion that Julian was eager to attend. It is hard to know at times like this what to say after such terrible news. Hopefully, in the land of seafarers souls beyond the stars there will be an abundant supply of his favourite tipple 'Coors Beer'. Julian may justly be considered to be a great loss to his friends and family. What will be uppermost in our minds must be that whilst Julian is no more his memory will live on with warmth and deep affection. R.I.P. 145 September 28, 2011 - 03:27 PM bob steer   It really pulls you into line and brings you back to earth when one has been carrying on like a cut snake,there are far,far more important things happening around the world that what you have been carrying on with fades into insignificence. Rest in Peace old shipmate. 146 September 28, 2011 - 02:16 PM Darrell Daish   Stu, This is very sad and unexpected news. Big Jules will be sadly missed by all who sailed with or knew him. Please pass on my condolences to his family. That Bungalow in the sky will be getting a bit crowded. 147 September 28, 2011 - 09:05 AM Ancient Mariner   Stu, When I saw your name I thought I was going to see an amusing report of the Dover gathering, not the shattering news about Julian Gomersall. Very sad news indeed. 148 September 28, 2011 - 08:21 AM Stu   Dear SMA members..........it is with the deepest regret that I have to inform you all of the death of one of the finest shipmates that I ever sailed with. Julian Gomersall passed away rather suddenly last Saturday 24th September after a very short illness and whilst the SMA were enjoying the delights of Dover. He was supposed to attend at Dover and we only spoke to him on Friday morning as he was waiting for an ambulance to transport him to hospital. I have spoken to his son Chris and he has informed me that the funeral is to take place at 13.45hrs at the crematorium at Whimple, near Ottery St.Mary, Devon on Thursday 6th October 2011 and the wake will be at the "Blue Bull" public house, Sidmouth commencing at 1500hrs. I am sure that there are many of you who wish to attend and give Julian your respects, so please e-mail me so that I can inform his sons of the numbers. His son Chris has also asked if there are any of Julian's friends who would be willing to say a few words at the funeral, so if you would like to volunteer, please let me know. Should there be any changes, regarding his funeral, I will inform all those that advise me that they will be attending. 149 September 25, 2011 - 11:53 AM Bob Harris   Bob, As you were referring to your distant past, was it a Freudian slip that you typed ancestor and not offspring? As my prediction below seems now to have come true, I guess you will now discover a long lost relative somewhere down the bottom of the tree of evolution who was a Zulu king who practiced kicking the oval head of his victims. Enjoy the rest of the matches! 150 September 25, 2011 - 10:26 AM Mark Beaumont 151 September 25, 2011 - 12:36 AM bob steer   It just so happens that in my distant past I had a Maori ancestor so of course I have to support the MIGHTY ALLBLACKS!!! GO THE BLACKS 152 September 24, 2011 - 03:21 AM Bob Harris   Bob, You have now watched rugby as it should be played. The AB's as always were a side to be reckoned with even with some unfair decisions. Eat your heart out! 153 September 23, 2011 - 03:02 PM Darrell daish   Well Bob it was slaughter last night. The Wallabies giving it out on the score line but receiving it to their players on the field. The end not a pretty sight but he should have learnt from Tindall not to put ones head where it shouldn't go. 154 September 21, 2011 - 11:37 AM bob steer   you are so cruel,it was just a good business deal for us and you will see what we really think of them in our next game,slaughter comes to mind!!!! 155 September 21, 2011 - 09:24 AM Bob Harris   Bob I see you have just sold your national brew to the yanks, can I surmise the wanabies were part of the deal? 156 September 20, 2011 - 11:24 AM Bob Harris   I like Bob's little socks........ very twee. But with those legs exposed the USA might be ready to bite them or even praise be go even higher! 157 September 20, 2011 - 09:59 AM Mark Beaumont 158 September 19, 2011 - 08:35 PM bob steer   Indeed we will,hang in there boyos 159 September 18, 2011 - 03:09 PM Wallaby Suporter   All is not lost- just wait until the last game. We will triumph 160 September 18, 2011 - 11:26 AM Bob Harris   Is there any truth in the rumour that the wallaby supporters currently in the Land of the White Fluffy Cloud have decided to walk home? 161 September 18, 2011 - 01:18 AM Stu   Well............that's confirmed it, who needs the sports news on TV when you can get it right here on the SMA web site. Yes, but it's not exactly objective comment, Stu! Talking of TV, here is a very useful site I found, which I use all the time now... live TV news on your PC from stations worldwide. Check out (and bookmark) http://www.rentadrone.org/. Very neat stuff - MAJB 162 September 17, 2011 - 04:48 PM Darrell Daish   Haven't heard anything from that other true Wallaby supporter near Rockhampton. Either he is drowniong his sorrows in home brew or like Bob is reverting to the land of his birth and supporting the Scottish team?? 163 September 17, 2011 - 03:05 PM Darrell Daish   Bob, and there were we thinking it was the Green and Gold that you were supporting. I don't think there are many Irish eyes smiling this morning more like bloodshot eyes. 164 September 17, 2011 - 11:51 AM bob steer   actually my grandfather was Irish and I have been going for the boyo's in green all the time,I always thought they would win, what a mighty team!!! 165 September 17, 2011 - 09:07 AM Bob Harris   I am worried about the lack of reparte.. Should we send the paramedics around with a bottle of Gordons, it may have been to much for the old fella and he choked on the Guiness 166 September 17, 2011 - 04:26 AM Darrell Daish   Bob, Oh Dear if this is the best that is to come it was not good. You will have to give up G & T's and start drinking Guiness!!?! 167 September 17, 2011 - 03:17 AM Bob Harris   Bob, I think your pigs ear must be off the flying variety. Out scrumed and out played HeHeHeHe Bob 168 September 16, 2011 - 06:09 PM Mark Beaumont   Received from a certain (probably dejected) Wallaby... An Australian schoolteacher explains to her class that she is a Wallabies fan. She asks her students to raise their hands if they, too, are Wallabies fans. Everyone in the class raises their hand except one little girl. The teacher looks at the girl with surprise and says "Janie, why didn't you raise your hand?" "Because I'm not a Wallabies fan," she replied. The teacher, still shocked, asked, "Well, if you are not a Wallabies fan, then who are you a fan of?" "I am an All Blacks fan, and proud of it," Janie replied. The teacher could not believe her ears. "Janie, why are you an All Blacks fan?" "Because my mum is an All Blacks fan, and my dad is an All Blacks fan, so I'm an All Blacks fan too!" "Well," said the teacher in an obviously annoyed tone, "That is no reason for you to be an All Blacks fan! You don't have to be just like your parents all of the time. What if your mum were a moron and your dad were a moron, what would you be then?" "Then," Janie smiled, "I'd be a Wallabies fan" 169 September 16, 2011 - 03:04 PM Darrell Daish   Bob, Great day for the shakey isles. Not only an emphatic wins for the AB's but also the Warriors come from behind win over the Tigers. Then our little tennis girl gets into the semi final. Not sure that I would want to be in Mike Tindall's shoes when Zara gets here. Just shows that our kiwi girls still have what it takes!!?! 170 September 16, 2011 - 02:43 PM bob steer   In a pigs ear!!!! 171 September 16, 2011 - 10:57 AM Bob Harris   Bob, Wow! 83-7 with a second team, I bet your little legs are rattling, not the ice! Just maybe the Irish will give you a run for your money 172 September 14, 2011 - 12:52 AM Gilbert Reid.   It's late here and watching Tonga play Canada in the World Cup from NZ. Final now 25-20 for Canada. Having visited Nuku'alofa on CHEFOO south Pacific run around end of 1959 seems there are more people staying in a street here than the whole of Tonga. As I recall,as we came from New Guinea, some copra bug, which flies only at night and no more than a mile, the ship had to lay off at night and return to the one set of buoys in the morning. Queen Salotes "private yachts" the Matua & Tofua had preference. For shore leave you spent the night ashore and returned to the ship on the first lifeboat in the morning. While waiting for the lifeboat I asked my "night Guide" why the odd character close by was escorted by only one policeman, she told me not to worry as to escape he wouldnt get far, it's a small island and only 80 ft. above sea level measured from the top of a palm tree!! E.R crew then on CHEFOO Jock Weir C/E (Kilmarnock. ex CHANGSHA) Sam Brown 2/E (Poplar, London) Alf Smith 3/E (Newcastle) Dave Meikle 4/E (Kilmarnock) and myself 5/E (Aberdour Fife). 173 September 12, 2011 - 10:04 PM bob steer   So true Darrel and the best is yet to come!!!! 174 September 12, 2011 - 02:38 PM Darrell Daish   Bob whilst your cricketers might struggle at least Sam Stouser can give you something to smile about. Much nicer to watch pretty women slug it out than hot sweaty men but Dingo Deans seems to be bringing the best out of your Wallabies. 175 September 11, 2011 - 11:26 AM Bob Harris   Mark, What time is the clock on our posts? I must have posted 5-10 mins after Bob but the time gives us a 7+ hour difference neither of which were our correct times, the date is also wrong? Anyway I was right Wales did take SA to task. We need smileys! 176 September 10, 2011 - 10:53 PM Bob Harris   Bob, It was indeed,the Italians certainly held you back in the first half and apart from silly stuff could have done better in the second. I'll bet the ice in your glass was rattling at HT Rain, not a chance I'm afraid, I have been battling wild fires all week, they have come within a 100m of the house. An I'm getting bored with Tony Grieg rattling on at the bar. Ireland - USA next SA - Wales might not be as easy as they think. 177 September 10, 2011 - 03:45 PM bob steer   That was a close one in The land of the long white cloud whilst the happening in the ancient land of Ceylon is reaching the embarrassing stage,pray for rain !!!!! . 178 September 09, 2011 - 12:19 AM Ancient Mariner   Mark, Where did you get a pic of my Austin A40 outside the front door? I sold that in 1968, together with the Mini Cooper, due to bad family planning! Not enough room on the back seat, Maurice? Anyway, I found it on eBay for £75,000, being a rare bird and given the fact that the boot was full of bonded stores marked "Anking - Gordon's Gin" and some very expensive vintage port - MAJB 179 September 08, 2011 - 01:33 PM Wallaby Supporter   Only a six pack, should at least be a carton, you wouldn't like them to die of thirst !!!! 180 September 08, 2011 - 07:09 AM Ancient Mariner   I should have known better and realised that the Web Brat would not miss the opportunity! 181 September 08, 2011 - 04:50 AM Mark Beaumont 182 September 08, 2011 - 04:10 AM Stu   I remember your flag when I visited AM, it helped a lot to locate your castle. 183 September 08, 2011 - 02:31 AM Ancient Mariner   Australian relatives arriving today, they've not been here before so I said I would put out a flag to show where the house is. The only Australian flag I have left is the Red Ensign, total confusion among Bexhill residents! Even my new neighbours, recently returned from 7 years in WA, look a little bemused. 184 September 01, 2011 - 12:38 PM Ancient Mariner   You tell him Bob! Fancy suggesting we folk are too old to attend Gran'parents day. My lot range from 5 to 25 and Gran'parents treats have included everything from school sports day to dinner at Brasenose College. Beware you southern hemishere rugy people, the real team has set off,more foreigners than the cricket team I think!! 185 September 01, 2011 - 10:24 AM Bob Harris   Bob, I could not resist it as it seemed a logical assumption, nevertheless you buggers will need longer arms in the coming weeks. An interesting battle going one in the first test. The 2nd will be up here next week and I will have to put up with a bunch of passed over cricketers now commentators at the bar and on the course. 186 September 01, 2011 - 03:35 AM bob steer   Bob,your maths are all wrong,so whats new? the figures are ;80,a young 80 mind you,daughter of 38,never tell her I have revealed her age,and grandchildren between 13 and 5 years of age.Which makes me a very proud grandfather of 7. 187 September 01, 2011 - 02:59 AM Peter Lyon   Can any of the old China Hands throw any light on the following ships, commanded by my grandfather, Harry Griffiths,sailing out of Hong Kong in the 1930s. s.s.KONG NING, official no. 142216 s.s.KONG SO, official no. 137684 s.s.TINLEY, official no. 159484 Reward for any information will be a picture of a fine bottle of malt whisky to be shared with the informant should we ever be able to meet. In hope Peter Lyon (ex-Blue Funnel) 188 September 01, 2011 - 02:42 AM Bob Harris   Bob, You are 80+, your kids must be 40+, your grand children must be 20+, and they still have grand-parents day? The Aussie educations system must have dropped to a new low level, or you guys are getting longer arms. 189 August 31, 2011 - 09:07 PM bob steer   I have just been to "Grandparents Day "at my grandsons school and have won an award "The most travelled Grandparent "How about that,the others never really had a chance!!! 190 August 30, 2011 - 06:19 AM Mark Beaumont   The following has arrived in Stu's mailbox which we post here for your interest. If you can or want to help this gent, please let Stu know: Dear Mr. Shields, It is for m.v. Singkiang (3), ex Troubadour that I am seeking assistance of members of the Swire Mariners Association. I am a retired service-engineer of Wilton-Fijenoord Shipyard, Schiedam, the Netherlands. Attached to this e-mail I send you a photo of Troubadour, made shortly after delivery to the new owners, Messrs Wilh. Wilhelmsen. Also a photo that I found on the internet of the same ship, renamed Singkiang sailing for John Swire, however, in the livery of the Dutch shipping company KNSM. For Wiltons, I acted as a service-engineer for, mainly, Doxford engines. Wilton has built 24 of them over the period 1948-1958. Two more Doxfords were built by the NDSM in Amsterdam. These were installed in Troubadour and Toreador. Also Toreador was sold to the Far East and renamed Kota Murni. At present I am working on a study regarding building Doxford engines by Wilton-Fijenoord and the history of the ships same were installed in. In order to complete the production of Doxford engines in the Netherlands, I decided to add both NDSM-Doxfords to the 24 WF-Doxfords. It is for the sake of Singkiang (3) that I seek contact with former crewmembers of John Swire and/or persons that can help me with pictures, both personal or otherwise to make the history of the ship visible as well as memories of their stay on board. I intend to publish my findings in a very limited number of copies for the libraries of a number of Maritime Museums as well as those of the persons that contributed. I do that with my own colour laser printer. The issue will not be more than 99. Awaiting your reply, best regards, A.D. (Tony) van Eijk 191 August 27, 2011 - 09:35 PM Bob Harris   WS, If you mean the AB's retain the cup, you are correct the better side have it. 192 August 27, 2011 - 07:25 PM Wallaby Supporter   Proud All Black Supporter, a very good and enjoyable game last night. the better side now have the Bledisloe Cup this year. Roll on the World Cup. 193 August 24, 2011 - 01:44 AM Ancient Mariner   Hope all is well with "The Web Brat" following the earthquake? I asked my wife whether the ground moved for her too, and she mumbled something about "maybe ten years ago". It has been horrendous here, though, in the aftermath of the earthquake, with continual nonsensical tremors within the media about how so-and-so's chandelier wobbled, together with lengthy personal interviews with Mrs. Delilah Hugebutt of the Bronx who "didn't feel a thing". Total non-news for hours on end - MAJB 194 August 23, 2011 - 11:07 PM Mike Carolin   Hello SMA members. I was with China Nav. in 1965-7, and sailed with, and later worked with Chris Coy. I am also with the Nautical Association of Australia (NAA). We publish a quarterly magazine, The LOG, and a number of books. In 2004 one of the books we published was "In Coral Seas" The History of the New Guinea Australia Line (NGAL), which later became the Chief Container Service (CCS). The book was published in association with John Swire & Sons, who allowed us to use a manuscript by Martin Speyer as the main basis of the book. His memoirs describe the setting up of the NGAL, and the first 33 years of its operation till 1985. The period from 1985 till 2004 was complied by other Swire/CCS/CNCo. members, and is finished with a fleet list of the ships involved. Within the 120 pages there are personal tales, including some seagoing memoirs, and it is profusely illustrated. Swire management said they would make the book available to the SMA, but I wonder if some of you do not know about the book. The NAA still has copies of the book for sale: details of which can be seen on our website http://www.nautical.asn.au/ or through my email address. We are selling the book at a discount now of $A20 for Australasian purchasers, and $A25 for others, which includes p&h. I think you will find it a good read. Best regards, Mike Carolin. 195 August 22, 2011 - 11:50 AM bob steer   Dougie Gray. Dougie was going on leave so a few of us gathered at tne White Stag for lunch as you do and at the appropiATE time escorted him to the air port Kai Tak for a farewell drink.We were at the bar doing so when the call came up for Dougie to proceed to the departure gate,we looked around for him and no Dougie although his half drunk glass was there,he will return surely for he had never ,ever left a half of beer in his life!!!.The call went up again and again,so we finished our drinks and caste around for him,we found another bar he wasn't there,another call then decided he might have gone back to the Stag!!! no Dougie there either.Did he make his plane?Did he find another bar?Did he enjoy his leave?Was he ever seen AGAIN THe mystery of Dougie Gray,what a title for a thriller. 196 August 22, 2011 - 07:15 AM Ancient Mariner   Darrell, Are you sure the surveyor was sober? AM 197 August 21, 2011 - 03:52 PM Darrell Daish   At the AGM of the NZ Master Mariners last week I met up with Brooke Hibberdine and Gordon Smith. Both were in fine form. Gordon was asking after Doug Gray, who was Chief Engineer on the Kuala Lumpur with us. Has anyone any information on him? Also last week heard from our insurers that, although our house does not look too badly damaged from the earthquakes, the concrete pad foundation appears to be cracked through the centre of the house. Therefore it will have to be demolished and rebuilt. At the front in the lounge it is up 40cm on one side and 50cm on the other. The dining room is down 12cm in one corner and up 2cm in another. At the back in the garage it is up 36cm and at the other end of the house in my office it is down 14cm. If AM was out here he could use it for putting practice!! Sorry I won't be at the reunion this year but perhaps when we are homeless next year!!??! 198 August 17, 2011 - 06:01 AM Ancient Mariner   Nobody took a photograph of me,I hope! I do recall one visit to Sydney when Ed Scott took me out to play golf at The Australian. There is/was a hole where one went up a few steps to the tee, Ed walked across the tee and beckoned me over, there on the other side was a couple "at it". With his usual aplomb Edward called out "Excuse me, are you members?". 199 August 15, 2011 - 07:11 AM Terry Connell   Could anything like this happen when you were on watch? www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-14526285 It's been going on for years, Terry; remember these, previously posted? The media make too much of these things. Heck, I could mention a certain Chief Officer who "scored" before the lines were let go at the beginning of a certain CNCo cruise: but then, there was a bet on it - MAJB 200 August 13, 2011 - 10:05 AM Bob Harris   Bob, OK, you get it but not very convincingly, the Bok's were in striking distance all the time. Lets see next week. John, Great cricket good to put the Injun's in their place. But loosing 19-9 at Rugby shame. Just need some Europeans to come up the leaderboard at the PGA and it will make my weekend 201 August 12, 2011 - 02:34 AM Bob Harris   Bob, Beware of opening mouth unless there is some utensil approaching with food on it! The Bok's might not be so easy now they have had out of embarrassment had to bring their first team out, resting them before the WC as a lame excuse 202 August 11, 2011 - 09:51 PM bob steer   But the sun keeps shining thru,cricket,golf,soccer and of course playing the boks is a forgone conclusion.Is it any wonder the populace is exploding,bring back Maggie. 203 August 10, 2011 - 12:52 PM John Madeley   Bob, I was referring to the rain that has drenched the faithful in Oz recently!! Excellent bowling by England today. Even Warnie (Commentating on SKY was impressed) 204 August 10, 2011 - 09:57 AM Bob Harris   AM, I was thinking more of the SA police(?) they employed/hired to quell the Matangan riots in PNG in the late 60's. They were really mean bastards 205 August 10, 2011 - 09:51 AM Bob Harris   Bob, I give you that one even if you had to import four new players to do it. You are now permitted to lick that G&T up you spilt when Madeley kicked you. They are all off down to Hambantota tomorrow so whats left of the lake below me should be busy with the only two seaplanes they have 206 August 10, 2011 - 07:52 AM Ancient Mariner   Cricket is on at the moment, India currently 201/8. If the naughty boys play up again tonight the cricket might have to stop for lack of police. Quite a few soccer matches off as no cops to control crowds. First of the scum appeared in court this morning, two remanded for higher court to sentence, third was sent to prison for one day!! This is the "robust reply" of our government to three nights of mayhem. What wouldn't I give to see the Tactical Unit of the old Royal HK Police marching down the streets of London. No doubt if something doesn't fit the looters will take the goods back and ask for a refund! The Turkish community showed what to do, they got together armed with loaded rubber hoses etc. and saw the looters off. On the bright side I played a round this morning at 86 gross, that's nearly as good as Tiger! 207 August 10, 2011 - 02:31 AM Bob Harris   John, It's as dry as a dead dingos donger up here at the moment, so I have no idea where you get the rain from 208 August 09, 2011 - 10:06 PM Ted Manners   It was interesting seeing the old faces in the photo's. When I worked for Swire's in Sydney my job was doing the ship's husbandry and I appeared on arrival/depature and days in between.The side-port AA/PNG carriers were operating so I go back a long way. It's very good to have a web site that you can view what's going on with the Mariners. In the list provided I know quiet a few of the Masters named. Cheers Ted 209 August 09, 2011 - 09:20 PM BOB STEER   Only one thing worse than kicking a man when he is down and that is kicking him down with a gin and tonic in his hand!!! 210 August 09, 2011 - 12:27 PM John Madeley   I cannot think of anything more satisfying within cricketing circles as to return home from a hard day at the office in 42C, pour a large G & T ( The Missus is in the UK, so have to do it myself), switch on the TV and enjoy the final 45 minutes of the Sri Lankans knocking 7 bells out of the Aussies in the latest T20. If that is what rain does to the Green and Gold then bring it on!!! For those of us supporting the Poms trust we will make history commencing on Wednesday 10th at Edgbaston. 211 August 08, 2011 - 03:43 PM bob steer   Cadell Evans,Magnisson!!!! Say no more,whoever talks of the T/20 anyway? 212 August 07, 2011 - 11:29 PM Bob Harris   Mark, The black strips would certainly make the Welsh legs wobble. But I'm not convinced it is kosher for England to wear a black strip, they certainly wouldn't turn out in the green and gold of Aus/SA. I think their will be a bit of flack from the locals when they turn out in it for their world cup opener against Arg. Will they do a maypole dance as their version of the Haka? 213 August 07, 2011 - 06:25 PM Mark Beaumont   England 23 Wales 19 at Twickers. Must have been the black shirts... Mark 214 August 06, 2011 - 01:32 PM bob steer   My dear boy you must stop carrying on like a threepenny bit,it's only a game of cricket played between gentlemen.You have obviously taken advantage of a group of men who have just left their flood and storm damaged country in the midst of a severe winter and financial catastrophe to play the noble game in a hot humid place called Pallekele. For goodness sake playing cricket in Pallekele you must be joking lets get real and start playing the real game,but then you are East of Suez and I suppose one expects this sort of cut snake behaviour!!!!! 215 August 06, 2011 - 09:40 AM Bob Harris   OMG It's a double whammy!!!!!!!!!! SL just beat AUS by 35 runs in the first of the T20's at Pallekele just 15mins drive from me, I've got Grieg and Bothham staying just next door. Bob, perhaps you should accept more of our illegal immigrants to improve the Aussie game! I must admit I will be happy if we see an Aussie winner at the Bridgestone, but that's only because the Aussies are on a slightly higher branch of the evolutionary tree. 216 August 06, 2011 - 02:35 AM Bob Harris   Bob, Naa Naa Na Naa Na! I was not too far off the mark at 30-14, the far better side won. Now that you are homeless what are you going to do, emigrate across the pond? 217 August 04, 2011 - 11:39 AM bob steer   They are paying this guy millions to be there, rest assured he will be there for the full four days. 218 August 04, 2011 - 06:51 AM Ancient Mariner   Qu'est-ce que c'est "AB's and Wannabe's"? We of the Great European Union do not understand this language! If you can't use English please stick to Arabic,Urdu,Pashtun, Somali, Albanian or one of the other languages commonly in use in this country. 219 August 04, 2011 - 03:06 AM bryan bell   I told Tiger that this will be only a trial run to see if he lifts his game! 220 August 03, 2011 - 10:59 PM Bob Harris   Bob, I presume you have changed sides after the last Wannabes debacle and are supporting the AB's? House prices in Sydney have plummeted haven't they, so not much of a bet. 221 August 03, 2011 - 09:04 PM bob steer   it"s a forgone conclusion, they haven't a hope in hell of winning!!!I don't see how anybody with a degree of intelligence could see them getting even close to a winning result,the result is inevitable i would put my house on it!!!! 222 August 03, 2011 - 10:37 AM Bob Harris   AM, Only if he makes the cut, which I hope he won't. Of more importance is the AB's playing the Wannabes this weekend. Anyone care to predict? I'm in for 30-10 to the AB's 223 August 03, 2011 - 07:33 AM Mark Beaumont 224 August 03, 2011 - 03:52 AM Ancient Mariner   I see Tiger Woods has a new caddy this week, someone called Bryon Bell! Probably pays more than Go-carting! 225 August 01, 2011 - 10:00 PM Warwick   Last night on Channel 7, they had the worlds most 10 difficult airports for pilots to land the Kai Tak rated #5, the one Nepal #1. only 2000ft runway, real hairy The one in Gib, the young blokes stand behing the takeoff end and hang onto the wire fence, when a 747 takes off some of them get blown 50 ft off the fence, great fun. The amount of times we have all flown into KAI Tak would be umcountable. On a more seroius note, the last Thursday of each month a group of retired travel exex's gather for lunch. I had my health check for drivers licence ( afer 75) and went into the RTA in Manly, there was Manly Police car there so asked the sargent to give me a breathtest result 0. Itold hime I had 2 middies, 1 scooner 2 coffees and 1 glass of water for those who drink and drive with common sence. Good info. . Can not recall Jim but if he sailed on the CP I am sure would have met him. My deepest regrets to his wife. 226 July 30, 2011 - 02:40 AM Pete Empson   Jim Snape I have just talked to John and Ryoko McCall and they have asked me to pass on their respects to Kayoko, as a very good friend's of Jim's they were shocked and saddened by his passing. 227 July 30, 2011 - 01:03 AM Pete Empson   Jim Snape, I was so sad to hear of the passing of Jim, a true gentleman and a fine engineer, I had the pleasure to sail with him on the CP, and he will be long remembered and missed by many. 228 July 29, 2011 - 11:02 PM Darrell Daish   Dear Kayoko, Please accept my sincere condolences on the death of your dear husband Jim San. He was a great friend of many in CNCo as well as being a very good engineer. He will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. 229 July 29, 2011 - 02:49 PM Snape's wife, Kayoko   My husband,James suddenly died of heart attack last night. Thank you, everybody. Dear Kayoko Thank you for posting your sad news here so promptly at what must be such a difficult time for you. I would guess that there is not a member here who did not know Jim, and that most remember him fondly as a fine engineer and one with a cheerful disposition and endless sense of humour. On many occasions, I myself have sat in Jim's cabin, as you yourself know being such a regular traveller, listening to his stories through clouds of his trademark pipe smoke!. Our heartfelt condolences go with you at this time. Jim will be badly missed. Please be in touch again if there is anything we can do for you - MAJB 230 July 27, 2011 - 10:39 PM bob steer   Well said Mark,you are repeating the sentiments of us all I am sure. 231 July 26, 2011 - 11:37 PM Mary   quote....There was one conversation I remember when we had an application from an ex-Blue Funnel cadet with a brand new 2nd Mates.We agreed that the applicant had potential and was duly interviwed. Charles rang to say the interviewee had passed muster and accepted the offer of a job subject to Hkg giving the green light.Charles called to inform me of this also to tell me the successful candidate was female !!! Tim Bridgman and Capt Jim Lough were informed and CNCo had its first Lady Navigator (Mary are your ears burning).... My ears must have been burning! I am sitting at home recovering from viral meningitis,and my Dad is approaching the end of his life in a hospice 4 hours away. Physically he is weak, mentally as strong and inspirational as ever. My sister was able to show him the above paragraph and reports that he grinned and grinned. Told me I still have potential ! Thank you for that! Sorry to hear about your illness, Mary, and pleased that you are recovering well. I am sure all SMA members would want to send their best wishes to you and your sister in caring for your Dad during his remaining days - MAJB 232 July 21, 2011 - 09:52 PM Warwick   Anyone need any WATER?? We are having our westest July in Sydney in 61 years. All golf coures are lakes. Drove past Long Reef, just one big lske. All local footy matchs OFF this weekend, except the rugby test at ANZ stadium between the Boks v Wallabies.Even some of the League games hsve been moved snd lower grades cancelled. Since the former state Labour government built the De Sal plsnt it has been raing, Melboure and Brisbane have closed thiers down. Go the Wallabies tomorrow night, it first test of the Tri Nations. Yes, please, Warwick. 103 here today, feels like 115 according to the weather boffins. Everybody moaning. But this is nothing to Old China Hands, of course. And I would rather be sitting quietly with access to a 'fridge than living daily in 109 degrees in Helmand Province in full battle armour carrying a 70lb pack and anticipating being blown up at any moment. Everything is relative - MAJB 233 July 21, 2011 - 01:29 AM Ancient Mariner   Talking of CNCo lunches, I wonder if GAH remembers when we took a certain young lady from PR to lunch at the Hilton? She ordered steak tartare and when the flunky had finished his display of mixing the mince, herbs etc she said "I'd like it medium to well done please"!!Consternation all round as first the chef then the duty Asst Manager tried to explain it was not to be cooked. I think it must have been the most expensive burger I have ever bought! (It didn't do us any good either!). 234 July 20, 2011 - 03:33 AM Ancient Mariner   Good turnout for Charles Boulter's funeral, from Swires were Graham McCallum, Mary & Geoff Havilland, Jim Conybeare, another Geoff(?) and AM. In true Swire tradition JC and one other were first at the wake! 235 July 19, 2011 - 02:16 PM Wallaby Supporter   Mark, you are definitely slipping in your old age - no Gordons Gin and quinine tonic water - we will all suffer from malaria !!!!!!!!!! 236 July 19, 2011 - 11:10 AM Mark Beaumont 237 July 19, 2011 - 01:20 AM Ancient Mariner   All very well Stu, but there is no longer a Havilland or a Thorogood to do the honours!!! 238 July 17, 2011 - 05:41 AM Stu   Ah Alan you slipped up there..you should have saved all your injuries for when you were signed on articles. On the home front, I do know that when I reached 60 and then realised that prescriptions were free, I just couldn't wait to get sick. Another good one from the mind of the late great Dave McHugh was to always make sure that when you paid a visit to the office, always arrive just before lunch time. 239 July 17, 2011 - 03:47 AM Alan Perry   I remember Charles Boulter well, when I was up at Shields doing my tickets, Charles was our link with reality. Whilst doing my Chiefs ticket in 1979, I was injured in a motor accident and spent a week in Sunderland Hospital having my jaws wired together. Following my discharge, and when feeling well enough to scribe a letter, I wrote to Charles telling him of my predicament and suggested that "sick leave" remuneration might have been appropriate, Charles wrote back wishing me a speedy recovery and suggested that my injuries had not diminished my sense of humour. So much for receiving "sick leave" remuneration ! 240 July 17, 2011 - 01:24 AM David Walker   CHARLES BOULTER Further to the sad news sent by Maurice Burbidge I have been in contact with his son Willy Boulter who also worked for Swire. Charles slipped away peacefully last sunday at the age of ninety three. He had a long and successful career in The Army before he joined Swires in the London office in the late sixties. He succeeded Sir John Kinloch and his secretary was Joan Funel (Pronounced Foo-nel) Charles was one of those rare people who could get on and empathize with all people of all races and background. I worked with him closely when I was in Hong Kong in those heady days when SPO was manning a new vessel almost every month and SPSM was doing the manning. There must be dozens of you out there who joined Swires after being interviewed by Charles. He would phone me on a fairly regular basis to discuss potential candidates, somtimes after they had written direct to SPSM in Hkg.There was one conversation I remember when we had an application from an ex-Blue Funnel cadet with a brand new 2nd Mates.We agreed that the applicant had potential and was duly interviwed. Charles rang to say the interviewee had past muster and accepted the offer of a job subject to Hkg giving the green light.Charles called to inform me of this also to tell me the successful candidate was female !!! Tim Bridgman and Capt Jim Lough were informed and CNCo had its first Lady Navigator (Mary are your ears burning) Charles will be remebered by me and I am sure by many of you with great fondness.His funeral is on Tuesday 19th. July at Groombridge 12 noon St. Johns' Church which is in the old part of the village. Willy is at WillyBoulter@aol.com if anyone wishes to contact him. I know he will be pleased to hear from you. 241 July 16, 2011 - 02:17 PM Wallaby Supporter   My memories of a UK summer over 50 years ago also include that kind of weather. Perhaps the old joke about a UK summer being like a song from Madame Butterfly ( One Fine Day ) is still actually true. 242 July 16, 2011 - 06:26 AM Ancient Mariner   Sitting here watching The Open. It's cold and pouring with rain, add 20knot wind... As one Japanese player said, "Why don't you hold this in the summer?". I played yesterday in shorts and shirtsleeves, the joys of an English summer! 243 July 15, 2011 - 12:11 PM Ancient Mariner   Take the coffee, Warwick! 244 July 14, 2011 - 11:42 AM Bob Harris   Methinks that Warwick finished the whole bottle in one go! 245 July 13, 2011 - 09:44 PM Warwick   Warwick, Anyone want a carbon tax, we certainly DON'T. They retailers have not seen it worst in 20 years. Put your hands up if you want ours here on OZ. Stu, finished the Jamisons WITHOUT coffee. 246 July 13, 2011 - 06:04 AM Ancient Mariner   Some of you may remember Charles Boulter, may even have been recruited by him in his time in London office, Charles died on Monday, 10th July. Funeral is at 1200 19th July at Groombridge. 247 July 12, 2011 - 04:43 AM John Madeley   Bit warm here in Cyprus as we are a bit short of 'lectric. Some wise guy decided to stow a bunch of confiscated explosives at the Naval station which is very close to the main power station. Explosives became unstable and blew up causing extensive damage to the power station. The upshot is that we are on a power sharing system and pretty much everyone is without for a few hours each day depending where you are located. Worst hit is Limassol area so got sent home from the office 'cos, wait for it, the emergency generator broke down. Spares on the way but in the meantime a great deal of disruption. The inconvenience could extend for some months while the power station is rebuilt. The power company are rolling in portable generators where required. Meanwhile, cooling off in the pool and taking in plenty of liquids!! 248 July 05, 2011 - 06:37 PM Mark Beaumont   Linked here in all its glory is Sec Stu's report on the summer excursion on Lake Windermere, where apparently the lads and lasses drank the ship dry before the first port. In due course, when further pictures are gathered, we'll link a dedicated page for the event from our trusty Rogues Gallery. 249 July 02, 2011 - 01:57 PM David Allen Swire   Just checking in to say hello. Are you guys on Facebook? I started a Swire Squadron there. Check it out. And thanks for the pin-ups to put on my screen. 250 June 27, 2011 - 03:43 AM Stu   They are a mean looking lot in that picture Mark and clearly it doesn't pay to cross their paths when they're out looking for trouble. Yep, beware when annual membership is due - MAJB 251 June 25, 2011 - 11:10 AM Bob Harris   John, You are stating the obvious but what do we, the SMA do? Lobby with Stu's hairy Ass and get shafted or send in the SMGS (Swire Mariners Geriatric Squad) armed with Gordon's Molatoves and Jamesons Nuclear Malt similar to the Fukushima volunteers. You will be the Commander in Chief and I will supply the motive power. Surely you have not forgotten these pictures of our anti-piracy team, previously posted? John is right, though... too much wimping going on - MAJB 252 June 24, 2011 - 01:13 PM John Madeley   Tomorrow, Saturday 25th June is the International day of the Seafarer. We should reflect on a job well done in bringing goodies to the shelves of our stores. More importantly we should spare a thought for those Seafarers that are banged up in some foreign country due to no fault of their own. Finally and even more important is to consider the plight of the hundreds of Seafarers that are being held hostage by Pirates due to the pathetic stance of our Governments in being frightened of world opinion if they blew the bastards out of the water. After all the Navies of the world were formed to protect free trade. 253 June 24, 2011 - 09:10 AM David Walker   Pacific Is. Ports Great memories in the days when a "bowthruster" was something to do with prowess and anchors were used to turn short round. Remember Madang. Niel there is no need for the Shssh. It was Bank Line and Swire's have bought them. Stuart. There was a young lady fom Madras Who had the most beautiful Ass Not round firm and pink as you may think But had long ears and ate grass ! 254 June 24, 2011 - 08:29 AM Ancient Mariner   Yes, it was a great day out, Stu, even though departure was delayed by bad watch-keeping! I was a bit concerned when I saw the bar stock but they did realise this and re-stocked at Ambleside. Somebody asked what the two 'planes were flying over Windemere, I couldn't remember the name then but they were Tucanos, Brazilian designed and built under licence by Shorts. They replaced the Jet Provost as the main basic trainer for the RAF, although prop driven they apparently have similar flying characteristics. (Burbidge jnr was a flight instructor at Cranwell before he left the RAF). 255 June 24, 2011 - 06:36 AM Stu   Bob.........everyone knows that High Wycombe is the centre of the known world.........we have everything here, especially since the entire town centre has been rebuilt. Sadly I have to report that so far, none of my money making schemes has made a penny but everyone may rest assured that any money that is made goes straight into the SMA coffers. Having just returned home, I have to report that the cruise on Lake Windermere was a complete success and there were 29 attending. A report will follow shortly 256 June 23, 2011 - 11:11 PM Neil Morris   Interesting reading about Gizo, in my pre SPO days (shh! in another company) I also visited there, and a quaint little port called Yandina in the Russel Islands, if you dared put an anchor down there you would pick up all sorts of ex US military debris. If I remember it was owned by Lever Brothers. 257 June 23, 2011 - 10:59 PM Mary McConnell   Very sorry to read today of Tom Harle's passing . 258 June 23, 2011 - 11:16 AM Bob Harris   Mark, Perhaps it should have been "Lower Wycombe" as more appropriate and where on earth did those ears come from was it crossed with a rabbit? I also enjoyed the tales of the Solomon's, I'm sure there are many more out there of the PNG run. Particularly from Rabaul and Kavieng. I can recall everything from pitched battles on deck between the last remaining Chinese catering staff and the first of the local crews to keeping baby "Tuk Tuks" (not the three wheeled variety) in Bob's bathtub. Its the details and names that have faded. Anyway keep them coming chaps if only for prosperity, we (SMA) are unlikely to attract new members given that few Swire seagoing staff have English as their first language, lack the same sense of humour and have not experienced the Good times of past. There is still many a tale to tell. Stu insisted he had a big ass, Bob, hence the ears. Look more like derricks than ears, I concede, but then I'm no expert on the shape of asses. Not hairy ones, anyway - MAJB 259 June 22, 2011 - 11:07 PM Mark Beaumont   I think it's just another of Stu's money-making schemes, Bob... It's rumoured that Stu is going to take the company public so that you can all have your own piece of ass. 260 June 22, 2011 - 01:39 PM bob steer   When I draw up my favourites column,there is a site "Swire Mariners Ass..I do wonder whose and why??? I am trying to imagine Stu,Graeme,Trevor and Dudley advertising their nether regions,it is mind boggling stuff!!!! 261 June 22, 2011 - 12:40 PM Mark Beaumont   I've enjoyed reading your various recollections of Gizo, gents, which inspired me to spend a couple of hours on Google searching out more info about the place. There's a lot to find: I recommend digging about a bit. Gizo today - like so many South Pacific islands - is a popular dive destination, largely because of the sunken ships and aircraft from WWII, of course. Reading the wartime history of the Solomons is fascinating but depressing; how sad it is to think how such beautiful islands (OK, malaria ridden as they were) and their inhabitants became the centre of such dreadful conflict. Mark 262 June 21, 2011 - 04:26 PM Mike Tidey   Gizo, I well remember the place,the leads were a tin roof and when some shed was abeam let go starboard anchor,swing to starboard,drop port anchor,run two lines into the bush and when secure move astern until almost ashore. When leaving,the ship was always heading the wrong way. I caught malaria there and I was lucky that it was a mild type.Gizo had killer strains of malaria. Some of the hardy souls went to a small island,Plum Pudding Island,where Pres Kennedy sheltered after the sinking of PT109. Cheers Chaps, Mike Tidey. 263 June 21, 2011 - 11:56 AM John Madeley   Ah! Gizo, Aboard Coral Chief also, with Hutch as the Master. Mike Tidey took over later. It was 1974. I Think Bob Wilson was the C/E and Appleyard the Mate. Got a feeling Gooch and Warburton (Black Wart) were in the mix as well. The Shetlander was John Ingram who was not there during my time but we had sailed together in Eriskay 70-71 with Callum and Steady Eddy!!. Lusher and family were with us for a trip round the traps. He was a retired Sydney Pilot and followed by his son who only retired a few years back. We were at sea school together. Too much info to try and collate here. Anyway a few gins with Father Mese were enjoyed. Seem to remember the leads were a hut with red tin roof, drop the pick and bring the stern around for a coupe of lines onto palm trees. Good times. 264 June 19, 2011 - 03:25 AM Ancient Mariner   Honiara. My next-door-but-one neighbour spent some years in Honiara teaching science and maths. He is also a Baptist lay preacher so does not imbibe! Very difficult in Honiara!! 265 June 19, 2011 - 01:23 AM David Walker   Bob and Bob, you bring back some happy memories. Bob I think the 2nd. engineer was a Shetland Islander David (?) Ingram. Bob S.I well remember Gizo. My last deep sea ship was Coral Chief before joining SPO. You were C/e and Mike Tidey was Master, can't remember the rest of the lads. We called at Gizo and the "Padre" was in charge of the stevedores (?) (chaps shaken from the trees)We had an eighteen ton timber jinker and bogies ie. an eight wheeler prime mover with seperate bogie. The derrick at no. 2 hatch had been strengthend with straps and proof loaded in Sydney so we could dischatge in Gizo. This expensive and gleaming new piece of equipment was lowered with some trepidation onto surf boats strapped together and platformed with planking. Once percherd on the platform the surf boats were towed to the beach where a ramp was formed with sand and the "monster" driven off onto the beach much to to the reief of all including a religiosly charged and slightly innebreated "Padre" Happy Days. 266 June 18, 2011 - 11:01 PM Bob Harris   Talking of Honiara Bob, I recall an occasion on the Pap Chief aka Marsina and I think you were there when one evening being night aboard in Honiara I was on deck watching an obviously Fangio inspired Kanaka driving a fork lift, he was roaring back and forth to the side port arriving with brakes squealing and the hydraulics going full blast, this went on for a while when the hydraulics began to fade, so being one of the brighter ones he drove off down the wharf to top up the tank, his next visit to the side port was marked with a huge explosion and a ball of flame as the fork lift exploded. He had filled the tank with petrol and was last seen departing at a huge rate of knots back to the jungle. Cyril was the skipper, Nick Edwards mate, Dave Lawrie, RIP 2nd Mate, FJT 3rd mate. I cant for the life of me remember the 2/e's name tall quite chap with glasses. Also cant remember the stevedores name, quite a character, had the salvage rights to Iron Bottom Sound or so he said. 267 June 18, 2011 - 09:56 PM bob steer   I've remembered...it's Gizo 268 June 18, 2011 - 07:40 PM bob steer   Tales of the South Pacific There is a small island about 12 hours North of Honiara and I am trying to recall its name,it is not in any Ports of the World atlas that I have. We would call there after Honiara enter through the coral reef on a very zig zaggy course to our safe anchorage for cargo work.Every call we were visited by Father Meise a catholic priest,I am sure he was never ordained but received his title for long and faithful service.He would take us to visit his mission and return us in his "ute" lustily singing "Onward Christian Soldiers"and we hadn't been drinking the communion wine!!!! We would up anchor about sunrise with a local aussie bush pilot on board to guide us through the reef and when clear would hand the Master his most valuable possession,a pair of "flip flops"go the bridge wing,dive overboard and swim to his "tinnie", wave farewell and we would be on our way. Perhaps somebody in the London office could recall this place or anybody else,Tim Bridgeman delighted in visiting this South Pacific hideaway. 269 June 17, 2011 - 08:57 AM Mark Beaumont   Glad to hear you are through your surgery, John, and wish you the best in regard to anything else for which the quacks feel they need to prod and poke you. Talking of stalwarts and ships, keen eyes will have noticed that the "CNCo", "SPO" and "CNCo Collection" pages on this site are well out of date... like, between five and ten years out of date. If anyone shares my view that we should give the impression of being awake around here, might I solicit assistance from anyone who has the latest versions of Swire's "fast facts" or whatever, or who might at least update the fleet list for me to bring it up to 2011? I would much appreciate the input as there is a limit to how much time I can spend on researching updates for this site and anyway, I'm a dunce. A Word document or email would be fine: I'll do the actual site updates. Anyone? You needn't even put your beer down, you could hold it in the other hand... Mark 270 June 17, 2011 - 04:53 AM John Howard   I would like to thank those of you who forwarded best wishes etc whilst I was in hospital. Those who emailed me will receive a personal reply very shortly. My pathology results suggest that I will still be making waves for a long time yet. It is however comforting to know that memories and friendships of years long past are still current. I did note the passing of Tom Harle as I entered hospital, we sailed together for some time in that monstrous vessel Wenchow but he was fortunate enough to miss all the major breakdowns.Dave mMikle and Ken Doughty suffered that privilege. Tom wrote to his wife every evening he was a prolific writer a very fine engineer and a wonderful human being. His passing saddens me as well as those of you who knew him 271 June 15, 2011 - 01:49 PM Ancient Mariner   Who is this peasant Warwick who puts coffee in Jamesons? 272 June 15, 2011 - 04:25 AM Darrell Daish   Mark, I think your tutor in NYC went to the same school as the one who taught me to appreciate the delicate flavours of the different malts. Each can be altered by the addition of a few tears of angels (water) added down the back of a teaspoon. About each 4 drops causes a different flavour but I would never add more than half the quantity of the amber liquid. 273 June 15, 2011 - 02:08 AM David Walker   "WATER" ! Never. You know what fishes do in it" George Bernard Shaw 274 June 14, 2011 - 09:40 PM Warwick   Speaking of a wee dram I brought a bottle of Jamison's Irish whisky last week, a good drop. We will NOT Americanise it with ice..how about Irish coffee?? 275 June 14, 2011 - 11:25 AM Mark Beaumont   This does surprise me somewhat. When drinking in "Margaret's" with Calum on Islay, the form was to take a half of ale with one's malt... side by side, of course, not mixed. And I had always thought it acceptable to take water - particularly, Islay's beautifully soft, peat water - with Laphroaig or whatever, as long as the quantity was never more than that of the malt itself. At a whisky tasting I went to here in NYC, I was actually informed that a drop of the clear stuff enhances the flavour. Can aficionados advise, please? The evil word is "ice", of course. Only the most unsophisticated of Americans make that dreadful mistake - MAJB 276 June 14, 2011 - 03:46 AM Ancient Mariner   DD Don't put too much water in the malt. I still recall being given a firm reprimand by Calum Anderson when he was giving me a wee dram of his special Islay malt when we were neighbours in HK, I asked for a drop of water..........! I sailed only once with Tom Harle, nice quiet chap. Anyone attending his funeral please pass my condolences to his family. 277 June 14, 2011 - 03:29 AM Darrell Daish   Thanks A.M. We are all O.K. here in Christchurch. Have a lake and sand in the back garden so can revert to my childhood and make sand castles. Cleared the liquifaction from the drive this morning and helped the neighbours with theirs. Bit depressing and with all the aftershocks not getting a good sleep. Much like being at sea with both the rocking and thinking I am being put on the shake to go on watch. If we have many more there won't be any work for the demolition crews as nature will have done it for them. Once again no water but fortunately had put a few bottles aside to provide the tears of an angel to go in the Single Malt. 278 June 13, 2011 - 08:36 PM Brian Ingleson   Tom's funeral will be on Thursday. If anyone has messages to pass on I will gladly do so. Cheers 279 June 13, 2011 - 02:11 AM Ancient Mariner   I was about to ask if Daryl & Co had recovered physically and mentally from the big earthquake when I heard on the BBC that more 'quakes had just occurred! Hope all is well? 280 June 11, 2011 - 12:37 AM Bernie Simpson   Tom Harle I sailed with Tom and his family on a Christmas trip on Asian Pearl. A real gentleman. RIP Tom There are a number of people asking for contact details of Tom's daughters.They can be reached at the following address The Harle Family, 13,Amelia Street, McKinnon 3204 Victoria I'm not sure when the funeral is. 281 June 10, 2011 - 10:43 AM John Madeley   Sad news indeed. I sailed with Tom and the late Sid Payne when I was Mate in Pacific Worker, back in 1977. Tom taught me a great deal about life in general and a whole lot more after he fished me out of the water in Keppel after a docking. At least we got a proper gangway out of that deal!! A gentleman. Tom RIP. 282 June 09, 2011 - 02:50 PM Darrell Daish   Alan unfortunately I do not have contact details for Tom's daughters. Tug and Peg Wilson are probably the best to pass condolences through. They were very close and spent a lot of time with Tom helping on the property. Tug's email is tpwilson@netspace.net.au. Tom's health deteriorated over the last year and in February/March he finally decided to sell up his property in East Dandenong and move into a nursing home for the 3 months the doctors had given him. Another of life's gentlemen has crossed the bar. 283 June 09, 2011 - 08:49 AM Alan Perry   Darrell, can you please keep this site informed re Tom Harle - who can we use to pass on condolences to Tom's lovely daughters ? Do you have anymore info re cause, re arrangements ? Tom, Chris Bleasdale and I swung C/E & 2/E positions on "Asian Pearl" for several years serving together with another stalwart, the late, Brian Dixon-Ward. Tom was not your average Chief Engineer, he was superior, and also a very good friend. 284 June 09, 2011 - 03:52 AM Darrell Daish   Very sad news. I received a telephone call this afternoon from Tug Wilson to say that Tom Harle passed away this morning. 285 June 07, 2011 - 09:32 PM Warwick   Stu, It looks to me that Jackie is miming, it sounds like a an older women's voice. Jack Vidgen is fair dinkum. Bloody cold hers this week 6 - 13C with out a 35 knot wind chill factor. 286 June 07, 2011 - 01:37 AM bob steer   Just been on the phone to John to make sure he would be there when I travelled up to see him tomorrow and he advised me that they are planning to discharge him!!!!He was very bright and cheery with Kay looking after him when he returned home but looking for a drinking companion the following week!! He was very appreciative of all the E-mails he had received and the best wishes I passed on from various Swiremen,so all is going well,but a bit apprehensive of the unknown future. He did sound very well and very bright. 287 June 04, 2011 - 07:13 AM Stu   Very nice Warwick but one wonders what Australia's Cultural Secretary, Sir Les Patterson thinks of him. However, if you are looking for a youngster with a lovely voice, I would suggest you check out the U-Tube videos of one of the contestants in America's Got Talent, young miss Jackie Evancho. Amazing voice for someone so young. 288 June 03, 2011 - 08:38 PM Warwick   Go to YouTube and watch Jack Vedgen in Australia's got talet. He is only 14, Oh what a voice. He lives here on the Northern Beaches in SYD. 289 June 03, 2011 - 05:38 PM Darrell Daish   Bob thanks for the update on John. Glad that he seems back to his old self giving cheek to the nurses. Please pass on my Chin Chins when you visit. 290 June 03, 2011 - 02:09 PM bob steer   Chris Coy visited john yesterday and surprised,pleasantly,by his condition.Not liking the latest wound dressing though he thought it looked like "glad wrap"!! But John looks good and already eating solids and giving a bit of cheek to the nurses,thats a good sign!Not sure just how long he will be there but Kaye has come up to look after him when he comes out. Chris will be keeping in touch and I hope to visit next week all messages will be passed on. 291 June 03, 2011 - 02:17 AM Ancient Mariner   Thanks Bob. Tried sending e-mail via the hospital but "server error" beyond the ken of a simple sailor! If anyone is in touch with John please pass on my best wishes and tell him I'm burning all the proper joss sticks. Thanks 292 June 02, 2011 - 03:54 PM bob steer   Just been in touch with John,they shifted the hospital and his mobile has been off,but he answered this morning. Sounded a bit hoarse but as well as expected,they removed the lump but no other results as yet.He expects to be there about a week,but not sure. The Hunter Valley Private is the name of the hospital. Cris Coy hopes to visit in the not too distant future. 293 June 02, 2011 - 07:55 AM Ancient Mariner   Any news on John's operation? 294 May 31, 2011 - 02:50 PM bob steer   All this whinging and whining and as Bob says you have made your bed get on with it. Today John Howard goes through a very serious operation and all our thoughts should be with him as he goes through a four hour op. All the very best John you bring back many happy memories of our days together. 295 May 31, 2011 - 10:05 AM Bob Harris   Why whine, we have all made our bed, so why not lie in it. Its a wee bit late in the day to uproot and move. The cost involved will easily outweigh what ever savings you hope to make. I chose Sri Lanka for no particular reason other than after 30 years living all over the place I had no real home and friends to go back to. Sri Lanka is fine (ignoring the politicians). I have a beautiful house with views to die for over the lake and golf course. Beer (Lion) is US$22 a case, a quite reasonable wine about US$9 a bottle. Groceries mainly local stuff is cheap, I do lash out about every 6 months and buy in imported side of beef, lamb racks and legs and kg's of cheese all for about US$800. I also frequent the British Corner Shop on the net for essentials like Paxo stuffing, Colmans mustard etc. Cars are expensive, I am just buying a new Hyundai Santa Fe for US$6.2K but I figure it will see me out. To top it all off her indoors does not lift a finger, her golf shoes are cleaned each night and laid by the door just in case she forgets. She has not a clue how to work the washing machine or dishwasher, I think she will be slightly pissed off if I asked her to identify the locations. Anyway she is off to Europe next week for a month or so, leaving a contented me. Anyway, all old friends are invited to visit, just email me. Bob 296 May 29, 2011 - 09:18 PM Warwick   Another example of the 'ripoff' country. An Audi Quattro is $144.000, in the US $44,000, UK, Germany, simialar . Stu, cost of petrol here is anwhere from $1.41 to $1.61, it change changes ANY time during the SAME day. MAJB would be able to varify the price of the Audi in the US. Your right, stay where you are . We are being unrun by boat prople, coming in almost on a daily bais. The Lucky country...in your dreams. Audi models in the US range from US$27,000 starting price for the A3 up to $149,000 starting price for the R8. They don't call them Quattros any more. It's easier to compare beer :) - MAJB 297 May 29, 2011 - 11:53 AM John Kelly   Well I wouldn't move around to avoid the cost of living. The UK is very expensive but the one thing that gets on my wick is the cost of Domestic Heating Oil - scary - stay put. The gap between the super rich and the rest of us grows wider by the day. Yours aye, John K. 298 May 28, 2011 - 07:31 PM Wallaby Supporter   Well, well, well. Really don't know what Stu and Warwick are complaining about. Never expect gov'ts to do anything correctly and you won't be disappointed ! Really it is nothing to do with CNCo. where we had a great time. We were fortunate to have sailed with such a good company. 299 May 28, 2011 - 07:09 PM Mike O'Keeffe   John Howard will be going into the Hunter Valley Private Hospital on Wednesday 1st June for an operation to remove a cancer from his neck. I think he could with a little cheering up as he is obviously very anxious about the op and the aftermath. Thanks, Mike. As somewhat of an unwilling expert in treatment of different types of cancers, having had five now, I happen to know a fair bit about neck cancer having had that last year! I won't ramble here, though, I'll drop John a note. To the rest of our membership: get checked regularly. Catching things early is the key to many more years of happy imbibement - MAJB 300 May 28, 2011 - 03:56 AM Stu   Warwick, I don't know about the others but here in the UK my weekly grocery shop for 2½ is around £135 (A$208), sometimes more, depending on whether I get the caviar or not, and petrol varies from garage to garage but average is around £1.40 (A$2.20) per litre. I say my groceries are for 2½ because I never know which of my two hooligans is available to eat a meal. Stay where you are, we also have a few idiots in the government but here we're also looking after the rest of the world. It may be greener in the UK but that's only because it rains a lot, hell, you can't even play golf here without the weather messing with your balls. 301 May 26, 2011 - 09:59 PM Warwick   Q - What does Macca's and the Australian Labor party have in common? A - Two red headed clowns at the TOP !! Keven 07 Rudd (the Rocketman) wants his 'gig' back as PM, his prefered choice as PM is 50%, Gillard 31%, Tony Abbott 43%. Keven 07 is known as the Rocketman.Since becoming Foreign Minister hes travelled more air miles than going to the MOON. Some countries we have NOTHING to do with or some have NEVER heard of. One radio presenter has an appartment in the Cross with 73 in the building, they all received letters from the Feds to be inspected for roof insulation, but alas, they DON'T have any. At 1400 bucks a pop x 74 that's $103,000 of our dough down the tube. Sydney is the MOST expensive city in the world. A basket of groceries here was $105, NYC & LA $55, LON $45, FRA $45, TYO $45 Our weekly bill for 2 is around $250. Would be interested to hear any other comments from the US or UK on this matter. We should adopt Ansrew Lloyd Webber's song 'Oh wnat a circus' SHE did NOTHING for you is one of the lines. After all we do have a clown trying to run country. Gina Ginehart (Lang Hancock's daughter) is the richest person in Oz with excess of $10 billion, Andrew 'Twiggy' Forest is #2 ,James Packer is way down the list. Cheers from the Lucky country, down under, the quarry of Asia. After all we do have a clown as leader. 302 May 26, 2011 - 11:36 AM Mark Beaumont 303 May 26, 2011 - 10:46 AM Bob Harris   Mark another beautiful one for you, it reminds me of that pictorial joke of grandpa sitting on the chair with his dangly bits exposed and the cat attacking them! What, me, Bob? Would I do such a thing? - MAJB 304 May 26, 2011 - 07:22 AM Ancient Mariner   John, Double thank you! One for the best wishes and the second for not letting on how old I am! Yes, fair chance I will attend the Denbigh for a lemonade or two. Might have to walk as the Boss is not allowed to drive for another three weeks. For those of you with long memories of TV gone by, it will be "Sunset Strip"! Keep trying the gin & tonics but not producing any usable garden product. Played golf this morning with wind gusting 50 knots, my balls went all over the place! What it is to be old, healthy AND STUPID! 305 May 25, 2011 - 12:01 PM John Madeley   Oh Ancient Mariner. May I be one of the first to wish you a very happy birthday on Friday. I guess a couple at the Denbigh will be in order!! 306 May 23, 2011 - 10:15 PM BOB STEER   It's pure gin and tonic(schweppes of course) and worth it's weight in gold 307 May 23, 2011 - 12:06 PM Mark Beaumont 308 May 23, 2011 - 09:27 AM Bob Harris   I didn't realize the Bob was flogging his droppings although in the current financial climate one makes the best of what one has got! 309 May 23, 2011 - 08:05 AM Alan Perry   I recognise the name Andy Ferrie, alias Andrew J. Ferrie. Please confirm to afp@afperry.plus.com. 310 May 23, 2011 - 01:56 AM Ancient Mariner   Reminds me of someone I once knew, can't recall the name now! 311 May 23, 2011 - 12:14 AM Anon Bangkok   Received from Andrew J Ferrie: STCW45, the beginning of the fall 312 May 22, 2011 - 11:28 PM Gilbert Reid   Just bought a few bags of Steer Manure from a local Garden Centre. On the bags was written CAUTION - DO NOT SWALLOW. I told the cashier that I personally would be fine as the manure was bought for the garden not the kitchen table. However, somebody out there may have reached the limit on recycling!! 313 May 22, 2011 - 04:48 AM John Howard   David Walker. Thanks mate will be in touch soon need to have a little surgery first. I believe Den Shepherd received a good send off and you were telling stories!! 314 May 22, 2011 - 04:45 AM John Howard   Many thanks Maurice 315 May 20, 2011 - 05:39 PM James Crockett   I just dropped into the Swire Mariners Association on facebook and I found out that my membership has been has been cancelled.So I assume that my contributions and photographs have been deleted too! Well I am a cool headed person, and alway behave like a gentleman, so I am sure that no one will take umbrage by my question. WTF is going on? Tak Tent.....Skipper Crockett Dear Jim lad: we would never do such a thing to a man of such eloquence. You are correct in that you appear no longer to be subscribed to our Facebook list of "friends"; but you must have deleted yourself somehow. We have only ever banned one fellow from posting who was trying to sell us Viagra made from camel dung or something. Suggest you resubscribe. Sorry you've had this problem but it weren't us, guv - MAJB 316 May 19, 2011 - 12:12 PM James Crockett   If you live in Singapore and you have a maid......Beware my friend There are several simple reasons why many Singaporean employers are reluctant to give their maids a day off. You see, if the maid runs away, the government will fine the employer $5,000. If the maid commits a crime such as shoplifting, the government will fine the employer $5,000. If the maid is caught having sex with someone, the government will fine the employer $5,000. If the maid gets pregnant, the government will also fine the employer $5,000. If you didn't know any of the above, then either you do not employ a maid, or you didn't read the small print of the Manpower Ministry's work permit conditions. Many employers are afraid that if their maid has a day off and gets into trouble, the employer will not only have to solve the trouble, but also have to fork out $5,000 as a free gift to the government. Intuitively, this smacks of gross unfairness. The employer gets punished not for something he did, but for something that somebody else (the maid) did. Furthermore, once the maid leaves the employer's residence, the employer has no way of monitoring where the maid goes and what she does there. We may draw a curious parallel with Mas Selamat's escape, and PM Lee's determined, if muddled, defence of Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng in Parliament. Mas Selamat ran away. But PM Lee said that Wong Kan Seng was not at fault and should not be punished in any way. The reason being that Wong Kan Seng personally did not do anything which allowed Mas Selamat to escape. Strangely, if your maid runs away, it IS your fault and you SHOULD be punished. Even if you did not personally do anything to let her run away (apart from giving her a day off). Similarly, if your maid becomes pregnant, it IS your fault and you SHOULD be punished. Even if you did not personally do anything to make her pregnant. Oh well. What can I say? Maids are not terrorists. But then you are not Wong Kan Seng. So the rules remain stacked against you. Wong Kan Seng gets off lightly, but you won't. Even if his lapse has far greater, and graver, implications than yours. Your runaway maid wouldn't blow up Changi Airport, would she? Can you see the difference (double standard)? 317 May 16, 2011 - 01:28 AM David Walker   John, Herewith e mail address Rgds 318 May 14, 2011 - 06:16 AM j howard   David Walker can I have your email address please John, all our members (and a few more!) are listed here, mostly with email links - MAJB 319 May 10, 2011 - 03:13 PM Pete Empson   John Watkins has taken some photos of Nothern Japan, it is worth a look. Go to his Facebook page or http://www.photolibrary.asia%22/ 320 May 09, 2011 - 03:39 PM bob steer   And a gin & tonic Stu,never forget the necessities of life and we'll take over the world 321 May 07, 2011 - 02:25 AM Stu   Having read the news story about OAPs fighting off pirates, what they should do is arm all ships with a bunch of angry oldies and a pile of deck chairs....that'll do it. 322 May 06, 2011 - 10:49 PM bob steer   Well said John,agree wholeheartedly 323 May 06, 2011 - 06:18 PM Mark Beaumont 324 May 06, 2011 - 12:24 PM John Madeley   If it is acceptable to enter a foreign country, uninvited, to take out a terrorist then why are the world's Navies mucking about in the Indian Ocean "slapping wrists" instead of taking out the Pirates who after all are terrorising innocent Seafarers. 325 May 01, 2011 - 09:11 PM Warwick   Osama bin Laden DEAD. Yes, that is what the US President Obama is claimimg, they have the body. I don't think that will be the end, I am sure others will step into the breach. All too true, Warwick - MAJB 326 April 27, 2011 - 04:32 AM Alan Loynd   We are meeting in Hong Kong to set up a local branch of SMA. Just visiting to steal ideas for our website. Greetings from Doris, Lau Bun and co. Alan We would charge you a fee for use of our intellectual property but have concluded that we can't find any. So steal what you will, you rogues. We look forward to news of general misbehaviour in your neck of the woods, Alan. Will Doris be your monthly pinup girl? - MAJB 327 April 25, 2011 - 08:27 PM Wartwick Gibson   Three of the idots that caused the havoc at Villawood have been GIVEN temporary protection visas. No Stu they haven't learnt a thing. Did you see Gillard hugging and kissing the South Korean PM?? 328 April 25, 2011 - 01:46 AM Ancient Mariner   Survived the visit by grandchildren, ages 4 and 8. My son redeemed himself by bringing a bottle of single malt, labelled "Bairn of Islay". Could this be an off-spring of Calum Anderson? (It does say "With the compliments of the Master"!) 329 April 24, 2011 - 05:07 PM Wallaby Supporter   Never mind Warwick at least up here North of the Tweed in XXXX land we are happy this season with the improved performance of the "Reds" - the real challenge will be when we cross the ditch !!!! 330 April 22, 2011 - 03:42 AM Ancient Mariner   Oh dear! Such un-Christian attitudes on Good Friday! Problem is that theses people have a vote, and politicians will do anything for that! Do you know that the questions in the recent census were available in 56 languages? If you can't speak or understand English then you shouldn't have a vote here. Happy Easter! I am battening down for an infux of family, grandchildren are fine but I can't manage a whole one! 331 April 22, 2011 - 03:11 AM Alan Perry   Enoch Powell had the answer. I'll lay odds that there are many people in this country, including politicians, who rue the day that Enoch was "sent to Coventry". The U.K. has been knackered by do-gooders and the policing/judicial system that allows youth anarchists, and quasi-religous extremists to create havoc at will and with little chance of criminal conviction. Did I read in the paper a few days ago that a minority Muslim group intend to burn effigies of the happy couple as they emerge following their nuptials at Westminister on 29 April. One answer - erect gallows on the spot ! 332 April 22, 2011 - 01:17 AM Stu   Nobody is laughing Warwick but one wonders why the Aussie government hasn't learned from mistakes that have been made here in the UK. 333 April 20, 2011 - 09:38 PM Warwick   What a bloody disgrace this Labour Govt here in Qz is. Letting these idots that burnt and killed at Christman Island, flown to Sydney on Gillard Air and now they burnt down the Villawood detention centre. 20 Apple laptops, pool table Plasma TVs. the hosital, the rec centre. Send them home at their expnse NOT ours. We must be the laughing stock of the Western world. Five star hotel meals, laundry..what a joke!! 334 April 20, 2011 - 02:19 PM bob steer   You must understand that after a life time of drinking XXXX, gin and red wine must taste like the nectar of the gods!!! In the morning paper they are advertising a new drink gin and ruby red grapefruit`!!!! Gin drinkers of the world arise and unite against this new blot on our society.I cannot understand the stuff in the mid dle east but this is worth fighting for ARISE and drink more G @ T's 335 April 20, 2011 - 12:46 AM Ancient Mariner   If ever you want to hear an excuse for drinking, then here it is. During Lent, she who must be obeyed decrees no pub and no alcohol from Monday to Friday, so we have to the end of this week to complete. Beryl goes into hospital on 3 May so, on the grounds that she will miss a week of drinking while in there, she has decreed that we return to drinking this week!! I did of course protest. 336 April 19, 2011 - 04:31 PM Tony Ravenhill   Thanks Bernie, Long time no sea!! AM:- I have more than one glass in my locker Cheers Tony ps. AND two hands still. 337 April 17, 2011 - 10:43 AM Ancient Mariner   Gin and red wine, what a mixture, ugh!! 338 April 15, 2011 - 07:56 AM Bernie Simpson   Congratulation to Tony Ravenhill for his coming wedding. Wishing you all the very best for your future happiness. Make sure she can drink plenty of gin & red wine. Ciao Bernie 339 April 13, 2011 - 02:30 PM bob steer   BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU Very spooky That is your driveway, Bob, right? At least Tony will recognise it now, when he arrives with the large bottle of Gordons. The wonders of Google Earth, eh? - MAJB 340 April 13, 2011 - 11:08 AM Stu   Just had a phone call from Chris Ryden and he was in Japan during the recent earthquakes and nuclear leaks problem. He says that aftershocks are a regular daily occurrence but his family are all safe and he hasn't started glowing in the dark yet. It is still a big concern to all those living there though because nobody knows whether or not home grown veggies are safe to eat. It must have been pretty serious where he lives though because he did mention seeing cars bouncing around the streets all on their own. Makes one realise that it's not so bad being at sea. 341 April 13, 2011 - 06:30 AM Mark Beaumont   1-3 Burns Road, Wahroonga... 342 April 13, 2011 - 03:05 AM Darrell Daish   Bob, Port line has long gone out of business and the "Dominion Monarch" is no more so don't think there will be any "Fairies" visiting you. Bluebell and her "girls" are probably not with us to perform Cinderella in drag now. So you will have to content yourself with the Easter Bunny!!??! Congratulations Tony on your forthcoming nuptials. Time must be mellowing you if you are also providing a bottle of Gin to Bob. 343 April 12, 2011 - 10:19 PM bob steer   A bottle of gin from Tony,I'll believe it when I see it!!!I do believe in the Easter Bunny and the Tooth Fairy and still hang on to Father Christmas so who knows.The Easter Bunny will be visiting me at Unit 8/1-3 Burns Road Wahroonga and my tel.No. is 02 94891101 for any more fairies around town who care to visit bearing gifts of good cheer. 344 April 11, 2011 - 07:54 PM Tony Ravenhill   Thanks Bob, Where do you live now?. I will be in Sydney in a couple of weeks to see my old mate Bob Dylan. Email your address I will delivery a bottle of gin 345 April 11, 2011 - 07:09 AM Ancient Mariner   Bob, Before I poured the gin, thankfully! We'vre had almost a week of spring weather, even had shorts on! Feeling rather dry as I,m not allowed booze during the week, so have to top up at weekends, roll on Easter and it's back to normal. 346 April 10, 2011 - 09:52 PM bob steer   The question is,just when did you realise it was worcestershire sauce after you had drunk it or before???Is your taste failing at the same time ? My taste buds were cauterised a long time ago it's the label I go by!!!! 347 April 10, 2011 - 06:53 AM Ancient Mariner   Reference the earlier question on when does one change. I think it has happened, just went to make a pink gin and put Worcester Sauce in place of the bitters!! Bloody women who re-arrange the pantry! Is lunch ready yet Matron? 348 April 08, 2011 - 01:37 PM bob steer   congratulations Tony good to see You are making an honest woman of her at last.I hope the happy couple will be attending the next Sydney reunion.You still owe me that gin and tonic or two. 349 April 08, 2011 - 12:40 PM Michael Birch   Nice to browse a while... I worked as photographer on the Coral Princess sometime in the 80's and I'm sure I don't remember anyone, or they me... but I came across the site by a strange circumstance and found it fun to read :) 350 April 07, 2011 - 06:31 PM Tony Ravenhill   CNCO Geriatric goes to the Doctor CNCO "Will I live to 100, Doc?" DOCTOR "Do you smoke?" CNCO "NO" DOCTOR "Do you Drink?" CNCO "NO" DOCTOR "Do you fool around with Women??" CNCO "NO" DOCTOR "Then why the F#*K do you want to live to a 100" 351 April 07, 2011 - 06:23 PM Tony Ravenhill   That's the closest I've ever been to a Doxford. 352 April 07, 2011 - 05:01 AM Mark Beaumont 353 April 06, 2011 - 08:23 PM Tony Ravenhill   For Battle read Bottle. Never was a struggle! 354 April 06, 2011 - 08:22 PM Tony Ravenhill   Can see 70 on the distant horizon. Getting married in Bundaberg on May 7th. Still playing in the Marching Band. Still can drink a good battle of red in record time, and still got all my original parts. Most of them work. Some are "Doxfordish" hard to start but once you get 'em going they are great. Don't know what a hangover is, never really sobered up!! I hope my name is correct it was only a guess. 355 April 06, 2011 - 08:45 AM Ancient Mariner   I recall asking CAN Baker, who was about to retire from CNCo., when one got past "it"; the reply was "How the f.... would I know?". Don't know when the transition occurs, I am approaching "sunset strip" and it hasn't happened yet. Must be Bexhill weather! 356 April 05, 2011 - 10:50 AM John Madeley   Mark. I guess it is when your belly is big enough to become the "Old Man". I was Master at 30 and I recall being told I was a dirty old man by some chick in her twenties!!! 357 April 05, 2011 - 10:13 AM Bob Harris   Greetings in Cyprus from Sri Lanka, Being a bit of a sage, tell me at what age do you change from being a Smelly Fart to being an Old one? Is there a Wet transition and do SBD's count? There are rules of course as you get older. 1) Never pass a bathroom. 2) Don't waste a hard on. and the most important one 3) Never trust a fart. While we're at it, can anyone tell us when the transition occurs between "lusty young blade" and "dirty old man"? - MAJB 358 April 05, 2011 - 09:40 AM John Madeley   Should this be included in the "SOFA" constitution?? OLD FART PRIDE I'm passing this on as I did not want to be the only old fart receiving it. Actually, it's not a bad thing to be called, as you will see. • Old Farts are easy to spot at sporting events; during the playing of the National Anthem. Old Farts remove their caps and stand at attention and sing without embarrassment. They know the words and believe in them. • Old Farts remember World War II, Pearl Harbour, Northern Ireland, Normandy, Burma and Hitler. They remember the Atomic Age, the Korean War, The Cold War, the Jet Age and the Moon Landing. They remember the 50 plus Peacekeeping Missions from 1945 to 2005, not to mention Vietnam • If you bump into an Old Fart on the pavement he will apologize. If you pass an Old Fart on the street, he will nod or tip his cap to a lady. Old Farts trust strangers and are courtly to women. • Old Farts hold the door for the next person and always, when walking, make certain the lady is on the inside for protection. • Old Farts get embarrassed if someone curses in front of women and children and they don't like any filth or dirty language on TV or in movies. • Old Farts have moral courage and personal integrity. They seldom brag unless it's about their children or grandchildren. • It's the Old Farts who know our great country is protected, not by politicians, but by the young men and women in the military serving their country. • This country needs Old Farts with their work ethic, sense of responsibility, pride in their country and decent values. • We need them now more than ever. • Thank God for Old Farts! Pass this on to all the "Old Farts" you know. I was taught to respect my elders….It's just getting harder to find them. 359 April 02, 2011 - 02:47 AM bob steer   I bet that threw you off your game asking if you were only 65,or did you puff your chest out and say do you realise that I am "The Most Ancient of the Ancients".Am pleased about Willie,he will certainly have a tale to tell. 360 April 02, 2011 - 12:28 AM Ancient Mariner   Good news! I was about to ask if there was anything further about Willie and family. 361 April 01, 2011 - 03:31 AM Trevor Kay-Russell   Just to let them as is interested know, I did manage to get in touch with Willie Vyse's daughter. She says communications are very limited but he and Saiyuri are OK and back in their own home. Good news and as ever an old CNCo man in the middle of it to give us all an eye witness account later. 362 April 01, 2011 - 02:49 AM Ancient Mariner   Stu/Gilbert, Don't worry it has happened to all of us, but then I'm older!! Mind you, my partner at golf yesterday asked if I had yet reached 65, I knew from his putting that there was something wrong with his eyesight! He is only 75 but we did manage to halve the match! 363 March 31, 2011 - 02:26 AM Stu   Welcome to the club Gilbert....I got that more than ten years ago but as everyone knows, I like to think I look younger. Ten years ago? You were probably pissed as a rat and falling over - MAJB 364 March 31, 2011 - 12:38 AM Gilbert Reid   Yesterday I took a fairly crowded "Skytrain" to downtown Vancouver. I was quietly eyeing the local talent and hopefully looking young on the outside although feeling old on the inside (probably due to all the "Captain Morgans" I had the night before) when a passenger tapped me on the shoulder and said "excuse me sir, you can take my seat". Up till now that had always been my line. I politely declined saying I would be getting off soon. A defining moment. Suddenly I was feeling old inside and outside. 365 March 29, 2011 - 08:13 PM Wallaby Supporter   Happy Birthday Mark Enjoy your G & T's. I'll celebrate with the golden XXXX Thanks, Marsupial Man. 31st, actually, but I can start early, don't mind if I do. A slice of lemon in mine, please - MAJB 366 March 28, 2011 - 10:11 PM Mark Beaumont 367 March 28, 2011 - 01:18 PM bob steer   That check out chook er chick must be something good to attract gentlemen of such good taste!!!! I have spent a few days in Dover,the Castle and tunnels are really worthwhile and sure to be enjoyed,the gin and tonics are not bad either and after walking through the tunnels rather essential!!! Enjoy,although I do wonder about HER taste!!!! 368 March 25, 2011 - 02:26 AM Stu   Just to advise all members that yesterday, 24th March, the SMA committee took a trip to Dover to check out hotels etc. I am delighted to inform you that we have made a provisional booking for our group at the "County Hotel" Dover for the weekend commencing Friday 23rd until Sunday morning 25th September. The external appearance of this hotel doesn't look the best but inside, it suits our requirements perfectly. Included in the cost of the rooms is a full English breakfast, and free use of an indoor swimming pool. Even the conference room for our meeting is being provided free of charge. Parking is also free. What also helped make up our minds was the very friendly reception we received at the check in desk. We will be arranging a trip to Dover castle on the Saturday afternoon for a guided tour, for which there will be a charge. In the evening, our annual dinner is to be held at the "Grand Hotel" in Folkestone and as soon as final information has been received, I will be sending a letter to all members who have shown an interest in this years venue. Looking forward to seeing you all there. 369 March 25, 2011 - 01:59 AM Stu   Yes Alistair........it was my birthday and it was on the 20th March. Seventy at last, another hurdle but as everyone knows....I always like to think I look younger. I rejoiced at sixty because the world came to me in the form of a free bus pass and prescriptions and indeed as soon as I reached sixty, I just couldn't wait to get sick so I could take full advantage of that. However, apart from eyesight trouble, I haven't had any problems and I can still see my pint when I reach for it 370 March 25, 2011 - 01:33 AM Stu   I received the following message from a relative of an old CNCo employee. Is there anyone out there who can supply this couple with any information? If so, please answer directly to morton@waitrose.com and I am sure they will appreciate anything that can be handed on...here's the message. Ronald Vallance Cameron, Ships Superintenent, China Navigation Co. We are researching family history and know that my wife’s Grandfather, Ronald Vallance Cameron, was employed by The China Navigation Co. during an approximate period 1930 – 1950. He served in Shanghai and Hong Kong and we know that towards the end of his career he stood by vessels which were being built for CNCo. at Scott’s shipyard, on the River Clyde, at Greenock, Scotland, UK. His son, Ronald Cameron, was with his father for some of the time in China and Hong Kong. He went on to be a Naval Architect, and although now retired has retained an interest in all matters relating to the Company. Are their any records still available that might record his Father’s employment record and his various postings. Can you also please advise if there is an official Company History available? Thank you in advance for your assistance, Regards, Malcolm & Christine (Cameron) Morton 371 March 23, 2011 - 04:12 AM David Walker   This maybe of interest to SMA readers. Fukishima Response What has occured to me and I have wondered about since it became a problem is that it can be clearly seen from the aerial photo at the start is that if cooling was such a problem why didn't they position a couple of SPO FiFi v/ls and drench the reactors. If I remember correctly FiFi One from two monitors is something like 2500 cu mtrs per hour. There may of course been a draft restriction. I received this from an engineer who understands these nuclear processes and works for Electric Boat in Groton. This is probably as simple as its going to get for the concerned citizen. It appears to be an FPL (Florida Power and Light) presentation. A nice little slideshow - the best explanation of the original problem I've seen. Cheers, David. 372 March 22, 2011 - 11:39 PM Wallaby Supporter   Happy Birthday Stu, the pub will be busy today 373 March 21, 2011 - 04:42 AM David Cooper   Enjoyed reading "The letter from Sendai"..Excellent and very touching. Thanks for posting Mark.. :) 374 March 20, 2011 - 12:07 PM Mark Beaumont   John Madeley received this letter from Sendai from a close friend, and was as touched by it as I was on reading it; so we share it here. Those members who have lived and worked with the Japanese will recognise familiar aspects of the people's character. Meanwhile good old Watkins at the Tavern in Yokohama is organising collections of food and provisions for those without in the north, which are then distributed centrally from Tokyo. Well done, Watters. Mark 375 March 19, 2011 - 06:05 AM Trevor Kay-Russell   Thanks Jim. A bit of a guarded message from the embassy but it sounds like good news Glad to hear about Tabe as well, Dave. I was going to get in touch with him. We spent a lot of time together building SPO boats, and probably a lot more time supporting Suntory Trevor 376 March 18, 2011 - 06:42 PM Dave Christopher   I have been in touch with Tabe-san from Trans Asia Maritime........he was with MCMSD in Tokyo for many years.....so far all OK. 377 March 18, 2011 - 05:39 PM Pete Empson   Good work Jim ! 378 March 18, 2011 - 08:06 AM jim snape   Just received following message about Willie and Sayuri Vyse: Thank you for your email. I can confirm that we have William and Sayuri Vyse on our database as located. We cannot provide any further information due to the Data Protection Act. Kind regards, Neil Japan Earthquake Crisis Team From: James [mailto:ma34hn68ml@kcn.jp] Sent: 17 March 2011 23:57 To: Japan Earthquake (Public Use) Subject: enquiry for british citizen residing in sendai,miyagi prefecture. 379 March 18, 2011 - 04:37 AM Trevor Kay-Russell   Hi everybody As Stu has said, I know Willie and his wife Saiyuri live in Miyagi-ken. I would like to get in touch with his daughter Rumi who lives in the UK so if anybody knows her contact details, or any of his relatives who I think lived around Newcastle, would appreciate if you could let me know. I'm sure you guys living up there must be having your problems even if you are out of the immediate area and well wishes to all. The latest press articles report panic buying of red wine. Well, so long as the supply of Sapporo remains intact I guess life will go on. Good luck Trevor 380 March 17, 2011 - 09:19 AM David Cooper   Update and a few thoughts from Japan Greetings 2, Thanks for the mails......Still hanging in here :) There's a lot of news in the media you are reading and watching that paints a very scary picture of the radiation threat in Japan. We are around 250K from Fukushima, and informed sources advise that a worst case scenario would cause health hazards only to anybody within about 30K from the reactors at Fukushima. Some nations, led by the French, :) are advising people to leave Japan, but many feel such advice is out of proportion. Read this link which, in a rambling way, gives the facts as accurately as they can be known... http://ukinjapan.fco.gov.uk/en/news/?view=News&id=566914282 By far our biggest concern is the wellbeing of people in the north who are suffering unimaginable hardship in freezing temperatures. That's where the real problem is. It definitely is not in Tokyo or Yokohama. There is an interesting link to a geiger counter in Tokyo which atm is reading very low levels of radiation...They say about a third of an average day in Cornwall??!!...... http://www.ustream.tv/channel/geiger-counter-tokyo If the reading goes much into the hundreds, then we should begin to quake a bit....Just now it's around 14 to 17..... It's true that we're getting a steady flow of new quakes and aftershocks but mostly Mag 6's or below. They shake us around a bit but are not really dangerous. There have been two while I type this, which means either that I type very slowly or we get too many quakes.....(both??).. I seriously doubt though that we'll get another really major one too soon.....I'm often wrong!!....Was told to get out of the pool for a few minutes yesterday at my swimming club as there was a quake!! I couldn't feel it in the water, but standing on the side it felt quite strong!!........Did I mention that on Friday the half full pool at YC&AC was sloshing from end to end and splashing 20 to 30 feet into the air at each end...The last time I saw anything like that was in the Coral Princess pitching into a force 8 Around here, the shops are not short of food and we haven't had a power cut since Friday. We are very lucky. There is a shortage of gasoline, but as we live within walking distance of almost anything, we simply don't use the car. Restaurants are open and most of the trains are running. We're told there may be more power cuts, and they do happen in some places, but for some reason, not here :) I understand and thank everyone for their concern, but while I don't want to diminish the seriousness of the problems, please don't believe everything you see or read in a media that profits from and loves alarmist sensationalism. Having said all this, if things deteriorate and you hear a knock on the door in the middle of the night, you'll know who it is.. :) Best to all, David 381 March 15, 2011 - 02:26 PM Stu   I just learned today from TKR that ex CNCo superintendent engineer Willie Vyse lived in the village that struck by the tsunami. Just looking at the news pics, I'd say he and his wife must have been killed but I hope that isn't true. All so very sad but hopefully they've survived. If anyone knows what's happened to Willie, please post a message here. 382 March 14, 2011 - 05:29 PM David Cooper   Greetings, Thanks to all for your concern and support which is great to receive. Hope you don't mind, but thought I'd just quickly update all with one mail until things settle down a bit while I have electricity and a connection.... Those on facebook will already be pretty well aware of some of my thoughts. Thankfully, our family are all well and where we should be. By far my biggest concern just now is for the plight of people in the quake and tsunami zone 200 miles north of here. My heart goes out to them!! ..You must all have seen the horrific news items from Miyagi!! The situation in Yokohama is relatively stable. It's a sunny and warm day here today and we've been stocking up a bit on canned food and emergency supplies in case there's an event closer to home. Had a local blackout on Friday immediately after the quake which fb readers know I described at the time as something like standing on the deck of a ship in a force 10 storm!! It lasted a full 5 minutes and many are amused that I was caught in the ycac shower room wrapped in a towel!! Had to wait it out just outside the building until the motion abated. Then went to check our house which, as did ycac, survived unscathed. Was pretty surprised but relieved about that. There had been some massive ground movement....... Today, the worry around here concerns the possibility of an event closer to home and the threat of radiation leakage from the Fukushima power station. Lesser problems are the disruption to public transport today, possible local power outages, and shortages of some food items, gasoline etc, which haven't really happened yet. When the power went off on Friday, I really realized how dependent we are on electricity. Almost nothing works without it!! My mobile internet was OK though and I kept up with events for a while with that. Later, I went to Nicholas's flat which had power and where I could recharge my mobile battery. The YCAC also had power. What a refuge that place is! We were able to eat there and the bar was doing the best business it's done in months :) Got a few jobs to do now.....like renewing the water in the many bottles I have scattered around the house and in the garden. It's all quite unbelievable isn't it! Most people who live here have such a possibility in the back of their minds but here we are and it's actually happened!! Best to all.....David 383 March 14, 2011 - 02:06 AM Darrell Daish   Got power back on last Tuesday evening and the internet on Friday just before taking off to the West Coast again where no internet. As Margaret Fannen so kindly advised we are all O.K. Jennifer, our daughter Katrina and 2.75 year old grand daughter Hayley had decided to go into Christchurch for a girls luncheon. They had just got off the bus at the bus station and gone up to the food court when the quake hit. From there they were taken down into Colombo Street, then to Cathedral Square and finally to Cranmer Square where they were all told to make their way home. For them it was an 8 klm walk and we could not drive to pick them up. It was quite a hike of over 3 hours as they waded through water and liquifaction. On their way they passed the block of flats that Katrina and David lived in before they were married, the 1st floor flat they occupied was now on the ground floor. Our daughter and her family have had enough and left on Thursday to make their way back to the snow of Nova Scotia. Jennifer is staying in Karamea for the time being and I am commuting between Christchurch and Karamea. We thought it was bad here but what Snape San and Co have gone through in Japan is unimaginable. I can only send my sympathies to all my friends in Japan and glad that as far as we know all SMA's are O.K. 384 March 13, 2011 - 08:20 PM Warwick   Here in Oz the 'WET' season is certainly here. Broome had 2.5 m in ONE day and Tully is flooded again, these people in FNQ are copping the lot. I agree, Mark, what is happening in this world. Hope all are OK in Japan my favourite country. 385 March 13, 2011 - 08:06 AM Ancient Mariner   There's not alot one can say about the disaster in Japan, the pictures here beggar belief! Not a lot we DOF's can do except pray. 386 March 11, 2011 - 08:35 PM jim snape   We live in north Nara Prefecture,about 600 km from Sendai and 30 km from the shoreline and 600 metres up so we dont have to worry about sunamis,we get the occasional tremor usually at two in the morning always frightening,you dont know whether to stay inside or run outside into the rain or snow in your pyjamas. The big concern is when the topsoil of the moutain above gets loosened during the rainy season or a typhoon and could slip carrying away everything in its path. 387 March 11, 2011 - 04:46 PM Pete Empson   I was in my office in Yokoham, which is just around the corner from the Silk Centre, on the 7th Floor, luckily we had no jobs today, we had a tremor on Wednesday, so this one we thought would just be an after shock, but it built up and went on and on, in my office filing cabinets fell down, files off shelves, everything moved, I was crapping myself, my Japanese colleagues were both calm, do you run or stay put I was thinking, but my colleagues said stay put, this we did, it must have lasted 2 minutes, once it had settled down we got out and walked around the corner to the small park just next to the Silk Centre, all the office workers in the area also bailed out, there was another aftershock, but after an hour we went back to tidy up, we were lucky, our building has plaster come down some small plaster cracks, but all OK, the office next door had partitions come away, a real mess. I decided to try to get home, all the trains had stopped (all the shinkansens are still stopped on Saturday Morning), so I walked the 13 km home, my secretary who got stuck in Yokohama walked back to the office and stayed the night. The pictures from Fukushima are frightening, I have been there many times for ship surveys and the train line runs up the coast. John Watkins has said there is damage in central Yokohama. I do not want to experience that again in a hurry 388 March 11, 2011 - 07:51 AM Mark Beaumont   Here we go again... what's happening to the world? Did Stu break wind again? News from Yokohama is that the Tavern stands despite a nasty crack in the road outside which may keep people away from their pints for a day or two; John Watkins and family are OK; also news of Peter Empson and they are both fine; Snape-san, did you fall off your bar stool or is all well with you? We hope so. Please post news of any friends... Mark 389 March 08, 2011 - 01:21 PM James Crockett   If anyone hasn't seen the dramatic photo of the instant of the earthquake go to SMA at facebook. 390 February 27, 2011 - 11:24 AM Mark Beaumont   Stu reports one encouraging bit of news from Lyttelton. The British survives... I've been receiving more details of my own cousins' ordeal during the quake. Too long to post here, but let's just say they were in the middle of it all and very lucky. If only all had been... 391 February 23, 2011 - 08:23 PM Mark Beaumont   Margaret Fannen has taken great trouble to check on Darrell Daish and family and finally got through to Jennifer today. She reports that of course 60% of the power is out around Christchurch: the Daishes have no power, sewerage or water, and they have minor damage; but they are safe. I have cousins in Christchurch myself who have had damage to their house and have had to evacuate, but are also unharmed. We can only feel for those who have suffered more, and there are many. What a disaster. Mark 392 February 23, 2011 - 04:36 PM James Crockett   Subject: The latest from David... To: capt_jeff_berry@hotmail.com This is a followup from my brother Dave, who was caught in the Christchurch earthquake. He rendered emergency medical help on the spot, besides losing his luggage and camera when his hotel was destroyed. It looks like the responsible countries in the region, USA, Canada, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, have all sent assistance, so the Christchurch disaster will not be like Katrina was in New Oreleans. Dave was only wanting to spend a few days camping in the green woods there. He is camping of a sort, I suppose. Hope you find this of interest. I'm cleaned up.....There is great relief, now that the initial shock of this huge event is passing, that we all are alright and will carry on. The aftershocks keep coming. Thousands of people are without their belongings, all being inside dangerous structures. So, I figure we are pretty far down on the the list! It has rained off and on most of the night....bummer for the recovery and rescue efforts. Help and equipment is streaming in from all over the world. I ran into a group of Singapore soldiers here to help. Japan, Australia, US, Malaysia and others are sending in relief crews. I think I can slow down now and let the fresh troops take over. I need to go and find something to eat for breakfast...not quite 0500 here and I have much to do today. 393 February 23, 2011 - 01:22 AM James Crockett   The following is from the brother Dave, of Capt Jeff Berry, who works in Antarctica. He just flew in from McMurdo, spent a night at the Windsor Hotel, got a rent a car and you can read the rest. To wife Susan I'm alive and very tired...I was 200 feet from the cathedral when the quake hit...waiting for my curry to arrive for lunch at the Tandor....we all bailed outside onto the open paved area next to Bailey's Pub and I watched the spire collapse and much of the church walls crumble onto tourists. I immediately looked for "together" folks and set up a triage area on the cathedral lawn and started looking for injured. We got 6 injured people out of the church before the next aftershock, which rendered the structure too dangerous to reenter. I had two Israeli military medics and soon a group of MD's, all Aussie urologists at a local conference to help..... we were recruited to go the Press building behind the cathedral where the top floor had collapsed and there were 8 trapped people...we got them all out alive after 4-5 hours and a crane and hydraulic jacks. All in all I probably worked on 50 people...we ran out of bandages and splinting material so a local cop and an intern raided one of the tourist shops and returned with boxes of tea towels and "I love NZ" pillows...we used the pillows for soft splints on arms and legs and made splints out of cardboard and cafe signs....all tied up with tea towels....There were massive crush injuries and huge lacerations......fire broke out near by and the place was a real crazy house. It started to get dark and I walked to a SAR command center and got all of our team red vests and hard hats so we would not be mistaken for tourists and hauled away by the arriving military and police. I may have been on BBC, Fox, NBC, etc as one of our helpers was one of the first people interviewed after the quake, I being directly behind her, and all the international TV networks picked up the feed and ran it ASAP. I ended up at Hagley Park at almost midnight and shared a quilt with our McMurdo Station MD....got a bit of sleep and went back to work at 4:30 am...I went by the Windsor Hotel where I was staying and much of it is gone....I only own the clothes on my back and my passport...the rest is in a condemned building and no persons are allowed in for any reason....the Windsor will probably be pulled down......Donald the owner is in a very sad way.....the quake was much bigger than the last one and so many heritage buildings that you loved so much are flattened. There is a terrible loss of life here and much greater than is being reported at this time....My rental car survived without a scratch and I got it this morning from the back of the hotel...I helped the owner of the B&B across the street recover her clothes and some family pictures...I went in with an Urban Search and Rescue team and saved a few things for her. We are experiencing aftershocks every few hours. I don't know where I'll be staying tonight, but I ran into Jim Pappas and he has power and water in his hotel by the airport. I'm getting a shower in a few minutes and the hotel staff gave me tooth brush....I have lots of cash and credit cards will be working soon. I just checked getting out of here and flights are so backed up it may be impossible to leave earlier than planned on the first of March. I'll be OK and get by just fine. I intend to continue doing what I do well....help these people....this was the first time I have left the hotel without my camera, so no pictures from this event..... Please excuse the typo's...I'm tired. Pass this on to family and friends and I'll email soon with plans. I'll be very careful and make sure I get home safe. I love you, David 394 February 22, 2011 - 01:11 PM bob steer   JUST HAD A CATARACT REMOVED,YOU LIVE OUT OF TOWN DARYL SO HOPE YOU AND jEN ARE SAFE MY THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU. 395 February 22, 2011 - 01:23 AM Ancient Mariner   Oh dear, poor Christchurch again! Hope all well with you and yours, it sounds frightening. Thinking of you. 396 February 18, 2011 - 09:45 AM Stu   You are quite right Jim, open front toilet seats are a requirement of the BOT..........or they used to be 397 February 18, 2011 - 02:56 AM jim snape   I am sure I am correct in recalling that at the docking of Moldanger all the wooden closed front toilet seats had to replaced with plastic open front seats to conform with UK regulations.I remember Tommy Richardson saying that on a previous buy,possibly Berganger,he asked the BOT Surveyor if he wanted to ""bankrupt Swires" and the Surveyor said if some young seaman or cadet were to claim they caught it off the toilet seat there would be questions asked in Parliament and the B.O.T.would be hauled over the coals. I remember the motor lifeboat laying on the quay and various Taikoo Dock workers playing around starting and stopping the engine and thinking it would probably seize up very soon. 398 February 17, 2011 - 09:44 AM Ancient Mariner   I suppose it is racist to say "Beware of Greeks bearing gifts!" We had similar problems with that rather nice Finnish ship where we were required to rip out the sauna and replace it with a bath! Also the ex-Norwegian Shansi and Soochow where the lifeboats had to be replaced as they weren't British. I recall that PJR bought one of the motor boats and it ran successfully for many years, despite the abuse it received as a floating gin palace ( I have photographic evidence of this!) 399 February 16, 2011 - 07:33 PM bob steer   A similar story to the Ninghai when it was bought from greek shipowners and converted to english owners and english regs in Newcastle.After the Sheriff of Newcastle had "nailed " a writ to the mast as the dock owners wanted their bill paid of 18 months previously.They got it and we had a couple of days on the beaches of Newcastle until the wrangle had been sorted. The greek crew had been allowed to convert their cabins to whatever they wanted.....chippy had a magnificent playboy style round bed and the rest of the crew had similar style furnishings.Despite our pleas that the vessel would be refurnished on arrival H.K.all cabins had to be rebuilt to english rules of tubular steel beds of 1'9" for crew and 2'3" for officers,with foam mattress's of 2" for crew and 4" for officers ,from memory!!!The captain was most upset when his super wide bed was brought back to normal(Peter Fleming). When buying a ship from greeks always double check that the spares in the brand new looking box are in fact brand new and are what the label says they are!!!!! 400 February 16, 2011 - 10:24 AM Mark Beaumont 401 February 16, 2011 - 01:52 AM Gilbert Reid   A few years ago I was working on a Seismic survey vessel out of St.Johns Nfld. There was a news report that prisoners incarcerated in a Montreal prison were on strike for better living conditions inc. supplying thicker foam mattresses. Seems they wanted 6" as their's was only 4". When we measured ours we found them to be only 2 1/2". We mentioned this to our Party Supervisor, a Louisiana Cajun, who said he would rectify this injustice as soon as he could get his hands on the rejects from the prison!! Tough times in the Maritimes. 402 February 09, 2011 - 09:41 PM James Crockett   I haven't been drinking, I swear but I nearly fell off my stool, when I got this email. Apparently this Pakistani fella working in the Immigration Department in the UK, was so fed-up with his wife, that when she went back home to visit her mother in Pakistan, he manipulated the daring deed of adding her name to the watch-list of suspected terrorists. So that when she went to the airport to return to the UK. She found that she couldn't travel, ANYWHERE, ANYMORE! So this chap has been happily living in the UK for three years, still investigating the matter for his distressed dear Missus! BUT! he got promoted! And after a preliminary background check it was discovered that his wife was a suspected terrorist! The sad fellow confessed to his wrong doing. Got the sack! And guess who is winging her way back to Blighty for an explanation? 403 February 08, 2011 - 08:33 PM Warwick   Beer here is Sydney is now cheaper than petrol and that 'ripoff' bottled water. Last week @ Dan Murphy's ( owned by Woolworths of course) was $32.50 a carton of 24, that $1.34 p/b. Petrol can be anything from $1.34 - $1.45. A 250ml bottle of water $2.50, The biggest 'con' job in the world. 404 February 05, 2011 - 03:13 AM Ancient Mariner   Good job Alistair lives in Oz, if he lived here he would probably be in breach of the Anti-terror Laws, looking at that pic! 405 February 03, 2011 - 02:39 PM Wallaby Supporter   Thanks for your concern Darrell, no problems here in Central Queensland from Cyclone Yasi, which was quite severe. In Nov 1972 when in Lautoka, Fiji, we experienced Hurricane Bebe when the wind strength was measured (over a 10 min average)at 180 knots, (about 330 kms/hr). The batches have now been bottled and are now conditioning, and further brews fermenting. The "Thomson Special". which I have now been producing for over 30 years, works out at about 60cents per 750ml bottle. The price of XXXX Gold here in the bottle shops is around $30-$35 for 30 cans and carton of stubbies (24) around the same price. Not sure about the pub prices as the nearest is too far to walk home !!!! 406 February 03, 2011 - 01:51 PM John Madeley   AM & Bob, Cyprus prices - Old Speckled Hen & Pedigree at Euros 2.50/pint. That's Real Ale for the uninitiated!!. Petrol, Euros 1.13 per litre. Council tax including FW at approx Euros 60.00 per annum with garbage collected 3 times per week in the Summer but reducing to twice a week in the winter. Understand you Chaps in Blighty are lucky to get collections once a fortnight. AM, we don't get our golf courses dug up either. 14 being built on the Island within the next 7 years, apparently. Congrats Bob on your impending anniversary. Will roll out a bottle of Gordons in your honour. By the way, who is the Senior hand? MAJB or DRW may know. Vships dinner/dance in Paphos on Saturday. All on the house including B & B at the hotel. Can't be all bad with about 250 expected to attend. 407 February 03, 2011 - 10:01 AM Ancient Mariner   Bob, At £3-. or more per pint thats all a pensioner can afford! Petrol is cheaper, it's only £1.30 per litre. Must go now, it's Happy Hour at the pub and the Boss won't be home before 1930. 408 February 02, 2011 - 04:11 PM bob steer   MAOTA Why would you stop at one ? Thus breaking a habit of a lifetime!!! 409 February 02, 2011 - 01:40 PM Darrell Daish   I hope that Alistair and all SMA members in North Queensland have survived Cyclone Yasi without too much damage. Trust your home brew kit is still on the bench and producing sustanance Alistair!! 410 January 28, 2011 - 07:17 AM Ancient Mariner   Just one beer, honest, Guv! 411 January 27, 2011 - 01:13 PM Wallaby Supporter   AM, you are definitely getting old if its taken you this length of time to find out one doesn't play golf in such conditions - or perhaps this is what you tell the wife, when you've been in the bar all the time instead. 412 January 27, 2011 - 09:57 AM Ancient Mariner   Latest golf report, played this a.m., weather fine, minus two degrees with snow flurries! I'm getting too old for this. 413 January 26, 2011 - 11:01 AM Mark Beaumont   Alan Loynd advises that the intellectual property of the SMA has been compromised by a furniture shop in Yuen Long, New Territories, which has pinched our motto "SOFA so good". What an honour! What glory! And what a cheek. We will now, of course, be obliged to sue them for $50 million for improper appropriation of our trademark which we, er... forgot to trademark. Ah well. Maybe we can get 10% off, or something :) Mark 414 January 26, 2011 - 06:06 AM Ancient Mariner   I must make it clear that my balls are intact! What I need is something to connect the brain to the ball so that it goes in the correct direction! Some improvement today, only 5 temporaries in use. 415 January 26, 2011 - 01:58 AM Gilbert Reid   There's a report out that Japan has refused imports of Canadian beef products as they don't meet Japanese standards. I recall when in Aust. on board the "Tsingtao" I watched a Freezer vessel loading sides of beef direct from the freezer trucks along conveyors and straight into the freezer holds. All dockers rigged out from head to toe in spotless white coveralls etc. A few weeks later I saw the same vessel unloading in Japan. The sides of beef were taken out in rope slings and loaded onto open back trucks before being driven off. Two sides of beef slipped out of one rope sling and landed in the dock. They were duly fished out and thrown back onto the truck no doubt festooned with a few Brooklyn Trout. Changed days. 416 January 24, 2011 - 09:44 AM Mark Beaumont   Note to SMA members intending to trek to Dover this year: Tim Metzger has an "in" with a couple of golf courses in the area, so is interested to know whether a round during the weekend would be of interest to anybody? He promises only to offer courses with all eighteen holes intact and will bring extra balls for the Ancient Mariner - MAJB 417 January 24, 2011 - 07:19 AM Ancient Mariner   Who sent some mindless idiot to dig up my golf course on Thursday/Friday? Ten holes out of eighteen damaged, we had to stagger around using temporaries this morning! Probably someones wife who doesn't play golf. Fortunately the Assistant Chief Constable joined the Club last year so we are getting some attention on this important matter. Never mind the terrorists, this is more serious. 418 January 23, 2011 - 03:26 PM Tony Ravenhill   Happy Birthday to Bob Steer. Bob congratulations on consumimg a conservative 2737.5 bottles of Gordons Gin during your long and illustrious career. No estimate on the tonic used though. Probably around 6 Bottles. 419 January 19, 2011 - 07:22 PM bob steer   "The Most Ancient of The Ancients." Just how old are you? Please be informed that B @ S Balls etc.stand for Batchelor and Spinster where the lonely and desparate go to seak likeminded company.Were you successful?? I do hope your year to date has been happy,successful and profitable. I am about to reach the ripe old age of 80 and a true friend has sent be a bottle of Gordons "there is a memory in every nip"so it looks like being a good one. CHEERS 420 January 19, 2011 - 03:18 AM Ancient Mariner   I have a copy of "The Piracy of Nanchang" if anyone, (in UK), would like to borrow it. I sailed with Archie Blue, who was kidnapped, and the then 2/0 Hargreaves, was Master of "Changsha" when I knew him, Hornblower was his nickname I think! I last saw him at the B&S centenary party in London when he demonstrated that his gin capacity had not diminished in retirement! Not competing in your competition Tony, no empty bottles! 421 January 18, 2011 - 08:23 AM Tony Ravenhill   Just scanning a few old slides. Free holiday for two in Bundaberg if anyone can guess: - Names of the blokes - ship at the time - ranks - time of day - Brand of cigarettes - Earl Grey or Twinings? - Colour of the boiler suits worn All answers should be typed on a sheet of butchers paper and placed into a Gordons Gin Bottle (un-capped) and thrown into the nearest ocean. Winners will be notified in Braille. Regards Tony Glad to hear you are afloat, Tony, sense of humour intact - MAJB 422 January 18, 2011 - 05:12 AM Stu   You may, or may not, be interested to know that I have just finished reading a very good book with the title "The Piracy of the Nanchang", written by J.V. Davidson-Houston. It's a true story of how Chinese pirates attacked the ship and took off with four hostages and the trouble it took to get them back. Made more difficult because of the involvement of the Japanese military. Anyway, I've now sent this book off to SMA member and ex CNCo employee, Mrs Winifred Jones who I believe knew some of the people involved in the incident. If you ever get a chance to get a copy of this book, I have to tell you it makes a good read and I'm sure that it would also make a good film. Epic tome, yes. Earlier Ship's Log entries refer. On our Home Page, we have a search facility to find SMA references both on the web or within our site itself. I've now duplicated this on this page (see header) for the convenience of the inquisitive and armchair researchers. Try entering "Piracy of the Nanchang". Use your back button to return here - MAJB 423 January 17, 2011 - 11:57 AM James Crockett   Of course it wasn't you STU, or AM or JC, it was that bugga who left the tap open and flooded the whole place, while he was watching the cricket! 424 January 17, 2011 - 06:40 AM Stu   Not me. 425 January 17, 2011 - 04:09 AM James Crockett   Then it must have been Stu that sent that secretive request to our Obamascribe in Obamaville in Obamaland! across the Obamapond. Personally I have been concerned about the weather up here in HK too. We've had two night of rain since November. One night in December and the other last week, or was it the other way around? Anyway I missed watering my plants on these two days,.....I have a high-powered garden hose which I just love. Everyday in broad daylight I wield my hose nozzle and stand in the middle of my front yard and wave it around for all to see and spray anything that looks like it is thirsty! Even some of the slow speed dodderers that pass my gate, get a brief sprinkle. The morning glories in their black leotards and white mini skirts and high heels that skip past my front yard, just leave me gaping open mouthed and holding my nozzle carelessly watering my prickly Aloe Vera plants. I am careful not to smile, or I might get hauled in. We all live dangerously right? 426 January 17, 2011 - 01:43 AM Ancient Mariner   JC seems to imply that I might have been the author of the classroom story. Not me, I have refrained from passing on any derogatory remarks about Oz cricket; as I have explained before, I have divided loyalties! As for being a golf swinger, my playing partners are always telling me that I don't swing properly. Not quite sure what they mean!!! Comfort for you folks down under, it is raining here and the water is now over my patio! The Boss is off to yoga,(ugh), so I think I shall ignore the weather and retire to the golf club for snooker. 427 January 16, 2011 - 06:42 PM Warwick   What a 'knock'by Shane Watson last night @ the MCG..161 Not Out. At last we beat the Poms. 428 January 16, 2011 - 10:17 AM James Crockett   Yes he sent me the same story! Did you know that AM is also a golf swinger? Really? You'd think he'd be too worn out for that sort of thing after playing eighteen holes - MAJB 429 January 16, 2011 - 06:52 AM Mark Beaumont   One of our members has suggested we might like to post this touch of humour. He doesn't want to post it himself as he values his Antipodean friends :) "The Teacher asked all her ten-year-olds to stand up in class and say what their Dad did for a living. All the typical answers came out - Salesman, Policeman, Fireman. Chippy, Truckdriver, Accountant, Captain of Industry, etc. But, Billy was being most uncharacteristically quiet and subdued and not volunteering in his usual prompt way. When the Teacher finally asked him what his father's occupation was he stood up and said, "My father is an exotic dancer in a gay club and takes off all in his clothes in front of other men. Sometimes, to earn extra money, if they pay him he will sit down and have a drink with them afterwards." The Teacher quickly set the class some other work to keep them occupied and then took Billy aside and asked him if what he had said was true. "No", said Billy. "He plays cricket for Australia but I was just too embarrassed to say so!"." 430 January 14, 2011 - 06:28 AM Mark Beaumont   Trying to look on the bright side of what is clearly a terrible situation down in Bundaberg (You OK, Tony?) and Rockhampton, Queensland, it's good to see that the Aussies have their priorities in order. Here's a bloke urgently mitigating disastrous flood damage at Spinnaker's Bar, Bundaberg... But here's the bigger picture. Not pretty. 431 January 14, 2011 - 06:27 AM James Crockett   I am sitting on the Star Ferry and an Aussie fella is sitting next to me. "Don't worry," I said, " When the sun comes out in Hong Kong in January, it is instant summer." He replied, "Yeas looks fian." Terrible weather where you come from, yes? "Auw she'll be riaght." he says. "We are getting some very serious pictures on the TV you know, Brisbane is under water." I informed him. "Yeah," he says. He didn't look worried, "What about your family then?" I tried "Auw, I left the wife sitten' on the roof with the dogs." he replied. I ventured stone-faced,"They're alright then eh?." "What? she's laughin' her head off, that's why I am up here." and he is still smiling. The Ferry has arrived and I remark as we rise to get off, "What d'ye mean?" "Auw ye know what wimmen are like. I get a holiday in Hong Kong an' she gets a new house! See ye maite" 432 January 14, 2011 - 02:01 AM Ancient Mariner   And I'm moaning about no golf this morning because of rain!! Am being despatched to the supermarket instead for weekend shopping. Just heard that the pommie girls did quite well! 433 January 13, 2011 - 08:42 PM Warwick   Gents, Now it is Melbourne's turn. Today the Yarra is in flood including a popuar pub? That is MORE bad news. It never seems to stop except here in Sydneytown. 434 January 13, 2011 - 03:17 PM David Walker   No Names; No Pack Drill, Chaps ! "You can't be too carefull" 435 January 13, 2011 - 12:59 PM bob steer   Or the Master who called the Chief to the bridge and told him his house was just floating past 436 January 13, 2011 - 11:05 AM Stu   Would that be the same Master that was "The Link" David? 437 January 13, 2011 - 04:15 AM David Walker   Here's hoping all our friends and coleagues in Queensland and Brisbabane are surviving the Flood. We hope it is not as bad as the 1974 flood which prompted a senior CNCo Master to write in his night order book, after listening to the radio en-route Pt. Moresby- Sydney and passing the Brisbane River at the time. "watchkeepers should keep a close lookout for floating houses" Presumably they were going south on the one hundred fathom line so the houses would have been well off shore ! 438 January 12, 2011 - 02:33 PM James Crockett   From:.....................James To: All you I am sure you will all be as excited about these new government programs as I was. Important message for all friends 50 years old and over. New Gov't Programs Due to the current financial situation caused by the slowdown in the economy. The govt of Australia has decided to implement a scheme to put workers of 50 years of age and above on early retirement, thus creating jobs and reducing unemployment. This scheme will be known as RAPE (Retire Aged People Early). Persons selected to be RAPED can apply to the govt to be considered for the SHAFT program (Special Help After Forced Termination). Persons who have been RAPED and SHAFTED will be reviewed under the SCREW program (System Covering Retired-Early Workers). A person may be RAPED once, SHAFTED twice and SCREWED as many times as the govt deems appropriate. Persons who have been RAPED could get AIDS (Additional Income for Dependants & Spouse) or HERPES (Half Earnings for Retired Personnel Early Severance). Obviously persons who have AIDS or HERPES will not be SHAFTED or SCREWED any further by the govt. Persons who are not RAPED and are staying on will receive as much SHIT (Special High Intensity Training) as possible. The govt has always prided itself on the amount of SHIT they give our citizens. Should you feel that you do not receive enough SHIT, please bring this to the attention of your local MP, who has been trained to give you all the SHIT you can handle. Sincerely, The Committee for Economic Value of Individual Lives (E.V.I.L.) PS - Due to the heavy rain recently, budget cuts and the rising cost of electricity, gas and oil, as well as current market conditions, the Light at the End of the Tunnel has been turned off. 439 January 12, 2011 - 12:41 PM Mark Beaumont   By all reports, the British survived to fight another day... 440 January 12, 2011 - 07:24 AM Stu   Whilst on the subject of disasters, I recently took the opportunity to look on the internet at photos, and some video, of the earthquake disasters in Christchurch and it looks a real mess. I only hope that Daryl and Jennifer Daish and family are safe and well and they too have access to some decent liquid refreshment but something better than what passes for beer in NZ. Sorry Daryl.....However, another major concern is whether the bastion of thirst that carries so many memories for me.... by that I mean the British Hotel in Lyttelton, has suffered from the quakes. If that palace of pleasure has fallen, then it truly would be the end of the world as we knew it. 441 January 12, 2011 - 03:44 AM Ancient Mariner   Stu, hush your mouth! How could you even imply that A would drink water without it being purified at the XXXX brewery? I now know why Cyril Osborne kept a boat at the bottom of his garden! Stay dry folks. 442 January 12, 2011 - 12:35 AM Stu   The point is Alistair..............are you dry? By that I don't mean, have you run out of XXXX. Anyway, stay safe and don't drink the water, we've seen it on our news. 443 January 11, 2011 - 02:48 PM Wallaby Supporter   Yes AM, this is the land of drought, bush fire and flood. With all the flooded rivers with road and rail links cut etc, perhaps deploying some of the old CNCo Yangtze river steamers would be appropriate. You are feeling the effects of an unusually cold winter - at least here it is warm while you are freezing!! 444 January 11, 2011 - 07:55 AM Ancient Mariner   Sorry to see you are having even worse trouble with flooding, particularly in Queensland, the pics shown here are horrific. Hope all stay safe and well. 445 January 07, 2011 - 02:51 AM Ancient Mariner   Stiff upper lip and all that. Would you believe that the commentary on BBC radio 4, covering the final wicket to fall, was blotted out by the weather forecast for shipping! Look on the bright side you Aussies, the English rugby side has won hardly anything since the world cup in Sydney all those years ago. Too much hot air in the bubble and it will blow! 446 January 06, 2011 - 08:47 PM Warwick   Congatulations to the English Cricket team. They gave us a flogging and we deserved so. I will stick with the Wallabies, thanks. 447 January 06, 2011 - 06:08 PM bob steer   WELL DONE ENGLAND Don't rest on your laurels,we will get that little wooden thing one day soon 448 January 06, 2011 - 04:12 AM Archive Chappie   Happy New Year to all. Some help please. Did anyone (or do you know of anyone) who was involved with CNCo on the Western Australia Joint service routes in the late 50s / early 60s. I'm particularly interested in speaking with anyone who served on either Kwangsi or Kwantung during this period but any ship will do. Many thanks 449 January 06, 2011 - 01:57 AM Ancient Mariner   Stu, did the earth move at the same time? I understand that the Fat Lady has come home, not waiting to sing at SCG! 450 January 05, 2011 - 04:01 AM Stu   I've seen both the blue and green flashes but not sure whether that was as a result of drinking Fosters Lager and Victoria Bitter. 451 January 04, 2011 - 09:34 PM Walaby Supporter   While browsing the internet I came across the description and photo of the "green flash" and "blue flash" from the sun at the following NASA site :- http://antwrp.gsfc.gov/apod/ap110104.html Having never seen the phenomenon, thought this would be of interest to those members I have sailed with and others. 452 January 04, 2011 - 07:38 AM Stu   Yesterday, 3rd January, there was a small gathering at the "Inn For All Seasons" pub near Burford to welcome our Web Brat, MABeaumont, over from the USA. In attendance were Mark of course, as well as Dudley and Anne Groves, Geoff And Mary Havilland, David and Jean Falkner and myself. It was very nice to see them all but particularly Mark since we all knew that he's been very ill of late. I'm sure that on his return to America, he will post a photo of the gathering on this web site. So you see, the SMA really does care about you, our members but we also enjoyed the beer. Yes, pics to be found in our esteemed Rogues Gallery. It was good to see a few of the gang. And before Stu panics anybody, I remain well north of the daisies and intend to stay that way! - MAJB 453 January 03, 2011 - 12:34 AM Stu   Damn..........is it my round already Mark? 454 January 02, 2011 - 10:24 AM Ancient Mariner   AP, Sorry Alan, no pics taken I think! In any case I feel I would still be in the shadow of your appearance at the June get-together at Henley a few years past! Anyhow,I'm in trouble enough for telling the barmaid how gorgeous she looked in her off-the-shoulder dress which seemed to end just below the waist! Nothing wrong with the eyesight even if the rest of the body is fading fast! Not likely to make Burford, last time I was there I suffered a severe attack of food poisoning, and the hotel charged an exhorbitant price for a bottle of water. 455 January 02, 2011 - 05:21 AM Mark Beaumont   Hi chaps Happy New Year, all! A bevy with FJT is in order this evening at the Air Balloon in Gloucestershire so that we may share some hot air, and Monday 3rd Jan will see a lunchtime rendezvous with any and all who can make The Inn For All Seasons (All Reasons would be more appropriate, perhaps) on the A40 just west of Burford. 1200 hours onwards: Stu is paying... that is what you said, isn't it, Stu? Apologies to those living in the pointy bit down to the Southwest; haven't had time to achieve Devon or Cornwall this trip, regrettably. But there's a rumour DRW may helicopter up for a half. Cheers and beers, Mark 456 January 01, 2011 - 08:57 AM Perry   AM - Can we please see photograph of yourself, and of course your Lady, in your New Year finery. Some of us could probably do with "further enlightenment" in the art of cultured dress ! 457 January 01, 2011 - 03:20 AM Ancient Mariner   Sorry to hear of the floods, (and fires in other areas, but pleased to note rum supplies are safe! Not sure why water should interfere with "usual activities at this time of year", surely one can still manage it afloat?!! Off to collect car. My wife tells me I won the best dressed prize last evening, must have been the silver brocade waistcoat with the DJ! Page #1 of 1

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