Swire Mariners Association - Visitors Book Entries 2002

Swire Mariners Association

" SOFA, so good "

Ship's Log Entries 2002

The SMA membership strengthened considerably in 2002. Such confidence in the Association is, no doubt, a result of the fact that the consumption of beer has yet to become politically incorrect. You'll find Log entries from new members below, together with contributions from all the usual suspects.

Jan 1, 2002 - 05:29 - I'm going to do it again................ First in HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stu Shields
From: This one
http://

Jan 2, 2002 - 05:55 - Ref. my memo of 21st August 2001,my former server deserted me whilst I was in Russia in September and I have now become a FROGGY -- see below !
E-mail: hmlade@froggy.com.au
Name: Harvey Lade.
From: Victoria, Australia.
http://

Jan 3, 2002 - 02:48 - From last year's visitor's book, you will know that Dave Simpson is very seriously ill and wanted to know where his old pal Ray Taylor is. Well, I now have this information, very nicely provided by Hugh Ripley, and it will be passed on to Dave as soon as possible. Many thanks to all of you who have been searching the outback of Australia for Ray.
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stuart Shields
From: High Wycombe
http://

Jan 8, 2002 - 08:06 - Greetings to all of you, I hope you are all keeping well. I have been asked on the whereabouts of David L McHugh by his shipmate whom they sailed together in the sixties. I have not bothered checking into the microfilm and wonder if anyone can help ! Cheers Doris Luk
E-mail: doris.luk@cnco.com
Name: Doris Luk
From: Planet of the Ape
http://

Jan 30, 2002 - 05:39 - Gentlemen, Very sad news I'm afraid:- Edward Scott has passed away very suddenly, at 1000hrs Tuesday 29th January 2002 at a Harley Street clinic. Funeral arrangements are as yet unknown but members will be informed as soon as the details become available. Sir Adrian Swire has resumed Chairmanship of John Swire & Sons. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his family and a great man has been lost to us all.
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stuart Shields
From: Swire Mariners Association
http:// www.swiremariners.com

Feb 5, 2002 - 02:16 - Sorry to be the bearer of more sad news but I have just received the following e-mail from Julian Thorogood:

"Subject: Dave Simpson
From Edward Simpson, ancosi@lineone.net
I sorry to have to tell you that my brother Captain David Simpson Died suddenly yesterday 3rd Feb 02. He had being suffering from lung cancer."

This is all so very sad and our thoughts and sympathy go out to his family.
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stuart Shields
From:
http:// www.swiremariners.com

Feb 21, 2002 - 14:56 - Our next reunion is scheduled to be in Scotland, lots of golf courses! Is anyone interested in seeing if we can fix a game on, say, Friday morning?
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From:
http://

Mar 1, 2002 - 00:42 - Now you're talking, Maurice (I'm glad someone is ... it's been far too quiet around here, for too long: where are you, mes braves?). Put me down for a foursome, although the geography of Dundee is unknown to me ... isn't it all made of cake? Whilst in full flow (God bless 'Gordons'... ) I should advise that as of this week, the Beaumont clan has moved (again). This time, to 7, Highland View Drive, Bayville, NY 11709, USA, which address, as far as Mover-In-Chief is concerned, will be ours for decades to come. We're back in Long Island, New York. Loadsa bedrooms, pool, bar, beach, boat, etc..... BE there. All SMA members will be allowed to drink at least half the Duty Free they bring off the 'plane. Phone number? 1-516-922-3615.
E-mail: MABeaumont@aol.com
Name: Dark Moment etc.
From: Bayville (OK, not quite Baywatch, but we gotta beach)
http:// www.paxship.com

Mar 1, 2002 - 04:57 - For all those interested, a letter will be posted very shortly, giving details of the Dundee gathering on the 27th September and a trip around The Tower of London for members, with their wives, family and friends on the 13th June. Yes......there is a golf course very close to the hotel at Dundee, within yards in fact, so get out and polish those balls.
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stu Shields (BlindStu)
From: High Wycombe
http:// www.swiremariners.com

There's new information on our Meetings page - MAJB

Mar 8, 2002 - 03:46 - Gentlemen, Just to let you know that your secretary will be out of the country for a few weeks but keep sending in those booking forms for our two gatherings this year.
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stu Shields
From: Here.........for now
http:// www.swiremariners.com

Mar 10, 2002 - 10:11 - More bad news for those who haven't already heard, Peter Sutch, former Chairman in HK died on 6 March in Italy. Funeral Mass at Downside Abbey, (near Bath), on Friday 15 March. Someone is not burning the correct joss sticks!
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From:
http://

Mar 12, 2002 - 07:58 - I've just discovered your website and found some names/faces that are a blast from the past - and they don't look a day older!! I'd love to hear from anyone I sailed with.
E-mail: cgowlett@acenet.net.au
Name: Cathy Brown
From: Brisbane
http://

Mar 18, 2002 - 08:07 - Yet more bad news gentlemen, Henry Lewis tragically killed in Auckland yesterday (17th. March) after colliding with a car while out on his pushbike - part of a fitness regime he had started. The accident actually occured on the Saturday and he was kept on life-support until Sunday. I believe I'm correct in saying Henry has worked for SPO on and off over the years as Chief Engineer and was also Bombay office manager during the mid-eighties. He will be sorely missed.
E-mail: believeit@ozemail.com.au
Name: Hugh Ripley
From: Townsville - a.k.a. Mount Isa -by-the-sea
http://

Our sincerest condolences must go to Henry Lewis' family following his untimely death; BlindStu is afloat mid-Atlantic at the moment but I know he would want me to record this sentiment here.

We do seem to have had our fair share of sad tidings this year but, if you'll forgive me, I would like to make a point. This is your website, and as members your news and input are important parts of its success. We are all getting older ... but if this page is not simply to become a list of obituaries, might we hear more from those of you who are alive and kicking? Remember ... life is spelt 'A PARTY' not 'APATHY'! OK, I've had my say; but sincerely Stu, myself, and others involved with the organisation of Swire Mariners would find all the effort much more rewarding if we heard just a little more from loyal members and old friends. Too much trouble? OK, just send beer - MAJB

P.S. Anyone who would like to fly our Cathay Pacific aircraft in "multiplayer" mode, give me a holler at MABeaumont@aol.com! We're still working on the ship simulator - give it (lots of) time.

Mar 21, 2002 - 18:03 - To whom it may concern. I am trying to find out any details of my uncle's ship.It was called the "SHUNTIEN", it was sunk in the "MED" in 1942.His name was William Orr,he was chief engineer and was lost as she went down. He was also involved in a pirate attack,for which he was rwarded by the company.The company was "The China Navigation Company. Any offers, and I can be reached on my e-mail address. Thank to all of you. Michael Doe
E-mail: MIKLEJON@hotmail.com
Name: Michael Doe,
From: Hanwell W7.3QB, LONDON
http://

Mar 24, 2002 - 18:56 - Yesterday was the very enjoyable annual gathering of CNCo. held here in Sydney,and a very pleasant day it was too. I think about 39 attended and of course the "drivers" are made very welcome and certainly on this day of days know their duties!!!! I was interested to read about the gathering in Dundee this year and of course would love to attend but I guess finances come into it somewhere and it will just have to remain a very pleasant dream and on the very top of my wish list. I do agree with the previous correspondent, we in the Antipodes do love to hear of your activities for example what the hell is Stu doing in the middle of the ATLANTIC? He could well be having the same thoughts!!! The Tower of London seems a great idea a few photos please. John Gardner was our non-CNCo guest this year and good to see him.
E-mail: bob_jeanette@hotmail.com
Name: Bob Steer
From: The Land of Aus.
http://

Bob - young Stu is Engineer on a luxury yacht engaged in traversing the pond one way or the other ... presumably to the right at this time of year, looking at the map. In command is David "just a single malt, thanks" Walker (he seems to make a habit of this - click here to see past folly) and washing bottles somewhere below is legendary leprechaun David Falkner. Other crew? Doubt it ... who'd sail with that lot? But may they find safe haven - MAJB

Mar 25, 2002 - 00:33 - Olaf Overland - Change of E-Mail address
E-mail: ooverlan@bigpond.net.au
Name: Olaf Overland
From: Brisbane.. Land of Oz
http://

Mar 28, 2002 - 15:58 - To everybody who has given me great assisstance in my search for details about my Uncle Bill (Chief Engineer W.Orr). Please accept my grateful thanks and the thanks of his two daughters annd their families, and of course myself.
E-mail: MIKLEJON@hotmail.com
Name: Michael Doe
From: Planet Earth (I think) London England.
http://

Apr 1, 2002 - 04:41 - Does anyone have recent news of the Two Davids and Stu?
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From: Geriatrica,AKA Bexhill
http://

Apr 6, 2002 - 21:21 - Like Uncle Bob, I had agreat time at the CNCO Sydney Bash. Margaret & I are still roaming around Australia in the bus and we are heading up to Queensland for the "winter". Any ex CNCO living in Q email me and we can arrange a party. I am not having a big 60th.this year, I am going to have lots of little ones. LG
E-mail: 61419230896@mobilenet.telstra.net
Name: Tony Ravenhill
From: The Great Outdoors
http://

May 8, 2002 - 20:31 - Thanks to Doris Luk I caught up with Dave McHugh after 40 years.A pretty good site you have here.I sailed with a Mike Swift on the Australian Progress ( Tanker )in the sixties, wonder if it is the same one as in your members list. I was with BI for a while in the sixties.
E-mail: macrob37@optushome.com.au
Name: John Robertson (aka Wee Mac)
From: Melbun
http://

It seems that we're having recurring problems with the stability of this Visitor's Page. It has been offline twice recently and when AOL restored it (the problem is at their end, not ours) they restored from a backup copy and we lost recent entries. Sorry about this. Two we know are missing are Stu's tales of (his) seasickness from the Atlantic and a very interesting entry from Chris Coy - please do repost these, fellows. There may have been others - again, sorry - but hopefully I've put enough cordite under AOL's posterior to ensure that the problem is now solved. We shall be making our own regular backups anyway, just in case - MAJB

May 10, 2002 - 09:57 - To all who may or may not remember me, I did see a reference somewhere to "Steamy" Mcnaught (Woosung 1964) that takes me back. Now retiring from the RFA . I will pickup from last year at the Tower of London meet. Yours aye, John (Ned) Kelly
E-mail: john.kelly15@virgin.net
Name: John Kelly
From: East Anglia
http://

May 16, 2002 - 22:21 - Morning All, After a bit of a clean out I found a few gems and decided to share them with you all. No doubt some have copies, some have seen or read them and others I hope will enjoy. So. The first one is dated 1966:

Night and day we strive and strain
So our CNCo can be great again
Like back in the old days of which we hear
In booklets that come round twice a year.

And when news leaks out by word of mouth,
From ships coming up from points to the South,
Of Bonuses, buckshees and rises in pay
On the Uk ships but not coming our way
We do not cry, nay, we do not despair,
Or cry out loud that it isn't fair
But we knuckle down hard and economise
So the Company's fleet can increase in size.

And we've done ourselves proud too, for you can behold,
The tonnage per annum increasing seven fold,
To the finest fleet to say but the least
Of second hand ships in the whole Far East

But all you Directors you need never fear,
For we're bound to your service for many a year
To deal with your agents with fine gracious airs
And Engineer Supers who give us nightmares
We will fight for you, die for you, slave at your task,
Just one small request, but important we ask
We will load all your cargos through thick and through thin,
Just don't put up the price of our TONIC and GIN.

One more . About a trade a lot of us remember:

Anthem of the SPS

We've heard all about those good days of yore,
Until the whole business is now quite a bore,
The fun that was had whilst in Tsingtao,
Shanghai, the "Inner Route" and Swatow.
Now we'll tell you about the SPS
About our jolly life on this South Seas Express.

Three ships; Chungking Chefoo and Chengtu,
We've too little time and too much to do,
Don't tell of the rush on the China Coast, to us on this run it's an idle boast.
Have you loaded in six ports for twelve in the south?
Gazed at the load list, your heart in your mouth.

Come, take a walk around our decks,
We'll show you why we lads are wrecks.
You talk glibly of your Compradore,
and say "well that's what he's paid for".
There's no Comp here no watchman there,
We have no time to stand and stare.

We see many strange towns on our weary way
Wewak, Madang, Rabaul, Kavieng, Lae,
Samarai; one mile long by about twenty five feet,
Has two trade stores and a shed made of galvanised sheet.
We've new habits and ways... All boys make a line,
One tin fish, two loaves and everything's fine.

The 'bois' come from Finschhaven, from many a place,
That you've never heard of...thank God for his Grace.
We've a new language now must sound Greek to you;
Some German some Tolai and a bit of Motu.
Such works as "raus im" "sempting bilong yu",
Lukaut long dispela nogut and tambu.

Things were hard in China we've often heard,
But did you have 'mozzies' big as Carrion bird?
Scorpions, mites millipedes swarm the tracks,
Death Adders, and whip snakes and Papuan Blacks.
Diseases in China? Well we have the same
Including a few that we can't even name.

But still we are told , there is lots of good fun
To be had by we folk on this old Island run.
Walks in the jungle; out catching fish
But many when cooked, prove a poisonous dish.
They've even got movies, and much to your joy,
You'll see films that you missed when you were a boy.

I hope that you see now why we think that you boast
When telling of hard times in China's old Coast.
My tale's over now, you think it untrue?
Then ask for a transfer direct to Chengtu.
I'll greet you most warmly and buy you a beer,
Just drink it down slowly, whilst I pack my gear.

.........................................

"I feel no pain dear brother now,
But OH! I am so dry,
Please take me to the Guild Club Bar
And leave me there to die."

The last must have been from a chap in an "Outside Company". I don't recall ever getting "DRY". If the author of any of the above is known I would like to know as I do not remember who wrote them. Good tale re Coral Princess will relate next week. Must away. Cheers Chris Coy
E-mail: chriscoy@satlink.com.au
Name: Chris Coy
From: Today, windy wet cold Melbourne
http://

May 20, 2002 - 14:21 - Hello. As ex-marine engineer I have worked for John Swire for a number of years as works manager of their factory in Greenock in the late sixties early seventies, then at their Aberdeen offshore container and tank base before retiring a few years ago. My hobby is drawing ship and boat model plans for model magazines, have done Hunan, Shengking and Wusuh. You may have seen my painting of Pacfic Buccaneer presenetd to Glen Swire on retirement in earlier Swire News. Am always keen to add to ship photos and info files etc Cheers Jim
E-mail: japwait@waitrose.com
Name: Jim Pottinger
From: Shetland, but now Bridge of Don, Aberdeen
http://

May 20, 2002 - 14:26 - Addendum to most recent. When I served my eng. apprenticeship with Scotts' in Greenock 1952-57 the apprentice school supervisor was George Clark, ex-CNC. He was interned by Japs in WWII. I have some additional details of ship, place etc. Jim Pottinger
E-mail: japwait@waitrose.com
Name: Jim Pottinger
From: same as before
http://

May 27, 2002 - 21:56 - Shipmates and other CNCo friends will be saddened to hear Dave Hollands died last night.He had been seriously ill with the dreaded C for some time, and when sheila and I visited Dave and jeanette in Brisbane last month, Dave was pretty sick and we didn't expect to see him again. If anyone is interested the address is 2 Julie Terrace, Ormiston Qld4160
E-mail: cyrsheco@bigpond.com.au
Name: Cyril Cocksedge
From: Australia
http://

Jun 2, 2002 - 11:29 - hello! to all old sea dog's of swire. for how many year's i been with these old brat's.i thank a lot for those old sea dog's who give me knowlegde and confidents to sail any part of the globe. but it's sad to say that im now. ex-officer of china navigation now. and im thankful to the knowledge i gain from those officer espacially to capt. Drewery and capt. Pitt. and to my friend david porter the gambling lord of polynesia during my stay as deckboy. hope all your wisdom and greatness will be pass to the future officer of the company. Many thank's to all of those old sea dog's of china navigation. more power to all of you............
E-mail:
Name:
From:
http://

Jun 14, 2002 - 13:22 - This notice serves to advise all members that the visit to the Tower of London to view the Ceremony of the Keys and enjoy a buffet supper in the Yeoman Warders Club took place last night. I think that everyone will agree that it was a very nice evening and was enjoyed by all. Even the weather was with us. Everyone escaped from the Tower afterwards and torture was only given to the select few.
E-mail: SShie709652@aol.com
Name: Stu Shields
From: Here
http:// www.swiremariners.com

Jun 15, 2002 - 16:50 - Dundee Meeting. I am about to book for golf, only four takers so far! Any last minute bookings shouls be in by Monday 17 June.
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From:
http://

Heavens, it's quiet around here! It's July 18th already: I hope all are out practising their swings for Maurice's golf tournament. Hope I can make it myself. In the meantime, this is just to alert those of you who are awake to new pictures of the epic Tower of London Visit, to be be found in the 'Rogues Gallery' - MAJB

Jul 24, 2002 - 12:35 - Nice pix of the Tower visit, Mark. It was actually the HAC leaving as the sailors arrived! Had an in-depth discussion in the Gents, as you do, with an American - crew cut, bolt through the back of the head, called me "Sir" frequently. We were on the subject of there being no ex sailors in the Yeomen of the Guard, mostly ex army with a few RAF, my friend said there was one ex Marine to which I replied "they were certainly not sailors and somewhat dubious as soldiers", the USMC tattoo on his chest just about shone through his shirt! Golf will be on the Downfield course at Dundee, hopefully; just you, Callum Anderson, Jim Conybeare, Glen Docherty and self. It is so quiet on the web I think everyone must be on holiday. Cheers
E-mail: mauber@care4free. net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From:
http://

Aug 2, 2002 - 03:07 - Greetings, I’d like to advise that my novel, ‘Pink Gins at Sunset’ (Gordon’s of course) has just been published as an E-book by WriteSpot Publishers Intnl and can be viewed by visiting the website www.writersspot.com It’s available as a CD-ROM or by E-mail with an attachment for down loading. As the ‘blurb’ says, ‘To read this book is to step back into a generation of experiences of the good old days, of a young man’s five adventurous years on the China Coast. It describes the days of romance, freedom, confusion of love and adjusting to life at sea. It’s the story of young men who feel invincible, experiencing raging typhoons in Japanese waters: tranquil seas off Borneo or Indonesia, corruption in ports, piracy, and many temptations.’ Old China hands can have their memories re-kindled in a story line that covers the days of wallah-wallahs, sew-sew women, Ku Cheong the tailor and Saigon Linen suits. Ranging from Nancy’s bar in Kobe, just behind the Motomachi, the ‘Kung Fu’ on Des Voeux road in Hong Kong, ‘The Bataan Bar’ in Tandjong Priok (Bols only), the tranquil waters of Indonesia, steamy jungles of the Rejang River, and freezing storm tossed seas of the Ryukyu Chain. A nostalgia trip. Regards Dick Inwood
E-mail: rinwood@senet.com.au
Name: Richard Inwood
From: Australia (South Australia)
http:// www.geocities.com/samarkand_bb/

Aug 2, 2002 - 04:22 - Reference the above entry from Dick Inwood, I think someone has been reading the notes for my memoirs!!
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From:
http://

Aug 5, 2002 - 00:43 - Maurice, Re "Pink Gins". The fact that your memoirs and mine are a match, is a happy coincidence, confirming that events of half a century ago are still alive, dimmed perhaps like a fog shrouded beacon, but still there. Dick
E-mail: rinwood@senet.com.au
Name: Richard Inwood
From: South Australia, Australia
http:// www.geocities.com/samarkand_bb/

Aug 7, 2002 - 23:48 - I need in my website photo about Millenium Queen, ex-Coral Princess/ex-Princesa Leopoldina. More deckplan, brochures and interior views Coral Princess. Thanks.
E-mail: ships@via-rs.net
Name: Joao Metello
From: Brazil
http:// www.naviosbrasileiros.hpg.com.br

Aug 9, 2002 - 09:48 - Best regards for the beautiful Red Arrows package!!!
E-mail: alfagolf@libero.it
Name: Adriano Gandini
From: Rome, Italy
http:// www.traffico-aereo.it

Aug 9, 2002 - 11:22 - Golf again! Glen Docherty has booked on our behalf two tee times for Friday 27 September around 1030 at Downfield GC, Turnberry Avenue,Dundee DD2 3QP. It is about 200yards longer than Muirfield!!! Suggest we plan to meet there at 1000. There is room for three more players.
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From:
http://

For those of you who have taken a passing interest in (or kick at?) our flight simulation pages featuring Cathay Pacific, a bit of news. Our pages have grown from something put together in an idle moment to the finest collection of flightsim aircraft for CX to be found anywhere (put together in a considerable number of idle moments). Not that anyone from Cathay has ever commented, but others have! Anyway, an offshoot of this folly has been a completely unrelated "freeware" release of the RAF's 'Red Arrows', known to most of you, in which yours truly had some part, being an anorak and down to twelve beers a day in my old age. However, the anorak now has stripes as the 'Red Arrows' themselves have officially advised that they would like to feature these flightsim aircraft as a downloadable feature within their own website. This is a first, illustrating how close simulation has become to the real thing. You can see what I'm banging on about on our very own 'Reds' page at www.swiremariners.com/reds.html - MAJB

Aug 21, 2002 - 08:39 - trying to get in touch with Alan Mitchell Ex 3/E on the Kuala Lumpur (1964) came from Torquay----served his apprenticeship in Barclay Curles, Glasgow 1958--1963
E-mail: rh.robertson@ntlworld.com
Name: Bob Robertson
From: Cleveleys, Lancs, UK
http://

Aug 30, 2002 - 13:32 - If any historians would like to see what some of CNCo ships did in WW2 then go to http://members.dodo.net.au/~mervynw/. This is a website for Australian Chinese Ships Association, an Aussie old comrades group for those ex-RAN personnel who served on Swire/Jardine ships taken into naval service in WW2. Interesting! As a PS, I recently played golf with a chap who served as a gunner on "Changte", not CNCo but pretty close as AO Line ran a joint service with "Taiyuan" & "Changsha". (Sorry, as "Changte" was then navy manned I should have said "served in").
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From: Still Bexhill
http://

Aug 31, 2002 - 02:21 - Boobed again, someone must have put water in my scotch! The organisation I referred to in Australia should have read "Allied Chinese Ships"
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: MDB
From:
http://

Sep 5, 2002 - 02:16 - For all seamen and sea lovers, my best regards. You may continue navigating on http://www.hangsim.com/vs/ Andres Merino
E-mail: a_merino@inicia.es
Name: Andres Merino
From: Spain
http:// inicia.es/de/tallafigo

Sep 5, 2002 - 06:50 - Greetings all from sunny North Humberside.Just a snippet of interest for all the lucky members of the 'Probo Refugees Old Boys Organisation', recently I took out from one of the Immingham Oil jetties the 'Probo Panda' ex. 'Baro'. She is in pristine condition, still trading wet and dry, and moreover still has AB's on board from the days when I was Master! Imagine the pleasure I was able to feel as I stood on the port bridge wing re-living the moment when the 'Isla Santay' plunged it's bulbous bow into our side to make a ......ing great hole. Ah, memories!
E-mail: peter@dalegate.fslife.co.uk
Name: Peter Frewer
From: Humberside
http://

Sep 8, 2002 - 15:17 - Stumbled across this web site by accident. It was great to see so many ex shipmates listed in the members section. I joined Swires in 1981 with SPO and immediately thereafter joined SPSM. I sailed on many vessels which included Coral Cheif, Nimos, Linblad Explorer, Kweilin, Chengtu, Pacific Islander and several offshore vessels. I actaully left the marine industry for about 10 years, however, have returned to work for a marine consultancy firm in Liverpool.
E-mail: lawrie@everton82.freeserve.co.uk
Name: Lawrie White
From: Neston, Wirral UK
http://

Sep 20, 2002 - 01:43 - Just spent 2 days with David and Nagako Cooper in Seattle Washigton. They were in town prior to takink a (Holland America) cruise to Alaska. Drank some beer, ate some food, caught up on our lives, a good time was had by all.
E-mail: bird1@uniserve.com
Name: John Cochran
From: Vancouver, British Columbia.
http://

(Ed - Thanks, John and good to hear from you too, me old mate. See a pic of David and family - that he sent to us just this week - in our Rogues' Gallery - MAJB)

Sep 29, 2002 - 15:21 - Well Chaps, Just back from Dundee and what a fantastic weekend it was. Great to see everyone again and the tour aboard the Discovery, followed by the meal, was just perfect. Have to say that because, believe it or not, I won the top prize in the raffle (It wasn't a fiddle, honest) There were a few notable performances but nothing too silly.........we were perfect gentlemen to the end. Looks like Chatham is next years venue during the first weekend in October and another London day out for members and their wives in the summer is planned. Final details of this exciting day will be forwarded to all members as soon as approval has been given.
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stu Shields
From: High Wycombe.............where else
http:// Only this one:- Swiremariners.com

Oct 2, 2002 - 06:17 - Dundee was great but I'm not sure if you picked the best prize Stu, Bernie Simpson won a bottle of Islay malt!! Miserable so-and-so wouldn't share it with a poor OAP! Thanks for all the organising Stu. The golf was good on a bright sunny day but only three showed up.
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From:
http://

A barrel load of Dundee pictures are now online - MAJB

Oct 16, 2002 - 07:12 - Hello fellow inmates of "The Bungalow Faculty" of The University of Quarry Bay especially the class of 58-61.I have missed you all. I have had a wonderful day to-day reading all the comments of many passing aquaitences and shipmates.I thought I had been approaching "old timers disease" until I viewed the members list then many many memories came flooding back. Those of you who I sailed with I will e-mail, those of you who I may have come in contact with and shared a nip or two if you remember me please contact me. I was guided to this treasure trove of what I still consider one of the more plesent times in my existece on this planet to a person who lives only 15km from my home Harvey Lade whom I have not yet met but intend to visit in the very near future. I was saddened to read of the passing of Jim Lough and also Stuart Hutton belated condolences to their families. Could someone please send me the address of Tommy Richardson. Living in OZ now for 38 years and the three things I miss most my beloved football team LIVERPOOL F.C. a good pint of draught Guiness and not being able to attend the SMA get togethers. Expect my $A30 in the mail Stuart. Thats it for now folks "BEAM ME UP SCOTTY" Regards to everyone George Latham ex- POYANG SINKIANG CHEKIANG KWANTUNG SHANSI
E-mail: georgel@rpds.vicnet.net.au
Name: George Latham
From: for you navigators -overlooking McCrae Lighthouse Port Philip Bay
http://

Oct 17, 2002 - 02:18 - Hi shipmates Nagako and I too enjoyed the chance to meet up with J.C.(John Cochrane)in Seattle and we are pleased he decided to join the site and send his message.We had a great couple of days and needed the cruise to recover!! Thanks Mark for entering our Photo in the Rogues gallery?Nick and Maya have been in UK at university(Nick at Liverpool and Maya at Southampton)and it's not so often that we can get together like that. If anybody's interested in discount cruising try vacationstogo.com. It's a pity Swires missed out on the cruising boom!!I might still be at sea had they not.If anyone finds themselves in Yokohama please get in touch. Best regards...David & family
E-mail: davidcooper77@hotmail.com
Name: David Cooper
From: Yokohama
http://

Oct 18, 2002 - 07:16 - Hello again all you mariners of cyberspace Its now three sleeps since my initial foray into the SMA Log Book.Since then the Grey Matter has been in retro mode overdrive with names, faces, places,ships, ports and surprise surprise BARS.so now Its time to do some name dropping and see who comes out of hibernation. Get your "old china hands" out of your Ku Cheong trouser pockets and communicate. ENGINEERS:- Bob Nickerson, Bruce Bolland, Tom Richardson,Peter Martin,Jimmy Stewart, George Quine,Alex Andrews,"Mauritania" McDonald, John Johnson,Gordon "sludge" Gray,Neal Crowley,Rod Scobie, Sammy ????? 2nd/E Chekiang 1959 ex- McAndrews Line, Jimmy Morrison, And who could forget Alexander "sandy" Wilson. NAVIGATORS:-James G Wilby,John Dymock, Dave Harper,Jimmy"davey" Crockett, Jimmy Keats,Charlie Nesbitt,Colin Darch,Robbie Kidd,Chris Metcalf,Bob Crowhurst,Andy Watson,Paddy Ginley,Ken Nettleship,Mike O' Keefe, Mike Lewis, MASTERS;- King, Gash,Bunny "SoapyWatson, "Colonel" Harper,Johnny Carson. RADIO:- Peter Lau. Some of the above I sailed with ,others aquaintences sometimes very "hazy ones" Some of you may not be with us now but those of you that are please contct me either by letter or e-mail. George Latham. 20 Matthew Street, McCrae 3938. Victoria, Australia. PH Home:- 61 3 59820950.
E-mail: georgel@rpds.vicnet.net.au
Name: George Latham.
From: Not BALI thank god.
http://

Oct 26, 2002 - 05:13 - Recently received the following in an e-mail, can anyone help out there?:- ------------------------ From: smaccnaimin@yahoo.co.uk To: BlindStu@swiremariners.com Sent from the Internet (Details) I am trying to obtain a history of HMS Changsha and its Captains. This boat was in use when Portumna Bridge was built some time before the first world war. Portumna is located on Lough Derg in County Galway, Ireland. I would appreciate any help on this enquiry. Steve Nevin
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stu Shields
From: Wycombe
http:// www.swiremariners.com

Nov 1, 2002 - 05:31 - Hello All, Retirement proceeding at an ever increasing pace. Two Names from my past, Darrel Daish and Brooke Hibberdine (I trust acceptable spellings) any sightings? Yours aye John Kelly (1964-1968)
E-mail: john.kelly15@virgin.net
Name: John Kelly (AKA Ned)
From: Weeting Norfolk
http://

Nov 9, 2002 - 04:04 - Cyril, Just getting the hang of this modern baloney when Lo & Behold my one finger typing comes up with "yours Truly" I'm working (casual)1st.Eng B.C ferries. One of 5 Wongs here remembers Capt."ChrisCoy" Chris was 2nd.mate on "CHEFOO" as you may know!! Anyway.I'll follow the instructions and hope for the best!! "Paddy-san"!!
E-mail: reidgilbert@hotmail.com
Name: Glbert Reid
From: Canada
http://

Nov 13, 2002 - 17:41 - Hi, just found your website and enjoyed reading comments from a few old shipmates. I worked for CNCo as cadet through to 2nd mate from 1988 - 1997 on Kweilin, Hupeh, Asian Pearl and far too many Chief boats. Still at sea and done a lot of interesting stuff since leaving CNCo, tried working ashore for a year but ended up back at sea. Would love to hear from anyone who remembers me!
E-mail: rachelkmills@hotmail.com
Name: Rachel Mills
From: Kiwi, but based mainly in the UK
http://

Nov 18, 2002 - 17:46 - Just a note to say that Richard Woodman's book "Voyage East", which of course does not concern CNCo directly, being about Blue Flue, with CNCo references, but which was very popular in CNCo in the later 1980's and has been out of print since, has just been re-published. If anyone wants a copy I can get them one, because Richard drops in to see us whenever he visits his father, who lives nearby.
E-mail: ACraigBennett@aol.com
Name: Andrew Craig-Bennett
From: Woodbridge, Suffolk, UK
http://

Nov 20, 2002 - 20:13 - Hellow again folks. Just a brief message to inform you that JC has changed his e-mail address.See below:
E-mail: marlou@shaw.ca
Name: John Cochran
From: Vancouver (area) BC
http://

Nov 24, 2002 - 16:22 - I'd like to trace an old friend I've lost touch with and wonder if any of your members can help me. Harry Jackson was a Chief Engineer with CNCo in the 50's and I knew him when he took a spell ashore in the early 60's before returning again to his old love. I last had contact with him in the 70's when I moved to Italy. I'd be delighted to have a chance to meet up with him again or even to hear any news of him that anyone is kind enough to let me have.
E-mail: haroldwilson.knowles@tin.it
Name: Harry Knowles
From: Monfalcone, Italy
http://

Nov 30, 2002 - 03:28 - I recently received a very sad e-mail and this message serves to advise all members who know him that our old friend Micky Seale is seriously ill.
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stu Shields
From: Earth
http:// www.swiremariners.com

Nov 30, 2002 - 07:39 - Love the music, nice and happy. I am still hunting for any information about my Uncle Bill. I think I have bothered Charlotte and everybody at China Navigation HQ but if anybody has anything slotted away in the backs of their minds I would be grateful. Thank you, Mike Doe.
E-mail: MchlDoe@aol.com
Name: Michael Doe
From: at last time of checking it was planet Earth,LONDON W7 3QB
http://

Nov 30, 2002 - 08:28 - Just visited your Allied Chinese Ships Association,loved it so much that I e-mailed the Hon.Sec. about SS.Shuntein., awaiting answer.
E-mail: MchlDoe@aol.com
Name: Michael Doe
From: London England.
http://

Dec 11, 2002 - 08:40 - As my family have been guests from time to time at the Merchant Navy Hotel in Lancaster Gate I was on the mailing list of a recent letter announcing its closure! Being both an ex mariner and an ex patriot the hotel has been able to give relief to my feelings of nostalgia for the sea and for life in the UK that surface now and again.Perhaps influenced by my contentment even my family whose exposure to life at sea has been minimal felt especially relaxed surrounded by the warmth of its nautical atmosphere. The hotel is comfortable,well located and affordable. I wonder how many of you would agree with me what a pity it is that the guardians with the responsibility for the care of this asset possessing such depth of character and nautical tradition should allow its destruction by succumbing to the financial temptations of the shallow get rich quick property developers who seduced them. Regards, David Cooper
E-mail: davidcooper77@hotmail.com
Name: David Cooper
From: Yokohama
http://

Dec 13, 2002 - 07:54 - I agree with some of David Cooper's comments over the closure of the MN Hotel. I spent part of my honeymoon there in 1959, couldn't afford to remain at the Mount Royal at Marble Arch where the travel people had booked us!! In the pat few years we have stayed at Lancaster Gate at least twice p.a., now we shall have to scrounge a bed from one of my sons in London! I believe the use of the hotel by serving mariners has dropped off and as the owner is the MN Welfare Board I think it is right to make the most of their asset if the money is required for welfare purposes. (The beer there wasn't very good!!). I note that of the alternatives offered The Naval Club has special membership rates for "Ancient Mariners", how many of us qualify for that?
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From: Bexhill for the incontinent
http://

Dec 17, 2002 - 00:47 - Mark,are the white blobs floating down my screen anything to do with your computer being buried in snow?
E-mail: davidcooper77@hotmail.com
Name: David Cooper
From: Yokohama
http://

Ed: White blobs? WHITE BLOBS? They're snowflakes, Santa!

Dec 17, 2002 - 04:25 - Fellow mariners as Christmas Dinner with the family approaches cast your mind back to some of the memorable ones you spent at sea and share them with us. My contribution Xmas Day late 1950's on course for Shanghai from West coast Japan.As dinner came to a conclusion everyone in a "jolly" mood the usual toasts to the Queen,Country,Flag and Company completed the skipper called for quiet then took his place standing on his chair with some difficulty,then proceeded to sing- "I'm a fairy on a tree I'm as happy as can be etc etc" Absolutly stunned everyone but not unexpected of this master who we were privilaged to have sailed with,I dont think he would mind if I refered to him as"a loveable larrikan" For you old timers who would like a clue,he wore a monacle.
E-mail: georgel@rpds.vicnet.net.au
Name: George Latham
From: Sunny,hot Victoria Oz.
http://

Dec 17, 2002 - 06:03 - George, Ref. your Xmas dinner, was he also known as The Colonel?(
E-mail:
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From:
http://

Dec 18, 2002 - 07:52 - Spot on Maurice,you win the cigar. I'm not going to tell the story of the dinner his monocle dropped into the soup,nor the morning he greeted the Lloyds surveyor and introduced himself as the 2nd engineer.Do wonderful characters like this still exist at sea? I would like to think they do.
E-mail: georgel@rpds.vicnet.net.au
Name: George Latham
From: Still land of oz.
http://

Dec 19, 2002 - 10:19 - Continueing George Latham's theme, who remembers the Master with a penchant for wearing blue suede shoes with his mess kit and for playing his violin behind his back? (His son-in-law ended up on the Board in London!).
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Maurice Burbidge
From:
http://

Dec 21, 2002 - 17:44 - Very pleased to find your web site. My Grandfather and Uncle, James William Bennett and Gordon Bennett were Masters with the CNC and were on several ships including the Anking and the Anshun.
E-mail: welchmk@bigpond.com
Name: Mark Welch
From: Australia - Central Coast NSW
http://

Have one for me!

Dec 24, 2002 - 03:06 - A Merry Merry Christmas everyone!!! With Best Wishes...David cooper& family
E-mail: davidcooper77@hotmail.com
Name: David Cooper
From: Yokohama
http://

Dec 24, 2002 - 16:03 - Merry Christmas all you old sea dogs. It is so good to see so many of you out and about and still enjoying life. Do join us at the SMA meetings next year, you'll enjoy meeting all your old shipmates. Oh and Mark...........she's lovely
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stu Shields
From: This one........High Wycombe
http:// Swiremariners.com

Dec 28, 2002 - 07:50 - Members all:- I'm trying to find John Third. I sent him a letter and it's been returned. If anyone knows of his whereabouts, please let me know
E-mail: SShie70652@aol.com
Name: Stu Shields
From: High Wycombe
http:// www.swiremariners.com

Dec 28, 2002 - 12:52 - Mark, What a smasher! You'll have to teach her the ditty: I eat my peas with honey, I've done it all my life; It makes the peas taste funny, But it keeps them on my knife. Best wishes for the coming year to you and all the "fleet". Maurice
E-mail: mauber@care4free.net
Name: Ancient Mariner
From: Bexhill-on-Sea
http://

Dec 31, 2002 - 03:14 - Another year's passing But I sure won't frown Cos as from tomorrow It'll take less time to scroll down! May the New Year be kind to all. Bev (and Robbie) Kidd.
E-mail: bejokidd@denmarkwa.net.au
Name: Bev and Robbie Kidd
From: The ship-shape end of W.A.
http://

What a year! Nothing queer, have no fear.