Swire Mariners Association

" SOFA, so good "

Photos - Ye Olde Rogues' Gallery

The Davids Crockett and Cooper...
If we post this in the SMA log, mabye Stu will cover the tab...

... do what a lot more of you sleepy souls ought to do, and that's send in a snap or two to let us know you're still alive. Here are D. Crockett,
avec chapeau CNCo as is his wont, with D. Cooper and family in the Mariners Club HK on Jan 28, 2010. The three stunners between our Pillars Of Society are, left to right, Cooper-san's daughter, Cooper-san's son's girlfriend and Cooper-san's timeless bride. Were El Crocketto's daughters there as well, all could have staged a beauty contest, we reckon. Why are we men so ugly?



While polishing his cranium recently...

At least the odd beer can never do us any harm.

...Secretary Stu was reminiscing about the time he had hair. Here's a rare picture of Stu at leisure on a Port Line vessel, with drinking associate Ian Butler.





Here's a cheerful shot of David and Nagako Cooper with their lovely daughter (wearing the Darth Vader hat) and her boyfriend. Dave is the one with all the hair at the back. Literally :)



Curry Luncheon, 12.6.09...

I can't believe we ate all that...

...with the usual suspects in attendance. Keep it up, chaps!



Whatever floats your boat...

Come on Stu, get yer boiler suit on and down below, it's time for the off.

June 9th, 2009, heralded a delightful marine excursion for SMA members and friends. 'Waverley' departed Clevedon, Avon, and against all odds, returned. Click for pics.



Escaping the NZ winter, en route to Blighty...

Do you think when the waiter has finished taking our picture he might bring us another peanut, Jimmy?

...the Daishes were entertained to an expansive Mariner's Club buffet by the ubiquitous and unstoppable Captain "Davey" Crockett. Darrell and his wife Jennifer are flying to England to join planned SMA festivities in June '09.



Keen as they are to justify their bonuses...

We're having a good time, OK?  No we WON'T smile.

...the SMA Committee suffered yet another gruelling meeting on your behalf at the Ship Inn, Aldermaston on April 7th, 2009. Decisions aplenty were made excepting, perhaps, who should pay for the last round before time is called. Did Dudley escape his shout once more, we wonder?



Not all of us can boast daughters as lovely as this...

Alright, Daddy dear, we've posed for your friends... now get your wallet out, it's your shout

...but Jimmy (Davey) Crockett can. Here is our Hong Kong-based stalwart in the Mariners' Club with his beautiful offspring, both of whom are CEOs, apparently. And we don't think that stands for Chief Engineering Officer.

If you've not visited Jimmy's fascinating blog, you should:
http://blog.360.yahoo.com/james_m_crockett

Those who frequent the Ship's Log will know that "Davey" is a regular contributor, seemingly bounding from one adventure to another. Here we see our action hero at the Hong Kong Film Convention, this time wearing his (CNCo) acting hat as he promotes the latest children's movie..

OK, now where's my lollipop?

Click on the picture to see an action shot from the film :)

And here is our pet action figure hitting the late night scene in Hong Kong's 'Backstage' nightclub with legendary drummer Fernando Carpio....

Yes, I think I'm getting younger...

Does he never sleep?



"It is an ancient Mariner..."

OK, Burbidge-san, where is beer?

Click ye pic for new pictures of old occasions. Thanks, AM.



The Cypriot branch of the SMA on a trade mission?

Bet they're jealous, back there in all that snow...

Evidence of a very pleasant Sunday afternoon at John Preston's house in Townsville. From left to right: John Preston (Harbour Master), Hugh Ripley (Pilot), John Madeley & Sue Preston (JP's 1st Wife). JP gets our vote, having a G&T in one hand and a beer in the other.



The DAG Memorial Curry took place in late '08...

Never mind the picture, mate.  Got a fiver?

Hahaha!  Must be years since we saw a Brownie 127...

Once again, it became clear why the importation of Cobra and Kingfisher beers from Mumbai to Pimlico is such a worthwhile undertaking.



A grand old lady. The car, not Surraya...

Dang.  Never could master those handbrake turns.

Members may not be aware that aside from his reputation as a master of the thinking gentleman's wardrobe, Mr. A.F. Perry (CNCo, rtd.) is also known for holding up the traffic on Devon roads. It's worth it, though. Alan is the proud owner of this beautiful Model T Ford, which at 93 years old is looking a lot better than most of us will. Click on ye pic for a larger rendition in PDF format. Passengers are the lovely Surraya Perry and her granddaughter and grandson.



Captain Coneybeare's cultural curry club...

Hello, Sooty!

Curry Lunch aboard HQS Wellington? Heck, it'll be the Palace next. In attendance, 27/11/08 were Jim Conybeare, Dudley Groves, Graeme Drewery, Chris Coulcher, Trevor Kay-Russell, David Falkner, James Adams and Stu Shields. Stu took the picture but didn't want to be left out, so we morphed him in, albeit legless.



It's offishal (hic!)...

Buy a round or you're wearing concrete boots, matey.

John Madeley and Neil Morris are seen here at the inauguration of the SMA (Cyprus) branch. John is doing his best to hold it up (the Swire flag, that is). Actually, this is "the morning after", but at least it appears that a couple of fine ales for breakfast are a better idea than the local Cypriot coffee. The lady in charge looks suitably bemused. Well done, chaps!



A new series of The Sopranos? No, it's...

Buy a round or you're wearing concrete boots, matey.

Click glasses for more...



They said it couldn't be done...

But it was. Learn of exciting times on the river in April '08!

Hey ho!  Glad we brought beer!


A mere half a century later... Member George Latham nipped back to Shanghai to see whether things were the same as they were when he visited on "Poyang" in 1958. Er, not, but in a very positive way. Read George's account of his visit in the 2008 Ship's Log. Here are two pics of the Butterfield & Swire HQ. One includes George, for those who have trouble telling which was taken when.

Hey ho!  Sun's shining, too!

Ye Olde But Very Large HQ Wot Is Somewhat Larger Than Quarry Baye Todaye
From Capt G. Torrible's book 'Yangtze Reminiscences'. Reprinted here with kind permission of John Swire & Sons Ltd. London.



It's 2008, and he's at it again...

Hmmm... which way now?  Bloody place looks like Sussex to me...

News reaches us that 'Motor' Markland has carved up the world's highways and byways once more in that old car of his. This time, it was South East Asia, through Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and probably a few other places that hadn't been discovered. Apparently the Bentley behaved admirably and Myra enjoyed the five star accommodation en route. See inset for the very latest in Gucci rally wear. Hardy stuff!

Paul's report of the rally makes good reading. Paul also took seventeen million snaps. See them here and here.



Never think that your SMA Committee...

Of course we're smiling, Stu, the waitress just stuck the bill in your back pocket!

... is not working hard on your behalf: the November curry.

Above you see JTKR indulging in strange behaviour with a raincoat; Chairman Graeme practicing his skills as a ventriloquist with some doll from New Zealand (Hi there, Charlotte!), Debonair Dud proudly displaying the same 'Coral Princess' tie he's worn for thirty-odd years and Jules "No Rules" Thorogood demonstrating that English breweries have some way to go before declaring bankruptcy.

I think I must have left it in my cabin... the taxi... maybe the... oh, I don't know...

Ale was taken, but neither our Chairman nor Committee Member JTKR look impressed as Debonair Dud explains why he shouldn't be paying for the round as he only bought one twenty years ago. Those who know him well, however, would testify that on that occasion he only paid because Jimmy "The Duke" of "Windjammer Pub" fame, Yokohama, managed to catch him as he slid out the door :)



The Commodore and the Chiefs...

We'll just get the formalities over with, chaps, and then we'll go below for a couple of G and T's and a nice curry.  Do you do much cooking yourself?

Captain Cyril Cocksedge has sent us this photograph of former CNCo fleet Commodore, Captain Van Ralty Woolfe with native chiefs from the Papua New Guinea Highlands on a visit to Chekiang in Lae, 1964. They had never seen a ship before. (from Swire Marine News, Autumn 2004)

Cyril was Mate. As those who follow our Ship's Log will know, Van Ralty passed away in August 2007. We think the bloke on the left may be Stu Shields after too many hours in the sun, but we're not sure.



Hoorah for Henley! Online at last!

How CNCo seafarers saw their future when they were twenty-five.

With gushing apologies to those who have waited patiently to see who was afloat in June 2007, we present The Henley Snaps. Click on Ye Pic.

And later still, we've finally got around to sorting out the Falkirk 2006 collection. Click on the yachties!

Lifeboat drill...



Shipowner, spouse and seafarer

Mr & Mrs Polynesia Line, Jens & Bente Jensen, with our secretary Stu Shields during a recent trip to the UK to see the wonders of High Wycombe (the centre of the gnome world).



And the latest in SMA headwear for 2007 is...

My head's not really square, but it often feels that way.

A flurry of emails following the posting of the pictures below of Messrs. Perry and Thomson confirms that:

1. Mr. Thomson's hat was actually procured in China in 1961, so it is probably a dead cat. Meow Tse Tung, perhaps.
2. Although not shown in the pith-ture below (sorry!), Mr. Perry also owns a fur hat from China which he was told is grey rabbit fur, so it's probably also a dead cat. Alan once had a half-blind bus collector trying to extract a fare from him for the "small dog" he had on his lap. Everybody fell about laughing when he put his "dog" on his head.

At Mr. Perry's insistence, Mr. Beaumont models the very essence of fashionable headwear, above (anything but a baseball cap, says Alan) just to show that he is also quite willing to appear a total twit at times. Why change now?

Aw, what the heck: here's the 2006 baseball cap...

Try to look normal, Mark... we're on camera.

...with friend Arlo Guthrie... we were well on the way to Alice's Restaurant at this point. Just as well it has a bar.

Any more crazy cranial covers out there?



I'm really happy.  Really.  If you think I look glum, you should see me on a bad day.

It seems that the photograph below of Mr. A.F. Ponsonby Perry-Pillock (with Bar) below has inspired other keen followers of fashion to illustate the latest trends. Here we have one Alistair Thomson, XXXX (for it is he) showing us how the careful deployment of a comatose wallaby can make a lovely warm hat for those chilly Queensland winters. He has thought of exporting the concept to Old Blighty, being concerned for Mr. Perry's health on inclement days, but is a little worried that the furry little fellas might wake up.



The Empire is not dead!

Hmmm... hope the natives are friendly.

This rare photo of the (Mombasa) Casablanca Bar's favoured customer, Mr. A.F. Perry, being rowed ashore by locals (not necessarily maidens) shows how, in our globalised world, Mombasa almost looks like Dartmouth these days.

Anyway, we've promised not to take the pith.



Gordon McLennan of NZ was six in 1946...

It's tough here in Fiji.

... but must have been very handy with a camera. Gordon has been kind enough to send us the marvellous shots of Hong Kong of that era that you'll find if you click on this picture of Gordon and his lovely wife enjoying themselves at their son's wedding in Fiji. We'd smile too, Gordon, if the in-laws were paying :)

UPDATE: Gordon has also forwarded this fabulous Powerpoint show of Hong Kong in Ye Olde Days, when men were men and sheep were terrified of the fact.

Gordon writes:

"This will certainly stir a tear in the eye with our long-time HK members, it certainly did me... it came to me from Richard Worrall ex-HK Police Superintendent and my mate from our young Taikoo days. Richard was born in Stanley camp; his father was Captain Bill Worrall of the biggest salvage tug of that time, `Taikoo`, and a very personal friend of my father `Charlie`."

Not got a Powerpoint Viewer installed? Get it free here.



Terry Connell has sent us these fine 'Soochow' shots...

Smoko.  Just as well it's after 0800.

Bobby Porter3/M, Terry Connell 2/M, Leo MacGowan 4/M, Martin Tollen 4/E & Ginger Parkinson 2/E

Do engineers have knees?

Bobby Porter,Ginger Parkinson, Ship's Doctor (sorry, no name) and Mike Dixon 3/E



Bond. James Bond.

Shades, man.  You need shades.

It had been a long day. Bond was tired, and knew it. Turning his best side to the camera, he breathed in, flattened his abs and gave that look that only he could achieve and which Miss Moneypenny loved so well. But little did Bond know that, within seconds, the small town of Port Kembla would experience a maritime disaster of epic proportions. Confused, he looked in vain for the brake pedal...

Some of you may be able to read the real caption. Meanwhile, Cyril has also been kind enough to send this:

We drink it neat.  Oh yes.

This fine shot is from 'Tientsin', 1967. Left to right: C/E Noel Dowzer, 2/E Bill Urwin, Capt. Cyril Cocksedge, C/O Dudley Groves, 2/M (?) and 3/M Andy Lansdale.



Now these pics will jog a few cogs...

Drat.  Where are my smokes?

Member Alistair Thomson has sent the SMA dozens of wonderful photographs of the fleet in the '60s, together with a few of the lads as well, of course. You'll enjoy these. Thanks, Alistair! Click on the pic to wander down Memory Lane, sob sob....



Yikes! Topless crew in Moreton Bay ...

Wa-ha-hey!  Don't build 'em like this any more!

"Didn't catch up with Mr. Steer on my recent voyage south, but did give him a wave when I went past." - Tony R..

Another titillating picture of Rampant Ravenhill's curvy physique can be seen in our 2006 Ship's Log. Don't all rush.



Who needs food?  We're having fun here, mate.  Mind you, Fellowes has just seen the bill.

The DAG Memorial Curry, 2007 ... here we see stalwart supporters, drinking to his memory. In the picture are Peter "Cashmere" King, Jim "Hawaii" Coneybeare, Trevor "Mountain Man" Kay-Russell, Dudley "Peepers" Groves, Andrew "Don't Mind If I Do" Craig-Bennett, David "My Round Again?" Falkner, Geoff "Lifeboat" Havilland, David "I'm Not Paying" Fellowes and Les "Drinking Arm" French.



Once upon a time, under the British flag ...

This Persil stuff works pretty well, doesn't it?  Give the laundryman a bonus.

Thanks to Gilbert Reid for this 1961 group from "Chefoo". Click on the picture for a larger rendition with full details.



Simon Healy reminds us of gruelling days on Polynesia ...

Whose turn is it to pop the next cork?

Present in the picture are Simon Healy - Gadget, Norman "Onesock" McNee - C/O, Andy Richards - C/E, Vince Cullen - ETO, and Howie Ratcliffe - Old Man. The date is August 1997 and yes, it's a Sunday.

You'd think they'd tidy those sails up, wouldn't you?



Charlie Mullin has sent us this great shot from 'Poyang'...

Smoke-O as it used to be ...

The date is 1960 or 1961 (anyone got the roster?) and this shot of raucous New Year celebrations shows a very young Robbie Kidd, left, Charlie, 3/O, R/O and C/E Archie Blue.



Dark Moment paid a visit to Hong Kong in Sept. 2006 ...

If we all keep smiling, people might think the airline is making money ...

First port of call was the Cathay Pacific 60th Anniversary Gala (free beer). In the pic are Sam Swire, Judy and Capt. Charles 'Chic' Eather (who wrote 'Syd's Pirates') Lady Judith Swire and Merlin Swire. Oh, and some grinning idiot at the back. Sir Adrian must have been getting the beers in.

Duck's feet soup?  You've got to be joking, mate.

A visit to Lamma was a must, of course, on 'EQV' with the Cresswells and Taylors. Ale was taken.

If I stand in the shade they'll never know this suit is a twenty-year old 'Jacky Tailor' special

Your web master with Cathay's original aircraft 'Betsy' in the Hong Kong Science Museum...

Pity they got the globe the wrong way round ...

...who also paid a visit to Cathay City where this replica of 'Niki' is now on display. With Chic and Judy again. Chic was giving a series of lectures in Hong Kong.

Hold me, darlink... I thimk I'm gonna fall ofer.

Ex-'Coral Princess' Cruise Director and Hotel Manager Richard Haver joined Dark Moment in demonstrating that even at their advanced age it is possible to drink San Mig until 4:30 a.m. with few ill effects. Until the next day, that is.

Gorgeous, glamorous, pouting sex siren Petty Haver, the beautiful, bodacious Doris Luk and some other people

And finally, a shot of DM, Doris Luk, Alan Lloynd, Petty Haver and Ben Lau after a spot of Japanese luncheon.

It was fun to be back.



Annette Salmon has sent us this shot of husband Geoff ...

You think that's bad, mate, you should have seen the bow of ours.

...together with three more of CNCo men of the late 60s. Noel Dowzer and Little Johny Haines in pics 3 & 4 have been identified by one T. Ravenhill, but we're stumped as to the identity of two of the gang sharing a bottle of Gordons on the night watch. Stu thinks the chap on the left is Barry Keeble; FJT says the middle chap is Bill Elton. Can you confirm, team? We'll update this posting, if and when names are known ...

Piece of cake, these night watches, aren't they?

Recognise me?

The Tom Cruise look, CNCo, 60s



How the poor struggle by, Down Under ...

Anybody good at knots?

Here's a couple from The Land of the Amber Nectar. Chris Coy meets Cyril and Beth Osborne after many years, while Tony Ravenhill gives a new meaning to "On the rocks, please". Thanks, Tony, for sending these in to the SMA.

Hey Chris!  Got any more of that beer?

Nothing to it, mate.  Just push this thing, don't you?



Aaayaaah!  Him speak Cantonese with his nose!

"Guess the conversation kinda dried up". Shippers' party on board "Chefoo" around 1961.

Thanks to Gilbert Reid (Paddy-san to China Coasters) 5/E,4/E & 3/E China Nav, Oct 1959 to Oct 1962. MV Chefoo, MV Tsingtao, SS Fengning.



My Dad's only 33, you know.  He told me so.

Here's a space filler in the shape of one Web Brat plus six-year-old-going-on-sixteen Kate Da Great and six-month-old-I-just-weed-on-your-leg-Daddy John Montgomery B. This pic is in celebration of the fact that Dark Moment has just been told that all the lumps the surgeons recently removed from his anatomy are BENIGN! This is indeed good news (for him and them, at least) although there's clearly a risk that his brain was removed in the process if the quacks are correct in their assessment of inactive tissue.



All aboard the M.S. Oldenfart, Bristol (Channel) fashion!

Better get this done BEFORE we set sail, just in case ...

Out for the day, in a flurry of spray! A successful summer sail! See Leisure on Lundy here.



Seen in Yokohama, Japan ...

Do you think we look fat?  It's all paid for.

Messrs. Cooper, Watkins and Bent, respectively, who gathered for a few ales recently. Geoff Bent is captain of some German ship or other and the other two stalwarts live in Japan, of course.

Yokohama yokels

The second shot shows better halves and some small people. Jasmin Bent (whose capture all those years ago by Geoff is still a matter of great sadness to many a young 'Coral Princess' officer) is not present in the picture, regrettably.



Their toil is never ending, and right arms are bending ...

Ha!  Little do they know where their subscriptions go, tee hee!

Once more, SMA Committee members take the trouble to meet on your behalf to discuss details of forthcoming SMA activities and why, for his Lundy stay, The Ancient Mariner has picked an hotel without a bar in it. Has he cracked? Should he be put down? Such gruelling meetings are par for the course for our hardworking team. We must thank them for their labours.



Hair's one from twenty-odd years ago ....

Just think .. in a few years, we'll both be as bald as PJR, ha ha!

Your web brat and the then Tonnage Manager of CNCo, one James Hughes Hallett, demonstrate their confidence in the vessel to newly arrived "Coral Princess" passengers. Hmmm ... wonder what JHH is doing these days .... :)



NEW! Actually, old. Starting in 1958 ...

Oooh, Cyril, you're so .... big.

Thanks go to Cyril Cocksedge for sending in the sort of stuff we relish. Click on "Cyril's Chest" to find out more.



A Cotteswolde excursion ...

Happy Chappies

Graeme Drewery, Stu Shields and Dudley Groves drove out to Stroud on January 12, 2006 to visit Ralph Kennett, who is taking it easy for a bit in Stroud General. Ralph was clearly full of indomitable spirit. It is rumoured that when the gang of three left the hospital, they spent an hour driving around Stroud trying to buy a bottle of Indomitable.

(Sadly, Ralph passed away a week after this photograph was taken. He is missed by many. This picture below is probably how he would like to be remembered - MAJB)

Double at Mill



The DAG Memorial Curry was duly celebrated in 2005 ...

Sing WHAT? JINGLE BELLS?  You've got to be kidding, mate.

Girls, click on the image for a larger rendition if you wish to feast on every contour of these fine, well-honed physiques.



He's still not an SMA member, but then he never could sail. Many of you will remember John Watkins, of Yokohama Chinatown "Tavern" fame. John, like other notorious CNCo alumni we could mention, used to take snaps on the old CP, but the beer got the better of him. So he went on to get the better of it, and started selling it, and very successfully.

Here's proof that it pays to drink. These screengrabs from online conversations between two old lags show firstly John with beer in hand, in Tokyo by night; the second shot is at 1100 in the morning. Now which would you rather be?

What are YOU drinking, Beaumont?

Gawd, my brain hurts

John's watering establishments continue to prosper if you have a yen for that kind of thing. Visit Watters at www.the-tavern.com. Or for real, of course.



Dark Moment's little daughter has been a busy bee ...

Your father drinks WHAT?

Now, where's that bribe?

To see more of Kate The Great's big day with Chas and the missus go to www.britishmemorialgarden.org



Kelvin Troughton's grandson's christening, August 2005 ...

Keep smiling, Julie ... you can't fall asleep yet

Well that was nice ... now where's the food?

Soon afterwards, Kelvin had a rough time of it during Hurricane Katrina. See our 2005 Ship's Log.



The 2005 Thames Cruise was wet, as rivers are ....

Oi!  Grab that crocodile ... we forgot lunch.

See who was there or here and there here.



At the June Kingston curry, Stu's brother turned up ...

Press the button then, you twat!

You'd think it'd be Stu's turn for the wig by now, wouldn't you? Anyway, good to see the lads enjoying themselves ...



More on toupees ... we're now accepting advertisements:

Buy me and keep some

What will you tell YOUR wife?

A representative of Mitchell Tankers recently called on the SMA Secretary in High Wycombe and this exciting new deal was developed over several ales.



STOP PRESS! SMA Secretary seen with real doll!

You're a bit stiff, lass, aren't you?  Smile for the camera ...

You can't keep a good man down. And even Stu gets up occasionally. We're pleased to see that he's keeping good company; in fact, he's never been happier. Says "she doesn't smell, doesn't yell and she's grateful as hell. Bit quiet, though." Ah well, she is British, Stu.

This chance liaison was after more Kingston Curry. They'd better be careful that this doesn't become a habit.

More beer, did you say?  Yes, I'll 'ave 'arf.
Left to right: Camilla Parker Bowles, Stunned Mullet, Cheech and Chong, Redneck, Bald Coot, Hirsute Suit, Chris Ribald, Bloke I remember from somewhere, Man with purple clothes



Wot? The SMA Committee with no drinks in their hands?

The Incrediballs

Ha! Yes, we'll smile for another bottle!  Thanks, Jules!

Om the table, yes .. two or three bottles, it seems ... but not in their hands. Decisive and determined, our courageous committee members braved the complexity of the London Underground to meet at Swire House in February. What on earth they decided is another matter, but it does seem that there are plans afoot. See our Meetings page for more.



Carry on currying, 28th January 2005...

What?  Er, yes, sorry, that was me ...

So, knowing my rules of the road, I turned Shearwater to the left, and whaddya know, the idiot turned right .... BANG!

We're glad to report that the monthly London Curry Lunch remains well supported and that the Pimlico venue (illustrated) has favourable flavours. Spot the stranger!



News of the SMA Media Conference in New York, USA ...

Ha ha ha ... look at that picture of Graeme when he had hair .... and does Trevor REALLY own that tie?

Members of the executive administration of the SMA gathered at a leading venue in Long Island, New York, in December 2004 for the first SMA Media Conference. Well, two did, anyway. The event was a resounding success, with all catering records being broken for the first consecutive year. That is, they emptied the fridge, and demolished a dead cow or two.

If you think this webcam picture is fuzzy, you should have seen them an hour later ...



SMA's George Latham has been digging in his seachest ..

What do you reckon, fellas? That camera is probably the only thing that works on here.

M.V. Kwangtung Taikoo Dock prior to maiden voyage, March 1959. Left to right: Bruce Bolland 2/E, Chang 6/E, Tom Richardson 5/E (motorship time for his double barrel), George Latham 3/E, Peter Martin 4/E, Bob Nickerson C/E

Hey lassie ... I thought you Japanese girls drank out of a glass? Anyway, that Newquay Brown'll do you no harm.

The very hub and by far the most famous bar in Kobe, "Nancy's Bar". Nancy is the one facing the camera (George can't remember her assistant's name), George is in front, Tom Richardson is in profile. The other two gentlemen are unknown, perhaps Jardines (Humph ... I wonder if we should charge them rent to be on this page? Nice to see men properly attired when up the road, nevertheless - MAJB).



Is it a bird? Is it a 'plane? Or is it Noggin The Nog?

And for my next trick ...

This is the first photograph (and we had hoped, the last) of the festivities at Greenwich in June 2004. Here's Julian Thorogood wearing 'The Hat' and doing his impersonation of Harry Potter. What some people will do for warm beer ... anyway, lots more piccies here, thanks to Chris Nugent, who managed to stay out of all the shots by taking them.



Our Secretary once had hair ... well, sort of ...

Barber?  What barber?

Thanks to Chairman Graeme for this great shot and to Stu's lovely Jill for being better looking. Nipper Paul is a bit bigger these days too, as is brother Matthew ...



How the Merchant has changed since the good old days ...

Hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil ...

John Reilly 2/E, Henry McGecchie 3/E and Calum Anderson C/O - Chefoo, c1960. What a handsome trio. What you'd call mug shots, I suppose.

Fill 'er up, please ... I've still an hour before my watch

Henry "Yes thanks, same again" McGecchie

You're kidding, right?  They've booked me Economy?

Ralph Kennett and Charlie Nesbitt: Ralph leaving Kai Tak about 1961 for UK leave. No wonder he looks happy.

One of our antipodean associates has been kind enough to dig these certificates of comradeship out of his seachest. Thank you, Cyril! Not sure the lads will, though.



MAG BEER MUNA TAYO! Farewell, Dave McHugh ...

How does she do that, Stu? ..... I dunno, Dave.  You don't see that in High Wycombe too often...

Dave's the sober looking fellow on the right. The one on the left wearing a pair of curtains is, of course, Sec Shields, no stranger himself to M.H. Del Pilar and Mabini ...



No one's sent us any snaps from the London Eye, so ...

Wheel meet again .....

Hey, Stu ... tough breathing in like this, innit? Keep smiling

... you'll just have to put up with Mark Beaumont's family album. The other old geezer in the oversized coat is your esteemed Secretary, Blind Stu, who lived up to his name by the end of the Cocktail Party that followed the circuit on the Eye. No cameras there, either, but just as well probably.



Don't worry, Ayesha, I've brought the handbook

Not content with spreading used Castrol all over Europe, China and South America, "Motor" Markland is at it again. This time, it's the 2003 Classic Safari Rally in that big bit with all the zebras, together with unsuspecting daughter Ayesha. Choice of transportation is a 1936 4.25-litre Derby Bentley. You'd think he'd get a new one. Wish them luck!



Spot the Jolly Jacks in this month's exciting competition!

Blimey, Mate, I told you you should have gone on leave ...

This happy gathering dates from 'Anking', 1970, at West Point Wharf, Hong Kong; sent to us by an officer present in the picture. Can you name these softhearted sailors? A free banana to the first correct entry! Answers on a postcard, please, to ... oh alright, go to the bottom of this page.



Now this is what the Rogues' Gallery should be about ...

Didn't do too badly, did I?

Long-lost seafarer David Cooper has sent us this wonderful snap of his lovely Nagako quaffing jars of the amber nectar, together with the rest of his great-looking family! He's still got his own hair, it would appear! (beer taken 11/8/02)



Get on with it, Dark Moment, I need more ice ... Psst ... if you don't take your hand off my bloody shoulder, you're a dead man ...

David "Worldscale What?" Mitchell paid a surprise visit to the New York Orifice of the SMA during early September. Ale was supped. If you've not seen him for a while, he hasn't changed much; still an ugly SOB blessed with the lovely Chrissie who remains, as you can see, a stunningly beautiful wife who must have been short-sighted in her youth.



The SMA visits London's Tower - voluntarily! Click ye pic:

'ere, where are that lot off to?



How our mighty adventurers roam! DRW, for one (or two) ... spotted in Long Island, New York, in June 2002, the legendary globe-Walker (second left) is seen here with Mark Beaumont, David "The Tan" Falkner and unwitting transatlantic crew member Charley Farley. What's on the shoulders? Well, we were a bit short of parrots ...

'Pass me my glass .. you only need one hand for the camera ...'

His present epic is just one of several famous voyages ...

'Just another two fingers then ...'

'Have we got wind? ...'

Not to mention the legendary mound-mounter, JTKR ...

'Now where was that oxygen mask? ...'



'Well, at least we got past The Tower without losing our heads ... now where's the Esky, Stu?'



The Rogues' Gallery kicked off with a Poly reunion ...

Who's paying for this lot anyway, Stu?

Various old salts told crusty tales at a grand meet of the pride of Polynesia on the 28th September, 1999. Party to the night's festivities were Jens Jensen (Interocean Steamship President) and his wife Bente; Jill and Stuart Shields; Graeme Drewery, Julian Gomersal, Dave Snowdon, Dave Porter and Gary Wayland. John Madeley sent apologies.

Needless to say, a fine time was had by all. All SMA members are invited to send in pictures of family and friends to build this Rogues' Gallery into a veritable wonderland of momentous memories. All lawsuits will be totally ignored.

Beats working for a living, doesn't it, fellows?



Most members will know that David Gledhill, the venerable founder of The Curry Lunch among many other significant achievements, left us at the end of 1999, thereby getting out of buying a round at his farewell curry. David would have appreciated no better tribute than the 30-something SMA members (and others) who set the Buckingham Balti House ablaze (with Vindaloo, that is) in his memory.

Get on with it, waiter ... I need a Carlsberg

HOW MUCH?  You can't be serious!  Did someone have two beers, perhaps? Not mine ... give it to that bloke over there

Most of those present subsequently attended David's funeral at St. Mary's, The Boltons (when they finally found it) and were graciously received at the Gledhill home by Kyoko Gledhill thereafter. David Gledhill's premature departure from this life leaves us poorer for it.



By guest appearance in the SMA Rogues' Gallery (it'll cost 'em next time) we welcome all friends from Down Under:


Old navigators never lose their stability, just their sextants



A blast from the past! We've been sent this marvellous photo - taken in the Piano Bar, Yokohama in 1964 - of the fine men of M.V. "Woosung" ...

Bet they don't dress as smartly as this to go ashore in 36 years time, chaps ... and the beer will cost plenty

Left to right: 2/E Bert Murdoch, 3/E Steamy McNaught, John Kelly, R/O Sparks Ewerfield, Ist Mate Dave Holland, C/E Barry Gant



Here's Dark Moment getting told what for by his lovely new Katherine at nine hours old ... born 8th June 2000 and already in charge. Uh oh. This could get expensive ...

And another thing, Dad ... about my allowance ...



A noteworthy addition to our site: our first topless shot! Here we find one Graeme Drewery, Chairman of the SMA, in earlier days. How, we ask, will he get his Avro Vulcan bomber out of his cabin, let alone fly it? This notwithstanding, this snap inspired our Cathay Pacific page.

Now where did I put that nuclear warhead?



Send in your own family news and snapshots and bore everyone to tears! Most importantly, we'd like to see pictures of any group reunions. Thanks.

'Anking' answers: Captain Calum Anderson, 2/E David Harrison, Stuart Hutton, 3/O Julian Thorogood (yes, he was young once, apparently) C/O Syd Payne proudly holding newly arrived cadet Annabelle Payne, C/E Twiggy Thorburn.







































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































































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