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Please note that the hard copy newsletter differs from this one which is edited onto the relevant pages on the site. Also, unless otherwise requested, for reasons of security personal contact details are not shown on the web edition. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this Newsletter. ANY CONTRIBUTIONS FOR INCLUSION IN THE NEXT NEWSLETTER SHOULD BE SENT TO THE EDITOR BEFORE THE END OF SEPTEMBER 2010 with the subject: Newsletter followed by your name The next Newsletter is due in OCTOBER 2010 ____________________________________________________________________________________________ I wish to thank everyone who has sent in items for inclusion in this Newsletter. Please note that all contributions for the newsletter must now be sent to the ML Hon. Editor at: editor@manchesterliners.co.uk and not to ML Hon. Secretary as previous. If any contributions have not yet appeared it is only because of the need to limit the number of pages to keep the weight for postage down to the cost of a second class stamp.
NEWSLETTER NO 16 - FEBRUARY 2010 To all our members and their families, strung out all over the world, may we wish you all a healthy and fulfilling 2010. We are in the progress of making a few changes to the Association’s officers in the main to both lighten the load and to provide back-up and continuity. Our Webmaster Derrick Howarth has sought the assistance of Ernie Moore who has already helped with updating the website during November, and has agreed to provide back-up with a view to eventually taking over. For my part as Hon Sec and Editor of the Newsletter , Ken Livingston has agreed, with the assistance of his wife Lesley, to take on the task of Editor of the magazine starting with Edition no.17 due out in September 2010. As you can imagine the volume of work for both positions has increased considerably since 2000 with a membership of 45 to the present numbers of 150, and a newsletter, and the commencement of our excellent website which is constantly being improved and expanded by Derrick. Our Hon Treasurer Peter Cullen has elected to continue with the assistance of his wife Kath to act as Treasurer and to organize the Didsbury Reunion. All future articles for the newsletter should be directed straight to Ken as his home address or by email. As Hon Sec I will continue to look after the membership, recruitment, and general correspondence and to organize the May Weekend Reunion at St Annes. We believe this is the best way forward to give the broadest coverage and support to the membership. Steve Worthington ____________________________________________________________________________________________ SUBSCRIPTIONS Please don’t forget our subscription period runs from the 1st June each year so £8.00 will be due again either at St Annes or by post around the same time. All subs to be paid directly to the Treasurer Capt Peter Cullen. A subs renewal form is enclosed. CHRISTMAS FLOWERS Every year the Association sends flowers at Christmas time to the widows of past members. Over the past year many members have very kindly donated an extra £ or two towards this fund, which is much appreciated. Thanks go also to all the members who donate prizes. It is with these funds that Peter can continue this small tribute to past shipmates. Changes to the Crew List May I please remind members who change their email addresses to let us know. Also for anyone who has a service provider which requires incoming emails to be “passed” by its “white list” – please remember that unless you add Hon Sec, Hon Treas, and Hon Web to your list you are in danger of missing communications. There are one or two members in far corners of the world who we have been unable to contact owing to the above problems. Sorry, but we really have tried!____________________________________________________________________________________________
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OLD CREW LISTS ~ from the back page
of the old ML house magazines. We currently have from March 1966 through to March 1969. If anyone has copies from any other dates please get in touch with either Steve or Derrick. (see inside front cover for contact details) ________________________________________________________________________________________________________ MLOSA WEB SITE REPORT FEBRUARY 2010This February marks the fifth anniversary of our web site. During this period it has grown from a seed of an idea into one of the most comprehensive archives of Manchester Liners and as such now attracts more traffic than any other web site on the servers of our hosting company. The success of our web site is demonstrated by the number of enquiries for membership that I receive and from the general public, many of which are because of the ancestry programmes on TV. None of this could have come about had it not been for the generosity of Institutions, Authors and Photographers in allowing me to use their material, and not least yourselves, the Members, who have supplied me with an immense amount of material relating to your time with the Company. To all concerned I extend many thanks. If what you have sent me has not yet appeared, you can be assured that it is being worked upon and not forgotten. Some items that I have received involve much work to prepare and will need a complete new section of their own on the web site. I would also like to thank member Ernie Moore for giving up his time to learn the computer programmes and the workings of the web site, and in doing so becoming a backup for me and helping to ensure its future. The latest addition to the site is a new section that is devoted to the return to Salford of our totem pole. Some of us visited it in the Lowry Mall at Salford Quays just before Christmas and I have now added details and photographs of my visit to this page. So please do keep sending your items and photographs in to me and in doing so continue to generate interest in our web site into the future. Thank you Derrick J Howarth webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk ____________________________________________________________________________________________ DIDSBURY LUNCH REUNION 2009 Once again a big thank you to Peter and Kath Cullen for organizing a great reunion which is growing in popularity every year. ____________________________________________________________________________________________ DATES FOR YOUR DIARY ST ANNES WEEKEND REUNION Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th MAY 2010 at the LINDUM HOTEL ST ANNES on SEA St Annes Reunion is almost upon us - friends and family
are all welcome.
____________________________________________________________________________________________ DIDSBURY LUNCHEON REUNION - THURSDAY 22ND OCTOBER 2009 On this occasion there were no flood warning much to
Pete’s relief, and the day dawned fair for the Reunion. During the pre-luncheon period officers of Salford Quays Project, namely Chris Charles and Abi Wareing circulated amongst members asking questions about their experiences when Salford and the docks were in their hey day. The Salford Quays Project operates out of the Lowry Centre, collecting as much information as possible about Salford and the docks for posterity. At 1300 hrs we were called to lunch. Grace was given by Michael Kendall. The noise level fell away as we sat down to an excellent meal which was well prepared and served very efficiently by the Golf Club catering staff. Towards the end of the meal we held the draw for the painting “Trafford Wharf”. John Wilkinson and Bill Harrison had decorated the tombola drum in the colours of an ML funnel, all good fun. The painting was won by Ralph Murray who lives in Canada. This was followed by a rendition by Eon Edwards and Michael
Taylor, in costume, of Nelson’s final hours at Trafalgar, as it might
have been influenced by modern Health & Safety rules. It was
very amusing and well received. I reckon that Victory would never
have left the dock under our present day rules. Again many thanks to Peter and Kath for organising another very successful Reunion especially under very difficult personal circumstances
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____________________________________________________________________________________________ unlocking salford quays
In 2009 The Lowry successfully applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund to develop a large scale project focusing upon The Lowry’s immediate surroundings on Salford Quays. The docks are at the heart of the history of the City of Salford and, because of its economic and industrial role over the past century, at the heart of Salford communities. This history however, is currently invisible to visitors to the area, with no remaining significant evidence of the heritage and importance of the location. Unlocking Salford Quays aims to creatively explore this heritage and bring it back into focus. We want to re-discover the disappearing heritage of Salford docks by exploring the people, history and traditional industries of the area and the stories it holds. We have collaborated with 25 people who worked on or lived near the docks before they closed in 1982 to create a series of short films documenting their memories of this time. By celebrating this heritage we aim to ensure that it lives on. Manchester Liners have been instrumental throughout these early stages of the project. We would like to thank Steve Worthington for kindly inviting us to the Didsbury reunion in October and also Bryan Farlow, Derrick and Ann Howarth, Rod Sellers and Ernie Moore for sharing their fascinating stories. These invaluable films are currently being used by young people and school groups to fuel and inspire further research. Having recently submitted all the work that has been developed so far, we await a decision from the Heritage Lottery Fund concerning further funding for the project. If successful, Unlocking Salford Quays will move into its second phase in March 2010. We appreciate all the hard work that has gone into the first phase and will keep Manchester Liners informed with the progress of the project. If you would like more information or to get involved please contact Abi Wareing, Unlocking Salford Quays Administrator, on 0161 876 2019 or at abi.waring@thelowry.com
national veterans day, merchant navy day & remembrance day Merchant Navy Day and the 11th November David Lever wrote from Canada: I am wearing my poppy, and remembered the Captains and crewmembers I sailed with in Manchester Liners, who served during WW2. It occurred to me that they may take comfort from the fact that the 3rd September is now officially Merchant Navy day. Those that served in both the Royal and Merchant Navies deserve our undying respect and thanks. Please find attached a short composition I put together and sent out to people in the Coast Guard, and some of my friends as an email; the vast majority of whom were born after the war; and it is my way of ensuring - "We shall remember them" With respect. Yours,Aye. Dave Lever On September 3rd 1939 (Now designated as Merchant Navy Day) The very first Canadian casualty of WW2 was Hannah Baird, stewardess drowned aboard the torpedoed SS Athenia lost in the longest battle of WW2, the Battle of the North Atlantic. World War One. There were 3,305 Allied Merchant vessels lost with 17,000 British and Commonwealth crew members lives. World War Two. There were 5,150 Allied and Neutral Merchant vessels lost with approximately 32,000 British and Commonwealth crew members lives (WW 2 total Canadian losses includes 58 Canadian registered ships 1,629 Canadian Merchant Seamen, 8 of them females including Hannah Baird), 198 Canadian MN Prisoners of war (mostly ships officers or captains captured for interogation, 8 died in captivity, ( U-boats usually left crew in liferafts and boats to perish) The German Prisoner of War camp for allied MN personnell was Milag Nord Lager III some 4,500 allied prisoners spent up to five years internment despite being classed as non-combatants. On May 10, 1945, the British Admiralty, sent a message expressing its own, and the Royal Navy’s, thanks and admiration to the Merchant Navy: …For more than five and a half years side by side with the Allied Merchant Navies in the face of continual and merciless attacks by the enemy you have maintained the ceaseless flow of sea traffic on which the life and strength of this country depend... In this historic hour we think with special gratitude of the many merchant seamen who have fallen in the fight and whose service and sacrifice will always be a proud memory. Many years after the end of the war, the Government of Canada, followed by the UK, finally recognised the Merchant Navy as Veterans, and allowed them to parade the Red Ensign (Nelsons flag prior to Trafalgar). Lest “We” Forget.
VETERANS DAY AND MERCHANT NAVY DAY The fight is on……….John Meadowcroft wrote to his MP …..… June 27th The Veterans Day has been changed to The Armed Forces Day, WHY ? This will once again exclude not only
all Merchant Seamen but also all the other civilian servicemen & women
who served their country, e.g. - the Women's Land Army, the Firemen, the
Police, and the Bevin Boys just to name a few. It took us (Merchant Navy) many years to get the acknowledgement of September 3rd as Merchant Navy Day and our own special Veteran's badge of which I am a proud owner. June 27th should remain The National Veteran's Day Please help us to get this day back for all civilian services.. John D Meadowcroft John has launched an official petition on the No 10 Official Petitions website. http://petitionsnumber10.gov.uk/KeepVetsDay/ This petition will run to December 2010 SO WHAT ABOUT MERCHANT NAVY DAY? International Mariners Remembrance Day on September 3rd. is now observed by many WW2 Allied Nations. It is interesting to note how long it took to acquire an official Merchant Navy Day, not only in the UK but worldwide. The date of 3rd September was chosen as Merchant Navy
Veterans Day because it was the anniversary of the declaration of war between
Britain and Germany in 1939 and the start of the Second World War. United Kingdom first commemoration
of Merchant Navy Day 3rd September was in 2000 A few more facts and figures ____________________________________________________________________________________________
By Brian Farlow As usual, I attended the Remembrance Service which was held close to my childhood home at nearby Eccles. Afterwards I visited Salford Quays. The photographs show
the Merchant Navy Tablet at Salford Quays: The Merchant Navy Memorial Tablet
____________________________________________________________________________________________ S.S. Manchester Brigade From: TERRY SLATTERY On a recent trip to Donegal Ireland, I came across the graves of some of the crew of the S.S. Manchester Brigade including the Captain. They are at rest at Cruit Island, Kincasslagh, Donegal. Torpedoed & sunk 26 Sept 1940 by U137 off Malin Head N Ireland
________________________________________________________________________________________________________ A BRIDGE TOO FAR - OR IS IT A BRIDGE TOO MANY?
Also in photographs 1 & 2, please note on the ship the anti-slip treads across the hatches and the ladder to the winch island. These together with lifelines rigged alongside them were to enable us to go between the bridge and after accommodations in heavy weather at sea. We lived in the bridge accommodation and the dining saloon was aft and many were the times that we got a soaking. The “Safety Elf” would have had a field day if it were now. Derrick Howarth ____________________________________________________________________________________________ RESCUE OF THE YACHT “DESERT PRINCESS 21st August 1978BY THE "SEATRAIN TRENTON" (MANCHESTER VANGUARD)
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Each Christmas Peter Cullen received a lengthy letter from Russ and Beth Eis, the crew of the stricken yacht. In 2006 it was decided to make Russ and Beth associate members of MLOSA. Jim Williams who was Chief Officer of the Seatrain Trenton went to Phoenix USA on holiday and presented Russ & Beth with a MLOSA tie and a ladies brooch. |
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| Russ & Beth with Jim Williams onboard Seatrain Trenton in 1978 | Russ Beth & Jim on presentation
of the tie and brooch October 2006 |
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They were both very honoured and wrote a letter of thanks to MLOSA.
Sadly Beth died in May last year
RESCUE OF THE YACHT “DESERT PRINCESS” 21st August 1978
In the summer of 1978 I was serving as chief officer on the Seatrain Trenton (Manchester Vanguard), under the command of Captain Peter Cullen. The vessel was on charter to Seatrain Lines, trading between Japan and California.
Whilst on passage from Tokyo to Los Angeles, during the afternoon watch of 21st August, I was alerted by a US Coastguard Hercules aircraft that a yacht was in distress some 40 miles to the west of us.
I alerted Capt. Cullen and the ship proceeded towards the casualty. On arrival we found the yacht’s steering gear was disabled and she had been drifting for four days with food and water running low.
With the aid of his outboard motor, the yacht "Desert Princess" was brought alongside and the occupants, Mr. and Mrs. R.L.Eis of Phoenix Arizona climbed the pilot ladder to board the "Trenton".
After assessing the SWL of the stores crane it was decided it was safe to lift the yacht on board, the bosun and the bosun’s mate descending the ladder to attach two strops for the lift. With the yacht safely secured, Mr. and Mrs. Els were made comfortable in the owner’s cabin and the vessel proceeded to Los Angeles.
They had been sailing from Hawaii to San Diego, where they had left their car and trailer which were then brought to L.A. by their son for the journey back to Phoenix.
Their adventure was reported in the Phoenix newspapers and the Seatrain Trenton received a letter of thanks from the U.S.Coastguard.
Capt. Cullen and I have kept in regular contact with Russ and Beth ever since and I have been to stay with them on a number of occasions and they have made me very welcome. Russ and Beth have now retired to a bungalow north of Phoenix city centre and, although "Desert Princess" has been sold, they both remain very active and travel to Vancouver Island in their motor home each summer to visit family and friends.
We were glad to be of help that August night and from it a long standing friendship has developed.
Jim Williams
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Manchester Concorde on her first call at Felixstowe
When we moved home at the end of last year, a little store of photographs came to light. I found two sets of photographs which I'd forgotten I had, of M.L. ships. One is of "Manchester Concorde" on her first-ever call at Felixstowe, and the other of "Manchester Challenge" 2 ( ex-"Dart America" ) again on her first-ever call at Felixstowe in her new paint job.
On both occasions I had arranged a visit by a group of local Manchester Liners customers to view the ships. I remember us all waiting, with Fred Briggs, for the arrival of the "Concorde" which was a little late in arriving.
Finally Fred spotted a cloud of smoke
on the horizon and told us – "There she is, the smokiest old
banger in the fleet",
which wasn't quite the image I was trying to get across to our customers!
David Hodes
I read with interest Bryan Farlow’s letter regarding
the Manchester United Munich Air disaster in 1958 because I was also on
the Manchester Spinner on that particular voyage in February 1958.
Bryan is right that the Master was Captain Osbourne, and I am pretty sure
that if Eric Askew checks his discharge book he will find that he was Chief
Officer, and also Max Kipling was either 2nd or 3rd mate. I was a
third trip apprentice and the senior apprentice was Mike Burtenshaw.
The ship was on its usual winter run calling at St. Johns and Halifax,
Nova Scotia and I think it was in this latter port that Bill Joy, the
Chief Steward, told us the awful news of the disaster.
Bill Joy arranged a ship’s collection for the benefit of the
relatives of the people killed in the tragedy and I understand this was
handed over to the main Disaster Fund when we returned to the UK. In
those days of course, professional footballers, were paid not much more
than the average wage, and the total money raised would have been
a financial cushion to the bereaved.
It is interesting to note that in Sir Bobby Charlton’s Biography, "My
Manchester United Years" (Sir Bobby was of course one of the survivors
of the tragedy) he refers to his early days at the club and the views of "the
prows of ships" from the Old Trafford Stadium. The view has changed
somewhat!
Chris Morris
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ARE WE NEARLY THERE YET?
I am a new member of the Manchester Liners Old Shipmates Association, frustrated by living a long way from my home town of Manchester, and unable so far to attend any re-union dinners. But one of these days I will get myself up there.
The reason I have written is to introduce a memoir that was self published some months ago. It describes my early life and my career in the Merchant Navy and the RAF during the Fifties, and it was written primarily for family and friends. The minimum print run was 100 copies of a hardback with dust cover, and I have around thirty copies left to dispose of.
The idea struck me that some members of the Association might be interested in buying the book given its strong Manchester Liners and Furness Withy content.
I am a keen supporter of two charities, Macmillan Cancer at Trafford General Hospital Manchester, and the Girl Guides Association in Cheshire. All proceeds from the sale of the thirty copies would go to these two organisations. The price I thought would be £20.00 to cover postage and packaging to UK addresses.
I have enclosed a copy of the publishers resumé for your interest.
David Furlong
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