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LOG BOOK |
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| No: 20 February 2012 | 2011 |
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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 AUGUST 2012 with the subject: Newsletter followed by your name The next Newsletter is due in SEPTEMBER 2012 ______________________________________________________________________________________________ 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 20 - FEBRUARY 2012 May I wish you all a very Happy New Year. Here in Alsager, on the day of writing it's blowing a howling gale, happy (?) reminder of being hove to in mid Atlantic. Some of you may have seen on Liners Web site about Nick Robins book, “Manchester Liners – an extraordinary story.” What a superb story it is, right from the opening of the Ship Canal to the formation of Liners, trials, tribulations and great successes through to its demise thanks to C Y Tung. Finally, Salford Docks being transformed into Salford Quays with Manchester Liners house still there with the name Furnace House. BBC and Media World employees possibly do not realise that they are on a marine historic site, the berth of Great Britain’s first fully cellular container ship designed for the deep water trade. The information and stories are great, the pictures wonderful and a must for all Manchester Liners former employees and their families. Looking through my ancient and redundant discharge books, I still haven't found a picture taken when I was on any of the vessels, but a good game all the same. Our family holiday, taken on Lake Michigan, included a trip to the Makinac Bridge. Back in 1966 my first view of the Bridge was from the Manchester Renown on an April evening, with the glorious backdrop of the setting sun, prior to a 2000 hours bedtime for the 12 to 4 watch, no other ships in sight. On our visit the lake crossing was full of small ferry boats, heaven help the master of a Laker or Salty trying to navigate through them today. There were more new faces at the Didsbury lunch this year, Phil and Joyce Griffiths, and for Paul Covell a reunion with Derek Bowker and Chris Morris. Not forgetting special thanks to Alan Jones for taking the photographs this year. Finally, may I wish both Captain Jimmy Illingworth and Webmaster Derrick Howarth, better health in 2012. Once again many thanks to all who have contributed stories and pictures since the last publication, if they're not in this Newsletter, you're top of the list for possible inclusion in the next one. Please keep them coming. Ken Livingston ______________________________________________________________________________________________
Hon.Secretary's Log – February 2012 This year, 2012, is the 30th anniversary of the forming of the Old Shipmates Association and we are still attempting to pull together a party to join the MV Balmoral when she does her St Lawrence 28 day cruise, Southampton to Montreal and back in September 2012. So far we have 10 people interested. If anyone would like more information please contact me. The Reunion at Didsbury in October was once again a great success, with just short of 100 members and guests attending. As always the organization by Peter & Kath Cullen was second to none, as was the excellent carvery meal provided by the Golf Club. The “crack” was so good that it was well after 1600 hrs when the last people left. Anyone who has not attended the Didbury Reunion should try it – you will be pleasantly surprised. We are now preparing for the next reunion at St Annes on the 19th May. We currently have 47 reservations for the Dinner, many of whom are booked in for the full weekend. If anyone has not yet booked, please send in the enclosed form as soon as possible. Anyone who has already made a reservation will be receiving a confirmation either by email or by post, which I will need to have signed and returned just to ensure we have booked in accordance with your wishes. I have recently been trying to contact Edmund Eccles in Montreal but unfortunately both his nursing home number and his home number are no longer available. I would be very grateful if anyone has any news of Edmund and Margo. I am writing this as I prepare for another “busman’s holiday”. Carol and I are off on what is for me “reliving my mis-spent youth”. We will be joining the MS Black Watch on her voyage to Singapore, transiting the Suez Canal, down the Red Sea, and calling at places like Safaga and Salalah. I last did this trip as a youth just out of Naval College and on my first trip away from home so I look forward to seeing the changes of the last several decades. To all our members and their families, strung out all over the world, may we wish you all a healthy and fulfilling 2012. 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. The raffles run throughout the year now virtually cover this cost. Over the past year many members have very kindly donated an extra pound or two towards this fund, which is much appreciated. Thanks go also to all the members who donate prizes and who buy raffle tickets. 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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______________________________________________________________________________________________ MLOSA WEB SITE REPORT - FEBRUARY 2012The web site has now been up and running for seven years and still keeps finding us new members. During the last year it has received hits from almost every country in the world totalling over 1,600,000. I realise however that with changing technology and the age of the web site which was built to fit a screen resolution of 1024 x 768 pixels, that it may be displaying on the left on the modern wide screens. I have tried without success, as I am only self-taught, to add coding that will make it variable and display full screen on all types of monitor. If any one of you knows how to do this it would help me greatly as MLOSA cannot afford the use of professional web designers. If you are experiencing this problem then resetting your screen resolution to the above resolution will solve the problem. It will also make your icons bigger and thus help we ageing computer users. I thank those of you who have sent in items for Mailbag and I look forward to many more during this coming year. Derrick Howarth ML Hon Webmaster webmaster@manchesterliners.co.uk ______________________________________________________________________________________________ DIDSBURY LUNCH REUNION 2011 The River Mersey was running high once again, as were the spirits of the ninety-two members and guests assembled for our Annual Luncheon at Didsbury Golf Club. It really is a splendid venue and Peter and Kath Cullen are to be thanked most sincerely (as are the Staff at the Club) for maintaining such a high standard of welcome year by year. After keeping the Bar Staff pretty busy for a good hour, promptly at 1300 hours we all assembled at our respective tables and Grace was said by Michael Kendall. It would be difficult to find a more animated collection of people than us, the lamp swinging was as fascinating as only Seafarers can make it and allowing for “the odd exaggeration” filled the Dining Room with reminiscences of past days. Towards the end of the meal our Secretary, Steve Worthington, read out apologies from those unable to attend, Jim and Peggy Illingworth, Derrick and Ann Howarth and Debra Fox-Gray, all of whom we hope to see at our next “get together”. Steve also mentioned that the Membership of the Association stood at over 160 and was on the increase, which is quite significant when Memberships of most Organisations are in some decline. The Raffle was then drawn, the prizes, as always, were very welcome to the lucky winners! Thanks to Kath Cullen, Ann Langridge and Carol Worthington for their efforts to ensure it all went well. A substantial £167 was raised towards funds. With Lunch finished, home time came all too soon, although there was very little movement from Members to leave – but all good things must come to an end- so here's to our next Meeting in May 2012 at St Annes, after this very successful one. Thanks to Michael Kendall for his excellent report ______________________________________________________________________________________________ DATES FOR YOUR DIARY 29th Annual Reunion Weekend ST ANNES WEEKEND REUNION Friday18th / SATURDAY19th / SUNDaY 20th May 2012 The LINDUM HOTEL ~SOUTH PROMENADE ~ ST ANNES-ON-SEA Spouses / partners / friends / family are always welcome to attend. This will be our 29th Annual Reunion to be held at the Lindum Hotel and the Hotel has held its 2011 prices for us for 2012 . The basic “Reunion Package” starts with afternoon tea/coffee and cream scones on Saturday afternoon. Later everyone congregates in the lounge for drinks before the Reunion Dinner for which we have sole use of one of the dining rooms. After dinner there is usually a talk, a fund raising raffle and sometimes an interesting unplanned speaker or a “Dutch Auction”. Eventually everyone retires to the bar for a nightcap or two. On Sunday morning there are many things to do. A quiet couple of hours with the Sunday papers, or a walk along the prom, a game of crazy golf, a challenge on the putting green, a walk along the Victorian Pier with its old time entertainments. For those who wish to venture further afield Blackpool is only a couple of miles along the front to the north, and Fleetwood beyond that, while the village of Lytham is 2 miles to the south. A three course carvery lunch in the restaurant on Sunday ends the “package”. The “Extended Reunion Package” of Friday to Sunday is becoming very popular with many of the members and includes Friday night with a 3-course dinner, bed & breakfast, plus the full Reunion Package, and if you should wish to stay over you can book for the Sunday night as well. A booking form is enclosed for those who haven’t yet booked. Please send it in, or email it, as soon as possible. Please do not send any money. You settle your bill with the hotel at the end of the weekend. PLEASE NOTE – All those who have already booked will receive a confirmation of booking either by email or by post. PLEASE CHECK YOUR DETAILS CAREFULLY and let Steve know if you wish to alter or amend any details. A quick phone call, email, or a return of the form to Steve would greatly assist with the final confirmation of numbers to the hotel.
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______________________________________________________________________________________________ A Bit of History Captain Peter Cullen came across some old family documents and would like to share these with our members. “William Cullen (known as Pip Cullen), was an uncle of mine and served on the M.F.A. Soudan prior to joining Manchester Liners in the early 1920s when he sailed with Captain Foale on the Manchester Regiment. During the First World War, the “Soudan” took part in the Naval Operations in the Dardanelles Campaign during which they picked up survivors of the fated H.M.T. Royal Edward who subsequently wrote their thanks and appreciation for the assistance the officers and crew of the “Soudan” afforded them in their hour of need.” Capt Peter sent a copy of the letter of thanks received by Commander Hamilton Call, Master of the M.F.A.Soudan.
Just a Reminder about the Dardanelles Campaign dates were February 1915 – January 1916 This was carried out by the Royal Navy, with substantial support from the French and contributions from Russia and Australia. It was against the Ottoman defences, after the Ottomans, with German military advice, closed the Dardanelles to Allied Shipping. The invasion of the Gallipoli peninsula was launched with naval forces heavily involved. The object was to capture Constantinople and secure a sea route to Russia. The attempt failed with major casualties on both sides. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ MAILBAG
Chris Hyde wrote recently: During his apprenticeship with Liners, Chris served on the Shipper, Miller, Regiment, Spinner, Vanguard, Port, and the Faith. ______________________________________________________________________________________________ Mention of Manchester Liners in old Shipping Magazine
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Comments following the last Newsletter Peter Thompson writes: “I was Chief Officer on the Asian Reward when she came out of the yard at Middlesbrough with Captain Alan Cookson. After trials we went down to Tilbury to load MT boxes to start our charter in Aussie for OOCL. Loading stores, we were informed we had a Swimming Pool (portable) on board. This was designed to be erected on the port side forward of the bridge. After we sailed the carpenter Ernie May was tasked to build this as we sailed south, only to discover that it was not a complete structure. We had the liner but several uprights were missing. Ernie May being the good chippy he was, managed to find various pieces of heavy timber on board, goodness knows where from on a container ship. Finally we had a sound swimming pool, similar to the newsletter picture. We also had the girl in the picture as I had my wife with me and so did Captain Alan Cookson and Chief Engineer Walter Stigent. It was put to good use by all on board, though it was a bit hairy in a swell.” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ John Milton one of the new Members in Australia emailed to say he had heard from Peter Thompson, who was 3rd Mate on the Miller when he served on her – including the New York harbour fire voyage. He is enjoying visiting the website although it is forty years since he worked for Liners. John also wanted to know the year the photograph of No 9 Dock on the front of the last Newsletter was taken. If anyone has any idea, contact him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Fiftieth Anniversary of the end of the Farthing in 2010 John Meadowcroft writes, “Fifty years ago the humble quarter of a penny ceased to be legal tender. My memory of the farthing was its use in purchasing a half loaf of bread for tuppence farthing. One would find these tiny coins, with the tiny wren on the obverse side, sitting forlornly in the dust on the mantelpiece or lying forgotten in an unused ash tray in the front room. They could be used for buying a Trebor Chew that came four for a penny or used in twos and fours at the sweet shop even though it became increasingly difficult to get a shopkeeper to accept them. One chap I know, as a child, would scrounge farthings until he had sixteen and then he could afford a four penny seat at the Saturday matinee. He'd ask for his ticket and when given it, slap the sixteen farthings on the counter and run into the darkness of the auditorium before he could be called back!” ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Message from Donald Stangroom: “The article 'Honeymoon on Board' in the September Newsletter prompted me to dust down my Discharge Book as I was sure I was on the ship when the honeymooners travelled. It turned out to have been my first trip at sea as 6th Engineer sailing from Manchester on the 30 June 1956.” Don also sent us some great pictures of Christmas at Sea in 1956/57 on the Manchester Mariner. It looks as if they were enjoying themselves as best they could away from home!
Donald also sent a photograph of a newspaper cutting from the Montreal Gazette about the Gold Cane Run by the Manchester Mariner dated the 12th April 1957. The Master was Captain Raper. Unfortunately, the photograph did not come out well enough to print here, but we do have some of Donald's photographs of the crossing.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ HOLIDAY 2011 ~ Ken & Lesley Livingston This year, as well as visiting our family in Toledo, Ohio, we went to a cottage on Lake Michigan, right out in the wilds, nearest town North Port, for a weeks holiday with son, daughter-in-law and three grandchildren.
We discovered it is a big area for fruit growing, mainly cherries, and it was just coming to the end of the cherry season, so they were being sold everywhere, particularly on roadside stalls. We of course took advantage of this, the cherries were delicious and so much cheaper than buying a small punnet back home.
We did have one big excursion during the week to see the Mackinac Bridge and visit Mackinac Island. Many of you of course will have sailed under the bridge, but did you know about Mackinac Island, which is reached by a ferry. It has a fascinating history. It was discovered by Jean Nicolet a French-Canadian in 1634, then in 1671 a Jesuit priest came to preach to the Indians and soon after it became the most important French fur trading site. The English acquired the site and in 1780 Fort Mackinac was built. Nothing happened during the American War of independence, but the area then went to the Americans by treaty. In 1812 there was trouble with the Canadians and the Americans were forced to surrender the fort. In the battle of 1814, the Americans unsuccessfully attempted to defeat the British. In1815 the fort was restored to the Americans and renamed Fort Holmes.
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