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OLD Mailbag 2006 |
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From:
David S Lever HAPPY NEW
YEAR!
 A TRULY MEMORABLE TRIP The photo below was taken just after
emerging from the Welland Canal upbound on (I think) her first ever
trip up the lakes. I was on board at the time. The M/L magazine for
September 1966 records the following;
We also called in at 'Bay City'
at the head of Saginaw Bay and I am sure that that was a first. Fortunately
for us there was a Swedish ship on the berth so we had to remain on
a layby which just happened to be at the bottom of the main road through
town. Viewing from the top of the road was quite impressive as one's
whole vision was taken up by the large painted words 'MANCHESTER LINERS' A truly memorable trip!! Manchester Liners House at the Port of Manchester. The building is curved to symbolise the bridge
of a ship. At the main entrance is a 32 toot high Canadian Indian
totem pole, a permanent testimony to the links of trade and friendship
between Canada and Manchester liners.
Thanks to somebody for
sending in this photo but as the sender did not enclose any ID
I have no idea who sent it. Please contact me so that I may return
your photo. Alan Wide also sent an Interesting snippet of news he entitles
Yes, we all know Spanish Customs from our holidays. They are the guys in the sometimes funny hats whose prime purpose seems to be in delaying your journey to reclaim your baggage. However there are other Customs that perhaps you dent know about, you may not have seen as you have not been in the right place at the right time. One of these is the Moors and Christians fiestas which take place all along the coastal region from Spring to Autumn and celebrate the expulsion of the Moors from the region and the reconquering of Spain by the Christians. Even here in Besot we have our own fiesta where key events are reenacted. All the participants are dressed in fantastic costumes whether they are Christian Valencian peasants, Navarre soldiers or Knights on horseback. On the Moorish side there are Berbers and Mudejares complete with swords. There are other groups represented as with the Pirates and other mercenaries. It must be said that I don't remember Pirates like this during my time at sea.
Mock battles are fought throughout the day and in the evening there are the processions. Each group marches past followed by a band whose drummer at the front attacks his array of drums mounted on a frame and wheels, and pulled by small boys, with the demonic ferocity of Animal from the Muppet Show. As with all fiestas the evening ends with the firework display. It must be said that the locale know how to put on a good display - visually stunning and ear-splittingly loud, whet more could you want? Most nights, sat out on our terrace in the summer, fireworks can be seen somewhere in the distance and you can relax and know the great Spanish Fiesta continues.
From: David S Lever I found this website that might help with the photo request for Park Line Ships. The photo is unknown but most Park Boats were similar construction. I will try to find some proper photos here in Canada. http://fortships.tripod.com/Parks%20O-Y.htm
Hi David
From: Bancan Maritime Management Attached please find a photograph of yours truly with an individual who, I am sure, will be immediately recognizable to the great majority of Old Shipmates (sailing staff). Don’t be misled by the alcoholic beverage in forefront, although I must admit it’s the first time I ever saw JvdE anywhere close to a bottle, even if it was only 0.5! Some might argue that in the old days none of us would be caught holding one either. John is into his 80’s now but still produces some fine paintings though not for commercial gain anymore.
Kind regards, Capt. Blake A. Nelson Montreal Branch, MLOSA
From: Mairi and Bill Lowe Dear Carol, Kath, Steve and Peter, We thank you, not only for the "reunion" but also for all the effort that you put in throughout the year(s). The credit goes to you all. Our closing few words, See you all in Didsbury. Mairi and Bill Lowe From: Mike Taylor Dear Peter and Steve, A few lines just to say “Thank You " to both of you and to Kath and Carol for organising such a splendid Annual Reunion Dinner at the Lindum Hotel, at St.Annes last weekend. Betty and I thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, the Hotel was great and the meals were in my opinion, the best ever that we have had served by really pleasant and professional waiters. I know how much work goes into organising these events especially with many of your Members approaching their dotage, present company excepted of course. Once more many thanks for a lovely weekend and Betty and I are looking forward to the October Lunch. Hope you had a bit of luck with my subscription cheque, make sure Eoan Edwards pays up front. Best regards,
From: Chris Davies Just finished watching it. Fascinating. How things have changed since I left the sea in 1968!! “Twenty years from now you will be
more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the
ones you did. Mark Twain Regards,
From: David S Lever Regretfully I must decline to attend this
year, ill health forces me to semi retire, I am trying to
get a transfer to a less stressful desk job in Ottawa. Maybe
next year. My regards to all who remember me.
From: Mairi & Bill Lowe
Dear Steve and Peter, With our kindest regards and best wishes,
From: Alan Southern I sailed as a deck boy on the second and third voyage of the MV Manchester Port in the 60's, after which I joined the Royal Navy. Although undertaking only two trips I have some very fond memories of both the ship and the crew and I consider that short period of time on board one of the most pivotal in my development as an adult. I am attaching two pictures, one of the
ship and one of, from left to right; the other deck boy
Derek !!!, EDH Cliff Jones and catering crew member Barry
Homes and myself on the right. The pic was taken in the
crew mess in Chicago.
Kindest Regards Thank you Alan – the photo of the Port was passed directly to our webmaster for the website and this one will follow as soon as the newsletter has been circulated.
From: K and C Darley Sent: 24 September 2006 11:45 To: mailbag@manchesterliners.co.uk Subject: ex engineer app./sec engr. My name is Keith W Darley, eng.apprentice joined 62 along with John Ramwell, Pete Holding ,Rick Johnson, Dave Kershaw, and John Whatever. Sailed on the Man City maiden voyage in 64 , also on the Mariner, and new Port, before finishing my apprenticeship, and going back on the City, got my secs ticket just before my 24th birthday and sailed second on the Commerce just after it making me the youngest sec.engineer in M.L history, for about 6 months - when my record got beaten by some shoe in whose name I forget. Just saw your web site and thought I’d contact you. I’m now residing in West Australia, Perth, and have been for nearly 25 years. Mrs Thatcher did something right in her misbeggoten reign - she drove me and my family out of the old dart and on to the sunny land of Oz. I have some wonderful memories of M.L,
right up to Peter Bonniface saying ‘Keith you’re
being made redundant’ in late 70, and I remember some
wonderful characters from that era, only one of which I
still keep very vaguely in touch with and that’s Bill
Higham. So if that’s enough evidence to get me into
your purple circle I’d love to hear from you, How could we resist an introduction like this! So we immediately sent him all the membership papers and back came his response – Howdy, again, Keith We will soon have almost enough members in Australia to form a sub-branch of MLOSA !!
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