Dear Old Wallaseyan,
Frank Sturman,
who was at WGS 1926-31, has kindly sent me a pair of WGS cuff-links. They are of gilt finish with the school coat of arms on one side and the school colours on the other. I had no idea that such embellishments existed and wonder if there were any other items such as tie pins or dress studs. If you possess such artefacts, perhaps you would let me know. This Newsletter is full of interesting contributions and I am particularly pleased to receive news from OW's of the 50s and 60s. Our speaker on Friday 21st October 2005 will be Steve Williams 56-63, President of the Royal Institution of Charted Surveyors. This is an occasion that should not be missed. We also hope to have representatives from Wallasey School but this is not yet confirmed.
OUR 75TH DINNER WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY 26TH OCTOBER 2006 IN THE CHOLMONDELEY ROOM AT THE HOUSE OF LORDS.
This will be a special occasion, our host being the Rt. Hon.
The Baroness Chalker of Wallasey. Put this in your 2006 Diary as we expect a big demand for places. Please note the evening will be on a Thursday, not on a Friday as is customary. Dress will be as
usual - that is lounge suits for gentlemen and informal evening wear for ladies. With best wishes from Tony Simpson.
______________________________________
News of Members
Neville Andrews 45-52 & 68-72 (staff)
"Downsized" into a bungalow at Twyning, giving more time for family
and grandchildren, foreign travel, freemasonry and rowing. Am President of Star (Rowing) Club in Bedford, am in fact still rowing, and at age of 72 will compete in this year's "Boston Marathon", - 31
mile race from Lincoln to Boston. Hope to attend the 2006 Dinner.
Russell Borrowman 54-61 <RussBorrowman@aol.com>
I attended WGS between 1954 and 61 after passing my 11 plus
at Vaughan Primary. I was a school prefect and a member of the cricket eleven and rugby fifteen. I recently retired from full-time work but am still doing consultancy work and would like to be kept
informed of any forthcoming events. I am based in the midlands.
Frank Brownlow 46-53 <fbrownlo@Comcast.net>
I've not forgotten that I must send your tape back--I've got some clever new software that digitizes LPs and
tapes, and I've been intending to make a CD out of it.
Cufflinks. I used to own a pair. Horne's sold them. As I recall they were 14ct gold, though whether solid or plated I don't remember. Probably the latter,
though they were pleasantly heavy. Anyway they were very nice. In those days we used to go around wearing our entire educational pedigree, scarves, ties, cufflinks, badges. If you've really got a few ties, I'd love
to buy one from you. [Tie sent-Ed.] Meanwhile, I've put a cheque in the mail towards expenses.
I've just been watching the clip from the 1949 film. I remember the re-introduction of
boaters after the war, and in particular that slow-motion shot of the two 6th-formers donning their hats. The one on the right is Hocking. The filmed class is IVA, with Tom Howard, history master and form master. I
was actually in that class, and recognize a lot of the faces, even the back view of Barry Dunn, who is the boy who goes up to the blackboard, and whose family emigrated to Australia. I was fascinated to see Stuart
Edgar, and Stuart King, too, commenting on the film, though I wish they'd been able to be a little firmer, less apologetic in their remarks. Was Stuart King head boy when that film was made? My goodness, he was a
stylish fellow in that role.
Seeing the clip and reading the newsletters bring back streams of memory. Someone mentioned Mr. Lochner. He never taught me, but one summer he came
to the Evesham camp, and was the hero of a funny episode. I think he wanted to get along with us, but he was a little thin-skinned, suspicious of us, and so apt to miss social cues. Anyway, at the end of the day's
fruit-picking some of us used to go down to the river to clean off, cool off, and swim: there was a really excellent swimming place, with a highish bank to dive from, and a pleasant, grassy zone for sitting. The
general setting was a narrow wooded valley, with a single-track railway running through it, about 50 yards from the river. We never saw a train of any kind on this track. One day, after we'd all finished our swim,
and were sitting talking in the sunshine, Mr. Lochner came to join us, disappointed to be a little late. Nonetheless, he peeled off down to the buff to take a swim. While he was doing this we heard a train
approaching, and so we said, "Sir" (we'd never have called him by a first name), "Sir, there's a train coming." Being suspicious of us and our motives, he assumed we were pulling his leg, and
paid no attention. But there was a train, and so we told him again, and again he paid no attention. Then the train actually appeared, an excursion train packed with people. When Lochner saw it, he panicked. Stark
naked, he took off along the riverbank in the same direction, and at about the same speed, as the very slow train. To this day I can see the scene in my mind's eye: Lochner's rear end disappearing along the river,
and rows of faces peering out from the train. Finally, he leaped into the river, into a clump of bullrushes, making it back to the bank with some difficulty after the train had passed, covered in mud, much
chagrined, wanting to know why we hadn't told him about the train. To our credit, we controlled the urge to roll about laughing, and said soberly, "But we told you there was a train coming."
Another
story involves Fred Allan, who always visited the camp, and insisted on riding to the orchard in the lorry with us, and picking fruit. Every day we'd pass a gipsy encampment. We were unpopular with these people,
presumably because we were picking fruit they wanted to pick, and we took to exchanging a barrage of apples with them every time we passed. Naturally, we couldn't do this with Fred in the lorry. So, unarmed, we were
careful to be well below the sides of the lorry as we approached the gipsies. Fred, being Fred, was perched high on a fruit box, sitting with his back to cab, seeing himself, I suppose, as our commanding officer.
Imagine the looks we were all exchanging as we approached gipsy corner and the inevitable fusillade of apples! I don't think any of them actually hit Fred, who made a wonderful target, but ducked impressively.
"I say," he said when it was all over, "why do you think those chaps did that?"
Graham Barton's name came up in this newsletter, too. We were in the same form. In IVA, he invented a kind of
language, which fascinated CD. I've forgotten it now, except for the adjective "dedized" and an expression of unknown grammar that sounded like "Goosy le lame wa!" accompanied by an odd hand
gesture. Graham was proud of having more initials than anyone once he'd added in his confirmation name, John: G.W.L.J. Barton, i.e., Graham William Lyle John. The only person I remember calling him "Dick"
after the radio detective was that same CD., with whom Graham was a great favourite. I don't recall us using first names of any kind in the lower forms, even borrowed ones, just surnames and a few nicknames like
"Cocky," "Salty," "Buzz" and so on. Being a good deal younger than the rest of us, he stayed on longer at school--didn't he become head boy?
If I can get away for a few days this autumn, I'd love to come to the dinner. We shall see.
A quick addition to my letter. I'm fascinated to hear of the WGS Bacchanalian
Society. These are people to be reckoned with--I love the idea of an Alderman Dingle Travel Award. He was very much an item in my time, chairman of the Board of Governors, the president at Speech Days, a presence at
Founder's Day, and a man of marked stateliness of character. One year at Speech Day, about 1950 or so, Charlie Cannon's small boys were to make their debut on their violins with a Handel piece, accompanied on the
Hammond organ by a young man Charlie always imported for that purpose. His name, which has just come back to me, was Gerald Matthews. Anyway, there was one of those power cuts that were a feature of life in those
days, and the organ lost half a tone in pitch. You can imagine the horrible row, Charlie's consternation, and the general hubbub. The organist was wreathed in blushes, and Charlie was in high-powered despair up in
the balcony, when Alderman Dingle rose from his seat and said in that amazing, fruity voice of his, "While the violins are tuning up, we shall have the headmaster's report," and Charlie, leaning over the
balcony, shouted, "NO WE WON'T!! WE'LL HAVE AN A!!"
Re Don Malcolmson's comment's on the Wallasey School site, I must say that badge with what looks like a Disney fish on it tells me all I
need to know about Wallasey School's approach to life.
Bob Bryans 54-61 <Robert.Bryans@oldwallaseyans.co.uk> As most of you will know, there was a programme on BBC 2 recently, which included a short film taken at
WGS in 1949. Mike Lewis has very kindly recorded the appropriate bits and made them available on the web at http://www.mcel.clara.net/wgs.htm. The file is rather large and so most suited for
viewing by those of you who have broadband; however, the site is worth viewing by those with other arrangements, as there a number of stills which you can also see.
Duncan Cameron
39-44
Many thanks for the Newsletter, very interesting as always. Why is it as the years go by less and less of my contempories are mentioned? I'm afraid I do know the answer
really! Every best wish to "Old Wallaseyans Worldwide." Enclosed small donation towards your costs.
Stan H Cook
27-36
Please note my new address as above instead of the Sheffield one. I enclose £ 10 for the funds. ( Those interested, please contact the Secretary for Stan Cook'snew address)
H Brian Ellis
32-40 <brian@ellis138.freeserve.co.uk> I've just been watching the BBC Broadcast (Tuesday 2nd March 2005) with great pleasure - it hadn't altered much since my days 10 years
earlier. Eheu fugaces, as Seedy Danson used to say, with a fleeting view of F L Allan, and praise for Eggleshaw, Fred Jarvis, NUT, was also a
Wallaseyan, but Oldershaw , I believe - didn't look nearly as
dignified as our OW! I also know Dick Wardle, ex-Aspull Secondary Modern - possibly the best headmaster I ever met, as he produced a good school from the poorest area in Wigan, with every pupil finding a
personal interest, maybe only breeding rabbits (though not like rabbits).
John D Fraser 42-48
Judy and I have just returned from a week
on my beloved Anglesey. The weather was sunny every day from early morning 'till sunset. There was, however, a cold wind but in shelter it was great. I have holidayed in the same area for over 20
years plus two years at RAF Valley.
If you have ever been to Valley you'll know the area is very flat and many people wonder why the place is called Valley. When the Romans who garrisoned
Holyhead left forever, their ships pulled in on a very good beach. The beach is alongside the present airfield. The Latin for "Farewell" is Vali or Valli - hence a valedictory speech is one of
farewell. That is the origin of the local name and as the airfield is in the same area it has the same name! This is what I call a bit of useless information. Dennis Hall and John Clark were at
Valley for their National Service. Dennis was older than me and John Clarke was of my brother's time.
However, the point of writing this letter is as follows: Judy and I went
to the South Stack Lighthouse on Holyhead to take a photo. I didn't go down to the light as there about 300+ steps and I had severe pains in my leg. So instead we went down to the RSBP Seabird Centre, as
we had never been there before. We saw Guillemots and Razorbills as well as just about every kind of gull. We used the high power telescope that was set up there. How the birds get a nesting place
on the cliff is a wonder to me. We also saw a Puffin "sailing" at sea.
As is my habit I got talking to a fellow there who had the RSPB uniform on. Somehow we got talking about
Merseyside and I said that I came from Wallasey originally. He was quite surprised and said he was born there. He told me he went to Clarendon High School in Mill Lane and then went on to WGS
Juniors. Then he was evacuated with the school and so the conversation went on. He asked me where I went to school and told him Egerton Grove and WGS. I also told him I was a member of RSPB
and supported the RLNI and we'd been to the lifeboat station at Moelfre. I said there was a booklet here about the Thetis. I said that I saw the Thetis going out on its maiden voyage! Judy had by
now disappeared so I took my leave and followed her. That night lying in bed I thought why didn't I ask him if he'd be interested in WGS Old Boys either in Wallasey or Worldwide so, we went back to the
Seabird Centre at Ellin's Tower the next day. He was surprised to see me again but I explained about the OB magazine and the means of getting in touch with old boys. He then said he was interested and
gave me the following information:
Barrie White 1939-Born in Wallasey 07.02.30. Attended WGS 1939-42. Evacuated to Rivington & Blackrod Grammar School
1941-42.
He thanked me profusely for showing an interest. I hope you can get in touch with him and introduce him to the magazine.
[Tony sent him copies of past newsletters and he is now on the mailing list - Ed.]
Edward John Godfrey (1959-1966) <ejgodfrey@netcabo.pt>
I enjoyed reading Ian Terry's Part1 in the
March OW Newsletter and so am prompted to follow up on a few of his reminiscences.
I was at WGS from 1959 to 1966 but I honestly cannot remember Ian - no doubt he would say the same about me.
Mr Oliver - left
WGS in December 1964 and became Head of Northampton Grammar School. I seem to remember my mother telling me that he returned to the Wirral as Headmaster of Kingsmead prep school in Hoylake and that he passed
away some years ago.
Mr Livesey - was at WGS from 1939 to 1969, according to MSE's history of WGS. Interesting that he joined the staff in 1939. Was he called up later, or did he remain at the school
during the war years? The Livesey's lived at 32 Vyner Road - we lived, and my sisters still do, at 14 Vyner Road. Not being inclined towards the sciences, I never had the privilege of being taught by
Livesey - I gave chemistry up at the end of MVA - I remember being taught by Tomlinson and Selman. I always thought that Livesey taught A-Level Chemistry exclusively - but your remarks about detentions
indicate that he taught in the "lower school" as well. I was on nodding terms with him - he rode a trusty steed, which was stabled in the cricket pavilion. The family had a green Mk 1 Ford
Consul, BHF 123. I only ever saw Mrs Livesey drive it. They had an attractive daughter Celia who was about two years older that me and also made a great impression on me! She got a job as a nanny
in the USA and must have married there. I don't think Harold enjoyed a long retirement - after his death his wife went to live in the USA near Celia.
As you must know Eggleshaw was appointed acting
headmaster from January to July 1965. Mr Bruce arrived in September. But I was told by a reliable source over the dinner table in January 1965 that the governors' first choice for the position of
acting headmaster was Harold Livesey, who declined the position on the grounds that he was quite happy in his current situation.
Miss Silvey - my first assembly in September 1969 - I too remember Fred announcing
her death - made a great impression on us all. I think you mean Fisher, not Taylor in the context of woodwork - remember Ruxton too? And the groundsman I recall was Ken Hoyland.
I really must
start work on my own contribution to the Newsletter. I kept a diary for most of my years at WGS - as to be expected my jottings about life in IIIB are very sparse - but the entries in my 1965 diary which deals
with the period when MSE was headmaster make interesting reading. So I shall try and produce something for this period. Thanks for your memories. Please contribute a Part 2.
In a later email: Just come across this Times Obituary* [of Raymond T Holmes
a WW2 hero, educated at Wallasey and Calday Grange grammar schools] of considerable interest - known to you? [We would like to hear from anyone who knew him - Ed.] * see Obituary.
Prof. Stephen Harding 66-71 <Steve.Harding@nottingham.ac.uk>
Writing about the film taken at WGS in 1949: Just tried down loading but only 247k seems to go. Our
system here seems OK: tried downloading a file of similar length from something we recently did with the beeb and that works OK:
http://www.nottinghams.ac.uk/-sczsteve/BBCNW_Dec2004.mpg
I only spent my first year at Withens Lane before the School moved to Leasowe. Check out also this from near there:
This was taken by the Wirral Learning Grid at Moreton Shore (just round the corner from where my Mother was brought up) to see if Canute really did turn back the
tide.
Fred B Harvey 27-35
My wife and I are in the throes of a removal to a newly built flat - address as above. Unfortunately, the temporary accommodation in which are at
present living has involved so much down-sizing that we have been unable to connect the computer up. We have, however, earmarked a corner of the new flat in which we hope to re-establish connections and are
just waiting to move in, in the course of the next month or two. I will be in touch when that occurs.
Jack Harwood 26-31
After another rough passage in hospital with
double pneumonia I am back home - reasonably fit as I will be 90 this year.. Reading about the many deaths of old friends makes me wonder why I have lasted so long!
Peter Kent
58-65 <peter@peter-kent.net>
I saw that there would be a Reunion of the 2nd Wallasey (GS) Sea Scouts Old Boys' Association on the 29th October on the OW's web site.
I would love to know
more about the event. Have you had events before and is there anyone from my era who keeps in contact?
[We sent Peter the attendance list (with addresses) of a recent gathering - Ed.]
Bob Leach 30-35
A mini stroke in December 2004 has
left me with walking & talking problems but I am improving all the time thanks to excellent therapists. Despite this improvement I shall have to miss Old Wallaseyans Worldwide Dinner 2005 & enclose a
small cheque along with my keenly felt good wishes to you all.
Don Malcolmson 58-65 <donmalc@bigpond.com>
I'm extremely
disappointed to see that in its latest web pages - http://www.wallasey.Wirral.sch.uk/ - the Wallasey School makes no reference whatsoever to its history, heritage and tradition. If this is
unintentional, then those responsible should be tactfully reminded of their oversight. If this is intentional, then we should distance ourselves from those Philistines who intentionally or recklessly ignore
all of what F.L.Allan et al
stood for, going back to 1595. IMHO, things have never been the same since a Wallasey Labour Council, fired by the politics of envy, consigned Wallasey Grammar School to history in the 1960s, thus ensuring regression to educational mediocrity for what was a fine institution staffed by exceptional men.
Norman G A (Gillie) Morrison 40-44
When I saw the TV Programme "A Nation on Film" which included WGS [a film made in 1949 - Ed.], it
reminded me of several things, one of which was that my subscription should have been sent to you in January. Never mind, a cheque is enclosed.
I recall many years ago I was provided with a list of videos
which contained film made at the school over the years and my memory tells me that these could be borrowed. Alas, I cannot find the list so I wonder if you would be kind enough to send me another. The
film shown on TV was made several years after I had left but I reckon I recognised G W L Barton, (always known as Dick Barton) holding a cup - a silver one I hasten to add. Dick's (or rather Graham's) sister
married a very good friend of mine Ronnie Beaver. Alas, Ronnie died many years ago at far too young an age.
Bernard Roberts 36-39 <landr@ojai.net>
Some time ago, I mentioned a school photograph I have dated 1936. It has been rolled up for many years. My local photo shop tells me it will be very expensive to make a copy, and that the copy will be
reduced in size. They can provide a negative however. Perhaps you can tell me if that would be of any use to the society. If my daughter does not want to keep it in the family, I will arrange for
the original to be sent to you on my death. The staff show up very well - I had forgotten how photogenic WHA was.
Ken Roberts
49-57 <opr@lineone.net>
As I am sure many will have seen, the footage was screened last night - and I remembered it instantly. I first saw the film when I arrived at WGS in
1950, and often subsequently, particularly in my last three years when as Secretary of the Film Society I often had to project it and read the commentary! This had been typed by Maurice
Eggleshaw with detailed prompts, but was getting pretty dog-eared even by the time I left (1957). There were strict instructions never to depart from the written script!
In '57 I went as the first WGS exchange student to Horace Mann School in New York for a year, during which time Fred Allan sent the film over to me - complete with script. When it was shown to the assembled
school there the Americans immediately found it hilarious - to the extent that there was no point in sticking to said script, and I confess I played it for laughs after that - the nearest I ever came to stand-up
comedy! I am delighted the movie has survived.
Alan Stears 54-61 <alan.stears@tesco.net>
Please
could you pass on my details to Dave Walker for the 2nd Wallasey Sea Scout Reunion? As a former member of the troop I would be interested to attend.
Ian Roger Terry 57-64 <ianditerry@VR-Web.de>
As instructed by Bob, I send you the electronic version of my contribution. I was delighted
to receive a very friendly letter from Tony. But he wrote that he read my letter to Bill Wise. Do I understand from this that Bill can no longer see? Also Bob gave me warning of the BBC film.
I have stretched out my contacts to try to get a video of this event. This brings me to another question. We had a film society which made a newsreel of the events of the year. Where
are these films???
Derek W Wardle 38-46
A member of Lancashire County Cricket Club now. Resigned from MCC after 37 years membership - costs too high. Old
Trafford much more reasonable. In regular touch with Ray Starr, my house cricket captain in 1945. Frank Carlyle and Denis Haslehurst. Frank, Denis and me joined WGS Junior School on
same day in 1938.
Andrew P Watson GM 30-36 <mustakissa@onetel.com
I was in York for the Remembrance Service for lads killed at Kohima. I am in touch with Wallasey Athletic
Club who wants memorabilia from former members. I was Asst Sec for 2 years 1937-39 and have fine photos of team that won L'pool and District Cross Country Champs in 1939 - including Noel Marples and Alf Clough.
Barrie White 39-42 Thank you for sending me the Old Wallaseyans Newsletters, Nos. 41,42 and 43 which re-ignited many memories. I have enclosed a cheque for £ 10 to cover
their costs and hopefully to receive another one.
Steve Williams 1956-63 <sgwilli@mindspring.com> North Carolina, USA
Steve Williams has been elected 2005-6 President
of the 110 000 -member Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) headquartered in Parliament Square, London. His term of office begins July 1st. Although resident in North Carolina, Steve and his
wife Karen, also a ChartedSurveyor will move to London for the year from where they will travel to many of the 120 countries where the RICS has members.
Steve remembers Mr. Moscrop telling him that he would never
make anything of himself because he couldn't even decline puella. He says that the highlight of his Presidential year, apart from an official visit to Merseyside, will be his very first attendance at the
London OW's dinner in October [as Guest Speaker! - Ed]
The Liberation of Jersey 50 years on, by Brian G Stan JonesI was rather surprised to receive an invitation to LIBERATION
60 in Jersey over the weekend -10th May 2005. We had other plans but this was an opportunity not to be missed. I had been a crew member of HMS Cosby, a Captain Class Frigate, the first British
warship to enter Jersey waters for 5 years in the early hours of 9th May 1945. We had feared a hostile reception as the Germans had refused to surrender at that time. However, we were greated by
most of the teenagers of St Helier who rowed out to us in anything that would float, We were greeted as liberators. All 60 years ago.
The German surrender was eventually signed on HMS
Beagle. Several hours later the Nazi flag on their HQ at the Pomme d'Or Hotel was lowered to be replaced by the Union Jack.
On June 6th 2005 we sailed from Weymouth to St Helier. Shortly after sailing,
members of force 135 were requested to attend reception. Five of us did so, and during the crossing all were interviewed by TV and invited to tell our stories. I was the only one from the Navy, the
others being soldiers. The programme went on screen after the evening news on 9th May (Liberation Day)
Having found our hotel in St Helier we had a short reception party and more interviews, this time
by the press, and our photographs soon appeared in the evening editions of the Jersey Post.
Saturday 7th May we were free until evening so we explored the excellent Jersey Museum and a Museum of the
Occupation in St Helier. Our FORCE 135 Badges gained us many greetings and welcomes. I believe there were 63 veterans and their wives in our group. That evening we enjoyed a GALA Dinner in the
Pomme d'Or Hotel and popular entertainment by a lady who sang the old songs of the 1940s to lots of applause and joining in. We sat at tables of 10 and I met another seaman from Cosby; we had been on board for
the same three years but did not remember each other, but did remember events.
On the afternoon of Sunday 8th May there was a Liberation Thanksgiving Service in the Royal Square in the presence of the Lieutenant
Governor and the Bailiff of Jersey. The veterans paraded led by the Caledonian Pipe Band. Ministers from all denominations took part in the service. Mr Terry Waite gave the Address. But the
most telling tribute was told in tableaux presented by local schools of 'Living under Occupation'; The Evacuees Story'; The Prisoners Story;' & 'The Serviceman's Story'.
Monday 9th May was LIBERATION
DAY. Many villages organised their own events but the main Jersey event was held in Liberation Square in St Helier. There we had reserved seats. Just after 1300 we were thrilled by a display by the
RAF Red Arrows followed by the arrival of the parade of States Members and Members of the Royal Court led by the Band of the Island of Jersey at the head of a procession of Armed Forces Youth Groups and welfare
organisations.
An ecumenical service was led by the Dean of Jersey finishing with 'Beautiful Jersey' sung by Sadie Rennard accompanied by the Band of the Royal Welsh Regiment. The first verse was sung in
Jerriais. Following was a Liberation Re-enactment of the arrival of Force 135 given by present day soldiers of the Hampshire Regiment and sailors from HMS Albion.
The arrival of the Queen
and the Duke of Edinburgh was greeted by a 21gun salute. Then followed a theatrical presentation of music, dance and theatre of the act of Liberation and the opportunities that followed. It included
children from Bad Wurzach in Germany to where 618 Jersey residents, men, women and children, were deported in 1942; the castle being their prison from 1942-1945. Despite the deprivations suffered by the
deported islanders lasting friendships were formed with the people of Bad Wurzach which is now twinned with St Helier. 2011 Islanders were uprooted from their homes and sent to internment camps in Germany;
many never to return.
During the occupation many young people tried to escape; some were successful, others were arrested, imprisoned or shot; some drowned. From an Identity Card I traced Denis Vibert who
escaped 21.9.1941 in a rowing boat and three days later was picked up off Portland Bill; he joined the RAF and now lives in the USA.
The Queen then addressed the crowds and went 'walkabout' mainly meeting those
who had been on the Island during the war, paying great attention to their stories. When she left to a children's party, we made our way to see displays by several old aircraft; the massed bands of the Island
of Jersey; the Royal Marines and the Royal Welsh Regiment. In the evening we enjoyed Liberation 60 Gala Night at the Opera House covering 60 years of music, culminating in the performance of the Jersey
National Anthem. The day concluded with a fine Son et Lumiere and firework show which lit up the whole sky.
The next day we were invited to lunch by two of the 'girls', Jean and Ruth, I had met in
1945. We had changed but were soon exchanging memories of 60 years ago. They had also invited some friends from those days. We had a most enjoyable afternoon and again were interviewed by the
Jersey Post.
On our last day we visited the Tunnels of Jersey; an interesting but grim experience as we walked the tunnels constructed by Russian prisoners of war as a hospital and strong point. The
Russians slaved until they dropped dead of starvation and/or exhaustion, some to be cemented into the walls. A visit, which brought memories and renewed old friendships, never to be forgotten.
The Red Shoes Charity Round Britain Challenge by Douglas AddisonAfter 2 500 nautical miles of strong winds, strong tides, rain, fog and some sunshine I completed my circumnavigation of Britain within 3 months, arriving
back on Tuesday 2nd August. It was a challenge set by my daughter Heather to raise money for the above charity, which she runs. It provides support for disabled and disadvantaged children in need.
Sponsorship so far has reached over £ 3 500. Julia's, a local hospice, has already benefited with the gift of an electric bed from the charity (www.theredshoecharity.org).
It was my most challenging
adventure to date. I had some very exciting sailing, saw some wonderful scenery in the Outer Hebrides, 5 000 year old standing stones on Lewis and some 5 000 year old Neolithic settlements on Orkney and met
some wonderful people.
On mid-summer's day in Stromness I attended a Cruising Association dinner to celebrate Nelson's victory at Trafalgar.
My thanks to those members of the Arts Club who sponsored me.
Paula Tegeridine writes in The Advertiser, August 18th, 2005:
A retired architect has achieved his goal of sailing all round
Britain to raise thousands of pounds for his daughter's charity.
Douglas Addison, 68, is safely home in Swanage having set off three months ago and experienced everything from gales to thick fog during
his 2,500 mile epic journey. His 31 ft. ketch Galeta encountered gales off Cornwall, South Wales and Southern Ireland and narrowly missed colliding with ships in thick fog off the Firth of Aberdeen and
Dover. His six-knot hull raced over 13 knots through the Pentland Firth, but to his relief he found a moderate sea off Scotland's Cape Wrath. "The boat was perfect - it may be 25 years old but it
performed better than the skipper!" In the Outer Hebrides he spotted puffins, seals and basking sharks but sadly not a single porpoise. Midsummer's day was spent at Stromness in the Orkneys where
was a rally and dinner for members of the Cruising Association to celebrate Nelson's victory at Trafalgar. "I've sailed to northern Spain but this was the most challenging thing I've ever done" he said
.
