HMS GANGES
ASSOCIATION
Noticeboard

April 2005

Impressions of A First Time Reunioner

Sir,
My first Ganges Reunion this year at Pakefield was tremendously impressive for it's organisation and seamless programme. For some reason I had formed the impression that the event was a monumental P U and that consequently wives were not encouraged. Wrong. I shall certainly bring Household Management along with me next time. Bravo Zulu the organisers.
The march was a little lacking though, picking our way around a basin in Ipswich Docks. Whilst I expect that everyone else knows the reason, I felt it extremely niggardly of the local authorities not to allow us to march proudly through the town as I did once before. We could have formed up in a park somewhere (equipped with loos, hopefully), marched properly in company with the band, passed a dignified saluting base and dispersed at say a bus station (also with loos). Civic memories are short I suppose.
Yours Aye
Kim Styles <kim@tom.u-net.com>
30April2005

Shortly it is hoped to have available a photographic compilation of the centenary march past on CD produced by Richard Lloyd from photographs taken by the MOD official photographer, Geoff Aburrow and himself.
Members are requested to email Richard <rlrichardlloyd@aol.com> to let him know how many CDs may be required

Crossed The Bar - Cyril Tawney

Although Cyril was not a member of the Association I feel that a record of his passing should be noted. Cyril who joined the Andrew at sixteen was a song writer and singer of some of the best known and loved traditional sea shanties and songs of the sea. Born in Gosport, Hampshire on October 12th 1930 Cyril was 74 years old when he crossed the bar on April 21 2005. Cyril who established his own folk club in Plymouth wrote songs like 'Sally Free And Easy' which was also recorded by the likes of Bob Dylan. He based a lot of his own compositions on his experiences in the RN with songs such as 'Chicken on a Raft', 'The Oggie Man' and 'The Grey Funnel Line'. His website can be visited at <http://pages.britishlibrary.net/tawney/>

Webmaster
29April2005

Centenary Parade

I have just returned from our Centenary celebrations & was very impressed with the organisation of the event. There was just two things which I think could have been improved. Firstly I wish the step was called more often during the march as at times we were all over the place, the other was when we were lining up facing HMS Shoreham waiting for the 2nd Sea Lord to arrive I was amazed to see that the Chief on the Quarterdeck was chewing gum all the time we were there, even when the Top Brass arrived he was still chewing, what an example to others. I am proud I went to Ganges & I have to comment on this as I am sure that if he had been through the strict routine we went through things would have been be different, I am sure other people noticed this and were also shocked.
Bill Baxter <Wbaxterbill@aol.com>

Bill - I agree with you on all counts. We could certainly have done with someone calling out the step and some sections did do it themselves eventually. The Chief who I think was in fact the OOW aboard HMS Shoreham was a disgrace and the side party (one bosuns mate) for the Second Sea Lord did seem to be a rather poor show for such a senior officer. The fact that Shoreham was flying a masthead pennant as well as the Vice Admiral's flag must also have had the many ex Ganges signalmen present groaning in their boots but this is a different Navy from the one the majority of us served in.
So lets remember what a great day it was and how well we were treated by the many organisations and services who took part voluntarily to record our centenary - Thank You Everyone.
Webmaster
28April2005

Centenary Parade & Reunion

Having recently returned from Pakefield I would also like to thank all those involved with the organisation of the Centenary Parade. It was so well organised. Also to Dickie for the organisation at Pakefield A great reunion this is what its all about. BRAVO ZULU to all. I must as well however pay tribute to the young people and Tutors from Suffolk Catering College who did the buffet at the reception in Ipswich, their attendance and attentiveness to all the guests was something to be admired especially in this day and age when our youth get so much bad press. There are some great kids out there a BRAVO ZULU to them as well.
Brian Simpson 1951 <skowzbrian@hotmail.com>
27April2005

Centenary Parade and Reunion

I have just returned home from our Centenary Parade and Reunion. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been involved in the organisation and seeing this event carried through it's various stages from start to finish. It was no mean fete and I'm very glad that all I had to do was a bit of marching. Even the weather was organised, not every one can do that. A definite Bravo Zulu to all those concerned. In addition to that, I was also lucky enough to meet up with another old shipmate from our HMS Delight days, we hadn't seen each other since 1955. So a great weekend and that's what the association is all about.
Best Regards,
Bill Lott <billnsylv@blueyonder.co.uk>
27April2005

Thank you to the Chairman and Committee

Thank you to the Chairman and Committee for a memorable weekend, it was first class. Your organisation of the event was top line and I didn't notice any hiccups if there were any. Dickie's efforts in the accommodation and arrivals was as always very efficient. Lots of unsung committee men represent us and are worthy of tribute.
Thank you all.
John Eilbeck (1949) <johnandval@jeilbeck.fsnet.co.uk> and friends Solent Division
As Dickie and Mac would say "'49 was a vintage year!"
26April2005

Centenary Parade DVD/VHS Recording

A DVD is being commissioned to record as much as possible of the Parade, the Reception and interviews with Members. It is envisaged that the DVD will be made available between 3 to 4 weeks after the event at a cost of £10 each. Copies will be made available for sale through the Museum and by direct mail from the Chairman. When mailed to UK addresses an additional £1.50 per disk, postage and packing, will be required. P&P costs for other addresses will be calculated at the time. Similarly, the price of video tapes will be calculated when numbers are known.

It would be very helpful if an indication could be given as to the number of disks/tapes required. Obviously, small quantities will cost more to produce than larger batches. Please contact me by: telephone (01702) 341968, fax (01702) 432440 or, preferably, by email to: <thipthorpe@btconnect.com> to give an indication of future orders. These indications will not be binding but will help us in assessing the likely demand for disks & tapes.

Tony Thipthorpe
Chairman,
HMS Ganges Association

Please click on this button
to download and print
a DVD/VHS Order Form

Centennial Parade Commemorative Programmes

Copies of the Parade Commemorative Programme are available for just £2 inc p&p
Please contact Tony Thipthorpe at <thipthorpe@btconnect.com>
Limited stocks remaining. This will be a collectors item.
27April2005

40 Year Certificate Update

Owing to circumstances beyond my control I must advise members that I might not have the certificates ready for reunion but they will be posted out as soon after as possible.
Yours Aye
Mike Wild <f.boy@btinternet.com>

17April2005

CENOTAPH CEREMONY 2005

Any members wishing to take part in the Ganges Association contingent at the Cenotaph this November are asked to write to Dave Tait at 8 Bishops Croft, Beverley, East Yorkshire, HU17 8JY including a stamped address envelope for your reply. This will be used to inform you whether you have been successful/unsuccessful.
We have been told that we are likely to get about 50 tickets but are hoping for around 100. Requests for tickets will be on a first come, first served basis. I will not receive an application form for the tickets from the RBL until July and the closing date is not until 30th September, so I imagine you will not know whether you have been successful until some time late September.
The following is a paragraph from recent correspondence I have received from the Royal British Legion:
'Due to the number of personnel on Parade the overall length of the March Past has increased and we would ask you to ensure that your members are aware of the physical demands of standing in Whitehall for at least 1 hour and then marching for a distance of at least 1.5 miles, possibly in inclement weather.'
Regards
Dave Tait <davestait@hotmail.com>
11April2005

Crossed The Bar

Albert Kinsey, Inst Cdr Schoolie at Ganges 1947/9 and 1971/3 CTB 11/03/05
Would have been known by many, sadly missed by all
Dickie Doyle <mail@sloproom.co.uk>
01April2005

Crossed The Bar

Following details posted at the request of Nobby's Son Phil.
The funeral of Arthur (Nobby) Hall from Chandlers Ford, Eastleigh, ex PO Photographer, Rodney 22 Class, 14 Mess Joined Ganges 01/01/34, will take place at Southampton Crematorium on Tuesday 5th April at 1420 in the East Chapel.
Dickie Doyle <mail@sloproom.co.uk>
01April2005

WWII Destroyer Photographs Sought

Ron Rymer <ron.rymer@btinternet.com>
HMS Cavalier Association
Is looking for photographs of the following WWII destroyers.
Any help would be appreciated.

Pennant No.	Name	Pennant No.	Name
D31	VOYAGER	H24	HASTY
D37	VORTIGERN	H28	STURDY
D43	WESSEX	H29	THANET
D62	WILD SWAN	H32	HAVANT
D68	VAMPIRE	H46	BELMONT
D79	SAGUENAY	H53	DAINTY
D86	THRACIAN	H81	BROADWATER

F01	KELLY	L10	SOUTHWOLD
F12	KASHMIR	L19	HALDON
F22	JACKAL	L23	WHITLEY
F28	KANDAHAR	L28	HURWORTH
F34	JAGUAR	L29	VIMIERA
F45	KHARTOUM	L36	ESKDALE
F46	JUNO	L39	ROCKWOOD
F53	JANUS	L47	BLEAN
		L61	EXMOOR
		L65	BOADICEA
G02	NESTOR	L68	ERIDGE
G06	PAKENHAM	L72	OAKLEY ( i )
G30	PARTRIDGE	L77	GROVE
G31	MOHAWK	L83	DERWENT
G44	MARTIN	L85	HEYTHROP
G58	ROCKINGHAM	L86	WENSLEYDALE
G93	PORCUPINE	L89	PENYLAN
G99	LAFOREY	L98	OAKLEY ( ii )
		L108	PUCKERIDGE

07April2005

Crossed The Bar

Dear Sir,
Just a brief note, to inform all members that my father, Philip Eric Maidment (Crash Maidment) passed away peacefully on Thursday April 7th at 00:20
I believe he first arrived at the Ganges in 1936 and was there at various times and in various ranks including Petty Officer (P.T.I. Club Swinger) until the late '50s.
His funeral will be from:
Shivnan's
Chapel of Rest
Ballyfarnon
Co. Roscommon
Ireland
at 16:00 hrs on Sunday 10th of April.
From there, after a ceremony to honour him, he will be taken to Kilronan graveyard where his remains will be interred.
He is survived by his wife Joan, his 3 children Carole, Susan and myself (James) and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Regards
Jim
p.s. Photos of Phil and Joan can be seen here:
<http://siderealb0x.250free.com/PhilJoan.jpg>
<http://siderealb0x.250free.com/JoanSallyPhil.jpg>
Contact: <jamesmaidment@eircom.net>
08April2005

HMS Blackpool Reunion

HMS Blackpool Reunion. To be held in Blackpool 2 and 3 September 2005 at the Stretton Hotel.
40th year Anniversary of the ships last visit to the town.
For booking information, cost and itinary of the weekends events contact:
Mr Bob Jones,
Tel: 02392 363752
E-mail: carol.bob77@ntlworld.com
Thank you and best regards,
Bob Jones.
16April2005

HMS Hampshire Reunion

The Re-union for 2005 has been planned for the 9th July, at the Royal Naval Club in Birmingham this will be a smallish one but from current interest it looks like there will be a few of you old shipmates there.
2006 will be 30 years since they paid the old girl off. The Re-union is planned for the 8th July 2006 in Portsmouth Hants, I am actively seeking venues, this info will follow shortly.
Ray Crawford <ray@crawford1956.freeserve.co.uk>
18April2005

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