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Brian Milton & Mike Maskell Reunion, Sydney 2007

Courtesy of Brian Milton

Brian writes;

After more than 25 years I met up with Mike Maskell in Sydney the other day and I'm only sorry we haven’t been able to do it sooner. Mike and I were on Chusan together during 1968 I think it was and as always on that ship there was a terrific crowd of people, I just wish I could remember them all. It was Mike who introduced me to this Web Site.

I have always tended to shy away from reunited type sites but who could resist the nostalgia of P&O in those heady days of Liners, pre-containerization, the black ships not to mention the cargo ships of BI, NZS, Strick Line (who said you needed Air Conditioning in the Gulf in summer and what’s wrong with salt water showers when there’s not enough fresh water).

Apparently it was thought I had ended up in New Zealand, I have spent some time there recently for the disastrous Lions tours and a year later for some Fly Fishing but when I can escape from London I’ve found that losing myself in the Cotswolds to be sufficiently remote.

Regards to all
Brian

© Amberfluid Web Design

Oronsay Reunion Fraser Valley B.C. 2007

Courtesy of Don Askew

Here's the picture of the '60's Oronsay crowd now in their 60's. Our annual reunion BBQ at Ian Cooke's farm in the Fraser Valley. 

L-R: 

Ian Cooke, Alan Dalkin, Keith Hunt, George Clish, Peggy Askew (Gillies), Don Askew.

Keep it up lads!

© Amberfluid Web Design

Brian Richardson & Tony Minards

Photo and narration courtesy of Tony Minards

Here's a picture of Brian Richardson, His wife Linda (ex Steiners), my wife Terri and myself. We had a great time with a whistle stop tour of the SW. They were really impressed with it all and plan to revisit soon.

Photo and narration courtesy of Tony Minards

One of the things we did was to take a trip on 'The Spirit of the West' train for Sunday lunch. We booked the best table on the train and had a fab time. I remember feeling decidedly unwell when I lay down back at the hotel afterwards! Possibly something I ate?? Or was it all the beer and wine that seemed to slip down so easily?

Brian and Linda are somewhere "over east" at present on their Australian Tour.

I can't believe old Big Ball slipped in and out of Perth so easily and quickly ... next time eh Brian?

© Amberfluid Web Design

Glyn Dodson & Bob Chambers, February 2007

A great shot of two old mates in front of HMS Victory.

again in Pompey.

and again at Southampton Pier, Bob & Glyn.

And here's a heart warming comment from Glyn;

"Just a short one. Attached are the photos I took last Sunday. I have waxed lyrically about meeting old friends after a 30 year absence in previous postings so I won't repeat myself here but the real power and benefit of your web site is the ongoing friendship one gets from old Seadogs. Thanks."

You're most welcome.

© Amberfluid Web Design

Reunion Sydney Harbour, February 2007

This great shot was taken on Saturday 17th February 2007 just prior to Dave Jewkes catching his flight back to the UK. Luckily they were able to catch up with him before his cab whisked him off to the airport. They were reliving a few golden memories from long ago while partaking of a few cold amberfluids in the Orient Hotel just up from the Overseas Passenger terminal.

L-R

Toby Tompkins, Jim Taylor, Keith Radford, Dave Jewkes, Ken Worsfold and Gareth Jones. 

As you can see there's a few photos on the table and Gareth Jones came up with a real blast from the past in the form of his Cadet's Journal.

Keith adds;

This is an item that Gareth Jones brought along to our little get-together yesterday, he did say that it hadn't seen the light of day for nearly 30 years but is just another memory of those days at sea. It was amazing as "Jewksie" looked through it and identified every sketch of systems from the "old" Oriana. Much discussion was given to it in between the beers and it came to light that "The Bopper" was Gareth's mentor during his time onboard "Oronsay" ... "where's that big 'ammer".

Brilliant stuff guys, I wish I'd been there and thanks to Keith Radford for organizing the event and sending in the photos.

© Amberfluid Web Design

Bill McCandless' Retirement Reunion, Sydney 2007

Here's Bill giving his speech

Impressive cake.

The host Iain McLeod with Bill still speaking.

Excellent taste in the old Amberfluid Bill, Crown Lager ... Australia's Finest. 

A great panorama of the speech 

ditto

Iain McLeod responding.

Greg Sinclair, Bill McCandless, Steve Wedd, Iain McLeod.

Steve Wedd, (Oriana 69-70), Bill McCandless (Oriana 69-70) and Greg Sinclair (Oriana 70-71) all survivors of the Oriana boiler room fire of August 1970 reminisce as they catch up for the first time in 36 years.

© Amberfluid Web Design

Peter Chester & Martin Mullen May 2007

That's Peter on the left and Martin on the right and a Rose between the two thorns. The occasion was Peter's 60th Birthday.   

Good to see two old mates together.

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Denise Donnelly's Birthday Reunion Party, June 2007

Courtesy of Celia Chester

L-R Seated:

Gordon Bettridge (Lisa Connelly's husband), Liz Mayner (Peter Mayner's wife), Peter Chester (2nd Engineer P&O Passenger Division and Chief Engineer P&O Ferries) 

L-R Standing:

Martin Reed (Ch Off Oriana and Captain Saga Rose), Moira Wells (hostess), Denise Donnelly (Nursing Sister)

Courtesy of Celia Chester

L-R: 

Denise Donnelly, Moira Wells, Celia Chester, Lisa Connolly (Hostess) and Peter Mayner (Surgeon)

© Amberfluid Web Design

South Atlantic Medal Association 82 Reunion 2007

This is a small group from the many who attended the 25 year Falklands commemoration service, organised by SAMA82 (South Atlantic Medal Association 82). They were all aboard the hospital ship Uganda in 1982. 

L-R:

Tony Simpson (1st R/O), Tony's wife Jayne (WAP), Zak Coombes (still currently Executive Purser aboard Artemis), Zak's wife Tracey, Alison Harris (WAP) and Bryan (Spiney) Norman (SAP).

A further hospital ship Uganda reunion is being held on the 20th April 2008 aboard Arcadia and any ex crew members from this time should contact Derek Houghton for details.

© Amberfluid Web Design

Oriana Reunion Wolverhampton, July 2007

Courtesy of Celia Chester

L-R:

Peter Chester, Bill Wilson, Celia Chester, Dave Jewkes, Mary Wilson, ??

Courtesy of Celia Chester

L-R:

Bill Wilson, Celia Chester and Dave Jewkes

Courtesy of Celia Chester

Here's Dave showing off the latest fashion in BBQ protection gear. Is that the Sun I see shining on the lawn???   

Celia reports;

The weather was great with good food, good wine and good company in a lovely  home and garden in a beautiful part of the country - what could be better!

I guess my invitation was lost in the post!

© Amberfluid Web Design

Oriana Reunion Perth, August 2007

Courtesy of Steve Borrill

L-R:

Theresa Ball, Andrew Ball, Steve Borrill, Jen Borrill.

I have to say that's the worst photo I've ever seen of me. I look like Jesus on the bleeding Cross. Having said that the night was absolutely brilliant. The food was sensational (as always) even though I had to send the Parathas back for being over cooked (burnt to a bloody crisp actually) but they were quickly replaced with some more suitable ones (cooked to perfection). Theresa is lovely and charming and Andy and I chatted like it certainly hadn't been 31 years between drinks. The Crown Lagers flowed and we laughed heartily at the temporary misfortunes of many of our beloved fellow seadogs and as promised we drank the health of Don Cole.

Courtesy of Steve Borrill

That's a fabulous photo of the guests of honour.

Courtesy of Andrew Ball

Courtesy of Andrew Ball

I have to say that my rosy cheeks are testament to the heat of the Vindaloo :)

© Amberfluid Web Design

Celia & Aussie Jock Reunion Northampton

Courtesy of Celia Chester

L-R:

Di Stewart, Celia Chester, Peter Chester, Garry Stewart (aka Aussie Jock)

Garry & Di, now both retired, are currently relaxing in the UK, mainly Scotland but they ventured into Sassenach land down to Northampton to house sit the Chester Residence while the jet setting Chesters tripped off to France for a sojourn.

Some people have a life :)

© Amberfluid Web Design

Canberra Reunion onboard mv Oriana Southampton

This is the start of what I hope to be a very big section that I may need to move to it's own page at a later date. The event was inspired by John Lilley (sadly not even listed on this site yet) and brilliantly organised by David Cole who was a Hospital Attendant on Arcadia and Canberra.

The first news of the reunion has come through the ever reliable Alan MacKenzie who has kindly sent me a copy of the Menu and one group photo. I've also had the first email from someone who first learned about this site at the reunion. Elaine Halsall (now Denmead) will be adding her and Husband Michael's memories soon. Thanks to all who spread the word of Seadogs to the uninitiated.

Courtesy of Alan MacKenzie

Alan recalls;

Well, it was a really excellent day and I guess around 290 people turned up so as you can imagine, was pretty lively! The Oriana really pulled out all the stops for us and put on a most superb lunch (see menu attached). Given the normal hassles associated with a short turnaround, they worked wonders. I am going to write to the ship to thank them for all their efforts on our behalf.

With so many there, regretfully, it was not possible to get around everybody but I did manage to meet and chat with: Terry Bartholomew, Chris Lawton, Archie Anderson, John Thow, Dave and Hillary Wheeler, Keith and Jane Parsons, Peter Crump, David Turner, Andy Banks and lots and lots of others with whom I could only say a quick hello!

Towards the end of lunch, Dave Jewkes had a wander through the dining room and I was able to have a chat with him, which was good - It was very good of him to take the time to do it as, having just taken over as CTO that day, it must have been a very busy time.

We disembarked Oriana about 1415, as she was due to begin embarkation of pax around 1430 and most, but not all, transferred to the bar of the Holiday Inn near Berth 101. That was when we really appreciated the space aboard Oriana - The Holiday Inn bar was VERY crowded and the noise was indescribable! Anyway, eventually, the manager came round, very apologetic, to ask whether we could think about moving on around 1630 - as we were exceeding the numbers allowed by the hotel's fire regs! So that was the time when I, plus a few others, decided to bail out. I gather there were plans to continue at the Duke of Wellington but I thought I'd had a very good day and this was a good moment to bow out!

All in all, a brilliant and very well organised occasion. Thanks to all who made it possible!

Courtesy of Alan MacKenzie

L-R: 

Fergus Breakspear (Eng/Cdt), his girlfriend, Alan MacKenzie, Jo ? (WAP), ?? (WAP), Rob Townsend (ETO), ?? (WAP), Dave Harris (R/O).

I'm hoping someone will let me know the names of the unnamed very soon.

Archie Anderson adds the following;

A Fantastic day, miles ahead of any pre-arrival expectations. An early start for me 0300, arriving for a well deserved swim, Southampton Holiday Inn (on the docks) at 0800, just what I needed after a long week an early morning drive. I could see Oriana over at the QE2 dock so a nice steady walk allowed me to arrive at 1000. There was a few people already there, and a few more were queuing for passes. We were finally allowed to board about 1045, that's when everyone started to recognise each other. Jane and a few Purser girls, Tracey Piper and Jane Telfer from the Ents, Alan MacKenzie, Terry Bartholomew, John Taylor, Douggie Beveridge only to name a few. Some people took up the option of a tour, others stayed up in the lounge meeting up with old friends. Down we went for a fantastic lunch, a few glasses of wine, great to see Dave Jewkes who had just joined that morning (appreciate you taking the time to talk to us Dave.) From there we had our photo on the stairs then slowly dispersed for departure. Off to the Holiday Inn, a few beers later and lots more stories it was time to head out to the Town and The Duke Of Wellington. Standing room only on the streets, as the Bar was full TB though had found a seat at the corner (some things never change) Douggie Beveridge began to recall some fantastic stories and soon the night was upon us. Some went on to find food, others departed to their homes. I had a early night due to the drive home.
SOJ
Cheers everyone
Archie

Chris Lawton has added the following;

It was an excellent event and great fun meeting up with folks from an enjoyable part of my working life. Some great memories and silly stories retold which caused many smiles. The hospitality was warm and organisation was excellent, which helped when you had lots of ex mariners without a compass, listing about the Docks and streets of Southampton!!
Cheers
Chris

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

Seated left is Paul Foot, standing talking to him is Dougie Beveridge and laughing is Chris Lawton.

Chris recalls;

I think Dougie had just asked Paul Foot where the vent fan was (Paul was very keen on staying cool at the console!!).

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

L-R:

Dave Wheeler, Hilary Wheeler, Peter Crump, Dave Gilbert, Helen "H" Banks, Jane Telfer (WOL), Andy Banks.

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

Chris recalls;

It was good to meet up with Jewkesy, who was pleased as punch that the lights were still on, as he'd only been onboard 4 hours!!

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

L-R:

Paul Foot, Gerry Murphy, John Barclay, John "Legs" Taylor in background, Chris Lawton.

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

Chris recalls;

Terry Bartholomew doing a great impression of Dickie Attenborough!!

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

Unnamed P&O beauties. 

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

Chris recalls;

As we "spilled" out of the restaurant on mv Oriana, we completely blocked up the stairwell and lift lobbies - marvellous!! Numerous staff in photo, on the right side are Me, Paul Foot, Gerry Murphy and John Barclay.

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

L-R:

John Thow, Liz Hallam (JT's Sister and wife of Don Hallam ex P&O Engineer now sadly deceased), Chris Lawton.

Chris recalls;

It was a pleasure meeting John Thow, who I only sailed with on the old "O" and not the Bogey.

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

Outside the Welly, on a warm evening;

Courtesy of Chris Lawton

Chris recalls;
As you know, a huge group descended on the pub and the Old Bill were very good and understood that we were not the type to cause as riot (a few years back maybe!!!!).

Derek Maunder has added the following;

Attached are some pictures of the recent Canberra reunion, most of the guys in the pictures were part of the hairdressing and shop staff during 1965-1975 in the days when we were employed directly by P&O. It was a fantastic day and some of us had not seen each other for 35 plus years. It was a great job done by Dave. Let’s hope it can become an annual event. Possibly one of the 2 days cruises.

Kind regards
Derek

Courtesy of Derek Hearl-Maunder

L-R: 

Derek Maunder (Shop & Hairdressing), Joan Chilcott (Shop & Hairdressing), Freddie Hermann (Shop & Hairdressing).

Courtesy of Derek Hearl-Maunder

L-R:

Lenard Young (Restaurant), Derek Maunder (Shop & Hairdressing), Joan Chilcott (Shop & Hairdressing).

Courtesy of Derek Hearl-Maunder

Crows Nest before lunch

Standing L-R:

Mags Evens (Shop Department), Sue Ingham (Shop Department), Nigel Evens (shop and Entertainment), Derek Maunder (Shop & Hairdressing).

Sitting L-R:

Clive Hillier (Shop Department), Freddie Hermann (Shop & Hairdressing), Joan Chilcott (Shop & Hairdressing), Leslie Jenkins (Shop Department).

Courtesy of Derek Hearl-Maunder

With the current Captain of Oriana, who we forgive for the jibe about the razor blades!!!
L-R:

Derek Maunder (Shop & Hairdressing), Freddie Hermann (Shop & Hairdressing), Captain, Joan Chilcott (Shop & Hairdressing), Clive Hillier (Shop Department).

Courtesy of Derek Hearl-Maunder

Crows Nest before lunch
Standing L-R:

Mags Evens (Shop Department), Sue Ingham (Shop Department) Nigel  Evens (Shop and Entertainment).

Sitting L-R:

Clive Hillier (Shop Department), Freddie Hermann (Shop & Hairdressing), Joan Chilcott (Shop & Hairdressing), Derek Maunder (Shop & Hairdressing).

Courtesy of Derek Hearl-Maunder

A great view of the two ships and the great weather!!

Courtesy of Derek Hearl-Maunder

Outside after lunch
Standing L-R: 

Ken Oakley (Restaurant), Leslie Jenkins (Shop Department), Derek Maunder (Shop and Hairdressing), Patrick Todd (Shop and Entertainment).

Standing Middle L-R:

Pat Wells (now Jenkins - Hairdressing), Joan Chilcott (Shop and Hairdressing).

Bottom Row kneeling L-R:

Freddie Hermann (Shop and Hairdressing), Lenard Young (Restaurant).

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

L-R:

Alan Bacon, ??, Mike Denmead, Elaine Denmead.

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

L-R:

Chris Holt & Chris Green (Barmen)

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

L-R:

Alan Bacon & Paul from Check Mate.

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

L-R: 

Derek Houghton (Accom Officer), Jimmy Gisb0rn (Barman), David Indge (Barman).

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

Dave Jewkes & Dave Traynor

Courtesy of Dave Traynor
L-R:

Barry Bennett (Barman), Jimmy Gisborn (Barman), Peter Steele (Barman), Bob Vowles (Barman)(Deceased), Dave Indge (Barman), Dave Traynor.

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

Looking at the camera are Michael & Elaine Denmead

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

L-R: 

Robin Mason (Entertainment LH, Welfare LH, now works in P&O Office), Dave Traynor, ??, ??.

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

Alan Legge & Dave Indge (Barmen)

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

Bob Vowles (Deceased) & Kevin Smith (Barmen)

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

L-R:

Terry Bartholomew (1st Elec), David Latham (Assistant Head Waiter), Alex Dawson (2nd Chef)

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

Robin Mason (aka Big Piece)

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

Alex Dawson & John Thow

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

Terry Bartholomew

Courtesy of Dave Traynor

L-R:

??, Dave Traynor, Robin Mason, Terry Bartholomew

Courtesy of Jane Telfer

L-R:

Andy & H (Helen) Banks, David & Hilary Wheeler, Peter Crump, Davinia (David) & Annette Gilbert.

Courtesy of Jane Telfer

Me with Tracy Brewer (nee Piper) another Ents Officer from Oriana and Canberra.

Courtesy of Jane Telfer

Manta Patterson & Fran White - Hostesses/Ents Officers.

Keep 'em coming people!

© Amberfluid Web Design

Himalaya Reunion Glasgow, 14th September 2007

Courtesy of Glyn Dodson

L-R:

Fiona, Glyn Dodson, Alan Sainsbury, Barbara.

Glyn recalls;

In 73 on Himalaya I was friendly with an electrician called Alan Sainsbury, we sailed together from 73 right up until Himalaya was scrapped at Kaohsiung. I returned to the UK and Alan, along with Dick Stone, Kevin O’Conner and Andy Westwood, went to Oz for their leave. That was the last time I ever saw those guys as after a while they remained ashore in Oz, Sydney resigning from P&O and I was posted to Oriana and continued at sea. Late last year through the website I had mails from both Kevin and Alan, Dick had sadly died some years earlier and we caught up on news via e-mail. In July I had a phone call from Alan saying he was soon to visit the UK with his partner Barbara and wondered if we could meet up. Last Friday (14th September) Alan and Barbara came to visit us in Glasgow for the weekend. It was really nice to meet someone who I had not seen in over 30 years and surprisingly had changed so little, still speaking with a west country accent, tinged with a good bit of Australian I might add, and with all his own hair. It showed to me that people you sail with become friends for life and after 30 plus years the camaraderie still is a strong bond.
 

© Amberfluid Web Design

SP Reunion, Orient Hotel Sydney, September 2007

Steve Hodge writes;

Attached are some snaps of our recent get together in the Orient (22 Sep 2007). It was a great evening and didn't seem like 25 years had passed between us all. Thanks to all the guys who had travelled from far and wide to be there. We hope to do it again in another 25 years.

Courtesy of Steve Hodge

L-R:

John Rennie, Robyn Macphail, Colin Macphail

Courtesy of Steve Hodge

L-R:

John Elder, John Ward, Eveliene Ward

Courtesy of Steve Hodge

L-R back: 

John Taylor, Steve Hodge 

Middle: 

John Ward, Colin Shanks, Clive Glover, John Rennie, John Elder, Colin Macphail, Dave Coleman, Bill Bixley 

Sitting: 

Terry Russell

Courtesy of Steve Hodge

L-R: 

John Elder, Colin Shanks, Colin Macphail

Courtesy of Steve Hodge

L-R: 

Steve Hodge, Mrs Shanks, Colin Shanks

Courtesy of Steve Hodge

L-R: 

John Elder, John Ward

Courtesy of Steve Hodge

L-R:

Colin Macphail, John Rennie, John Elder

© Amberfluid Web Design

Nevasa Reunion on Royal Princess, at sea

Courtesy of Dave Harbinson

Dave writes;

John Barclay (JKB) and his lovely wife Sue came onboard the Royal Princess for a Mediterranean cruise in October. John and I have remained firm friends for almost 35 years, first meeting on the Nevasa in early '73, where we lived next door to each other. We had some great times then and still do when we get together. We are already looking ahead to next summer when hopefully we can get our leave plans sorted out and then John and Sue will come visit us in Vancouver before taking an Alaskan cruise, which is high on Sue's to do list. That's John and Sue in the front and me and my wife Sarah in the back row.

Simply Brilliant!

© Amberfluid Web Design

Oriana Reunion Perth November 2007

I thought it only fitting to start with the gracious host and hostess. That's Brian Searle on the right preparing the BBQ with his lovely wife Ann assisting and the gentleman on the left is actually Mark Sawyer's brother.

Great shot of Mike Jack and Mark Sawyer having a beer for the first time in over 30 years.

That's me with Mark Sawyer's gorgeous wife Veronica.

That's my wife Jen in the Zebra suit.

© Amberfluid Web Design

Oriana Reunion Perth November 2007

Six old seadogs reliving the past after 30 odd years ... priceless! 

Me and the Misses. 

Cliff Merwood and the stunning Jan. 

Mark Sawyer and the vivacious Veronica.

Charles Oxley and the lovely Liz.

Garry Stewart and the delightful Di.

and finally the guests of honour, Mike Jack and the beautiful Barb.

All of us except the photographer Barb and what a brilliant night it was. The food and service was exceptional as usual, the company simply the best. 

© Amberfluid Web Design