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I have been meaning to write to you for sometime, and at last I am making the effort to sit down and do so. Sorry it has taken so long!

First of all, can I congratulate you on your excellent website for ex-CP employees. There are many names and ships I recognise from my time with CP (1977-1984) which make nostalgic reading.

I was the one of two of the first female cadets you bravely took on, together with Maddie Harris. We joined the Fort Victoria at Holyhead,Anglesey, in September 1977. Soon after we joined a film crew came onboard and we made that film, “Maritime Managers”. Other cadets involved were Maddie, Ian Denham, Eddie Taylor, Steve Jacks and Bill Johnston. The film was made over a long 3 weeks we spent on the UK coast, during which we visited the not so glamorous ports of Sheerness and Immingham, as well as Holyhead. I remember thinking, “Are we ever going to get to sea and foreign parts!”. At least it was a chance to find my sea legs on the North Sea! I was sea sick twice during my time at sea, the other was on the CP Voyageur in the North Atlantic in winter.

That first trip to sea was very memorable and I look back on it with fond memories. I remember most people onboard during that time. Jerry Rind was Master for the whole trip. He was certainly a character and had what at the time was a “modern” approach to cadet training. Anybody who was on that trip will know what I mean! I was saddened to hear of the recent death of the Chief Officer, Len Kinns, and his wife, Mary, who I understand passed away some years previously. I remember Mary coming onboard during our time in the UK, together with a couple of their children. She was a lovely lady.

Also on that trip were Chris Riches (2/0) and wife, Maggie, Andy Sharpe (3/0), Ken Peach (C/E), the late Brian Paltridge, Pursar/Chief Steward and his wife Sue, Dennis Forbes(?) (electrician), Bob Clay (radio/electronic officer), Derek Plumley (2/E) and wife, Brenda, Paul Hughes (3/E) and wife, Carmel. I can’t remember who was 4/E and 5/E at the moment, but I do have it written down somewhere. Does anybody have any news on where they all are now?

I paid off in the Philippines in March 1978, together with Jerry Rind, Ken Peach, Maddie, Eddie and Ian, having got there via Hamburg, Valencia, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf and Australia. All in all, it was quite an adventure for a 16 year old girl like myself! There were times when I hated it, like when we were made to chip and paint the grabs on the deck, and clean the ballast tanks. However, I’m glad I did it. I now realise it was character building stuff. Sadly, today’s youngsters have little of that kind of thing!

The following trip, I met my ex-husband, Mike Heffer. We were married for 20 years, but we sadly drifted apart and eventually divorced. I am happy to say that we are still friends. Mike went on to become a Chief Officer with CP Ships.After leaving CP, he went on to be Master with several companies. He now lives in Brazil, working as a Marine Superintendent with Sealion Shipping. (They are a Farnham, Surrey, based companyrunning offshore support ships for oil rigs).

I went on to complete my cadetship and I did three trips as Third Officer. However, for several reasons, I decided on a career change and joined the Dorset Police in 1984. I have been there ever since and am currently serving as a Constable on the Road Policing Unit as a
motorcyclist. I am also a qualified road traffic accident investigator and I investigate serious and fatal road traffic accidents. The Maths and Physics I studied to become a deck officer proved very useful, as these are used widely in accident investigation!

I have very happy memories of my time with CP, and I appreciate having the opportunity to see some of the world. It all made be grow up fast and was all good experience for when I became a police officer. As well as the Fort Victoria, which I went back to as a Third Officer, I also served on the Fort Calgary (twice, as a cadet and 3/O), CP Voyageur (this ship was definitely haunted!), Port Hawkesbury, R.A.Emerson, Port Quebec, W.A. Mather and Fort Carleton.

Marshall, do you know whether it is possible to obtain a copy of “Maritime Managers”? Do any copies still exist? I would be happy to pay for it in either VHS or DVD form. I would be grateful if you could let me know.

I am happy for you to put a copy of this letter on your website for all to see. I welcome any feedback from anybody and news from anybody I knew in CP Ships.
My e-mail is chriswales13@ntlworld'dot'com

Hello Marshall, Mike Tiernan gave me this great website after I contacted the Ships Nostalgia website and I left a message asking if anyone could remember yourself, little did I know about this fantastic site that you have created. My name David Hartshorne and I was a Cadet Purser in the Crew Purser's Office in 1967 with yourself; I have such nice memories of that time in my life and the excellent training that you gave to me - don't know if you can remember me. What happened to Jean Cruickshank, Peter Brown and Jeremy Bird and Margaret Meadow ?

Ed: Again I remember you well. Jean Cruickshank is sadly no longer with us; she died several years ago. Did you mean Peter Bodys or Ian Browne. The last I heard of Peter was well over 20 years ago - he was managing a hotel in Scotland. I tracked Ian down a few months ago - he is now in Melbourne. I last heard of Margarert years ago. She still lives in Formby but is not at all well.

Marshall,
You will not remember me I am sure. You were my Cadet training Officer when I was an Engineer cadet with CP, starting in 1977; I was made redundant in the big changes that
happened 86/87 and took that opportunity to move on. Now 45 and looking towards my own retirement, I stumbled across this website whilst trying to track down my lost (mislaid I hope!) pension entitlements from my time with CP. You have constructed a very interesting
and popular web site here, well done.

Not many names that I recognise on this site, mostly before my time I guess, but one or two stand out(Hughes, Ebsworth, Beedie and others). Whilst I gained a very good basic training with CP, and I enjoyed my cadetship enormously, I belong to a very different era of the British Merchant navy and it would probably be fair to say that many of us do not look back too fondly to the period around the end of our cadetships and the end of our time with CP Ships. At least I got a job at the end of it and that was a good deal more than many!

I am now one of what seems to be a very small number of my era still in the Marine Industry -at our last Plymouth cadet reunion, there were only about 4 of us out of 80 that we found still involved in the maritime business. Others ranged from a physics teacher to a manager for Dixons! What a waste of so much first class training? However a few of us have remained "at sea" and some have gone on to become the marine "establishment". We now have Class Surveyors, Government surveyors (I did ten years with the DTP SGO/MSA/MCA, leaving some 3 years ago for the Salavge and Marine Operations section of the UK MOD), Superintendents, Pilots and Lawyers among our number. Makes me feel old just thinking about it!!!

Ed: Of course I remember you! Glad to see that your cadetship was not wasted.

Hi my name is Ron Pearce Ex electrician, starting on Beaverash and many others in the Bermuda fleet also on the Lord Mount Stephen (2 years north sea) and I was reading the letters on your web site and recognized the name Geoff Bray; I met Geoff on the Beaver boats Liverpool and was walking down memory lane! I guess that we are all getting up there in age , ( shocked and saddened to read of all the good guys that have past on ) I now live in New Brunswick Canada and stumbled on this site via maritime links page, great way to keep in touch with old friends, I have a lot of good memories with CP and I am about to take it easy in retirement so like others have time to websearch! I kept in touch with a sparks Mick Corry from Ireland but lost contact about 4-5 years ago, anyway a great site keep up the good work.

Ron: Geoff Bray would like to contact you but I cannot find your email address

I found the website while trying to looking up old friends on another site. It was nice to see a few names that I new, but was also saddened by a few that had passed away. I was on the Beaver Boats from 1965 till 1970 and also sailed on the Lord Strathcona on her maiden voyage from Japan and my last trip was on the Pacific Logger. I am from the Wirral but now live in New Jersey U.S.A. with my family, wife Wendy from Wallasey and two sons Nicolas and Simon. I would love to attend one of your reunions, and plan to do so maybe next year or the year after,I plan on retiring next September, and would possibly attend a reunion in Liverpool, as I have relatives on the Wirral with whom we stay

I have so many happy memories of my time at CP Ships,...... so many good people!!!

My first ship with CP was the TGS in May ’71. (I joined CP to get off tankers! They originally had me slated as something like 10^th Mate on the Empress of Canada but that fell through). She had just completed her maiden voyage and was loading crude at Mina. We took that to Okinawa & Ulsan Man before going back to the Gulf to load for Port Hawkesbury. We were the first VLCC to use that facility which, as I recall, was built with manifolds specifically for CP’s two VLCC’s which were chartered to Gulf Oil. All sorts of brass came aboard for the berthing.

After that it was the JV Clyne & NR Crump from Oct ‘71 through May ‘72. I had about six days leave between ships but that was my choice – I wanted to get another look at Vancouver. I had decided to emigrate to Vancouver after my first visit in Dec ’71. After a short leave in the spring of 72 I joined the CPTrader in drydock in Rotterdam and did two trips across the Atlantic to Quebec City. I moved to Vancouver in March ’73. I worked for Northland until it folded in ’76. I now live in Victoria.

I went in to my old steamer trunk to see what memorabilia might lurk there. I found a box of Empress of Canada bookmatches in pristine condition plus a sheet of “Hawkers Habla” or “Lingua TGS” depending on your preference. I also have the CP pics from our visit to Port Hawkesbury when I was selected to be the “model officer” for the company photographer.

Ed: Another contact from the past! Anything that you can email I can put on the wewbsite - would love to see the Hawkers Habla!

Good morning Marshall, this is your new wake up call from Oz ! Sorry I got my rail stations wrong, where Marie Fox's salon was, it was one of those pub crawl day's I had with Jack Coalbran, it's a wonder we found any station other than a Police one. Amazing how one name from the past can trigger off more memories, it is more therapeutic for the aged than crossword puzzles I came from Waterloo myself and still have three sisters plus one bro-in-law ex C.P,whom I mentioned before, still living in Crosby, as you say, small world made even smaller with computer technology. Rita, my wife of 41 years now, came from Southport, but I have trained her now. You are of course right Captain Dobson was the Commodore Captain in the company. I recall during the Canada's trials winning 2nd prize in the speed trials, and Captain Dobson came up to the engineers accommodation to present the money in person and in civvies; I didn't have a clue who he was. As he says congratulations Mr Tiernan (how polite we used to be) you have won 2nd prize etc, I am just about to peel off a note to give him a tip, as we used to do, and I'm sure I saw his hand move to accept it, I could feel my sleeve being pulled from behind, so I pocketed the cash and said thank you. The sleeve puller was Ernie the Chief Engineer's steward, who said "you don't tip the Commodore Captain" . Do not recall Peter Denham but will look him up and possibly give him a call, no harm done. We also had on board from the maiden voyage another well known Liverpool identity the Bosun Martin Quinn, one old tough cooky. The Chef as I remember was Mr Black another character. Could go on all day now you have got me going, but don't want to bore you too soon. I am a member of the "W.A Allied Merchant Seamen Association" and also involved with the Mandurah Water Rescue, which keeps me off the streets in my retirement. Looking forward to more communication.

Ed: I well remember one Christmas Day lunch drinks in the Chief Purser's cabin. Martin Quinn would certainly not have been able to go on his next watch. David Black was the Chef - sadly neither of them as still with us.

Well, what can I say Marshall, I've been in the doldrums for quite some time and all of a sudden, It's all happening,. The speed of communication fantastic, in only two day's between Geoff Pearson and yourself, we seem to have turned the clock back somewhat. From the Adelphi photo's I still cannot pin a name to the attendee's, John Watkins I remember as the Staff Chief Engineer, can't pick him, Jack Bowen I knew well but no joy there either, Lawrie Steadman & Cy Beck, I remember the names but not their positions on board. I do remember Margaret Battersby She was a haidresser along with Marie Fox who opened a hairdresser salon near Formby Station. My old mate on the Canada (and my best man some time later) Jack Coalbran and I, visited Marie at the salon (and destroyed a bottle of Scotch there !) after which running the car into a snow drift taking her home. Jack sadly passed away some years ago after surviving a heart transplant op. I was over in Liverpool in November 2003 and on the morning of the great Rugby game between England & Australia while on an early morning walk with my Bro-in-law (Gordon White, Ex Engineer Empress of France and T.E.V Beavercove) met Jack Coalbran's wife walking her dogs, and we had a good chat about Jack and the good day's.

So your website is firmly established in my favourites now, many thanks for your efforts keeping it on the ball, I'm sure it is time consuming.

Best Regards

Mike

p/s I live in Mandurah, about 100 klms south of Perth, a canal development called Port Bouvard, which can be viewed on line, also a two or maybe three minute walk for a dip in the Indian Ocean.

Mike …I am copying Marshall Christie on this note, he is the editor of the Timelink web site and has been the person I have sent my few photos to in the past. I didn’t join the E of C until October of 1961. I am trying to bring the “head shop girl “ to mind but I’m drawing a blank (not uncommon these days!) In September of 1961 I was still on the E of B. Re Joyce Evans, no Bob Evans sister’s name was Barbara she joined the E of C in 1962 I believe as the ships nurse. I have an old newspaper photograph clipping of her and Bob along with his wife Brenda who was a hairdresser on the E of C. My wife Ann took over from Barbara in December of 1963 when she took sick a couple of days before we left for the cruise season. Just finished watching the US beat Panama 3-0 in a 2006 World Cup elimination soccer game. I see Russell Crow got into a bit of a punch up in NY the other day he apparently threw a cell phone at a clerk in the hotel he was staying at. He did a great job in that movie Master and Commander. Cheers GEOFF.

G'day Geoff & Ann, I am still enjoying the C.P site thanks to you, but can not associate the list of name at the Adelphi reunion with the people in the photographs (I wonder why, its only been 44 years ? ) Also my thanks for Ian Derbyshire's address, I wrote ( the hard way ) to him yesterday, will keep you posted if he replies.

Found the attached photo's in my E of C writing case, a birthday present from the head shop girl in September 61. As I can not see on the "Timelink" site how you submit them, perhaps you could advise me.

I hope I am wrong but I noted from the "passed on" list, a Joyce Evans who died in 2002, would that be Bob Evans sister, the nurse I enquired of ? as she was a good friend on the Canada.

Excellent site, after years searching most of the M.N sites trying to locate shipmates from the past, now I have some success. My name is Mike Tiernan and with a number of other Engineers we stayed in digs in the Sunderland area while the Empress of Canada was being completed at Vickers yard in early 61. Then on to the trials off the Isle of Aran, some remedial work then around to Liverpool where she was handed over officialy to C.P. The fanfare of the departure on the maiden voyage, and Cassandra's column in the Daily Express likening the departure to the maiden voyage of the Titanic ! Cassandra wasn't too popular. The banquets in Montreal (not for Engineers !)Sailed on her until late November 1961. I still have and use a writing case with the Canada on the front, a birthday gift from the head shop girl (name escapes me) I was then transferred to London sailing on the T.E.V.Beavercove, not quite a White Empress but a good crew, spent Christmas in St John N.B. Then back to Liverpool to join the Empress of Britain joining C.P old timers like Flood Saunders and Fred Priest. Another great ship and crew, but the "Canada" will always be special. I keep in contact with two ex's Jim Hughes Ex 3rd Engineer & Vernon Phillips. More recently was contacted by Geoff Pearson so hopefully that will be a regular e-mail exchange, and from Geoff I now have Ian Derbyshire's address (no computer)so will be mailing him via snail mail. Intend being a regular visitor to the C.P site.Mike Tiernan ( Western Australia)

p.s. I have a couple of photo's of an iceberg off the port side of the Canada, black and white of course, also one in my cabin on the Beavercove with 12 mixed crew in St John at Christmas 61. Have not figured how to send them to you yet !

Ed. Thanks Mike, this is just what the website is all about. Could the Senior shop girl have been Veronica or Sheila. Geoff sent me the photos and they can be viewed on the "pictures " page

I'm pleased to read that you had a good time at the Adelphi. It must have been fun meeting all your old pals again. I've been through the list a couple of times, but don't recognise many names. Guess I'm just too old. Thank you Marshall for including me in the absent list. I noticed Peter Embleton's name near mine. We have been keeping in touch recently. I had a heart operation in March (got a pigs valve now) and Peter is waiting for an operation, so we have lots to talk about. Best of luck with Timelink, I look in often.

Great to see so many old friends and shipmates at the latest re-union. Love reading the letters from many ex shipmates it brings back so many happy memories of the glorious sixties which must have been the heydays of the White Empresses.

I joined in 1961. stood by the Britain & England then sailed on the Canada. Stood by the Beaverfir in Antwerp then sailed on the Beaverglen. Rejoined the Britain in 62 then one more trip on the Canada before the best of the three the England for the next seven years before rejoining the Canada until she was sold. This journey took me from 9th Engineer to 2nd Engineer.

My family connection spanned the the whole history of Canadian Pacific Atlantic passenger ships myself being the last one to work for thecompany. It has just been announced that Princes Landing stage is being rebuilt; it is a great pity there will not be an Empress boat to berth there. Best regards to all the people I sailed with. Look forward to the next reunion. Bob Evans

After almost giving up on Friends Reunited I was pleased to hear Marshall manages a site for ex CP Employees. After 11 years at sea with CP ranging from a 4th. Engineer to 2nd. Engineer, I have a lot of happy memories of days at sea which have now changed forever. I am now in Vancouver working in management for Teekay and live in Port Moody, a town steeped in CP Rail history. Stuart Hockenhull reminded me he used to visit Port Moody on the loggers (Stuart is Chief Engineer with Teekay, Capt. Roger Barber is with us also). Still see a lot of CP Rail carriages with the "Pacman' emblem and have even sighted a green "CP Ships" container....... I enjoyed reading the various articles and catching up with a few familiar names. Hope to be in touch with a few real soon.


		Contributions Received In 2005
	Timelink - Canadian Pacific Ex-Employees : Members Site
»Home Page »Current Edition »»2004 Content »»2005 Content »»2006 Content »News »People »Regional News »Reunions »Letters »Your Pictures »Liverpool Reunion »2005 London Reunion »2006 London Reunion »Feedback Form »Links »Site Map »Contacts	Previous letters and contributions to the site from 2005 Please use the feedback form to submit content Please be aware that we cannot post e-mail addresses directly on the website - you will be deluged with 'spam'. To contact someone please replace the 'dot' in the address with '.' From Frank Galway 19th December 2005 Paul Clough need not fear, it was the ship which rolled. All the White Empresses rolled badly and were commonly referred to as Drunken Duchesses. I recall a trip to Montreal on the France when a roll to port was recorded as 47deg with a roll back to starboard of 45deg. There were one or two injuries amongst the passengers, but the ship took it well ! I was surprised to read that you hadn't heard the term Drunken Duchess, Marshall, It's amazing how these names fade away. You have never written that you recall the Candy Girls, the Rosies and Tigers and that all these ships had a Lux House on the top deck. Do you remember ? Wasn't that an interesting letter from Christina Wales? I dropped her an email to say so. I also tried Gerry Usher, but I've not heard from him. Ed: You were a little before my time, Frank! I know we always had a tiger on the Empresses! Reply from Paul Clough in Toronto I heard the 'drunken duchesses' expression from my father who I think had it from the 1920's when the vessels were new. To get a 20,000 tonner up to Montreal (in those days the channel up the St. Lawrence was not as well dredged as later) they were very shallow draft for a vessel of that tonnage. I certainly found they lived up to the name in 1947 on the Empress of Canada, though I suspect that it was more my weakness than the ship 's motion. From DENIS KEAST 18TH DECEMBER 2005 I had a call this morning (18th December 2005) from Estelle Lumb (who writes in her maiden name of Lancaster), who's grandfather was Captain Percy Lancaster, a "Duchess of York" Master and previously First Officer/Mate of two other "Duchess" liners. Estelle, as you probably know, has published a number of poems, including a book of verses for The National Memorial Arboretum called "Please Remember." Her grandfather had also commanded the "Beaverford" in the 1930s, which ship was sunk with all hands on 5th November 1940 (as described in detail in George Musk's book). It was the account of this sinking which caused her to write the verses, in the hope that others might better appreciate the debt we owe to those who gave their lives in this appalling way. Anyway, the point of this morning's call was to let me know that she has been interviewed by Sue Cook for her "Making History" programme, which is broadcast on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday afternoons at 3:00 p.m. She understands that her interview will appear on this Tuesday's programme, but it may be next week. The theme of the interview is the so called "Drunken Duchesses," an expression which I confessed to her was quite new to me and which she explained apparently emanates from the fact that these Canadian Pacific liners had a shallow drafts and consequently tended to "roll in the Atlantic" in rough weather conditions. Others copied in will for sure know much more about this than I do. STOP PRESS LISTEN IN BBC RADIO 4 1500HRS 27TH DECEMBER From Chris Wotton 22nd November 2005 `I worked as an Electrical Officer & PCO with PC ships between 1975 & 1983 I would like to find out what happened to some of the people with whom I sailed. I fell across it while looking for news about CP Ships. I had entered the name of Jeremy Rind who was Chief Officer with me on the W A Mather` From Christina Wales 12th November 2005 I have been meaning to write to you for sometime, and at last I am making the effort to sit down and do so. Sorry it has taken so long! First of all, can I congratulate you on your excellent website for ex-CP employees. There are many names and ships I recognise from my time with CP (1977-1984) which make nostalgic reading. I was the one of two of the first female cadets you bravely took on, together with Maddie Harris. We joined the Fort Victoria at Holyhead,Anglesey, in September 1977. Soon after we joined a film crew came onboard and we made that film, “Maritime Managers”. Other cadets involved were Maddie, Ian Denham, Eddie Taylor, Steve Jacks and Bill Johnston. The film was made over a long 3 weeks we spent on the UK coast, during which we visited the not so glamorous ports of Sheerness and Immingham, as well as Holyhead. I remember thinking, “Are we ever going to get to sea and foreign parts!”. At least it was a chance to find my sea legs on the North Sea! I was sea sick twice during my time at sea, the other was on the CP Voyageur in the North Atlantic in winter. That first trip to sea was very memorable and I look back on it with fond memories. I remember most people onboard during that time. Jerry Rind was Master for the whole trip. He was certainly a character and had what at the time was a “modern” approach to cadet training. Anybody who was on that trip will know what I mean! I was saddened to hear of the recent death of the Chief Officer, Len Kinns, and his wife, Mary, who I understand passed away some years previously. I remember Mary coming onboard during our time in the UK, together with a couple of their children. She was a lovely lady. Also on that trip were Chris Riches (2/0) and wife, Maggie, Andy Sharpe (3/0), Ken Peach (C/E), the late Brian Paltridge, Pursar/Chief Steward and his wife Sue, Dennis Forbes(?) (electrician), Bob Clay (radio/electronic officer), Derek Plumley (2/E) and wife, Brenda, Paul Hughes (3/E) and wife, Carmel. I can’t remember who was 4/E and 5/E at the moment, but I do have it written down somewhere. Does anybody have any news on where they all are now? I paid off in the Philippines in March 1978, together with Jerry Rind, Ken Peach, Maddie, Eddie and Ian, having got there via Hamburg, Valencia, the Red Sea, the Persian Gulf and Australia. All in all, it was quite an adventure for a 16 year old girl like myself! There were times when I hated it, like when we were made to chip and paint the grabs on the deck, and clean the ballast tanks. However, I’m glad I did it. I now realise it was character building stuff. Sadly, today’s youngsters have little of that kind of thing! The following trip, I met my ex-husband, Mike Heffer. We were married for 20 years, but we sadly drifted apart and eventually divorced. I am happy to say that we are still friends. Mike went on to become a Chief Officer with CP Ships.After leaving CP, he went on to be Master with several companies. He now lives in Brazil, working as a Marine Superintendent with Sealion Shipping. (They are a Farnham, Surrey, based companyrunning offshore support ships for oil rigs). I went on to complete my cadetship and I did three trips as Third Officer. However, for several reasons, I decided on a career change and joined the Dorset Police in 1984. I have been there ever since and am currently serving as a Constable on the Road Policing Unit as a motorcyclist. I am also a qualified road traffic accident investigator and I investigate serious and fatal road traffic accidents. The Maths and Physics I studied to become a deck officer proved very useful, as these are used widely in accident investigation! I have very happy memories of my time with CP, and I appreciate having the opportunity to see some of the world. It all made be grow up fast and was all good experience for when I became a police officer. As well as the Fort Victoria, which I went back to as a Third Officer, I also served on the Fort Calgary (twice, as a cadet and 3/O), CP Voyageur (this ship was definitely haunted!), Port Hawkesbury, R.A.Emerson, Port Quebec, W.A. Mather and Fort Carleton. Marshall, do you know whether it is possible to obtain a copy of “Maritime Managers”? Do any copies still exist? I would be happy to pay for it in either VHS or DVD form. I would be grateful if you could let me know. I am happy for you to put a copy of this letter on your website for all to see. I welcome any feedback from anybody and news from anybody I knew in CP Ships. My e-mail is chriswales13@ntlworld'dot'com `Ed: I will see what I can do, but no promises` `From David Hartshorne 29th October 2005` Hello Marshall, Mike Tiernan gave me this great website after I contacted the Ships Nostalgia website and I left a message asking if anyone could remember yourself, little did I know about this fantastic site that you have created. My name David Hartshorne and I was a Cadet Purser in the Crew Purser's Office in 1967 with yourself; I have such nice memories of that time in my life and the excellent training that you gave to me - don't know if you can remember me. What happened to Jean Cruickshank, Peter Brown and Jeremy Bird and Margaret Meadow ? `Ed: Again I remember you well. Jean Cruickshank is sadly no longer with us; she died several years ago. Did you mean Peter Bodys or Ian Browne. The last I heard of Peter was well over 20 years ago - he was managing a hotel in Scotland. I tracked Ian down a few months ago - he is now in Melbourne. I last heard of Margarert years ago. She still lives in Formby but is not at all well.` `Simon Robins 29th October 2005` Marshall, You will not remember me I am sure. You were my Cadet training Officer when I was an Engineer cadet with CP, starting in 1977; I was made redundant in the big changes that happened 86/87 and took that opportunity to move on. Now 45 and looking towards my own retirement, I stumbled across this website whilst trying to track down my lost (mislaid I hope!) pension entitlements from my time with CP. You have constructed a very interesting and popular web site here, well done. Not many names that I recognise on this site, mostly before my time I guess, but one or two stand out(Hughes, Ebsworth, Beedie and others). Whilst I gained a very good basic training with CP, and I enjoyed my cadetship enormously, I belong to a very different era of the British Merchant navy and it would probably be fair to say that many of us do not look back too fondly to the period around the end of our cadetships and the end of our time with CP Ships. At least I got a job at the end of it and that was a good deal more than many! I am now one of what seems to be a very small number of my era still in the Marine Industry -at our last Plymouth cadet reunion, there were only about 4 of us out of 80 that we found still involved in the maritime business. Others ranged from a physics teacher to a manager for Dixons! What a waste of so much first class training? However a few of us have remained "at sea" and some have gone on to become the marine "establishment". We now have Class Surveyors, Government surveyors (I did ten years with the DTP SGO/MSA/MCA, leaving some 3 years ago for the Salavge and Marine Operations section of the UK MOD), Superintendents, Pilots and Lawyers among our number. Makes me feel old just thinking about it!!! Ed: Of course I remember you! Glad to see that your cadetship was not wasted. `From Ron Pearce 6th October 2005` Hi my name is Ron Pearce Ex electrician, starting on Beaverash and many others in the Bermuda fleet also on the Lord Mount Stephen (2 years north sea) and I was reading the letters on your web site and recognized the name Geoff Bray; I met Geoff on the Beaver boats Liverpool and was walking down memory lane! I guess that we are all getting up there in age , ( shocked and saddened to read of all the good guys that have past on ) I now live in New Brunswick Canada and stumbled on this site via maritime links page, great way to keep in touch with old friends, I have a lot of good memories with CP and I am about to take it easy in retirement so like others have time to websearch! I kept in touch with a sparks Mick Corry from Ireland but lost contact about 4-5 years ago, anyway a great site keep up the good work. `Ron: Geoff Bray would like to contact you but I cannot find your email address` `- would you like to contact him on gffbry@aol'dot'com` `From Geoff Bray 2nd October 2005` I found the website while trying to looking up old friends on another site. It was nice to see a few names that I new, but was also saddened by a few that had passed away. I was on the Beaver Boats from 1965 till 1970 and also sailed on the Lord Strathcona on her maiden voyage from Japan and my last trip was on the Pacific Logger. I am from the Wirral but now live in New Jersey U.S.A. with my family, wife Wendy from Wallasey and two sons Nicolas and Simon. I would love to attend one of your reunions, and plan to do so maybe next year or the year after,I plan on retiring next September, and would possibly attend a reunion in Liverpool, as I have relatives on the Wirral with whom we stay `I will check the site as I have some photos that I could probably send.` `I have so many happy memories of my time at CP Ships,...... so many good people!!!` From Diane Urion - 17th August 2005 Hi Marshall. To see your name in my inbox this morning was an uncanny reality ! Having said that I was delighted; thank you so much for your prompt reply to my letter. We have two sons 31 and 28 - 2 grandaughters eldest 2yrs and youngest 7months old. Hard to imagine Oddie as a grandad eh ?? Potted history of me : I found it very hard to settle after I left - opened up a map of the UK closed my eyes stuck a pin in it and ended up in Cambridge working in the exam board office of the colleges. Vicki came and joined me and we lived together for a while there. I see that she was at the re-union but there is no mention of Kevin - what happened there ? We had some good times down there - but then it was time to go back and settle down at home in Blackpool. Vicki went back to Manchester and went to one of the re-unions there she met Ian - they chatted and then I wrote to him. He came to Blackpool for a visit and two weeks later we were engaged !! Oh the mystique of the Empress of Canada - draws us all back together eventually. We were married in 1972 and lived in Liverpool for a while. Then moved to back to Blackpool and started our own engineering business. We emigrated to Canada in 1982 after the deaths of my parents. We came and lived close to Ray Wright - also an engineer from CP - I'm sure you remember Ray. He died very suddenly 10 years ago. He and Leslie were divorced at the time - but it was very sad for us all. We did a cruise on the "Mardi Gras" for my 50th birthday - Ian booked it as a surprise and told Carnival cruise lines our history. They made us feel like royalty during the cruise and it was wonderful to spend some time cruising on "our" ship. She really wasn't that much different at the time. They had not re-vamped her very much. I re-visited Fluff and Stud - they were exactly the same. It really was like stepping back in time. I was given the job of taking the passengers on the ship's tour and giving them a potted history. I have to admit to shedding more than a few tears in public whilst doing that one ! A lot more to tell - as I am sure everyone else has - would love to come to the next re-union in Liverpool. We have kept in touch with Bill and Babs Jones and have kept promising them that we would come to a reunion. However the time has never been right somehow. Now we are retired and have all the time in the world apart from the demands of being grandparents ! So we should be able to make it. Feel free to publish this. We would dearly love to hear from some of our old friends. They say you shouldn't go back to yesterday - but why not - it was such fun !!! Thanks again Marshall for the website and all the wonderful memories it invokes.....irreplaceable and unforgettable memories. Look forward to hearing from a few others - please feel free to publish my email address etc. Pass on my love to Margery; she came to visit us when we first got married and it was lovely to see her. I would love to hear from her.Thanks again, very warm regards. Diane. From Diane Urion (Mullin) - 16th August 2005 Hi Marshall - Remember me ? We spent many happy hours together in the Crew Office on the Canada.......my name then was Diane Mullin. It is now Diane Urion - as I married Ian (Oddie) Urion 3rd Engineer. What a start to my day this website find is. I was on the MNA website and posted a message for friends from the Empress of Canada and the QM emailed me this website. WONDERFUL MARSHALL ! Absolutely WONDERFUL ! Scrolling down the letters seeing names from so long ago and having instant flashbacks and laughs. Terry Foskett - I can hardly believe you - "Careless Hands Foskett" from my one and only trip on the England. You became a professional singer - I am most impressed ! Lovely to see that Margery is still around and to hear from Hilda Pitt-Brooke. Oh the memories that come flooding back of it all. Do you know anything of Sheila Bennett or Joan McLean? I could go on and on....as I am sure most people from that era could ! Ian and I are now retired and live in Lagoon City, Ontario - we have our own boat which is called Empress of Canada Jr. I will leave you to it for now Marshall - but This is not the last you have heard from the Urions !! - that era was beyond special to us all and shouldn't be forgotten. Ed: Of course I remember you - did we really have "happy" hours in the crew office! Great to hear from you Urion's pride sand joy - moored at our house on Lake Simcoe, Ontario From Frank Galway - 5th August 2005 Les Lewis and I write to each other frequently. Les had a stroke last year but from what he says, he is making a good recovery. He phones about once a week and, as I am profoundly deaf, speaks to my wife enquiring about MY health. This is because I had a heart valve replaced last March. I'm hoping that Les will be well enough to make it to London (from Manchester) for your reunion. I have an idea that he is interested. From Frank Galway - 3rd August 2005 Well, shiver me timbers! Here is someone writing in Timelink who must be around my age. - Remarkable ! To read about times when Mr Jones was the Chief Purser of the Empress of France brings back some memories alright. Wasn't it he who took his leaves in Cannes and, it was said, used our money at the tables in the Casino ? That was the story but it probably stemmed from the fact that trying to get money from any Purser was like trying to get blood from a stone ! I would like to chat with Gerry Usher because we could recognise terms which seem to have been lost over the years. Things like Rosies, Candy Girls, Boots and Tigers. Good grief, I've sailed on a few liners since I swallowed the anchor, that don't have proper funnels or even a Crow's Nest, unless it's been the name of a cocktail bar on the Sun Deck. The De Grasse; I never sailed on her but saw her a few times. I'm surprised that Gerry Usher doesn't seem to have enjoyed his time on this "New" Australia, because I had heard that all the waiters were overjoyed when they discovered that each Pantry, unlike anything before on CPS ships, had two little taps. One was for white wine, the other for red. Maybe it had all been consumed by the time Gerry got there. It wouldn't have lasted long, thats for sure. And I can't visualise any CP Catering Super having the tanks topped up. Ed: Thanks Frank - yet again the Timelink website is putting "old" seadogs in touch with each other - the Purser was presumably Owen Jones? From Gerry Usher 1st August 2005 `Nice to find this site.` I worked for CPR in the 1950s started as a laundry boy on the Empress of Australia in 1950, Empress of France as a waiter in 1952, Empress of Canada in 1953 when she went on fire in Gladstone dock, Empress of France again in 1954, then the dreaded De Grasse renamed Empress of Australia (keep off de grass) I did 11 trips in her one to Montreal and one back to Liverpool, then back to the Empress of France again in 1957 couldn't keep away from her; I was also in the Empress of Scotland in '57, then the Empress of Britain in 1958, I worked in the dining rooms and public rooms, and was purser's steward for a while to Mr Jones the purser on the Empress of France. I have many happy memories of these ships. Best wishes Gerry Usher. I saw your site on the MN page From Bill Connor - 30th July 2005 - Bathurst NB Thanks for your invitation to the reunion in October; it is nice to be remembered after service with the company from 1933 to 1971.I regret that I will be unable to attend. I will, God willing, be 89 this coming December. Whilst in excellent health at the moment, I would need to be accompanied on a journey to London as these days I do need a friendly arm to assist me in walking any distance. I am regularly in touch with Nell Lucas, widow of my good friends Reg Lucas. She is now 90 but looks and acts like she was many years younger. I have spoken to Johnny Owen in Banff; he is now retired although he still "controls" his business. I also keep in touch with Cully Keane in Montreal. He had a slight heart attack about three weeks ago and, on medical advice, he has temporarily given up his job at the Royal Montreal golf club. He has altered not one whit and even now is commuting often between Montreal and Boston where his current lady love lives! I have just been given the freedom of the City of Bathurst in recognition of my years service in the Royal Navy in WW2 as Chief Petty Officer and my picture has been posted in the City Hall. Please pass on my regards to anyone who might remember me. Ed. Congratulations on your award! Good to hear from you Bill. From Mervyn Huckstepp I have just received a phone call from Bill Warren ( retired sales representative - Mincing Lane/Finsbury Square) telling me about the Canadian Pacific Reunion to be held at the Charing Cross Hotel on 10th October. I would very much like to attend and meet up with friends and colleagues. I am still employed by CP Ships at Gatwick and now am the second longest serving member in the company in the UK. I joined Canadian Pacific Railway Co (agents for Steamships) in 1967 at Mincing Lane office as the junior on the Import Dept. I left in 1968 as I had an ambition to go to sea, which I did (1968-1970) with P & O Lines as a Purser cadet. Then, as you probably remember, with the higher cost of fuel, ships getting older and the advent of the airlines taking over the passenger shipping routes the "writing was on the wall" as far as my future at sea was concerned. So I returned to the fold, rejoining CP Ships in October 1970 as export documentation clerk in Mincing Lane office and have been in the company ever since working at Finsbury Square/Felixstowe/Romford/Horley and now Gatwick. E: Who is the longest serving? From Rob Banks - 30th July 2005 It is with regret that I have to advise Captain Len Kinns passed away a few days ago; his funeral will be held at Totland Catholic church on Thursday, August 4th. I first met Len in 1975 when I was a Lloyds surveyor and he was captain of a Hudson steamship bulker in Barry, Wales. Our paths crossed again, when I joined CP Ships in 1977 and went to visit 'Fort Victoria' in Angelsey. Len was Chief Officer and it was from that visit that our long friendship began. Len and his family lived in a house in a road at the back of us in Fleet, Hampshire. His family of five gave us access to 'babysitters' for our own younger family. As a young cadet/officer I believe Len may have served on the 'Empress' boats after the war. Len was a very keen yachtsman and he did make many attempts to teach an engineer like myself the 'secrets of navigation'. He had great artistic talent with both fibre glass and wood and I believe that he started the successful company "dolphin showers" during mid-life but returned back to sea in the mid-seventies. He was promoted Master with CP in the 80's. On his retirement from CP Ships, Len commenced making both fibre glass and wooden rocking horses from his home in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight. The untimely death of his wife, Mary and his own failing health resulted in him giving up this business in 2001. ed: Len played an important part in the cadet training film Maritime Managers which was partly filmed on Fort Victoria. Jeremy Rind was Master at the time and he also "starred"! From Captain Peter Grant - 25 July 2005 Thanks your invitation to attend a Reunion Lunch at the Charing Cross Hotel on Monday 10th October'05. I would love to attend but since I'm a Deep Sea Pilot and have my Leave time Allocated I would only be able to come on a few days notice. I understand you will be oversubscribed but will phone closer the time to see if there are any cancellations. You may be interested that Capt .Geoff Wright is now a Deep Sea Pilot. I will retire in Two years time so hopefully will be able to attend more social Functions. CP 1977 - 1987 From Phil McKiernan - 5th July 2005 SS Moyie fully restored and ready for service at Kaslo BC. Sadly, she will never sail again due to modern safety requirements but has been lovingly restored and maintained unlike her Sister the Minto which met a Viking's funeral in the middle of the lake where she plied her trade from the turn of the century until 1959 - she could not be saved. The truck full of chickens is a Ford model TT ( ton truck ) shown on the boiler/engine deck which was modified for the carriage of vehicles. Amongst much memorabilia is a collection of rubbish from behind the lounge bench seating - it ranges from cigarette packets, newspapers and tickets to eyeglasses and money. I recall more details of the CP lake steamers are to be found in George Musk's book from how long ago? From John Arton - 5th July 2005 Just recently, 30th of June actually, I was in Le Havre with my current command when lo and behold what should tie up behind us was the last of the White Empress's sailing. The TOPAZ, ex. Empress of Britain. Still going strong under the ownership of the "Peaceship" operation. She looked a bit tatty and you could see signs of her age, like a huge extra generator set welded on her deck just forward of her funnel, but even with some of the quite radical changes she has undergone over the years it was still apparent from her outline that she was a true White Empress. Although I never sailed on her and, like a fool, I forgot to take a picture of her in her latest state, it was a most nostalgic moment, seeing once again a "White Empress" still actually sailing. The Liverpool reunion back in April was a really pleasant evening. Meeting up with Capt's White and Beck again was most enjoyable, though I really doubt that they remembered me, unless they could recall a long haired first and second trip cadet, who no doubt had them pulling their hair out at his on board antics. Had a really good chat with Lawrie Steadman, John Onslow etc. etc. Lets hope that you can keep the reunions going. I will be back---as Arnie says, hopefully next time with even more of the 'younger' old timers. Ed Have you got a copy of The Last White Empresses by Clive Harvey Glad you enjoyed the Liverpool bash From Mike Gray 10th June 2005 My first ship with CP was the TGS in May ’71. (I joined CP to get off tankers! They originally had me slated as something like 10^th Mate on the Empress of Canada but that fell through). She had just completed her maiden voyage and was loading crude at Mina. We took that to Okinawa & Ulsan Man before going back to the Gulf to load for Port Hawkesbury. We were the first VLCC to use that facility which, as I recall, was built with manifolds specifically for CP’s two VLCC’s which were chartered to Gulf Oil. All sorts of brass came aboard for the berthing. After that it was the JV Clyne & NR Crump from Oct ‘71 through May ‘72. I had about six days leave between ships but that was my choice – I wanted to get another look at Vancouver. I had decided to emigrate to Vancouver after my first visit in Dec ’71. After a short leave in the spring of 72 I joined the CPTrader in drydock in Rotterdam and did two trips across the Atlantic to Quebec City. I moved to Vancouver in March ’73. I worked for Northland until it folded in ’76. I now live in Victoria. I went in to my old steamer trunk to see what memorabilia might lurk there. I found a box of Empress of Canada bookmatches in pristine condition plus a sheet of “Hawkers Habla” or “Lingua TGS” depending on your preference. I also have the CP pics from our visit to Port Hawkesbury when I was selected to be the “model officer” for the company photographer. Ed: Another contact from the past! Anything that you can email I can put on the wewbsite - would love to see the Hawkers Habla! From Mike Tiernan 10th June 2005 Good morning Marshall, this is your new wake up call from Oz ! Sorry I got my rail stations wrong, where Marie Fox's salon was, it was one of those pub crawl day's I had with Jack Coalbran, it's a wonder we found any station other than a Police one. Amazing how one name from the past can trigger off more memories, it is more therapeutic for the aged than crossword puzzles I came from Waterloo myself and still have three sisters plus one bro-in-law ex C.P,whom I mentioned before, still living in Crosby, as you say, small world made even smaller with computer technology. Rita, my wife of 41 years now, came from Southport, but I have trained her now. You are of course right Captain Dobson was the Commodore Captain in the company. I recall during the Canada's trials winning 2nd prize in the speed trials, and Captain Dobson came up to the engineers accommodation to present the money in person and in civvies; I didn't have a clue who he was. As he says congratulations Mr Tiernan (how polite we used to be) you have won 2nd prize etc, I am just about to peel off a note to give him a tip, as we used to do, and I'm sure I saw his hand move to accept it, I could feel my sleeve being pulled from behind, so I pocketed the cash and said thank you. The sleeve puller was Ernie the Chief Engineer's steward, who said "you don't tip the Commodore Captain" . Do not recall Peter Denham but will look him up and possibly give him a call, no harm done. We also had on board from the maiden voyage another well known Liverpool identity the Bosun Martin Quinn, one old tough cooky. The Chef as I remember was Mr Black another character. Could go on all day now you have got me going, but don't want to bore you too soon. I am a member of the "W.A Allied Merchant Seamen Association" and also involved with the Mandurah Water Rescue, which keeps me off the streets in my retirement. Looking forward to more communication. Ed: I well remember one Christmas Day lunch drinks in the Chief Purser's cabin. Martin Quinn would certainly not have been able to go on his next watch. David Black was the Chef - sadly neither of them as still with us. From Mike Tiernan Well, what can I say Marshall, I've been in the doldrums for quite some time and all of a sudden, It's all happening,. The speed of communication fantastic, in only two day's between Geoff Pearson and yourself, we seem to have turned the clock back somewhat. From the Adelphi photo's I still cannot pin a name to the attendee's, John Watkins I remember as the Staff Chief Engineer, can't pick him, Jack Bowen I knew well but no joy there either, Lawrie Steadman & Cy Beck, I remember the names but not their positions on board. I do remember Margaret Battersby She was a haidresser along with Marie Fox who opened a hairdresser salon near Formby Station. My old mate on the Canada (and my best man some time later) Jack Coalbran and I, visited Marie at the salon (and destroyed a bottle of Scotch there !) after which running the car into a snow drift taking her home. Jack sadly passed away some years ago after surviving a heart transplant op. I was over in Liverpool in November 2003 and on the morning of the great Rugby game between England & Australia while on an early morning walk with my Bro-in-law (Gordon White, Ex Engineer Empress of France and T.E.V Beavercove) met Jack Coalbran's wife walking her dogs, and we had a good chat about Jack and the good day's. So your website is firmly established in my favourites now, many thanks for your efforts keeping it on the ball, I'm sure it is time consuming. Best Regards Mike p/s I live in Mandurah, about 100 klms south of Perth, a canal development called Port Bouvard, which can be viewed on line, also a two or maybe three minute walk for a dip in the Indian Ocean. From Geoff Pearson 8th June 2005 Actually a copy of a note sent by Geoff to Mike Tiernan Mike …I am copying Marshall Christie on this note, he is the editor of the Timelink web site and has been the person I have sent my few photos to in the past. I didn’t join the E of C until October of 1961. I am trying to bring the “head shop girl “ to mind but I’m drawing a blank (not uncommon these days!) In September of 1961 I was still on the E of B. Re Joyce Evans, no Bob Evans sister’s name was Barbara she joined the E of C in 1962 I believe as the ships nurse. I have an old newspaper photograph clipping of her and Bob along with his wife Brenda who was a hairdresser on the E of C. My wife Ann took over from Barbara in December of 1963 when she took sick a couple of days before we left for the cruise season. Just finished watching the US beat Panama 3-0 in a 2006 World Cup elimination soccer game. I see Russell Crow got into a bit of a punch up in NY the other day he apparently threw a cell phone at a clerk in the hotel he was staying at. He did a great job in that movie Master and Commander. Cheers GEOFF. From Mike Tiernan to Geoff Pearson G'day Geoff & Ann, I am still enjoying the C.P site thanks to you, but can not associate the list of name at the Adelphi reunion with the people in the photographs (I wonder why, its only been 44 years ? ) Also my thanks for Ian Derbyshire's address, I wrote ( the hard way ) to him yesterday, will keep you posted if he replies. Found the attached photo's in my E of C writing case, a birthday present from the head shop girl in September 61. As I can not see on the "Timelink" site how you submit them, perhaps you could advise me. I hope I am wrong but I noted from the "passed on" list, a Joyce Evans who died in 2002, would that be Bob Evans sister, the nurse I enquired of ? as she was a good friend on the Canada. From Mike Tiernan West Australia 8th June 2005 Excellent site, after years searching most of the M.N sites trying to locate shipmates from the past, now I have some success. My name is Mike Tiernan and with a number of other Engineers we stayed in digs in the Sunderland area while the Empress of Canada was being completed at Vickers yard in early 61. Then on to the trials off the Isle of Aran, some remedial work then around to Liverpool where she was handed over officialy to C.P. The fanfare of the departure on the maiden voyage, and Cassandra's column in the Daily Express likening the departure to the maiden voyage of the Titanic ! Cassandra wasn't too popular. The banquets in Montreal (not for Engineers !)Sailed on her until late November 1961. I still have and use a writing case with the Canada on the front, a birthday gift from the head shop girl (name escapes me) I was then transferred to London sailing on the T.E.V.Beavercove, not quite a White Empress but a good crew, spent Christmas in St John N.B. Then back to Liverpool to join the Empress of Britain joining C.P old timers like Flood Saunders and Fred Priest. Another great ship and crew, but the "Canada" will always be special. I keep in contact with two ex's Jim Hughes Ex 3rd Engineer & Vernon Phillips. More recently was contacted by Geoff Pearson so hopefully that will be a regular e-mail exchange, and from Geoff I now have Ian Derbyshire's address (no computer)so will be mailing him via snail mail. Intend being a regular visitor to the C.P site.Mike Tiernan ( Western Australia) `p.s. I have a couple of photo's of an iceberg off the port side of the Canada, black and white of course, also one in my cabin on the Beavercove with 12 mixed crew in St John at Christmas 61. Have not figured how to send them to you yet !` Ed. Thanks Mike, this is just what the website is all about. Could the Senior shop girl have been Veronica or Sheila. Geoff sent me the photos and they can be viewed on the "pictures " page From Frank Galway - 25th May 2005 I'm pleased to read that you had a good time at the Adelphi. It must have been fun meeting all your old pals again. I've been through the list a couple of times, but don't recognise many names. Guess I'm just too old. Thank you Marshall for including me in the absent list. I noticed Peter Embleton's name near mine. We have been keeping in touch recently. I had a heart operation in March (got a pigs valve now) and Peter is waiting for an operation, so we have lots to talk about. Best of luck with Timelink, I look in often. From Bob Evans 23rd May 2005 `Great to see so many old friends and shipmates at the latest re-union. Love reading the letters from many ex shipmates it brings back so many happy memories of the glorious sixties which must have been the heydays of the White Empresses.` `I joined in 1961. stood by the Britain & England then sailed on the Canada. Stood by the Beaverfir in Antwerp then sailed on the Beaverglen. Rejoined the Britain in 62 then one more trip on the Canada before the best of the three the England for the next seven years before rejoining the Canada until she was sold. This journey took me from 9th Engineer to 2nd Engineer.` `My family connection spanned the the whole history of Canadian Pacific Atlantic passenger ships myself being the last one to work for thecompany. It has just been announced that Princes Landing stage is being rebuilt; it is a great pity there will not be an Empress boat to berth there. Best regards to all the people I sailed with. Look forward to the next reunion. Bob Evans` From Bud Hall 18th May 2005 After almost giving up on Friends Reunited I was pleased to hear Marshall manages a site for ex CP Employees. After 11 years at sea with CP ranging from a 4th. Engineer to 2nd. Engineer, I have a lot of happy memories of days at sea which have now changed forever. I am now in Vancouver working in management for Teekay and live in Port Moody, a town steeped in CP Rail history. Stuart Hockenhull reminded me he used to visit Port Moody on the loggers (Stuart is Chief Engineer with Teekay, Capt. Roger Barber is with us also). Still see a lot of CP Rail carriages with the "Pacman' emblem and have even sighted a green "CP Ships" container....... I enjoyed reading the various articles and catching up with a few familiar names. Hope to be in touch with a few real soon. From Ken Edwards 12th March 2005 Great to hear from you after all this time. It really was good to see Dave Beedie again after so many years, think he almost passed out when I walked through the door - funny effect I have on people!! Yes, I'm still working part time doing audits, safety inspections and training on the Barber vessels and now spend four days a week in the Wilhelmsen Line Car Carrier's office in Southampton, a new office just been started for the operation of three new car carriers. So much for retirement!! I would be delighted for you to pass on my details as it would be great to hear from some of my old pals again. From Geoff Pearson - 6th March 2005 …………I came across an excellent book last year titled “ The Liners Of Liverpool “ Part l l by Derek M. White. Most of the book is focused on the “White Empresses” great reading for anybody who has an interest in learning more about the history of these famous ships. From John Ash - 1st March 2005 I was not able to make a commitment on April 23 until the Rowing calendar was finally decided for this seasons Regattas. We have a two year old conflict at present with two major events at the National Water Sports Centre in Nottingham. This was resolved about ten days ago. I am a National Umpire for Rowing and this ties up most weekends from Mid April to the end of June. So we now have Nottingham City Regatta on April 23rd and 24th. This means that Anna and I are unable to join you in Liverpool this year. Please enter my apologies and our best wishes for a successful and enjoyable reunion. From Pat and Gloria Adair - 1st March 2005 Thank you for your letter re the Reunion. We would both love to have come if we could. However, our second granddaughter is due about then and we will have to have No.1 granddaughter, Lily 2 1/2, to look after while Mum is incapacitated. In May 2003, Gloria and I did a trip on the "Rocky Mountaineer", from Jasper to Vancouver. We stayed in Banff, managing to get up to the Banff Springs Hotel for a coffee; one of Gloria's ambitions since being on the "England". In November 2003, we went on a Memory Lane trip to Montreal. We stayed at the "Queen Elizabeth", as that is where we had our first date, about 40 years before! Had a walk to King Edward Pier; the area is almost unrecognisable now. All the elevators have gone, as have most of the sheds, the railways have been replaced with a strip park. The whole area has had a makeover, full of boutiques and fancy restaurants. One day we took the train to Quebec, so that Gloria could have lunch in the Chateau Frontenac. Very cold with a bitter wind. Thoroughly enjoyed it, good to see old haunts again. I hadn't been to Montreal for 20 years, Gloria 40. You may be interested in a new book I saw reviewed by chance. I ordered a copy. Well written with plenty of good photos. It is THE LAST WHITE EMPRESSES, by Clive Harvey, published by Carmania Press, ISBN 0-9543666-3-8 cost £17.95. All the best to you and yours for the rest of the year. Give our regards to everybody, sorry we can't make it Ed: Sorry that you cannot come to Liverpool but I will pass on your regards. I will have to look up the book thanks for the information. Maybe some readers may have come across it - any views. From Frank Galway - 27th January 2005 `I was pleased to read Peter Embleton's message. I think I remember Peter, if he was a Cadet at that time. His memory does serve him right, Robin Gillet was indeed our Chief Officer in November 1952 when Beaverford carried the RCMP horses for the Coronation. Our Skipper was Captain Duck. I wonder if Peter remembers that whenever Robin was on standby, the`forepeak telephone broke down each time he picked it up. Also, does he remember things like guitars and budgerigars aboard the same vessel? I would like to convey my best wishes to Peter and hope that his wife is now in good health. If he would like a chat with me, perhaps, Marshall, you would give my address. Remembering the horses, as 1st Electrician and being well aware of the frequency of breakdowns to the ship's winches, I watched with much anxiety, the hoisting and lowering of these animals into the hold. Thankfully dock side cranes were used to unload them at Victoria Docks in London. Like Peter, I can not say how, or even if the horses got back to Canada. Perhaps some reader will enlighten us. Yes, a regular feature for Beaver boats in the 1950s was the carrying of horses hind quarters (we used a different term) from Montreal to Antwerp. I believe all Belgium people, except the vegetarians, consume this horse meat and although not generally approved in the UK, it must be a good way to avoid mad cow disease. Thank you for your time and effort Marshall, I'm sorry more people don't take advantage of it ! Ed: This is what the website is all about! From Peter Embleton - 24th January 2005 First let me congratulate you on getting the web page up and running, it is a great way to keep in touch and see how people are doing in our gathering old age! I check in to see what is happening whenever I get on the Internet. Frank Galway’s comments asking about when the holds were filled with stables, certainly jogged my memory, and I remember well the many hundreds of tons of frozen hindquarters we transported to Antwerp, there was a very big trade in them at that time. I have to cast my memory back some fifty-two years. (I must be getting old) I think he is referring to the time when the RCMP troop of horses were shipped from Montreal to, I believe, London on board ss “Beaverford”. If my memory serves me right the horses were to take part in the Coronation Procession of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, which was held in June 1953. Robin Gillett was Chief Officer at the time, and I remember reading his report many years later of how the stowage of these horses was to be in No 5 upper tween deck, no cargo was to be stowed in the lower hold or lower tween deck that could be affected by the aroma of the horses etc, the upper deck scuppers were tested by running the deck hose for an hour down the scupper pipes and pumping the lower hold bilges out at the same time, all worked well and his conclusion was that the horses would have to be very healthy to match the out put of the deck hose. The corner hatch boards were to be taken off for ventilation during good weather in the daylight hours when at sea, and of course the groomsmen were accommodated in the passenger accommodation. I assume all went well on the eastbound voyage, but I do not recall how the horses returned to Canada. Does that explanation answer Frank’s question? My wife and I are enjoying our retirement on Prince Edward Island, unfortunately my wife has not enjoyed the best of health for the last eight years, but has been lucky in as much as she seems to have great power of recovery. Our five children are all married and spread out from Calgary Ottawa Toronto Halifax and Saudi Arabia, and we are blessed with eleven grandchildren including a set of twin boys. Today we are fighting the forces of Mother Nature it is the third blizzard we have had in the last week, I have a six foot snow drift in the front of my house and the drive way is impassable as are all the road ways, there is very little moving around here today. A good book and a cup of tea are the order of the day here. Best wishes and regards to all Peter Embleton From Frank Galway 4th January 2005 `I must thank you again for bringing me old memories via Timelink and subsequent e-mails from Geoff Pearson. Now if I can start a bit of a quiz here maybe I can pull out some more names from the past. Well, it's a good past time !! Some may remember when Beavers were full of horse's hind quarters ( I'm referring to the cargo here ), but does anyone recall the times when holds were fitted up as stables ?` Editor: This might stir up some memories!

Contributions Received In 2005

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