PWSTS Forum for Old Boys, Family and Friends

Hello everyone,

Please find below some more snippets of information received since my last circular went out on 7^th February.

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Ferry 'RIVER DANCE'

Members may be interested to know that they can watch the progress of work on the  Ferry 'RIVER DANCE' by going to the following <LINK>

http://www.cleveleys-seawall.co.uk/ 

There is time lapse CTV and still shots of the ferry. Also study some of the photographs in the Site Reports, which show the Ferry in the background.

Regards,

Benny.

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Ribble Valley Branch

February 21, 2008

 Dear Shipmates,

Thanks to the generosity of the National Lottery we at the Ribble Valley Branch Merchant Navy Association, are the proud owners of our own Merchant Navy Standard. 

As protocol requires we are to have our Standard dedicated this spring, on Sunday 13^th April, at 1400hrs, at the Clitheroe Parish Church of St. Mary Magdelene,

We as a branch ask if UK Branches to send representatives and Standards, to celebrate this dedication with us.

Could you please contact me as soon as possible so that arrangements can go forward.

Yours sincerely, Peter D. Sutcliffe. Branch Secretary.

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News from "Cutty Sark ".

Thank you very much for your expression of support from the Merchant Navy Association after the fire on the Cutty Sark last year. The Cutty Sark team have been hugely bolstered by the messages of mutual, professional support, the genuine world-wide affection for Cutty Sark and the empathy felt by those who work together to realise a common vision to conserve our maritime heritage.

The ship was undergoing urgent major conservation when it suffered extensive damage last year, however work has not stopped as we have been continuing with the preservation of the original fabric from the vesselâs working life.

You may have read in the press recently that the Heritage Lottery Fund has awarded an extraordinary grant of £10 million to Cutty Sark .  This award is conditional on us raising matching funds of £5 million to complete the unique, innovative project to conserve the ship, so we have not reached our final goal yet but the new award means that we will now be re-starting work on the ship, so this is a very exciting time. 

The vision for Cutty Sark centres on the regeneration of a much loved gateway to the Maritime Greenwich World Heritage Site, re-forged as a landmark attraction in time for the 2012 Olympic Games.  The regenerated ship will showcase her thrilling encounters with trades and cultures, the science of ship design and the craft of the shipwright for a new generation.  The project will benefit other communities too: the local economy, young people and the UK âs skill-base through the Cutty Sark Centre of Excellence apprenticeships. 

We anticipate that Cutty Sark will re-open in her full glory in early 2010. 

Do look at our website at: http://www.cuttysark.org.uk  for more news and a range of events and fundraising activities, we can also register on our email update list for regular news of progress and developments.

Thank you again for your continued support of the project.

The Cutty Sark Trust Team

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Veg. Oil in Diesel cars.

Below is a question about putting veg. oil fuel in a diesel engine vehicle from a "Which" survey.  If it became common-use, HM Customs would be taxing it!

Tim

Q. It is safe for diesel cars to run on vegetable oil. If it were available at a reasonable price, would you consider running your diesel car on vegetable oil?

A. While it is not inherently unsafe to use processed vegetable oil within a diesel engine we would always advise you contact the manufacturer to establish whether your car is compatible with the fuel before using oil. 

Our motoring team is aware that some of the latest diesel models are incompatible with the use of vegetable oil and would like to bring this issue to your attention.

Kind regards,

Kate Johnson
Insight Researcher
Which?

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                                                                                    13 February 2008

MOD to commemorate UK Forces who served in Bosnia and Herzegovina

An official Commemorative Service to mark the withdrawal of UK Forces from Bosnia and Herzegovina will take place at the Armed Forces Memorial, Staffordshire, on Thursday 22 May 2008, and 1000 tickets are available to attend the event.

The Service will give thanks to those who served in Bosnia and Herzegovina , marking the outstanding contribution made by UK Forces in bringing stability, security and peace to the country.

Notes to Editors:

1.        Thousands of UK personnel served in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH) from 1992 â 2007 playing a vital peacekeeping role in support of the UN, NATO and the EU. The war between the multi-ethnic population that broke out in Bosnia during 1992 was brought to an end when the Dayton Peace agreement was signed at the end of 1995. UK personnel remained in the country for a further 12 years to assist in fulfilling the terms of the agreement.
2. During the 15 year campaign 55 members of the UK Armed Forces lost their lives, and many more were injured. The Bosnian death toll after the war ended in 1995 was reported at being at least 100,000-110,000, military and civilian, with over 1.8 million people forcibly displaced from their homes.
3. In October 1992 the then Secretary of State for Defence Malcolm Rifkind announced that UK Forces would be sent to Bosnia to support the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR), and in November the main body of the Battalion Group arrived under the name of Operation Grapple, tasked to provide armed escort to humanitarian aid convoys.
4. The Welsh Guards were the last British Unit to serve in BiH and returned to the UK at the end of March 2007 -
5.A small number of UK Forces remain in BiH attached to EUFOR, NATO and the Peace Support Operations Training Centre in Sarajevo .
6. The names of the 55 service personnel who lost their lives during the 15 years of service in BiH are listed on the Armed Forces Memorial. The Memorial, which opened to the public in October 2007, remembers all those killed on dutyin conflicts or on training exercises, by terrorist action or on peacekeeping missions -
7. The Armed Forces Memorial is located within the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Alrewas, nr Lichfield , Staffordshire. The NMA covers 60 hectares of woodland and hosts memorials from a range of organisations both military and civilian, charities, local and overseas groups.
8.The closing date for ticket applications is Tuesday 22 April 2008 and the MOD aims to contact all successful applicants by 2 May 2008.
9.In addition to specific commemorations such as the withdrawal for Forces from Bosnia and Herzegovina , Veterans of all ages are the focus of attention each year on Veterans Day 27 June, which will be hosted by Blackpool in 2008 -
For further information contact Vicky Beacon, Defence PR and Events, 020 7218 6162, vicky.beacon625@mod.uk

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National Memorial Arboretum (NMA), Alrewas, nr Lichfield , Staffordshire.

The MNA will, amongst many other organisations, be attending a service at the National Memorial Arboretum in October 2008. This will mark the 10^th anniversary of the opening of the NMA and the 5^th anniversary of the unveiling of the Merchant Navy Memorial Stone.

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Giant visitor to Ship Canal

By : Don Frame

THE largest ship to sail up the Manchester Ship Canal in a quarter of a century looks set to herald a major revival for the waterway - and help cut road congestion.

The 3,130 tonne Neptun became the biggest vessel to navigate the canal's 36-miles in 25 years when she brought 160 truckloads of timber into Manchester Dry Docks, Trafford Park .

And now the company behind the shipment, Trafford Park-based Panaloc, is aiming to bring the canal to life with monthly then weekly deliveries. Panaloc boss Eric Dean said: "We have proved it is quicker, and more importantly in an age where environmental issues are so important, this form of transportation takes the equivalent of 160 truckloads from the road."

The company plans to take similar-sized shiploads from the German port of Rostock on a monthly basis - and if

business continues to grow, on a weekly basis. Manchester 's 20th century prosperity was founded on the success of the canal, opened in 1894 as a way to reverse economic decline.

In the 1960s, the `Big Ditch', as it was known, began itself to go into decline as motorways made road freight

operations more cost effective and shipping needs changed.

The Neptun's cargo will take two days to unload. The shipping operation is being handled by the Big Ditch Shipping Company which operates Manchester Dry Docks.

Last year Tesco announced it would be using the canal for wine shipments. Source : Manchester Evening News

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Malcolm, I email you the following with great sadness in my heart for inclusion in your next newsletter....

It is with deepest regret that I report the passing of my Father In-Law Mr Douglas Taylor this morning (18^th February 2008) in Glan Clwyd Hospital , North Wales .

Douglas served for many years in the Merchant Navy as a seaman in both the P&O lines and Cunard line, indeed he was involved in the transport of goods by sea in support of the troops into Vietnam during the Vietnam conflicts.

in 1989 Douglas was involved in a serious motorcycle accident which left him disabled for the rest of his life and unable to work. Not being the kind of man to sit back and feel sorry for himself he became involved with the Scouts, local youth projects and was a proud member of the Royal British Legion, the Merchant Navy Association, the Royal Marines Association, and was the Chairman of the local Sea Cadets unit.

In September 2007 Douglas was diagnosed with Cancer of the throat and immediately underwent radiography treatment. The Cancer turned out to be very agressive and soon spread to his hips, his shoulders and his spine. Whilst in hospital undergoing continued radiography treatment he developed Acute Pneumonia. For the last week or so he has battled both the Pneumonia and the cancer until at 00:40 this morning he finally died peacfully in his sleep of sepsis.

As a proud Seaman and MNA member he will be wearing his MNA tie and blazer for his funeral and his coffin will be topped with his Beret, his Medals, and the Red Ensign drapped over his coffin. At a later date we hope to commit his ashes to the sea from Liverpool Dockyard, if anybody could offer a vessel to do this at sea it would be greatly appreciated by the family and be a fitting end for a devoted seaman.

Never have I known such a kind and gentle yet strong and passionate man. To me Douglas was much more than a Father In-Law, he was a very close and dear friend. Both I and his family and friends will miss him sadly.

Rest in Peace Douglas .

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Press release

Seafarers UK , the leading charity for the maritime community, is gearing up for its exclusive Seafarersâ Midsummer Night Gala, to be held on the 24^th June at the Imperial War Museum . The event, which coincides with Ian Fleming Centenary Year (2008) and The Imperial War Museumâs special exhibition, For your eyes only â Ian Fleming and James Bond, is supported by the Ian Fleming family.

Do let me know if you would like any further information.

With thanks and kind regards.

Justine Law, Communications Manger, Seafarers UK

8 Hatherley Street, London SW1P 2QT

Direct Line: 020 7932 5969, Switchboard: 020 7932 0000

Website: www.seafarers-uk.org

Seafarers UK is a charity that helps people from the Royal Navy, Merchant Navy and fishing fleets, and their families, in times of need.

Seafarers UK is the working name of King Georgeâs Fund for Sailors, a registered charity in England and Wales , no 226446, incorporated under Royal Charter.  Registered in Scotland SC038191.

Thatâs all for this time folks, hope you are all keeping as well as can be expected. Iâm looking forward to getting my first edition of THE SEA, it promises to be an interesting publication.

Malcolm Mathison

Tel 01472 277266 E-mail R546060@aol.com