Oriana from Oct 1967 to sometime in 1968 this was my first ship. Other Ex P.W.S.T.S. lads with me onboard were Lee Elks, Mick Fenton & Barry Hext, these three lads were in Brittania Class 1967, I was in Derwent two classes behind. My claim to fame is that I met Violet Carson (Ena Sharples) on board, a very chatty & pleasant lady.
Regarding Violet Carson...ole' Ena, you are 100% correct. She lived in Bispham/Blackpool (All Hallows rd) about 3 mins walk from where I used to live. She was a 'star' & would appear for 'free' in local fund raising plays for Bispham. (small area of Blackpool). As 'kids' we would walk past her house singing:- "Ena, Ena show us your legs". (the rest you know). My 'claim to fame' is that she invited those kids into her home, myself being one of them. She was great!, fast talking and sharp!.
People ask me "Did you watch the street last night?". My reply:-"Not since Ena left".
MY WIFE AND I HAVE SAILED ON ORIANA (LATESTED) ARCADIA (PREVIOUS) & (LATESTED) AUROA OCEANA ADONIA & SOON VENTURA AS PASSENGERS WE HAVE ENJOYED EVERY CRUISE BUT MAYBE THE VENTURA WILL BE THE LAST AS THE INSURANCE IS GETTING EXPENSIVE NOW WITH OUR MEDICAL CONDITIONS & IN OUR EIGHTYS. WHEN I WAS AT SEA AS A BOY I NEVER THOUGHT ONE DAY I WOULD ENJOY SUCH LUXURY WHAT A WAY TO LIVE OUT RETIREMENT. BILL BIFFEN