I am making enquiries with the B&ISS regarding the PWSTS Memorial Plaque which is situated in the Seafarer's Centre at Dover. I think a more appropriate location for it would be 'Holy Trinity' Church at Ingham, Stalham in Norfolk. The church already holds one set of PWSTS colours and most of the boys named on the plaque were either trained at Limehouse or Ingham. As Limehouse doesn't exist anymore I feel that the church would be a better resting place. Local resident at Ingham remember the sea training school with affection, the building still stands untouched and a member of the PWSTS staff is buried at the church. I don't doubt that it is safe in its current location and its clear that it has been looked after and cleaned on a regular basis, but there's no getting away from the fact that it is located in the public bar. What do you think?
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Forum Management Team Prince of Wales Sea Training School Society www.pwsts.org.uk
Hum, I will have to think abit before "casting" my vote. I do very much understand what you are saying, yet feel closer to Dover. Will cast my vote over the wekend....and explain why.
My answer is no, and have given the question some thought. For myself Dover is the PWSTS and the people of Dover who remember us and helped us should be able to view the plaque in question, in Dover. The "Church" bit for me is not an issue either way. I must admit that I feel that in a bar the plaque would receive more viewings and perhaps attract more conversation regarding it.
My first reaction, given that all the names would have done their training at either Limehouse or Ingham, was to say move it. After further reflection, most of the people who are left, who should, and I'm sure will remember them were at Dover. The town also has a long seafaring tradition, and sailors being what they are, will rest easy in the public bar of the Seafarers Centre. So I will vote to leave them there.
Three?!...Three? is that all you guys can muster up between yourselves to reply!. Three votes?. Come on!, Andy has asked a fair question....it does not take much to "click" for or or not.
"Smeargob"...I expect more from you. You maybe in a snow storm, being eaten by huskys....but cast your vote.
I believe if the majority of the names on the plaque are boys who attended Stalham or Limehouse then that is where the memorial plaque should be. When relatives or future generations are trying to do research or trace these names the obvious place to start would be where these boys (names) were trained.
Sorry going against the current, but this is the way these folks should be honored.
One of the things we could do considering the demise of the PWSTS building in Dover. Lets consider an appropiate way of commemorating the school, us folks live and kicking and those who are no longer with us. It seems that we will be the last to have gone to any PWSTS and no way at the moment of identifying that. If nothing else we should honor our instructors by way of a plaque, Hadley, Smithy and many more.
What do you thik of that Andy and Whip? of course it would be great to unveil something happen upon the reunion in 2005 (I hope)
Let the boys have their plaque where it belongs and we should be responsible for making ours happen.
I'm afraid I don't agree with leaving the plaque at the pub.
Relatives and historians will link Limehouse and Ingham to the Second World War. The plaque was dedicated by the church and unveiled at Ingham in September 1946. Therefore its only right and proper, in my opinion, that it should be returned to Ingham where it can be easy found by anyone wanting to view it.
Its current location was a convenient and quick place for it to be stored/dumped on the closure of Dover. Perhaps it might have been better situated in the church or museum but I suppose too much was going on at the time.
Lets take it home where it belongs guys
Point to note, Dover Museum has no mention, whatsoever, of the sea training school. I've since tried to put that right but I've been told that a permanent PWSTS exhibition is out of the question due to lack of space.
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Forum Management Team Prince of Wales Sea Training School Society www.pwsts.org.uk
Hum, Ok, wish a "re-think" after Andy's and "Smeargobs" points of view. Have a feeling that I have voted wrongly, but for the best of reasons. It just seems that now the old PWSTS is more or less gone, what is left in Dover to remember us?. You are both perhaps right, and myself abit "self centred"...but are becoming a better person!. (with age).
So, please open the "vote" section again and we can have a "re-vote"........Just you wait till I get you in court Smeargob!, hate someone appealing to my better nature!
Well I am here now, so I am so relieved being able to appeal to your non whipping sense of right!
I understand what you are saying, but like I say it is up to us to make it right for those boys from Limehouse and take up the initiative for us from Dover!
"Your relieved?!!"....Ok! I said I was wrong...what do you want?...blood?. (heard of a female in Dover who could help). So, let's expand on your idea regarding a plaque in Dover. (this really sticks in my "wind pipe"). Also do not forget, if Andy does not re-open the "vote bit"......the Plaque stays in Dover...so far. Fair?.
Also Andy, if you "re-open" the vote, which I do think is a good idea, we must then RE-TRY old "anonymouse"...re-open the vote on him?. Fairs, fair?.
Crikey Bob's now a 'Senior Member' with 100 postings!
I've adjusted the poll to restart the vote as requested. I've also given in to the anonymous loggings. Okay Bob, 'Senior Member' must count for something so we'll give it another go but if any abuse starts, and we receive complaints (like last time), I'll have to make it secure again.
The beauty of anonymous loggings is that the casual passer might not be put off from leaving us a worthwhile messages/information.
As for a new Dover plaque, excellent idea. I'll make contact with the council if you like and see if we can get permission to place something along the seafront/sea wall. Something could go at the old site I suppose but it could be open to criminal damage where as the seafront is tendered. What do you think?
Does anyone have any idea on costings for a brass plaque and what would we put on it? We'd also have to organise some sort of fund raising campaign!
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Forum Management Team Prince of Wales Sea Training School Society www.pwsts.org.uk