Keith,Wecome Aboard this Great Ship,and in particular to the Bibby Mess!
There are quite a few guys from the 'Heyday' era,which unfortunately (?) I missed,due to being at school!. I joined Bibbys as Deck Cadet 69-72,then moved on as one usually does . A great company though.
I sailed on a sistership(Shropshire) to your Cheshire. Last of the 'proper' ships. I too was local,living in Warrington at that time. In 71 I was aboard the Staffordshire when she made the last 'line' voyage out to Ceylon/Rangoon, from the Bibby/Paddy Henderson berth in Birkenhead,which in it's way was the end of another era.
I see the pic of the 'Cheshire' (below) you mentioned was built in Cammell Lairds,so I bet you are ex-dockyard apprentice?.
They sold her in 68 to Messageries Maritime(French) for a good price(Very shrewd are Bibby's!) and she eventually did 25 years at sea,like many proper old ships did.
Anyway,why not list your ships and dates within the forum,Keith,as someone may know you.
Cheers from Davey
http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz/ship/show/95734