An open letter

[happy daze john in oz]

When I first discovered this site a good many years ago it was a very different concept.

Brian had created a site where ex Merchant seamen could possibly regain contact.

I doubt if in even his wildest dreams he considered a membership of over 10,000.

Brian, you have with this site not only created somewhere for ex Merchant Seamen to meet you have developed another family of the sea.

The members here, now from all walks of life, gather to remember the past, discuss current affairs, enter a quiz, ask for assistance from other members and a host of other such aspects of daily life. Now we can imagine we are once again at sea, smoko on number five hatch, or in the crew mess to talk, laugh, complain and generally consider life.

Merchant seamen, no matter which department, deck, catering or engine are a unique group who when at sea considered their mates as the most important people there was.
Mates who relied on mate-ship to ensure the day went smoothly, to be there in an emergency should it arise.

Now thank to you mate we can still help each other day by day.
Yes we may argue at times, have different points of view but at the end of it all we are still on this glorious ship you have created.

But something else Brian that maybe you have not considered.

When we have all gone to Fiddlers Green, which is where I think we will all end up, this site may still be there for future generations to read.
Maybe then they will understand who we were, what we did ,and for those who during the wars made the ultimate sacrifice for the benefit of future generations, molded their future.

You have created a site where reading the posts, looking at old photos I still can think of the guys on here as young men, such is the way in which this site make one think.

Brain if you do nothing else with your life it matters not, for what you have done here is more than many could ever hope for.

there are other sites such as this but n one come close to what you have created.
May you continue to keep this going for as long as it pleases you, and more power to your elbow.

Thank you Brain, from one who considers this the best site on the net.

[Doc Vernon]

Hello John
I will echo all that as well from the highest Tree!
Indeed a great job and so well done too. Three Cheers for Brian ! Hip Hip Horah! X 3
Thank you Brian I know we all appreciate what you have given us!
Cheers

[Dennis McGuckin]

Very well said John and Doc.
I'm sure we all agree.
Keep up the good work Brian.
Thanks.
Den.

[Doc Vernon]

And since the Post John , we have grown even larger and still increasing the Numbers, so somethimg must be going right here, and we are all very Happy Chappies! LOL
Thanks again to Brian! Great Site.
Cheers

Threads

21,596

Posts

239,958

Members

21,971

As at 24/9 2020

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Victoria
With you being here for a while now and also having that Sea experience think we should bestow the HSOD on you as have some other Ladies been given in the past!
Cheers

[Tony Taylor]

Vic, at least you have a good handle on what goes on on board. A good friend of mine, from my village, was 2/E with Common brothers. after her first trip I was in the village pub when she was asked, "what does your husband do on the ship then" she thought for a while and then replied, "he fixes washing machines"
The surrounding company was a bit bemused as to why I fell about laughing.

[Rodney Mills]

No apologize Victory, you have and are a member in good standing by acclamation. Too bad though we didn't get to give you the Merch. treatment crossing the line.

Cheers, Rodney the barber.

[Tony Taylor]

Vic, at least you have a good handle on what goes on on board. A good friend of mine, from my village, was 2/E with Common brothers. after her first trip I was in the village pub when she was asked, "what does your husband do on the ship then" she thought for a while and then replied, "he fixes washing machines"
The surrounding company was a bit bemused as to why I fell about laughing.

should have mentioned it was his wifes first trip I was on about

[Dennis McGuckin]

Thanks Rodney,
You have given me an idea for a new post.
'How many of us got crossing the line treatment'.

[happy daze john in oz]

Is that different from what us passengers got when we crossed the equator??

Victoria, really we do not talk about things like that on here LOL