Hi Bob Hollis, Keith Tyndell and Shipmates.....further to my original post on this thread, I pass this on.
Yesterday afternoon I telephoned Gary Pascoe at his home in Christchurch. Although over 45 years had passed we spoke to one another as if our last meeting was but a few days ago, it was a truly enjoyable experience. The ladies can do it I know, but tell me, how is it two men can 'rabbit on' for nearly two hours without drawing breath ? :). The old yarns came spilling out, one after another, as they always do whenever seamen get together. He came across as the same old Gary I always remembered and I'm hopeful that before too long he and I will be sharing a drink together just like the old days.
I mentioned Fred Olsen's 'Blenheim', Bob, and yes indeed he is the same Gary Pascoe you knew, I kind of thought he would be. Understandably, perhaps, he had no independent memory of you, mate, but he did apologise and explain by telling me that a lot of A.B's sailed on the 'Blenheim' during his 4 years on her, firstly as Bosun's Mate and then Bosun.
Keith, last night I also rang Stan Yellin in England and passed on your best wishes to him. Although he couldn't put a face to you he did ask me to return your good wishes and wish you well for Xmas and the New Year. He was certainly delighted to know that there are still some of us that remember him and his Dad, Barney, from the good old days when together they ran the 'Black Horse'. I do so wish I could turn the clock back to that time for one more glorious night on the 'bevvy' in that pub.
Below, I've attached a 'pic' taken in the Saloon Bar of the Black Horse at Xmas -time 1960. Back row from left to right, Y.T.(A.B.), Geoff Pomphrey (A.B.), Neville ( a local), Neville's girlfriend, Stan Yellin (Publican's son), Steve Hudson (A.B.),
L to R at front, Dave Eagleton (A/S) (looking young and deceptively innocent ;)) and Mick Timms (A/S) (now living down in Devon regaling the locals with tales of derring-do).
...........cheers, Roger.
