The demise of Merchant Seamen.

[Jim Brady]

I've had three go's at writing this with three different titles and three different stories but its a touchy subject which realy none of us want to hear but unfortuneatly it's the truth and will come to all of us.Theres not many of us left that enjoyed the MN during the 50's and 60's and in fact because of foreign crews being put aboard our ships no British kids have come on to take our place.My mate who I drank and gambled with for the past 20 years died about six weeks ago,I met him every Thursday.Since his death I decided to look for a new venue and decided this week to try the Liverpool Branch of the MNA.I got off the bus with this guy who was a member and as we walked up the path to the club together he said "The flags not at half mast that's good" he was refering to the fact that no member had died since last week.It was announced whilst I was there that there would be a funeral service at St.Nicks on Tuesday and a scattering of ashes from a Mersey ferry on Wednesday of another member.The point I am making is that I don't think that there was many ex seamen there under seventy years of age and in the not to far distant future people will be asking "What was the Merchant Navy"
Regards.
Jim.B.

[Captain Kong]

When I campaigned for Merchant Navy Day in Bolton Town Hall the question was, these are the words.........
"What is a Merchant Navy"?
I was stunned at their ignorance,
Brian.

[Keith at Tregenna]

Similar at my post office years ago, hence started the long MN Stamp of Approval campaign. Now achieved

MN STAMP OF APPROVAL 001.jpg

[cappy]

what we had is gone jim so sad and nothing to take its place the world was our oyster ....we had it all when the world was still young now it all looks the same regards cappy

[Jim Brady]

There was possibly a hundred guys there on Thursday and whilst your sitting amongst them you can just tell that they were ex-seaman there is just that certain air about them.It was like being in the Pig on the big ships with a guy playing the guitar and singing.By the way Neville I was talking to your good mate Steve.
Regards.
Jim.B.

[Captain Kong]

We are the last of the Seafarers, the world will not see our likes again.
Brian.

[Lou Barron]

We are having a meeting next week to decide about winding up as our numbers have got less as time goes on

[John Callon]

Similar at my post office years ago, hence started the long MN Stamp of Approval campaign. Now achieved

MN STAMP OF APPROVAL 001.jpg

Is this Lord Prescott the infamous John Prescott, ex Cunard steward, ex NUS official, known for his bullying tatcics, who acted on behalf of the seafarer whilst all the time he was bleeding them dry..If so then I want nothing to do with the MN Postage Stamp. It means nothing to me. Sailing out of Southampton in the 60's on the liners was bloody hard work and the likes of Prescott were always there to exhort money from the seafarer. The head honcho was a guy called O'Keefe in those days.For a decent backhander he could get you a job on the ship of your choice. Whether you were upto the job was of no interest to him. It is not often that I go off on a rant, but the very fact that Prescott is involved in this recognition of the MN insenses. Should anyone take offence toward this post, then I apologise in advance.
Regards
John

[Charlie Hannah]

Similar at my post office years ago, hence started the long MN Stamp of Approval campaign. Now achieved

MN STAMP OF APPROVAL 001.jpg

Keith appreciate all you have done to acheive this stamp but the one thing about it that disapoints is why tha A------ Prescott should be there.But for all that, a good job well done on your part!

[j.sabourn]

As others have said there are fewer ad fewer who remember Mr. Prescott. Soon when there is no one left to disclaim the fallacy about the so called efforts this man made on behalf of the British Merchant Service, he will go down in fairy book history of the UK. as one of the heroes of the period. The more that is written about the true facts now, the better for future generations to read and let them decide who to believe. The man by what I have heard and read is an insult to the intelligence of serving seafarers of that period. Regards John Sabourn