Seamens `Pool` Liverpool. [Shipping Federation]

[Lou Barron]

all these storys about the seamans pool in liverpool as got me a wee bit confusedduring the war wnen the pool was first started when you signed off one ship you went to the pool and they would give you a ship to sign on if my memory is right you had the choice of three ships you had to take one of them idid go to the pool a couple of times and it was in canning place they use to be a canteen just near there where you could get a pint of beer i think very cheap in them days

[Ivan Cloherty]

[QUOTE=Charles Louis Barron;58075]all these storys about the seamans pool in liverpool as got me a wee bit

Hi Charles

The same system still existed in the early 50's, choice of up to three ships, sometimes it was best not to tempt providence, as the 3rd ship could be a right dog especially if the clerk in the Pool didn't like a particular person, and lets face it some of our shipmates could be a little bit abusive to some of the clerks behind the counter, especially after a few bevvies, was the clerks way of getting back at them.

Only shipped out on one crap ship myself "Beltinge" should have waited for the 2nd or 3rd ship, but saving up to get married you want to be earning the dosh as soon as possible, when the ships in another port to the one your signing on at you've no chance of having a quick look at it. Lived in Hull joined her in Cardiff, not one Welshman aboard, they'd seen her!!

Rgds

Ivan

[Lou Barron]

did anyone saw maggie may in canning place

[John Albert Evans]

When I completed my sea training at Gravesend on the 1st.March 1957 I was told to report to the Shipping Federation Office, Mann Island ,Liverpool, which I duly did and was given my first ship as cabin boy on one of Everads 'The Acuity 'a few days later. I have read all the earlier tales in this thread and everyone one brings back similar memories, the location, the building and the people.
One thing that I remember is that prior to Mann Island I visited The Shipping Office in Paradise Street, Liverpool, thats all I can remember ,that it was in Paradise Street, pehaps other lads from that time can enlighten my memories.

[Bob Kissel Barlow]

Does anyone recall a George Miller?
He was from Liverpool and would have started his career in the late 1940's.

[Bill Seddon]

Great Story of "Bygone Times"

[Hazel Stringer]

Hi folks,


I was pointed to this thread after an enquiry I made on Facebook. The stories here are fascinating and have given me a number of chuckles.
The snippet of information about being given a choice of 3 ships is helpful to my research. Thank you.