red ensign club

[len mazza]

I have noticed on my 2nd Cks ticket that The London School of Nautical Cookery was at the R.E Cl.at Dock ST,and Ensign St.On Google Earth the streets are running parallel from the Thames to Aldgate.Could someone with a better memory than me tell me were the the main entrance to the club was, and were was the D.ST. pool situated ,was it next door or up the street.I was sent there on transfer from my own Pool of
Goole a few times,but alas the memory bank isn't what it once was.

Also on Google there is a Prescot St not to far away from Dock St,is that where the Federation had an office?,it seems that they would have been very near to each other,any explanations anyone.

Thanks in advance,happy memories folks,

Len Mazza r621945

[Roger Dyer]

Hello Len....In answer to your query concerning the Red Ensign Club. As I remember it, the 'Club' straddled a section of the block bordered by Dock St, Cable St, Ensign St, and at the southern end, The Old Highway (which ran alongside the outer wall of London Docks). I'm not certain whether or not you were able to gain entry from Ensign St, but as I recall, the main entrance to the club was in Dock st, almost directly opposite the original Dock Street 'pool'. The original 'pool' was closed down about 1958 and, as you rightly surmised from your Google Search, it was moved a short distance away to new premises in Prescott Street. After the move it continued to be known as the Dock St.Pool (at least until 1966),. as several entries in my D/B confirm. ........Hope this was of some help to you.........cheers for now, Roger.

[len mazza]

Hi Roger,
Many thanks for putting my mind at rest.The last time that I was in theR.E.C.was the weekend in '67
that England play Scotland and lost,therefore making Scotland 'world champs,!!!! they wished.!

Thanks again,
Len.

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Roger
Not sure if this is the same but this comes from From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Red Ensign club
Following the destruction of the "Royal Berwick Theatre" Rev George Smith of the Methodist Mariners church on Dock Street decided to build a sailors' home on the site. It was founded in 1830 and opened in 1835, with accommodation for 100 sailors. This was later expanded to 500. The main entrance was originally on Well Street, but later changed to be on Dock Street. The London Nautical School opened here in 1893. In 1955 it was modernised and renamed the "Red Ensign Club". Following the decline of the British Merchant Fleet, it closed in 1974. It is now a youth club. Well Street was renamed Ensign Street in honour of the hostel. According to John Stape's biography "The Several Lives of Joseph Conrad", Conrad first lived in this sailor's home at the age of 21, and returned several times. There was a sugar refinery at the bottom of Dock Street and Well Street. It is mentioned by Charles Dickens in "The Uncommercial Traveller". According to Roy Palmer, one version of the sea shanty "Tiger Bay" makes reference to "Well Street", and suggests it was the one by Wellclose Square. (see "The Oxford Book of Sea Songs" 1986).


http://www.portcities.org.uk/london/...of-seamen.html


Also managed to get this Plan!
Cheers

[Roger Dyer]

Hi Vernon......Thanks for the additional info courtesy of Wikipedia (amazingly, they seem to know something about everything, don't they?). I must confess, I knew nothing of the history of the R.E.C., and was surprised to learn that there had been a facility for seaman on that site for such a long time. It wasn't the Ritz, but, on more than one occasion, I was glad of a room there when, having overindulged, I was unable to make it home to Essex for the night. It was either that or, with a mate or two, 'doss' down on the marble slabs in the waiting-room at Euston Station (this being our preferred 'back-up' accomodation at the time, although, thankfully, it was not often required). Elsewhere on this site, mention has been made of the very good breakfast that could be obtained at the R.E.C. and in the late 50's, early 60's, that was certainly the case. Being young, single, and on the 'bevvy' between ships, that breakfast was often the only decent meal we used to have all day. It wasn't that we couldn't afford to eat properly, it was just that we were too busy drinking and having a good time! The joys of a misspent youth ha!ha!......cheers, Roger.

[Doc Vernon]

Hi Roger
Yes those were the days mate,we certainly went through some good and bad times,and i recall that place,not that i ever actually stayed there,but did have occasion to go in once or twice!
The little story of yours brings to mind the Seamans Hostel in Southampton namely the 'Jellico" where so many Seaman stayed on their shore leave!
That too wasnt the very best ,but it was none the less quite adequite and although the Rooms were small and in Winter bleedin cold, the Food there was to me anyway always very good!
Breakfasts especially,as one could get a really good feed for the day!
After a hearty Brekkie all we did then was to go out and just snack at various places,the Checkpoint near the Bargate being my favourite Haunt,as there i could sit listen to the Jukebox (on the walls) in each booth and pick up a nice chick,Ah! yes Roger where did all that go??
Then in the Evening it was down to the Pier,a few Bevvies and then on to the Dancefloor! Used to have some great times down the Pier!!
The memories just keep flooding back in ones mind!
Cheers

http://www.merchant-navy.net/gallery...php?photo=3675

As an afterthought to anyone reading this post!!

Does anyone out there have a Picture of the old "Checkpoint Cafe" i have been searching and searching but Alas! no Joy! Use to have a Checkered Type Flag on the Outside if i recall !!
Thanks to ALL!
Any help appreciated!

[happy daze john in oz]

Sadly Vernon mate they are all gone. Great watering holes such as the Horse and Groom now a car park!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The whole town has changed, for the better, that is for others to judge, but they can never take away our memories of that once great port and town.

[alf corbyn]

hi vernon. can't remember much about the cafe although i do remember the little pages on the wall that contained the names of the records which you pressed . but i do remember the pier dancehall and all those lovely nurses that were press-ganged? into entertaining the castle boat lads. alf