Good Morning.

Four years ago on the 96th anniversary of the sinking I was homeward bound from the last world cruise of the QE2,
We left New York bound for Southampton and it just coincided with our journey, I dont think it was planned tho` it was good timing to be there on the day.
We stopped over the site as it is on the track from NY to Southampton. a Service was held and and a few wreaths were cast into the sea, We then carried on with the passage.
The US Ice Patrol plane flew over and dropped a wreath as they always do. The nearest Ice Berg was 25 miles away, it was cold, wet and windy. It was all done in a dignified manner.
I didnt think it was Ghoulish, no one was dressed up in old fashioned clothing and the Service was a solemn occasion.
Cheers
Brian.

Lest we forget, Lusitania sinking on May 7, 1915. Off the Old Head of Kinsale.

A few years ago the Merchant Navy Association from Barry Dock in Wales, as they looked out across the sunlit waters 15 miles south of Courtmacsherry, near Kinsale, on a day when the weather was similar to that of the sinking all strong men who had seen and experienced a lot at sea themselves and lost companions and relations during the Second World War, all had tears in their eyes, imagining what it must have been like for those aboard the Lusitania.

The Titanic also had some final links with the area, before becoming a port of call for large ocean liners like the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth. Thus, Cobh was the point of departure for a million Irish emigrants who set sail for New York.

The monument on the quayside depicts a young girl and her two brothers, the first Irish people to be admitted by American customs and who, because of this, were given 50 dollars to start their new life. On 11th April 1912, the Titanic called at Cobh, which was to be the only port of call on its fatal voyage. Some bodies were returned and buried at Kinsale and an inquest held at Kinsale.

Kinsale dealt much with the aftermath of both ships.

There is much tragedy, amongst her own fishing community, Kinsale and the Old Head, Cobh, Cork and indeed Southern Ireland have dealt with much.

K.

Re the memorial voyage for Titanic currently under way.
This morning on talk back radio, here in Melbourne ,we had a young Australian lady on board phone the radio station.
Her comments were thus.

50% of those on board are still in period costume.

The normal self service buffets have been suspended as four course lunch and dinner, with the same menus as on that fateful voyage, are being served. Today for lunch, root vegetable soup.

At the point of impact a small service will be held.

Rod Stewart is said to be onboard but as yet no one has seen him.

The crew are very kind and helpful.

End of comment.

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Originally Posted by Bob Hollis

Yes Ivan I think it may be just you and perhaps many more, but if that is your way then you most certainly are correct. Though I have a feelig that maybe your father would see it different.

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Yes Bob, my father was Irish and enjoyed a good wake,so do I, my late wife's was a 24 hour affair, but somehow I cannot relate a wake to something that happened 100 years ago, a wake celebration is for something that happened a few days ago, so perhaps it is just me, because I cannot relate the two.

But whatever happens I wish all onboard well, and if that's what they want to do, then they are of course entitled to remember in their own ways.

And I do hope that everyone at my wake has a good time I've left a few bob so that they can.

Hi All,
Here in the Solent area we have a lot of news re the Titanic, and maybe i am an old cynic , but this cruise ship is one big money spinner, showed the shop onboard selling mugs and plates, badges etc as fast as the could reload the shelves. There must be a fortune spent, however its their money to spend as they wish, but i think its gone beyond remembering loss of life, and more a celebration. Just my opinion regards Keith

It is OK if it is a Remembrance cruise, done in an appropiate way, but if a big money spinner, the situation exploited by the ship owner then it is bad. All the souvenirs, will no doubt be Made in China. Again I can guess there will be a monumental Pi55 up at the site.
.
In 2001 again I was on QE2 bound for Cape Town and when we arrived over the site of the `Gloucester Castle` sinkling, in 1942, just south of Ascension Island, I had arranged with Captain Ron Warwick, a wreath laying ceremony, He was very kind and arranged a Service on deck with all the hymn sheets distributed, a few ex Union Castle people were on board assembled and a very dignified ceremoney was performed, We then had two minutes silence and then at a signal, the wreath I had brought from the family of 17 year old Joe Farnworth, a family friend, was cast into the sea by the Chief Security Officer, ex R.M. and followed by a salute.
A few of the lady passengers were weeping. A lovely Service and well appreciated by Joe`s family.
Our `Lou`, Charles Louis Barron, survived the attack and sinking after many great hardships.
Cheers
Brian

Tha more i hear about the procedures for boat drill makes me determined not to go on a cruise. My gas service engineer serviced my boiler this morning, and having just returned from 1 week in the med on a cruise, informed me that lifejackets are in your cabin, so in the event of an emergency you have to go down several decks to get your lifejacket, then procede to the bar area, where the entertainment staff give instructions. that would make interesting emergency if it occured at night in the middle of dinner. he said the main stairways were difficult to get to your cabin, as some were coming up while others were going down, and this with no panic as would happen in a real emergency. onshore holidays for me regards Keith

Good morning, one and all.
Out of curiosity how many of you are building your Family Tree? It really is a fascinating pass time. I have been laid up for several months now.Boredom really does my head in.As I have been active all my life. So I started my tree. Some of you ,like some of my family will have no interest. Others of you will get enjoyment. I will not bore you too much. On my mothers side I have got back to 1775. Most sites will make a charge for their help.However I am informed that a Mormon Site makes no charges. I have already paid. So I will remain where I am. Happy hunting.

PS So far I hav,nt found any skeletons in the cupboard. John

JOHN my nephew made our family tree it was a fascinating job that he done and the people he came across from sailing masters to stone masons even to a fur trapper in the Canadian wilderness ? the twists and turns of family is amazing but as they say be careful what you wish for. good luck on your journey.JP

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Originally Posted by John White

.........I am informed that a Mormon Site makes no charges...

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Any idea which that site is John? I would be interested in a look see. I have always resisted the temptation to pay one of these sites incase they reveal nothing.