Hello

[Graham Hobbins]

Hello All,

I never really know, like most people I suppose, what to put in these introductions! Anyway, anyone that uses the Ships Nostalgia site will know me as Palmship, my Dad (Adrian Hobbins) was with Palm Line for the majority of his seagoing career and although I would have loved to follow in his footsteps it never worked out. I am, however, a huge fan of the company and am trying to amass as much information and stories and photo's of the ships as possible. I was fortunate in my formative years, like so many of the offspring of the ships officers, to get to visit the ships when the y docked in and around the UK. My Mum and I were also lucky enough to do a round trip to West Africa, I still have the framed steering certificate from that voyage. Happy days! My Dad is still alive and kicking and living in the East Riding of Yorkshire, where he regularly (around 6 days a week) plays golf. Always a source of stories and info!

Well enough, anyone who knows either my dad or myself please feel free to get in touch

Regards
Graham

[Red Lead Ted]

Can you tell us what your dads rating was, And what era we are talking i know quite a few ex Palm Line lads here in Liverpool who may well have sailed with your dad i may have sailed with him myself. First and last port on the west coast always Freetown Regards Terry.

[Ron B Manderson]

to the site Graham.
Enjoy
Ron the batcave

[Graham Hobbins]

Hi Terry

Dad joined Palm Line in 1958 as 2nd Mate I think, he was Ch/O for as long as I can remember until he was promoted to Captain in 1980. He was the last seagoing Master of the company taking the Matadi/70 into Cadiz where so became the Modesty when UAC Charterships finally wound up in 1986

Regards
Graham

[Red Lead Ted]

Here are a few names he will remember, Bosun Jimmy Turton, { Dropped dead at the foot of the gangway after paying off the Kano Palm early 80s} His brother Ernie Turton sailed also in many palm boats sadly no longer with us passed away after leaving Palm Line and working the shore gang 1990s, I Have looked in my own book i cant spot his signature as skipper in the few Palm Boats i sailed in out of Liverpool that's not to say i never sailed with him . Wish him a long and happy retirement Graham Palm Line was one of the better outfits we sailed in Regards Terry.

[Graham Hobbins]

He was promoted in 1980, first command was a coastal trip, Lagos Palm/61 from Liverpool to Tilbury, he then took over the Ikeja Palm/61 and was on her for 2 or 3 trips including a charter from Nigeria to Brazil and back. He had a couple of weeks leave then took over the Lagos Palm again on the return whilst in Swansea she became the Lagos Palm II. Dad left her in Birkenhead and I believe she was sold shortly after. From there he went on to command Africa Palm/72, Bamenda Palm/79, Apapa Palm/73 and finally the Matadi Palm/70 which by then was on charter to a Nigerian outfit.

Regards
Graham

[Chris Clarke]

Hello All,

I never really know, like most people I suppose, what to put in these introductions!........... Well enough, anyone who knows either my dad or myself please feel free to get in touch

Regards
Graham

Graham
I sailed with your father when I was 3/O on Enugu Palm or 2/O on Ilorin Palm in the late 1960s (probably the latter). He was C/O. Doubt he'll remember me but anyway say hello for me and give him my kind regards. I was with Palm Line 1963-70, came ashore with Master's & had good career in IT till retirement 2003. Well & truly retired now & also playing golf (but not 6 time a week - WOW).

[Des Taff Jenkins]

Hi Chris
Welcome to the site
The last post from Graham was in 2013 so he may not look in now but if you send him a private message or an e-mail you may get him.
cheers Des

[Graham Hobbins]

Graham
I sailed with your father when I was 3/O on Enugu Palm or 2/O on Ilorin Palm in the late 1960s (probably the latter). He was C/O. Doubt he'll remember me but anyway say hello for me and give him my kind regards. I was with Palm Line 1963-70, came ashore with Master's & had good career in IT till retirement 2003. Well & truly retired now & also playing golf (but not 6 time a week - WOW).

Good Afternoon Chris,

My apologies for not replying sooner than this. Mentioned you to Dad, he does recollect your name but was unsure of which ship he was on with you. Since I posted my introduction all those years ago he has slowed down a little. At 85, he is becoming a fair weather golfer enjoying warmer weather the most, especially after so many years down the coast! He stayed with Palm Line until the very end, in 1986. He then went on to become Assistant Dock Master at Goole before retiring almost 20 years ago now

I don't know if you are aware but there is an annual reunion held in Birkenhead for all the ex Palm Line employees, this year it is on the 14th June at the Grove House Hotel New Brighton.

Feel free to keep in touch, I may be picking your brains for Palm Line memories!

Regards
Graham