A Quick DVD Show
Part of the proceedings included the showing of a DVD featuring the salvage of the Caribia from 1974 to
1976. Unfortunately, the volume from the laptop wasn't very good, however, the showing was well received.
This had been my second visit this year, and hopefully I'll be returning for the December 2008 gathering,
equipped with some suitable speakers, to show it once more.
All photographs on this page Copyright © Peter Stevens Aug 2008
Click on any image for larger version in new window
August Reunion (1)
[Left:]
Left to right:
Background: “Bubbles” Collis, Fred Barnes, Pete Jelley, Pete Read, Bernie Webb, Mike Lifford,
Roger Parkinson (behind Cliff), John Delamere, Mike Andrews in check shirt
Foreground: John Redhead, Peter Stevens, Cliff Mattingley and Unknown
Treasured Photographs
Nominally, the gatherings start at midday - but so enjoyable are these that by the time I arrived at 11.50am
I felt that I'd arrived late. There were 18 guys already there!
As usual, within minutes of getting seated, packets of treasured photographs were being produced. One thing
that always amazes me is how good several guys are at remembering most of the names of those depicted.
No mean feat, bearing in mind that most pictures were taken 50 or more years ago!
August Reunion (2)
[Right:]
Back Row left to right:
Unknown, Fred Barnes, Pete Jelley, Pete Read, Roger Parkinson (right fgd.)
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August Reunion (3)
[Left:]
John Stamp (in foreground), Gordon Wright and John Redhead
A Diamond Anniversary Celebration?
Talking of the December 2008 gathering, it happens to fall on the 60th Anniversary of Caronia's departure
from Glasgow on her Commissioning Run to Southampton. There was some discussion about possibly doing
something special on this date. If you have any ideas, do please contact Pete Jelley, so that
arrangements can be decided at the September gathering.
August Reunion (4)
[Right:]
Left to right:
Back of Larry McGowan's head,
Dave Gregory, Don Smith, Rocky Homer, Johnny Arfman and John Snook
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August Reunion (5)
[Left:]
John Snook, Larry McGowan, Dave Gregory, back of Johnny Arfman's head
August Reunion (6)
[Right:]
Pete Jelley, Pete Read,
Roger Parkinson, Bernie Webb (foregd.),
Larry McGowan & Mike Lifford (standing)
Cliff Mattingley (foregd.)
John Delamere, Mike Andrews
Cameraderie
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Once again, just where did those 3 hours go? Many stories recounted, a few ribald jokes, and plenty of
banter. The cameraderie is tangible and is a clear reflection of just what a happy ship the Caronia had
been.
August Reunion (7)
[Left:]
Unknown, Gordon Wright and John Redhead
Recalling Capt. Donald Sorrell
During a chat with Fred Barnes, the name of Caronia's first Captain came up. The way that he was still
respected all these years later by the “Green Goddess” crew was confirmed by Fred, who'd been
told by Capt. Sorrell one sunny afternoon by the swimming pool the he'd got a better job on board than him!
One rainy night in New York, Fred had accidentally bumped into this guy hurriedly going ashore who revealed
himself as Donald Sorrell. He was "taking some time off to escape the never-ending round". Capt. Sorrell
was such an unassuming man that none of his decorations were ever published on any Caronia ephemera,
presumably on his instructions. As Fred commented: "He was a very down-to-earth guy".
August Reunion (8)
[Right:]
Mike Lifford, John Delamere, Mike Andrews
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August Reunion (9)
[Left:]
Fred Barnes, Pete Jelley, Pete Read, Roger Parkinson
