The Wareham & Bergen Trophy

Though first played in Singapore, the annual football match between the stewards from Caronia's two restaurants eventually found a regular home in Bergen in 1955. From 1957 onward it became a major event with a parade through the streets.

Then, for the next 10 years, it became an integral feature of the “Green Goddess” North Cape Cruise. The football matches were played between the “Balmoral Rangers” and the “Sandringham Dynamos”, these being the names of the respective restaurant teams.

Some 1955 World Cruise Pictures

The very first football match between the Balmoral Rangers and Sandringham Dynamos took place in Singapore on the 1951 Great World Cruise. The Dynamos won 2-1. There was always a celebration party in the “The Pig & Whistle” for the winning team.

The party would lead to a mock “burial at sea” ceremony. Along with the Bergen Parades, these also became quite fancy affairs with the “cortege” passing through the passenger accommodation on its way to the aft crew deck. At around midnight, due process commenced.

Above - Photo Ref: WPH08
The “Wareham Trophy” being carried to the “Pig & Whistle” by Sandringham supporters, prior to the celebration party

Front Row - left to right
Geoff Poore, Keith Newman, Nick Ward (holding trophy), Chuck Sewell, Kenny Douglas, George Jones

[Photos: Caronia- Courtesy of Peter Heath]

Below - Photo Ref: WPH09
The celebration in “The Pig & Whistle” with Restaurant Manager Cyril Wareham seated centre

Also in this picture are…
Mike Boyd, Bobby Butt, Eric Hamlyn, and Bob Palmer (Head Waiter)

Just for Balance…

Back Row: Left to right…
Roy Merewood, Steve Blake, Unknown, Chick Cockerell, Unkn., Unkn., Unkn., Dougy Hovell, Unkn., Unkn.
Front Row: Left to right…
4th from left is Teddy Morris

Arrival in Bergen 1955

[Above:]
Terry Gittoes, a storeman aboard Caronia for many years, is seen here with a roll of colour pads ready to hand them out to Sandringham supporters

A Bit of a Mystery

[Right:]
A Balmoral Rangers lapel badge. However, whether or not it applied to the Caronia has not yet been fully established. On the back it is marked Sheridan - Perth with No.8 on its horse-shoe clasp. Any further information about this badge would be much appreciated.