Cleopatra perched on her Sphinx July 1964
[Photo: © Roger Birch 1964]
Bergen in 1964
I first joined the Caronia in 1964 as a Commis Waiter in the Sandringham Restaurant. After the baptism of fire that was the positioning transatlantic, with two sittings in the Sandringham Restaurant, the North Cape cruise afterward took on a wholly different glow, with a friendly rivalry that was legend aboard.
Our theme that year was the Reign of Cleopatra. Every bit of our spare time on the cruise ahead of our Bergen arrival was spent in not only making costumes, but also in constructing a huge Sphinx.
It was built on a pallet frame and covered in gold-painted papier maché. The thing was so heavy that it would take at least ten burly blokes to carry it, shoulder high! Indeed, being that it was a very long walk to the football ground, it needed a rotation of bearers.
Those of us who became perhaps a little too exuberant about the forthcoming contest would find that being told - “…it's only a game, sonny, it's only a game” - was sufficient admonishment.
Photo: Peter Stevens Collection
It was a much gentler World back then. However, it does scare me a little to think that these pictures were taken nigh on 50yrs ago. I do hope you like them.
Denzil Norton - aka “Pagan”
Because I was one of the bearers of that Sphinx, I'm thrilled to be able to put a name to a face, from feedback recently received. Sandringham's Cleopatra was known to everyone on board as LGBT “Pagan”, real name Denzil Norton (1940-2013)
The Bergen Museum are currently working on an extensive exhibit about the Caronia's visits to that port. This to include a feature about Pagan.
NavBarCan you add more information or identify anyone depicted here?
If so, do please get in touch!
