Archive for the ‘Events’ Category

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bill O’Leary 74/76

Newly promoted 08/01/2018: Major General WJ O’Leary QVRM TD DL VR.

IOBA Chairman’s Presentation:

Dear Andrew (IOBA Chairman),

Steve Humphries (IOBA Vice Chairman) on his return from the reunion weekend (10/June/2017) and passed to me the absolutely beautifully engraved lantern which you had commissioned for me.

I am overwhelmed by the generosity of the Association in doing this and thank you all most sincerely for this kind gesture.

It was a wonderful privilege being the Chairman for 10 years I know you will feel the same for at least the next decade!

I missed you all greatly this weekend, Anita will tell you I was like a lost soul recounting by the hour what you would be doing at each stage of the weekend.

I hear it was a great success, very well done to you all.

Again, a huge thank you for this wonderful presentation, it is greatly appreciated.

Yours ever
Bill

Major General WJ O’Leary QVRM TD DL VR

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Steve Humphries 75/76.

IOBA Secretary’s Presentation:

Steve Humphries (IOBA Vice Chairman & Archives Secretary) was presented the above ‘In appreciation of His outstanding Service as Secretary of the Indefatigable Old Boys Association’ for 17 years.

 

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IOBA Reunion 2017 Photos:

   

 © www.indeoba.com 2017

Indefatigable Old Boys, were invited to attend the following event and ceremony.

INDEFATIGABLE CUP WINNERS for 2016:

T.S. DEFIANCE – NEWHAVEN & SEAFORD (UNIT 442) SEA CADET CORPS – Win the ELEVENTH Indefatigable Trophy.

It gives us the greatest pleasure to congratulate ‘T.S. Defiance (Newhaven and Seaford SCC)’ on being awarded the Indefatigable Cup in its eleventh year, the Indefatigable Cup for 2016 (awarded 2017).

Date: Friday 2nd June 2017

IOBA Chairman (Andrew Butler 77/78) made a very special presentation to Heather Wells CPO (SCC) Commanding Officer of ‘T.S. DEFIANCE the ‘Indefatigable Cup‘, known once as the ‘Merseyside Navy League – Swimming Gala Trophy’, and a monetary award on behalf of the IOBA.

Other IOBA attendees: Tom Keyes 63/64: IOBA Treasurer & Membership Secretary & Steve Humphries (Bearded!) 75/76: Secretary & Archives.

We would like to thank SERFCA (South East RFCA > Reserve Forces ) for the publicity and the stills below.

PICS BY STEWART TURKINGTON www.stphotos.co.uk from T.S. Defiance SCC presentation night 02/06;

South East RFCA: Facebook

Indefatigable Old Boys Association (IOBA): Secretary & Archives

©www.indeoba.com 2017

Reunion for Seafarers stranded in the Suez Canal 1967 – 1975

SIX DAY WAR CREW SOUGHT

Merseyside Museum commemorates Suez Canal anniversary:
Merseyside Maritime Museum is looking for former seafarers who were on a stranded ship on the Suez Canal between June 1967 and June 1975 to attend a special 50th anniversary reunion at Merseyside Maritime Museum on Thursday 1 June 2017.

14 merchant ships were stranded in the Great Bitter Lake in the Suez Canal at the start of the Six-Day War between Israel and Egypt in 1967. They were trapped there for eight years until Egypt reopened the canal in 1975. Four of the ships were British flagged, including three from Liverpool shipping lines: MS Melampus and MS Agapenor from Blue Funnel Line, and MS Scottish Star from Blue Star Line. The fourth British ship was MS Port Invercargill of the London-based Port Line.

Though the original trapped crews were replaced after a couple of months, over the years around 3,000 seafarers served on the ships, helping to maintain them and their precious cargos, right in the middle of a war zone. The period was the height of the Cold War, the ships may have come from both sides of the Iron Curtain, but as Ben Whittaker, Curator of Maritime History and Technology explains, it didn’t stop them forming their own ‘United Nations’.

“The ships were going nowhere, over time camaraderie grew between the crews irrespective of their country of origin. Inspired by the part of the Suez Canal they were stuck in, they established what was to become a unique community; the Great Bitter Lake Association”.
“They shared supplies and equipment, as well as created a full programme of sports fixtures and other social activities. The seafarers even produced their own hand-made stamps, which are now sought after collectors’ items”. The move to appeal for ex-crew was inspired by author Cath Senker, whose forthcoming book on the subject features material from the Blue Funnel Line Archive which is held at the Museum, as well as images of objects from the museum collections related to the Great Bitter Lake Association. These include a commemorative plate and home-made trophies that were awarded to the winners of the competitions held on board the ships during the 8 year long saga. Ben says; “We want former crew to get in touch and join us on 1 June to share their stories and reminisce. Many members remember their time in the Suez Canal as one of the most significant of their entire lives. Through the internet, many of them have now renewed contact with each other, and interest in this unusual story has been revived. With Liverpool ships and men part of the story, Merseyside Maritime Museum is the right place to hold the reunion”.
If you or a family member were on one of the stranded ships on the Great Bitter Lake during the Six Day War and want to share your story and be part of the reunion, contact Ben Whittaker. Telephone 0151 478 4401 or email <ben.whittaker@liverpoolmuseums.org.uk>.

 

 

Indefatigable Old Boys Association (IOBA): Secretary & Archives

©www.indeoba.com 2017

Indefatigable OBA Members celebrate the restoration of a significant object in Liverpool’s maritime history.

IOBA Members attended the Merseyside Maritime Museum for the special unveiling of the newly restored Indefatigable figurehead on Wednesday 2nd November 2016, 2:30-4:30pm.

The figurehead has been restored by world renowned figurehead conservator Richard Hunter, thanks to a donation of £2,500 to fund the project from the Indefatigable Old Boys Association (IOBA). Janet Dugdale Director Maritime Museum and Museum of Liverpool said: ‘We are delighted to be able to unveil King Billy and thank the IOBA for their kind generosity’.

Names of those present;
Sir Michael Bibby Bt (M.D. Bibby Line Group): IOBA President.
Andrew Butler (77/78): IOBA Chairman.
Martyn Hunt (82/85): IOBA Vice Chairman & Karen Hunt.
Tom Keyes (63/64) IOBA Treasurer & Membership Secretary.
Malcolm Williams (75/76): IOBA Merchandise & Angie Williams.
John Aspinall (59/60): IOBA Standard Bearer & Val Aspinall.
Marc Hardman (1961): IOBA Standard Bearer.
Ian Parr (74/75) & Deborah Parr: IOBA Members.
Brian & Norma Croxton: IOBA Members.
Steve Humphries (75/76): IOBA General Secretary & Archives.
John Wilson: CEO Liverpool Seafarers Centre.
Richard Hunter: Figurehead Historian & Restorer of King Billy.
Ian Murphy: Deputy Director Maritime Museum and Museum of Liverpool.
Ben Whittaker: Curator of Maritime History Maritime Museum and Museum of Liverpool.

See the project yourself at;

Merseyside Maritime Museum, Albert Dock, Liverpool. L3 4AQ / Tel: 0151 478 4401
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/maritime/index.aspx

    

    

    

    

         

    

 

Indefatigable Old Boys Association (IOBA): General Secretary & Archives.

©www.indeoba.com 2016