Guest 640- Registered: 21 Apr 2007
- Posts: 7,819
19 October 2009
09:4530921This very interesting email has been sent in by a reader in Broadstairs. Colin let me know if I can pass on your email to the chap concerned...
Email as follows.......
Dear Mr. Boland,
I have just been directed by a colleague of mine to the excellent pictures of Colin Pritchard's Father who appears to have worked in Dover Harbour in the years before WW ll. Living in Thanet I used to visit Dover with my Parents in the early 50,s when a young boy and the enthusiasm for the Harbour and its activities has never left me. I worked for the AA at Eastern Docks in 1964 and continually from 1973 to 2002 in various jobs attached to the port. With a lifetimes interest in ships and a collection of books to match! I am attempting at the age of 65 to compile a book (possibly to ambitious) / CD of images and text of the Ports life with an emphasis on the commercial life, so much having been written about the ferry business. This includes the shipbreaking industry and salvage work carried out by The Admiralty and the Dover Harbour Board Tugs and independent salvage tugs based at the port up to the late 60's. The early passenger ship services that used to call after the Prince of Wales Pier lost its popularity with transatlantic lines.
Some of these topics are are very difficult to find information and pictures and any new pictures of whatever quality and memories, be they second generation, are of great value. I would like to meet Mr. Pritchard and view his Father's album and if he gave permission have the pictures scanned to a high quality to see if any more names and other detail appears.
In return I would be pleased provide prints of the scans if Mr. Pritchard would like them and to hopefully answer any of Mr. Prichard's questions regarding the vessels featured or any other matters of which I may have information. The pictures would be filed and used in shows that I give to interested groups, mainly shipping, and any source or copyright is properly acknowledged. IF the CD / Book gets completed in my lifetime again acknowledgements of source would be include, at this time I do not have the facilities for cash payments for use of materials.
Thank you for your time and the interest your pages have given me.
Andrew Humphreys
Broadstairs
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
19 October 2009
14:4330934Hi there Paul, just come on here, and well impressed with Andrew Humphreys letter above. Yes, yes, yes I would love to see them in a book for all to enjoy, especially as some may recognise past family members. My camera batteries have just gone, but I`ve imaged a couple more. Some photo`s show various crew members at work and posing. Looked like it was a pleasure to come to work in those days. Can`t see the present super ferries having half dozen young girls with a crew member round the ship`s wheel, etc. The H & S executive would never allow it. I have over 70 various prints, not all Dover, and in all sorts of condition. Other shots include a plane, a battleship, various tall masted ships, a tug called SUNSHINE, more girls climbing up a funnel... A completely different social atmosphere compared to now. Yes Paul, okay for my email address.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
19 October 2009
14:4630935Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
19 October 2009
14:4830936 Just prior to war I believe. I have a certificate that my dad completed a gunnery course, 1939.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.
Guest 690- Registered: 10 Oct 2009
- Posts: 4,150
19 October 2009
19:2730964Amongst the ships are these 2 aircraft pictures of the same plane. No idea if it`s local. All I know is, it`s not Bleriot. The markings may help someone with knowledge of this fine machine. Sorry, wrong post, see picture post.
Tell them that I came, and no one answered.