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These are this year's winning cards. Debs has rung the winners and they are delighted, as is Penny at the Mission to Seafarers and Father Mark Mesley who judged the competition. We will run the competition again next year.
Monday, 21 December 2009
Christmas Card Competition
These are this year's winning cards. Debs has rung the winners and they are delighted, as is Penny at the Mission to Seafarers and Father Mark Mesley who judged the competition. We will run the competition again next year.
Three Degrees Lookalike Contest
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Second prize goes to Chris, Stu & Angela...
but First Prize must go to Sam, Kirsty & Kate!Special thanks to Michael who did a fabulous job of organising this year's staff Christmas Party. Roll on next year's now!
A Duff Father Christmas?
by Debs RogersOn Friday 18 December, 17 Museum Minnows, all under the age of 3, visited Santa in his grotto. Mick Duff rose to the challenge of being the guest of honour.
The mums were VERY impressed with our Father Christmas. One mum said he was ‘the best I’ve ever seen as he’s so real!’ Another said she was ‘... surprised my son didn’t cry as I expected him to. I think it’s because his beard is real and he’s very friendly and lovely with the children’.
Monday, 14 December 2009
The Paper Chase
by Mike Pennell
The year is nearly over
Twenty-ten will soon be here,
So a Resolution’s called for,
in time for our New Year.
Some forward long Suggestions
(& some of them make sense);
There’s those that we don’t dare to write
in case they give offence!!
Communication’s wonderful,
and most important too;
but this involves more paper
to get the message through.
Our Coffee Room is full of Bumph
there’s Rules & Notes & Files!
Just think of all the wood it took
to make those paper piles.
Then, even when I get back home,
there’s more on my PC,
I print the Mails & info - Whoops!
there goes another tree!!
There is, of course, the Telephone,
Now THAT should save the trees,
But as I get forgetful,
just jot it down here, please!!
There’s Post-It notes all up the wall,
(but none with any date!!)
I wish I could remember
to what they might relate.
I’ve considered one way out of this,
A Trappist Monk I’ll be,
No speech, and slates to write on,
So please don’t contact me.
The year is nearly over
Twenty-ten will soon be here,
So a Resolution’s called for,
in time for our New Year.
Some forward long Suggestions
(& some of them make sense);
There’s those that we don’t dare to write
in case they give offence!!
Communication’s wonderful,
and most important too;
but this involves more paper
to get the message through.
Our Coffee Room is full of Bumph
there’s Rules & Notes & Files!
Just think of all the wood it took
to make those paper piles.
Then, even when I get back home,
there’s more on my PC,
I print the Mails & info - Whoops!
there goes another tree!!
There is, of course, the Telephone,
Now THAT should save the trees,
But as I get forgetful,
just jot it down here, please!!
There’s Post-It notes all up the wall,
(but none with any date!!)
I wish I could remember
to what they might relate.
I’ve considered one way out of this,
A Trappist Monk I’ll be,
No speech, and slates to write on,
So please don’t contact me.
Friday, 11 December 2009
Paul's Warts Part Two
With regard to the 9 December Nauti News item, I have searched the list of attendees
at the Breakfast and cannot find Paul Swarts listed. I am extremely suspicious that he was an uninvited illegal immigrant, with little knowledge of local custom & practice.
Maritime House was named because it looks very similar to the car-carrying ship at Duchy Wharf.
Ships & Castles used to have a flat glass roof, but the rain-soaked ground caused this end to subside (Not many people know that)
Hemisphere comments bring to mind the “Children & Fools shouldn’t see things half done”
The Volunteer owner of the Orange Bungalow has contacted his Solicitor and The Director will be hearing from him soon.
Team Phillips is awaiting a move to the front of the Museum – where it will be painted like a Lighthouse & stand upright in the absence of a more appropriate attraction after the Underwater Loo has been removed (our own addition to the list!!)
The Docks buildings & Coal yard remain as a deterrent to visiting Cruise ship passengers from going ashore & cluttering up Falmouth High St. or the Eden project.
Malcolm Miller was partly uncovered at the request of the RSPB – for seagulls to perch.
The Green House has not been re-painted. The cheap-offer B & Q paint has just been diluted by the rain.
If Mr. Swarts had attended the talk in Lookout that morning, he would be better informed and not spread alarm & despondency about Falmouth, Jewel of the South-west.
at the Breakfast and cannot find Paul Swarts listed. I am extremely suspicious that he was an uninvited illegal immigrant, with little knowledge of local custom & practice.
Maritime House was named because it looks very similar to the car-carrying ship at Duchy Wharf.
Ships & Castles used to have a flat glass roof, but the rain-soaked ground caused this end to subside (Not many people know that)
Hemisphere comments bring to mind the “Children & Fools shouldn’t see things half done”
The Volunteer owner of the Orange Bungalow has contacted his Solicitor and The Director will be hearing from him soon.
Team Phillips is awaiting a move to the front of the Museum – where it will be painted like a Lighthouse & stand upright in the absence of a more appropriate attraction after the Underwater Loo has been removed (our own addition to the list!!)
The Docks buildings & Coal yard remain as a deterrent to visiting Cruise ship passengers from going ashore & cluttering up Falmouth High St. or the Eden project.
Malcolm Miller was partly uncovered at the request of the RSPB – for seagulls to perch.
The Green House has not been re-painted. The cheap-offer B & Q paint has just been diluted by the rain.
If Mr. Swarts had attended the talk in Lookout that morning, he would be better informed and not spread alarm & despondency about Falmouth, Jewel of the South-west.
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Grumpy Volunteers Corner
By Keith Evans
Some time ago Sandie suggested that volunteers might like to take responsibility for individual boats. Having thought about this I think we should go one further. Volunteers need more exercise involving something useful. Not like jogging which always seems to me to be a useless activity – have you ever seen a jogger looking happy? No! Something useful such as scrubbing the pontoon to clean the seagull guano, cleaning the tidal windows preferably when the tide is in, polishing the brass on Waterlily or, for the less energetic, touching their forelock to the Director. We would of course have to have meaningful negotiations, a feasibility study, environmental impact and Health & Safety report. We’d probably be infringing on the seagull’s rights, the fish will object to looking in at humans, the glittering brass would dazzle the visitors and one of us have forelocks. Sorry Sandie it’s a non-starter.
It had been a quiet morning in the Main Hall. A young couple came in and stood talking around the orientation model, as confused as everyone. She was a bit of an ugly duckling really. Suddenly he picked her up and twirled her around like a crazed Dervish. Nigel woke up and nearly fell off his chair. We wondered what was going to happen next. Unfortunately nothing did and within a couple of minutes the Main Hall returned to its normal November tranquillity.
A delicate situation arose when a group of French students with questionnaires on clipboards were seeking information about the large oil painting in the Packet gallery of an English Packet capturing a French privateer in a bloody skirmish. Now Keith, I thought, talk yourself out of this one without causing a diplomatic incident. Any suggestions on a postcard to the Editor please.
Some time ago Sandie suggested that volunteers might like to take responsibility for individual boats. Having thought about this I think we should go one further. Volunteers need more exercise involving something useful. Not like jogging which always seems to me to be a useless activity – have you ever seen a jogger looking happy? No! Something useful such as scrubbing the pontoon to clean the seagull guano, cleaning the tidal windows preferably when the tide is in, polishing the brass on Waterlily or, for the less energetic, touching their forelock to the Director. We would of course have to have meaningful negotiations, a feasibility study, environmental impact and Health & Safety report. We’d probably be infringing on the seagull’s rights, the fish will object to looking in at humans, the glittering brass would dazzle the visitors and one of us have forelocks. Sorry Sandie it’s a non-starter.
It had been a quiet morning in the Main Hall. A young couple came in and stood talking around the orientation model, as confused as everyone. She was a bit of an ugly duckling really. Suddenly he picked her up and twirled her around like a crazed Dervish. Nigel woke up and nearly fell off his chair. We wondered what was going to happen next. Unfortunately nothing did and within a couple of minutes the Main Hall returned to its normal November tranquillity.
A delicate situation arose when a group of French students with questionnaires on clipboards were seeking information about the large oil painting in the Packet gallery of an English Packet capturing a French privateer in a bloody skirmish. Now Keith, I thought, talk yourself out of this one without causing a diplomatic incident. Any suggestions on a postcard to the Editor please.
Welcome Hannah
It was a dark and unstormy night on the road from Constantine, somewhere around Treverva. A head poked out of the ambulance and said 'I think you had better come quickly.'
Earlier that Monday, Sarah and Russ Bibby had got on the phone to the midwife. 'Don't even think of driving. Call an ambulance.' Half an hour later they were on their way from Constantine to Treliske with Sarah in the ambulance and Russ following in the car.
The ambulance pulled off the road into a field gateway to check Sarah over. Russ waited until the head popped out of the ambulance.
He rushed over to see what was happening and another, much smaller, head popped out to greet the world. When all had recovered from the shock, the para-medic mumbled, 'I suppose I shall have to fill in another patient entry form', as they drove their way on to Treliske, comforting the new Mum.
Welcome to the world Hannah May Bibby: a sister for Charlotte. You little bundle of 8lb 2oz joy. You certainly gave your parents a surprise.
Why not add Treverva to your names in memory of that field gate? Will you grow up to become a farmer and what will you put on your birth certificate under 'Place of Birth'?
Earlier that Monday, Sarah and Russ Bibby had got on the phone to the midwife. 'Don't even think of driving. Call an ambulance.' Half an hour later they were on their way from Constantine to Treliske with Sarah in the ambulance and Russ following in the car.
The ambulance pulled off the road into a field gateway to check Sarah over. Russ waited until the head popped out of the ambulance.He rushed over to see what was happening and another, much smaller, head popped out to greet the world. When all had recovered from the shock, the para-medic mumbled, 'I suppose I shall have to fill in another patient entry form', as they drove their way on to Treliske, comforting the new Mum.
Welcome to the world Hannah May Bibby: a sister for Charlotte. You little bundle of 8lb 2oz joy. You certainly gave your parents a surprise.
Why not add Treverva to your names in memory of that field gate? Will you grow up to become a farmer and what will you put on your birth certificate under 'Place of Birth'?
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Paul's warts
A recent Volunteer breakfast had a very positive seasonal flavour. Instead of discussing our plans for Christmas, an analysis of Karen's yummy mince pies or the possible content of our crackers, the conversation turned to the horrors to be viewed from Look Out at this time of year. These became known as Paul's warts (don't ask). Can you add to the list? In some sort of order:
The Stalinist Maritime House - said to contain fold-down beds and fold-down desks (for fold-down students?). One visitor apparently asked whether the scaffolding was because they were 'demolishing it'. If only.
Ships and Castles - the Star Trek landing vehicle; another building which should never have got past the planners.
Hemisphere -the ugly half-built grey catamaran cluttering up the view from the cafe. 'Bring back a schooner' said the purists.
The orange bungalow somewhere up near Wood Lane (let us hope no Volunteer lives in it).
The remnant of Team Philips was generally agreed to be a sad sight. Will it magically disappear when the Docks fill in some more water to create their new wharf?
The Docks buildings and coal bunkers were awarded an honourable pass as they at least had some positive use
And, with a tinge of sadness, the Malcolm Miller which looks like a half-unwrapped cigar and is said to be in a pretty bad way. She is, according to gossip, going into Pendennis to be converted to a millionaire's yacht. If so then roll on the bankers' bonuses; gosh, did I really say that?
We all lamented the passing of the Green House which had been re-painted in a lighter green. While aesthetically more acceptable, this had sadly dropped it off visitors' list of 'Wassat?' questions.
All of this assumes that one can actually see out the windows with the amount of rain that has been falling recently. Come to sunny Falmouth for the lovely views from the Museum Look Out indeed!
The Stalinist Maritime House - said to contain fold-down beds and fold-down desks (for fold-down students?). One visitor apparently asked whether the scaffolding was because they were 'demolishing it'. If only.
Ships and Castles - the Star Trek landing vehicle; another building which should never have got past the planners.
Hemisphere -the ugly half-built grey catamaran cluttering up the view from the cafe. 'Bring back a schooner' said the purists.
The orange bungalow somewhere up near Wood Lane (let us hope no Volunteer lives in it).
The remnant of Team Philips was generally agreed to be a sad sight. Will it magically disappear when the Docks fill in some more water to create their new wharf?
The Docks buildings and coal bunkers were awarded an honourable pass as they at least had some positive use
And, with a tinge of sadness, the Malcolm Miller which looks like a half-unwrapped cigar and is said to be in a pretty bad way. She is, according to gossip, going into Pendennis to be converted to a millionaire's yacht. If so then roll on the bankers' bonuses; gosh, did I really say that?
We all lamented the passing of the Green House which had been re-painted in a lighter green. While aesthetically more acceptable, this had sadly dropped it off visitors' list of 'Wassat?' questions.
All of this assumes that one can actually see out the windows with the amount of rain that has been falling recently. Come to sunny Falmouth for the lovely views from the Museum Look Out indeed!
Friday, 4 December 2009
A Monster From The Deep
by Mike Pennell
On Wednesday last, when on my shift,
I went to Tidal Zone,
I looked out of the window
and I wasn’t there alone!!!
A man was staring in at me
with frightening piercing eyes,
He had a beard – and he was armed;
Imagine my surprise.
He was trying to get through the glass,
with a weapon on a stick,
I was frightened he’d assault me
but the window was too thick.
I smiled and made a gesture,
and then he made one too!!!
(I think he was suggesting
something that I could not do!!!)
I retired to the Lookout,
and reported the event
I was told he was a Cleaner,
and was quite without intent.
Children would be frightened
if they saw him floating there,
we should close the Tidal Zone until
he’s gone back to his lair!!
On Wednesday last, when on my shift,
I went to Tidal Zone,
I looked out of the window
and I wasn’t there alone!!!
A man was staring in at me
with frightening piercing eyes,
He had a beard – and he was armed;
Imagine my surprise.
He was trying to get through the glass,
with a weapon on a stick,
I was frightened he’d assault me
but the window was too thick.
I smiled and made a gesture,
and then he made one too!!!
(I think he was suggesting
something that I could not do!!!)
I retired to the Lookout,
and reported the event
I was told he was a Cleaner,
and was quite without intent.
Children would be frightened
if they saw him floating there,
we should close the Tidal Zone until
he’s gone back to his lair!!
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Plan of the Museum anyone?
In the days of printed Nauti News, I had my occasional rant about some of the regulations that come our way. Forgive me if I return to this well-worn subject with two recent examples of the 1984 - should it now be 2014 - world we inhabit.
A couple of members of the Office team are doing an NVQ in Super Advanced Arithmetic. A few days after they started, one of them walked into my office with a ruler, looked around and started drawing something on a pad of paper. 'What are you up to?' I asked with the air of Mr Brown faced with Mrs Cameron wandering around No 10 carrying a tape measure. 'Are you measuring my coffin or are you planning to re-decorate my office at last?'
The answer was so obvious, I had not thought of it: before doing the (written) Arithmetic test, the tutor had insisted that the student draw a plan of the office, marking on it all the desks and chairs and identifying all the hazards. Only when that was complete were they allowed to get on with the long division or whatever it was. I do not know if they included a picture of a pencil (sharp) or boss (cross at the waste of time on stupid tasks).
A few days later I enquired whether the results had come in. 'Yes, but I was not allowed to discuss the answers until I had reported how many reportable accidents and incidents of bullying there had been since I had done the test.'
Quite separately, I also received details of a new NVQ in Culture Heritage Management, a subject I thought I knew something about having been working in the field for over 20 years. The three bullet points at the top of the sheet of paper started with something along the lines 'Understanding the effect you have on other peoples' safety'. What was I expecting? Perhaps something along the lines 'What do we mean by Cultural Heritage?' or 'Why do we preserve the past?' or 'How do we preserve the past?'
It just shows how I need training. For 20+ years I have been unaware that the most important thing about cultural heritage management was safety; I thought it was to do with the past. Mind you, long ago there was a sign on Launceston Castle which simply said: 'Danger children'. I wish I had photographed it and made a cut-out badge for some of us.
Contrary to common belief, it is not EU or government legislation that demands such idiocies. It is mindless low-level adherence to what people think is important in the modern world. Fashions will change in a few years and we will have another thing to worry about but for now, grrrrr ...
Sorry, I must go; I need to draw a picture of my tea cup and make a large sign saying 'Hot tea'. Hang on, doesn't tea have some interesting side effect? I must add that to the sign.
Jonathan
A couple of members of the Office team are doing an NVQ in Super Advanced Arithmetic. A few days after they started, one of them walked into my office with a ruler, looked around and started drawing something on a pad of paper. 'What are you up to?' I asked with the air of Mr Brown faced with Mrs Cameron wandering around No 10 carrying a tape measure. 'Are you measuring my coffin or are you planning to re-decorate my office at last?'
The answer was so obvious, I had not thought of it: before doing the (written) Arithmetic test, the tutor had insisted that the student draw a plan of the office, marking on it all the desks and chairs and identifying all the hazards. Only when that was complete were they allowed to get on with the long division or whatever it was. I do not know if they included a picture of a pencil (sharp) or boss (cross at the waste of time on stupid tasks).
A few days later I enquired whether the results had come in. 'Yes, but I was not allowed to discuss the answers until I had reported how many reportable accidents and incidents of bullying there had been since I had done the test.'
Quite separately, I also received details of a new NVQ in Culture Heritage Management, a subject I thought I knew something about having been working in the field for over 20 years. The three bullet points at the top of the sheet of paper started with something along the lines 'Understanding the effect you have on other peoples' safety'. What was I expecting? Perhaps something along the lines 'What do we mean by Cultural Heritage?' or 'Why do we preserve the past?' or 'How do we preserve the past?'
It just shows how I need training. For 20+ years I have been unaware that the most important thing about cultural heritage management was safety; I thought it was to do with the past. Mind you, long ago there was a sign on Launceston Castle which simply said: 'Danger children'. I wish I had photographed it and made a cut-out badge for some of us.
Contrary to common belief, it is not EU or government legislation that demands such idiocies. It is mindless low-level adherence to what people think is important in the modern world. Fashions will change in a few years and we will have another thing to worry about but for now, grrrrr ...
Sorry, I must go; I need to draw a picture of my tea cup and make a large sign saying 'Hot tea'. Hang on, doesn't tea have some interesting side effect? I must add that to the sign.
Jonathan
Friday, 20 November 2009
On a quiet day
by Martin Smith, Volunteer
I have spent many a shift wondering why I volunteer at the maritime museum. I have come to the conclusion that in some way or another I actually enjoy it. Whether it is that you never know who you are to speak to next or whether they have an interesting tale or experience relating to the sea to tell which I learn from, I am not sure. But certainly my life and knowledge of all things nautical has broadened since I joined over 2 years ago. I have learnt a great deal from some of the volunteers, especially the ones who had been to sea for a career. And then again, I enjoy meeting, talking and hopefully helping visitors enjoy their visit to the museum. The icing on the cake is, as today, when a lady thanked me for making her visit so enjoyable. To be very honest, she was more knowledgeable about the 'classic' boats on the pontoon than I was. Yes, to be a volunteer can be very rewarding.
So if, on a quiet day, you wonder why you are here, just remember that there's time to have a really good conversation with a visitor, and that in doing so you will make all the difference to their visit.
I have spent many a shift wondering why I volunteer at the maritime museum. I have come to the conclusion that in some way or another I actually enjoy it. Whether it is that you never know who you are to speak to next or whether they have an interesting tale or experience relating to the sea to tell which I learn from, I am not sure. But certainly my life and knowledge of all things nautical has broadened since I joined over 2 years ago. I have learnt a great deal from some of the volunteers, especially the ones who had been to sea for a career. And then again, I enjoy meeting, talking and hopefully helping visitors enjoy their visit to the museum. The icing on the cake is, as today, when a lady thanked me for making her visit so enjoyable. To be very honest, she was more knowledgeable about the 'classic' boats on the pontoon than I was. Yes, to be a volunteer can be very rewarding.
So if, on a quiet day, you wonder why you are here, just remember that there's time to have a really good conversation with a visitor, and that in doing so you will make all the difference to their visit.
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Pat's tribute to Ralph Bird
At the funeral service Pat Crockford gave an address of which this is an extract.
I have known Ralph for the best part of 50 years having met him when we were working together at Falmouth Boat Construction. At the time he was 18 years old and his nickname was Kitty Wee after his uncle Fred. We were work mates with a strong interest in CRA rowing which led to Ralph's interest in gigs.
When building a hollow mast at FBC we would put a wieght inside so that it rattled when rolling. Another trick was to tie a bucket under a punt so as to make it hard to row for the joiners going to work afloat.
After Boat Construction we went our own ways. Ralph stayed boat building, married Rosemary and had three children: Vanessa, John and Patrick but any time he needed help I was there. Like the time we brought the gig Sussex from the Isles of Scilly to Pill Creek on the deck of my fishing boat so that he could rebuild her.
In 1971 Ralph, with Truro Riowing Club, attempted to row the gig Campernell to Roscoff but unfortunately had to abandon the attempt because of bad weather.
On one occasion he repaired a Hayle skiff for John Daniel. When finished, Ralph, John and I raced her and won the Fal Race in a time of 47.5 minutes. The total age of the crew was 170 years. Ralph was always looking for turns to use in buidling gigs and, even in this race, we were looking for fallen trees.
Ralph also worked for Falmouth Marine College where he built Energy which was his first gig. Little did he know that there were 120 to follow. He also made the steering wheel for Adix.
Later, Ralph became a volunteer at the Museum where his favourite boat was Daisy Belle which he completely restored. By this time he had met and married Marie with whom he wrote a book about Devoran. Remembering events and dates was very easy for him.
Instead of 'see you again' I now have to say 'goodbye': the hardest thing of all. Ralph, you will not be forgotten.
I have known Ralph for the best part of 50 years having met him when we were working together at Falmouth Boat Construction. At the time he was 18 years old and his nickname was Kitty Wee after his uncle Fred. We were work mates with a strong interest in CRA rowing which led to Ralph's interest in gigs.
When building a hollow mast at FBC we would put a wieght inside so that it rattled when rolling. Another trick was to tie a bucket under a punt so as to make it hard to row for the joiners going to work afloat.
After Boat Construction we went our own ways. Ralph stayed boat building, married Rosemary and had three children: Vanessa, John and Patrick but any time he needed help I was there. Like the time we brought the gig Sussex from the Isles of Scilly to Pill Creek on the deck of my fishing boat so that he could rebuild her.
In 1971 Ralph, with Truro Riowing Club, attempted to row the gig Campernell to Roscoff but unfortunately had to abandon the attempt because of bad weather.
On one occasion he repaired a Hayle skiff for John Daniel. When finished, Ralph, John and I raced her and won the Fal Race in a time of 47.5 minutes. The total age of the crew was 170 years. Ralph was always looking for turns to use in buidling gigs and, even in this race, we were looking for fallen trees.
Ralph also worked for Falmouth Marine College where he built Energy which was his first gig. Little did he know that there were 120 to follow. He also made the steering wheel for Adix.
Later, Ralph became a volunteer at the Museum where his favourite boat was Daisy Belle which he completely restored. By this time he had met and married Marie with whom he wrote a book about Devoran. Remembering events and dates was very easy for him.
Instead of 'see you again' I now have to say 'goodbye': the hardest thing of all. Ralph, you will not be forgotten.
Monday, 16 November 2009
Vicious Vikings
A group of vicious Vikings invaded the museum over the weekend.
This Viking looks particularly scary - can you guess which member of staff it is?
Friday, 13 November 2009
Halloween Happenings
by Derryth RidgeHalloween saw some super scary family activities. Children were turned into Frankenstein and witches, and created their own rats and bats familiars.
A fantastically freaky time was had by all!
Thursday, 12 November 2009
Grumpy Volunteer Corner
by Keith Evans
Nauti News now appears on a new website and they’ve been trying to drag me kicking and screaming into the new world of technology instead of having to decipher my scrawl. They don’t realise I still have a stock of quill pens.
We must do something dramatic to draw public attention to the front of the museum. I’ve always thought it a bit uninspiring and bland. I suggest a mast of a square rigger. We could then have volunteers manning the yardarms with the most athletic one (have we got an athletic volunteer?) acting as buttonboy on the truck. We could ‘splice the main brace’ with a tot of rum, preferably after the volunteers have come down. Health and safety would spoil the effect by demanding a safety net. Which reminds me, Santa Clause will be a little late this year because he’s not allowed to land on the roof to come down the chimney. He’s got to erect scaffolding.
The oddball this edition must go to the chap who asked ‘What use was that Drebbel submarine? It’s useless. You can’t see out of it. You can’t do anything with it.’ I pointed out that in the 17th century it was the cutting edge of technology. He wasn’t convinced. He went off muttering ‘It’s useless.’
I think we should have a wishing well. The idea came to me when two little spoilt children were given tokens for the boats by their doting mother. ‘A token for you dear and there’s yours.’ The brats hurled them into the pool! ‘Now that wasn’t very clever was it?’ said the pathetic mother. I was all for chucking the kids in after their tokens.
Nothing very romantic has happened recently unless you count the couple by the mermaid in The Hold. I just entered in time to see the young chap get a thump from his pretty girlfriend. I could only speculate what he said or did to deserve it. Suggestions on a postcard to the editor please.
Nauti News now appears on a new website and they’ve been trying to drag me kicking and screaming into the new world of technology instead of having to decipher my scrawl. They don’t realise I still have a stock of quill pens.
We must do something dramatic to draw public attention to the front of the museum. I’ve always thought it a bit uninspiring and bland. I suggest a mast of a square rigger. We could then have volunteers manning the yardarms with the most athletic one (have we got an athletic volunteer?) acting as buttonboy on the truck. We could ‘splice the main brace’ with a tot of rum, preferably after the volunteers have come down. Health and safety would spoil the effect by demanding a safety net. Which reminds me, Santa Clause will be a little late this year because he’s not allowed to land on the roof to come down the chimney. He’s got to erect scaffolding.
The oddball this edition must go to the chap who asked ‘What use was that Drebbel submarine? It’s useless. You can’t see out of it. You can’t do anything with it.’ I pointed out that in the 17th century it was the cutting edge of technology. He wasn’t convinced. He went off muttering ‘It’s useless.’
I think we should have a wishing well. The idea came to me when two little spoilt children were given tokens for the boats by their doting mother. ‘A token for you dear and there’s yours.’ The brats hurled them into the pool! ‘Now that wasn’t very clever was it?’ said the pathetic mother. I was all for chucking the kids in after their tokens.
Nothing very romantic has happened recently unless you count the couple by the mermaid in The Hold. I just entered in time to see the young chap get a thump from his pretty girlfriend. I could only speculate what he said or did to deserve it. Suggestions on a postcard to the editor please.
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
That's me in the picture ...
Education Volunteer Pam Fuller can be seen here with a wonderful illustration of herself standing in the main hall. This is one of 10 beautiful illustrations by local artist Suki Haughton which were commissioned by Debs Rogers for a new ‘big book’ educational resource. ‘What May Be There’, was written by local writer Elfréa Lockley and is about a school trip to see Deb’s alter ego ‘Oceana’ during an ‘Under the Sea’ workshop. It was commissioned to help allay any anxieties young children may have about their first museum visit. The book will be sent to the school on booking the workshop and read to the children by their teacher. It is a magical story which will fire up the children’s imagination and make their visit to see Oceana all the more exciting and memorable. A copy has been left in 1912 for your perusal.Debs Rogers
Thursday, 5 November 2009
Halloween
Curiously, the Museum was full of ghouls, ghosts and witches on Halloween, all determined to boost the 'scream count' on last year's blood-curdling total. And they succeeded. After a showing of The Witches, children and adults were taken on a walk around the silent and dark building by some obliging witches.But all was not as it seemed. A ghost was walking the Learning Centre balcony; the captain of the Mohegan was afoot in the Hold and a spooky creature emerged from the dory. The prize for screams went to the double act of Stuart and Michael who wrong-footed visitors by the dory while the prize for makeup went to Olly for his balcony ghoul.
As a finale we met the children in the cafe to re-assure them that all was well and that Father Christmas is (not) real.
Thanks to Debs and Derryth for organising us and doing some fantastic makeup.
See the link on the right for a slideshow of the team.
Friday, 30 October 2009
Smile, You My Be On Camera!
Emerging from the Office,
You’re supposed to wear a smile,
There’s one for everyone in there,
it’s kept upon your file.
You may not feel like smiling
but that’s beside the point,
your face will still produce one
if your nose is out of joint!!
We’ve met unhappy visitors
we know there’s awkward Staff, (Surely not! - Ed)
but Volunteers – don’t kid me!
You’re just trying to make me laugh!!
The Volunteers are perfect (Of course - Ed)
“For what?” I hear you say,
“For keeping tourists happy,
so they’ll come another day.”
“Pointing Tourists to the Tower,
or the Café and the Loos,
explaining what they’ve come to see
plus all the DON’Ts and DO’s.”
A Volunteer must smile,
it may just keep him sane,
what can he do when “got at”?
Grit his teeth and smile again!!
The Museum Poet
You’re supposed to wear a smile,
There’s one for everyone in there,
it’s kept upon your file.
You may not feel like smiling
but that’s beside the point,
your face will still produce one
if your nose is out of joint!!
We’ve met unhappy visitors
we know there’s awkward Staff, (Surely not! - Ed)
but Volunteers – don’t kid me!
You’re just trying to make me laugh!!
The Volunteers are perfect (Of course - Ed)
“For what?” I hear you say,
“For keeping tourists happy,
so they’ll come another day.”
“Pointing Tourists to the Tower,
or the Café and the Loos,
explaining what they’ve come to see
plus all the DON’Ts and DO’s.”
A Volunteer must smile,
it may just keep him sane,
what can he do when “got at”?
Grit his teeth and smile again!!
The Museum Poet
Wednesday, 28 October 2009
New Cat on the block
This is the big catamaran that is sitting on Pendennis marina. She is to be finished in Pendennis shipyard and will be the biggest privately owned catamaran in the world.
Friday, 23 October 2009
SS Great Britain
A most lovely old lady; each time I see her she seems to get younger and more beautiful than before.It had been some six years since I made my last visit, so in mid July this year I arranged to go again.
Lots of things had changed all around the ship, mainly some rather ugly buildings which seem to hem her in a lot. Changed too were the approaches to the ship and her museum, but the real surprise was that she appeared to be floating. The dock seemed to be full of water, with the old ship floating there quite serenely.
Now the full dock is of course an optical illusion, once up close it is easy to see that the water is only about three inches deep 
and beneath the water is a transparent bottom which shows steel scaffolding beneath.
A hasty look at the guide book reveals all: It had long been known that the ship’s plating below the waterline has been deteriorating rapidly. Over the years the iron has absorbed chemical salts causing it to rot away. Despite the very best of attention the problem was worsening. The only cure was to increase the temperature and decrease the humidity of the whole affected area.
and beneath the water is a transparent bottom which shows steel scaffolding beneath.This has been achieved by making a flat roof reaching from the actual ship’s waterline out to the dock sides and sealing it all the way around. The roof is made of transparent material and has been flooded, hence the ‘floating’ illusion.
Under this transparent ceiling the visitor can walk round the dock dry-shod and look at the hull and the mighty propeller. But now, due to a very large dehumidifier and heater, it is very warm and dry indeed, much too hot and dry for the unprepared visitor.
On board things have also changed. The first class dining room is even more splendid and many more cabins have been renovated and opened up for viewing. Probably the most interesting is the doctor’s cabin. The doctor himself sits at his table. All around are bottles with the customary ground glass stoppers and strange contents, nearby is a most grisly assortment of surgical instruments.
The engine space is very impressive. A full size replica of the engine takes up the whole area and the eighteen foot diameter flywheel and drive chains slowly turn; the pistons slide back and forth. Everything is polished steel and moves with great majesty. Doubtless, originally it would have been very noisy, hot and probably quite dangerous, but to watch it now is quite hypnotic. On the bulkhead, where the Chief Engineer stood, is the original instruction plate; it cautions the duty engineer never to allow the engine to exceed two revolutions per minute whilst the ship is alongside. How times have changed.
Racing Whalers in the Azores
During a recent visit to the Azores archipelago I visited the port of Horta on the island of Faial. At the top of one of the many slipways I came across a row of eight old-style open whaling boats. Close examination showed that, far from being used for whaling, these boats seemed to be used for racing. All were identical in size, all painted in the most lurid of colours, and all beautifully maintained. I sensed a story.My enquiries directed me to the local whaling museum where, in addition to some very grisly videos and displays of harpoons and murderous lances, I found an original whaler. The curator was a most helpful chap who told me a lot about the boats and their construction and the way that they were sailed and hunted.
Originally, the whalers would carry six long sweeps of varying lengths, six short paddles for close contact work, a long steering oar and also a removable rudder and tiller. The mast is stepped in a hinged tabernacle. One or two sails were carried. Hunting gear included at least two harpoons and several lances, and there were two tubs of heavy line, 300 metres in each. The harpooner stands on a small platform in the bow. During the chase the whaler might be sailed, but only well off the wind. The boats have no keel, so all the crew must lean out to windward to keep the boat upright. A chase and kill could last six hours or more.
Nowadays whalers are still being built for racing. The original methods of construction are still used, the hulls are double-skinned and very heavily built, (see displacement spec). Racing takes place throughout the summer season and all the entrants race with regulation gear on board. On the island there are six parishes (counti
es), racing is between these. On board each: six 3.3 metre sweeps, and long steering oar – originally used whilst the whaler is closed up on its victim, and a set of sails. A rudder is shipped for use under sail. One or both sails may be used if the wind is right.
es), racing is between these. On board each: six 3.3 metre sweeps, and long steering oar – originally used whilst the whaler is closed up on its victim, and a set of sails. A rudder is shipped for use under sail. One or both sails may be used if the wind is right.My informant had only rather limited English but I understood that a triangular course of some three miles is set, the crews may use oars, sail or both to propel the boat along. Competition is fierce. Training fuel is a very sharp red wine and lots of local grappa. Men only is the rule. Prizes are yet more booze. A local winery sponsors the event.
Whaler specifications: LOA 11.5m, beam 1.9m, draught 0.57m, Displacement 2.97 tons.
I have a full specification for a working whaler, which includes all the working gear. This is too detailed for inclusion here. It is lodged in the library.
I have a full specification for a working whaler, which includes all the working gear. This is too detailed for inclusion here. It is lodged in the library.
Thursday, 22 October 2009
A Journey Through the Heart of Sweden
‘Two seas, one river, three canals, eight lakes and 66 locks’. So says the publicity for the journey – and that is just what it is, though there is no mention of the fact that the canal also passes over two large aqueducts. If you are not expecting it, then it can be a bit unnerving to find your ship gently steaming over a motorway!We started at Stockholm on the north-east coast of Sweden on the Baltic. The canal, on its journey south and west, links several lakes in the interior of the country, some large, some only about a mile long. The locks take the ships 93 metres above sea level, the highest point being Lake Vattern, then down again through many staircases of locks, to Goteborg on the north-sea. End-to-end the journey is 190 kilometres, and it takes four days. Leisurely progress, but wonderful scenery.
The canal has a long and interesting history. Work was started in the early 17th century, and linked Gothenburg to the interior so that farming produce might reach the sea ports. Over the next 200 years the canal was enlarged and lengthened. The locks were all improved and by 1800, ships of up to 300 tons could pass through. Today ships of 400 tons, plus a myriad of pleasure craft, run back and forth through the electrically operated and radio controlled lock system.The ship that I travelled on was the JUNO. Built on the canal at Mottala in 1874 she has worked the canal continuously – apart from being laid up in the last war for four years. Originally built as a freighter, over the years she has undergone many changes. The steam engine was removed in 1950, at which time she also became mainly passenger carrying. Juno keeps her old-fashioned appearance and does the run, east-west and back every ten days. On board there are most of the creature comforts, though it has to be said that the lower deck accommodation is a mite cramped – and no ‘en-suite’ facilities either. It’s a long walk down the corridor to the heads!
The crew are few in number, but very versatile, even the chef can sling a good heaving line. Most of the staff seem able to speak several languages. Food throughout the journey was excellent. The bar system is unique. Take what you want – when you want it, and write the details in the bar book. The ship’s souvenir shop and library work on the same principles.Juno – vital statistics: 31.45 meters LOA, 6.68m beam, 2.72m draught, 10 knots max speed, GRT 254. Engine power is two 460hp diesels driving through a common gearbox powering a single variable pitch propeller. Construction is 6mm plate, riveted throughout (this lasts well as the canal is only brackish). The ship is listed by the National Maritime Museum and this now limits the number of changes which the vessel may have. She is believed to be the oldest passenger vessel in regular service in Europe.
Full details of The Juno are now available from the Bartlett Library.
Titanic Quiz
by Clive Mathison, Volunteer & avid 'Eggheads' watcher
With all the collective hours our volunteers put in at the TITANIC EXHIBITION were they able to give the correct answer to a question on the Monday 22nd October edition of the 'Eggheads' programme?
Question "How many passengers lost their lives in the tragedy?" (The programme's challenging team knew the correct answer)
Stuart would guess that I certainly would know the answer to this one!
With all the collective hours our volunteers put in at the TITANIC EXHIBITION were they able to give the correct answer to a question on the Monday 22nd October edition of the 'Eggheads' programme?
Question "How many passengers lost their lives in the tragedy?" (The programme's challenging team knew the correct answer)
Stuart would guess that I certainly would know the answer to this one!
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
Grumpy Volunteer Corner
by Keith Evans (Gallery Volunteer)
Sensory disturbances have always intrigued me. I learned to sail in the 50s on the Norfolk Broads, following in the footsteps of Nelson – but there the similarity ends. We used to take a coach-load of staff from London, hiring a fleet of boats. We had to rendezvous on Ranworth Broad on the Sunday evening because the hospital chaplain had an arrangement with the Vicar of Ranworth, the ‘Cathedral of the Broads’, to take evensong. We had to rendezvous on the evenings because we sailed mixed crews, but had designated ‘snooze-boats’ at night – at least that was the theory. After a particularly rough day’s sailing a disreputable looking mob ambled up to the church – there was no excuse. During a quiet prayer session my pal Nick nudged me in the ribs and said ‘Keith, is that eagle on the lecturn flying up and down?’ I opened one eye and answered ‘ Yes’ ‘Thank God for that’ he said, ‘I thought it was me.’
The all too brief Titanic exhibition brought an amazing number of visitors with family associations, some with documentation, postcards, certificates etc. One old man knew of the newspaper boy on the placard. His name was Ned who was later killed in the war. The talks brought forth some entertaining comments, like the chap who insisted the ship sank because all its rivets ‘popped’. No wonder there were over 1500 victims with two million rivets flying about. But the highlight must have been when a certain volunteer gave his talk with a vital zip undone. He wondered why all the ladies’ eyes were down-cast. A strategically placed folder avoided a mass swooning!
Now we pride ourselves as being an educational establishment, one might say a centre of excellence, so we must stop confusing the little dears. In the winter we have icebergs either end of the pool, a polar bear on one and a penguin on the other. Polar bears live in the Arctic and penguins in the Antarctic, we therefore should have a line half way down the pool to represent the equator. We could even evolve a ‘crossing of the line’ ceremony. I suggest chucking the little darlings in. That’ll teach them a lesson they’d never forget!
Romance came close to home recently with two nuptials. Congratulations to both Ben and Derryth. Must be something in the museum air – Trevor could you change the filters in the air conditioning system please? Offspring are arriving too, involving years of stress, demands and temper tantrums. The baby could create problems too. However there is a new treatment for depression – play your wedding video backwards. The bride processes backward down the aisle, gets into her car and goes back to mummy. Unfortunately it’s only effective in 50% of cases – i.e. the male gender. Any suggestions for therapy for females to the editor please on a postcard and would she please give me notice of publication so that I can take a month off!
Sensory disturbances have always intrigued me. I learned to sail in the 50s on the Norfolk Broads, following in the footsteps of Nelson – but there the similarity ends. We used to take a coach-load of staff from London, hiring a fleet of boats. We had to rendezvous on Ranworth Broad on the Sunday evening because the hospital chaplain had an arrangement with the Vicar of Ranworth, the ‘Cathedral of the Broads’, to take evensong. We had to rendezvous on the evenings because we sailed mixed crews, but had designated ‘snooze-boats’ at night – at least that was the theory. After a particularly rough day’s sailing a disreputable looking mob ambled up to the church – there was no excuse. During a quiet prayer session my pal Nick nudged me in the ribs and said ‘Keith, is that eagle on the lecturn flying up and down?’ I opened one eye and answered ‘ Yes’ ‘Thank God for that’ he said, ‘I thought it was me.’
The all too brief Titanic exhibition brought an amazing number of visitors with family associations, some with documentation, postcards, certificates etc. One old man knew of the newspaper boy on the placard. His name was Ned who was later killed in the war. The talks brought forth some entertaining comments, like the chap who insisted the ship sank because all its rivets ‘popped’. No wonder there were over 1500 victims with two million rivets flying about. But the highlight must have been when a certain volunteer gave his talk with a vital zip undone. He wondered why all the ladies’ eyes were down-cast. A strategically placed folder avoided a mass swooning!
Now we pride ourselves as being an educational establishment, one might say a centre of excellence, so we must stop confusing the little dears. In the winter we have icebergs either end of the pool, a polar bear on one and a penguin on the other. Polar bears live in the Arctic and penguins in the Antarctic, we therefore should have a line half way down the pool to represent the equator. We could even evolve a ‘crossing of the line’ ceremony. I suggest chucking the little darlings in. That’ll teach them a lesson they’d never forget!
Romance came close to home recently with two nuptials. Congratulations to both Ben and Derryth. Must be something in the museum air – Trevor could you change the filters in the air conditioning system please? Offspring are arriving too, involving years of stress, demands and temper tantrums. The baby could create problems too. However there is a new treatment for depression – play your wedding video backwards. The bride processes backward down the aisle, gets into her car and goes back to mummy. Unfortunately it’s only effective in 50% of cases – i.e. the male gender. Any suggestions for therapy for females to the editor please on a postcard and would she please give me notice of publication so that I can take a month off!
Wednesday, 7 October 2009
Latest Museum Minnow
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Benjamin Alec Nix Gibbs arrived safely to Tamsin and Mike at 10:17 on Friday 2 October weighing 8lb 13 oz (4kg). Mother and baby are doing very well and are now at home. Big sister Emma totally adores her baby brother and couldn’t be more hands on with nappies, feeding and bath time. Tamsin will bring her new bundle of joy into the museum for his first visit in a few weeks.
Tuesday, 6 October 2009
A boost for Anglo-French relations
Falmouth recently hosted a group from France who were here to meet with British veterans from World War II to commemorate the St Nazaire operation. Heather Campbell, Boat Collection volunteer, gave up her Saturday afternoon to practice her French and show the group round the Museum. This is her report.
The visit to the Museum went very well, though not entirely as anticipated! But I guess that was to be anticipated as well!!
The visit, which was expected to last for no more than 90 minutes, actually lasted for almost twice that time, due entirely to the enthusiastic interest in everything that Les Francaises encountered. They were very complimentary about the Museum, one gentleman commenting that 'over here you are so much ahead in this area, of anything we are doing in France'.
The nature of the visit was quickly shaped by the Mayor, M. Batteux who is a veteran of 5 Fastnet Races, including 1979, when he was towed into Penzance, dismasted. He had also sailed all the single handed dinghies on display. The French contingent were just 5 - the Mayor and his partner, the Deptuy Mayor(ess), another gentleman (and I never knew what was his role but his English was impeccable), and an add-on, a very serious young man in military dress. There were also two English couples.
Unfortunately, as is the tendency these days, introductions were made in first names, so I initially missed the fact that one couple were Nick and Sue Beattie, son of the Captain of the Campbeltown, whose father's letters are on display in the Falmouth Galleries. The other Englishman was his cousin, and his wife - they have recently found letters belonging to his mother which Cmdr Beattie sent to his sister shortly after his capture.
They mostly spoke English, so my French was not an issue! The Mayor strode off around the Museum, enthusiastically inspecting everything with the rest of the group straggling his wake. My job was really to keep everyone up to speed and and steer them onwards and upwards. We were treated to a magnificent scene at the top of the tower - the Falmouth Gigs and Working Boats out in force, the Working Boats schreeching towards us before turning just off the pontoons. A shoal of Mullet were strutting their stuff when we got down below, so the Tower was truly a tour de force.
It was when we got to Curlew that I realised the significance of the English couples present, as it emerged that the Beatties had lived on Curlew for two weeks and are old friends of the Carrs. Additionally, when looking at the Olympic boats, it emerged that one of the two cousins had sailed with Rodney Pattison when they were submariners - it was hard to keep up with all the cross-referencing !
There was of course a lot of interest in the letters on display in the Packet Ship Gallery (until someone spotted the two-headed piglet) and when we finally reached the original St Nazaire exhibit in the Cornwall Galleries, the Beattie contingent were intrigued with the pencil drawing of his father (they didn't appear to have seen it before) and the French were delighted with the cartoon - NAZI being blasted out of St NAZAIRE - this was much photographed, as was the whole visit!
We ended the tour on the pontoon - apparently there is a big Dragon Regatta at St Nazaire - which Tessa kindly unlocked for us - and it was a nice finale for the afternoon, group photos were taken. I left them in the shop, where the ladies found renewed energy!
They were a delightful group, most interesting and their enthusiasm for everything they saw and their complimentary comments about the Museum should be shared by everyone.
Many thanks for involving me in this visit, I enjoyed the challenge!
The visit to the Museum went very well, though not entirely as anticipated! But I guess that was to be anticipated as well!!
The visit, which was expected to last for no more than 90 minutes, actually lasted for almost twice that time, due entirely to the enthusiastic interest in everything that Les Francaises encountered. They were very complimentary about the Museum, one gentleman commenting that 'over here you are so much ahead in this area, of anything we are doing in France'.
The nature of the visit was quickly shaped by the Mayor, M. Batteux who is a veteran of 5 Fastnet Races, including 1979, when he was towed into Penzance, dismasted. He had also sailed all the single handed dinghies on display. The French contingent were just 5 - the Mayor and his partner, the Deptuy Mayor(ess), another gentleman (and I never knew what was his role but his English was impeccable), and an add-on, a very serious young man in military dress. There were also two English couples.
Unfortunately, as is the tendency these days, introductions were made in first names, so I initially missed the fact that one couple were Nick and Sue Beattie, son of the Captain of the Campbeltown, whose father's letters are on display in the Falmouth Galleries. The other Englishman was his cousin, and his wife - they have recently found letters belonging to his mother which Cmdr Beattie sent to his sister shortly after his capture.
They mostly spoke English, so my French was not an issue! The Mayor strode off around the Museum, enthusiastically inspecting everything with the rest of the group straggling his wake. My job was really to keep everyone up to speed and and steer them onwards and upwards. We were treated to a magnificent scene at the top of the tower - the Falmouth Gigs and Working Boats out in force, the Working Boats schreeching towards us before turning just off the pontoons. A shoal of Mullet were strutting their stuff when we got down below, so the Tower was truly a tour de force.
It was when we got to Curlew that I realised the significance of the English couples present, as it emerged that the Beatties had lived on Curlew for two weeks and are old friends of the Carrs. Additionally, when looking at the Olympic boats, it emerged that one of the two cousins had sailed with Rodney Pattison when they were submariners - it was hard to keep up with all the cross-referencing !
There was of course a lot of interest in the letters on display in the Packet Ship Gallery (until someone spotted the two-headed piglet) and when we finally reached the original St Nazaire exhibit in the Cornwall Galleries, the Beattie contingent were intrigued with the pencil drawing of his father (they didn't appear to have seen it before) and the French were delighted with the cartoon - NAZI being blasted out of St NAZAIRE - this was much photographed, as was the whole visit!
We ended the tour on the pontoon - apparently there is a big Dragon Regatta at St Nazaire - which Tessa kindly unlocked for us - and it was a nice finale for the afternoon, group photos were taken. I left them in the shop, where the ladies found renewed energy!
They were a delightful group, most interesting and their enthusiasm for everything they saw and their complimentary comments about the Museum should be shared by everyone.
Many thanks for involving me in this visit, I enjoyed the challenge!
Exhibitions Update
by Sarah Riddle
Everyone is working very hard on the lighthouse exhibition for 2010. Perhaps some of us have been working too hard…
Everyone is working very hard on the lighthouse exhibition for 2010. Perhaps some of us have been working too hard…
Which member of staff can be seen reading the Lamp magazine (of the Association of Lighthouse Keepers) in bed?
Answers on a postcard to Sarah Riddle
Monday, 5 October 2009
A great reward for volunteers
I, as an NMMC volunteer, was given earlier this year a 'Cornish Heritage Volunteers Scheme Pass' after a qualification period by the museum. At first I put it into my wallet and didn't think I would use it. But due to circumstances, and the need to again mix with people after a serious operation, I discovered what the card was all about. It helped me discover a great deal about myself and what Cornwall had to offer apart from the usual attractions. I realise that most of the volunteers at the Maritime museum, have lived down here all their lives, (some of them, tell us youngsters frequently, especially how long they have been at the museum). But even they can experience what I have learnt in my travels around Cornwall and its many interesting buildings, houses, castles etc. And you do get in FREE, which is unusual here in Cornwall! So in view of this, might I suggest that all the volunteers who have this wonderfull card, take advantage of my suggestion and visit these places as I have done. You never know, you may discover something you do not know.
by MartinSmith (youngish in mind) NMMC Volunteer
Please note: A Cornish Heritage Volunteers Scheme Pass is issued to volunteers on completion of 50 hours of voluntary work within a calendar year. Please see Sandie or Linda for more information.
by MartinSmith (youngish in mind) NMMC Volunteer
Please note: A Cornish Heritage Volunteers Scheme Pass is issued to volunteers on completion of 50 hours of voluntary work within a calendar year. Please see Sandie or Linda for more information.
Thursday, 24 September 2009
Galleries are Risky
For every Volunteer, Health and Safety is a must,
Though some of the requirements may seem crazy or unjust.
There's also some omissions that need to be addressed
for every day there's ailments that could make you quite distressed.
There's Elevator Digit caused by using both the lifts;
Rotating rosters make this move a problem duiring shifts.
The Waterfront is special but beware of Boathook Strain
Caused by moving buoys or islands that have got displaced again.
Inflator's Foot is common when you're working in Main Hall;
There's no one else to pump the raft; it won't stay up at all.
Then there's Toilet Pointer's Syndrome and that's a daily task;
Most tourists seem to be caught short and many of them ask.
Transmitter's Thumb is rampant if you're on the air at all;
It could become endemic by the late summer or the fall.
Genuflecting is required to Directors or Trustees;
I've even heard that some expect you down on bended knees!
This may be fine for youngsters who are flexible and fit,
But Oldies could lock solid: couldn't stand or even sit.
I've asked around my colleagues just to quantify the risk,
And from what I've learned, I'm worried we could overload Treliske.
Mike Pennel, Galleries
Though some of the requirements may seem crazy or unjust.
There's also some omissions that need to be addressed
for every day there's ailments that could make you quite distressed.
There's Elevator Digit caused by using both the lifts;
Rotating rosters make this move a problem duiring shifts.
The Waterfront is special but beware of Boathook Strain
Caused by moving buoys or islands that have got displaced again.
Inflator's Foot is common when you're working in Main Hall;
There's no one else to pump the raft; it won't stay up at all.
Then there's Toilet Pointer's Syndrome and that's a daily task;
Most tourists seem to be caught short and many of them ask.
Transmitter's Thumb is rampant if you're on the air at all;
It could become endemic by the late summer or the fall.
Genuflecting is required to Directors or Trustees;
I've even heard that some expect you down on bended knees!
This may be fine for youngsters who are flexible and fit,
But Oldies could lock solid: couldn't stand or even sit.
I've asked around my colleagues just to quantify the risk,
And from what I've learned, I'm worried we could overload Treliske.
Mike Pennel, Galleries
Friday, 18 September 2009
Under the Sea question beats BBC's 'Eggheads' challengers
by Clive Mathison (Quiz Addict)
Question to the team of Challengers: "Who in the 17th century invented the submarine?"
As an avid viewer of the BBC's 6pm daily quiz programme I was amazed that the challenging team in the final session of the general knowledge round did not know the correct answer to the 3 possible choice options, which caused them to be the losers of the contest and not win the 'pot' of money which rolls over each day, and allowed the BBC's 'Eggheads' to retain their reputation.
Although some members of the challenging team had 'obviously' or 'assumedly' visited Specsavers, they had not visited the National Maritime Museum Cornwall... where they would have learned that the answer was Drebbel who was born in the Netherlands and employed by the British Navy partly in connection with the submarine about 1620.
Friday, 11 September 2009
A more humane Mikado ...
The Cambridge University G&S singers made their now traditional visit to the Museum on Thursday 10 September as a break from their rehearsals at the Minack. They look like having some fine weather for the Mikado.
Wednesday, 9 September 2009
A bad hair day ...
... or Retirement is so relaxing
- Museum day today, it’s raining and I didn’t set the alarm, so overslept. Find we’ve run out of tea bags. A hurried breakfast, then re-thread a broken shoelace.
- I drive off in a cold car. Radio Cornwall promises “Some light rain later” as the windscreen wipers flail from side to side at full speed.
- At the Norway Inn a Police sign diverts all traffic to Falmouth via the back roads to Penryn and the traffic lights at Draceana Avenue are not operating.
- The Maritime Car Park is almost full of vehicles bearing Cornwall Council stickers (must be a Conference) and I find my umbrella is still at home.
- The Duty Manager is in a panic (panic? a Duty Manager? Never! - Ed) because none of the displays will switch on (and no Maintenance staff on duty today).
- No doubt the Five rostered Volunteers will carry the load with a smile, but at 0955 two incoming phone calls change all that to Three rostered Volunteers.
- My radio has no Roster sheet for Three people, and we all arrive in Lookout together. The toss of a coin lets me remain there, gazing at Flushing through the rain until I have to radio the DM about a screen being down, whilst trying to stop a young boy from wrenching the telescope through 360 degrees.
- A quick check in Nav. Station locates all the Council delegates playing on the children’s moving tideway, although none of the units will move more than three inches (DM advised).
- At 1045 I find Waterfront busy. The Volunteer is tearing out his hair because one yacht has been “dunked” by a child and Console 3 isn’t working at all. The Token Machine is only paying out Jackpots and one boy has enough tokens to last the morning. I take over, & notice a youth standing in the Small Boat Pool as his mate takes his picture – I speak to both in dulcet tones that they seem to understand!
- By 1130 Main Hall is beckoning – but it’s Coffee Break. The café cannot produce my usual cup of Espresso as the power has gone off. A Coke is no real substitute, although cheaper.
- A red-faced ex-Naval visitor appears at my table & demands to know where we are displaying the sailing dinghy donated by his father. I refer him to the Library (then realize it’s closed today)
- I return to Main Hall just in time to see the DM completing the re-inflation of the life raft, but hide in Cornwall until he’s finished - and I see the Naval visitor stomping away from the Library doors, muttering.
- A family is having a picnic in the Sail Loft and I advise them politely what to do with their sandwiches.
- The rain has stopped briefly but the next Crabbing Session is not until 1400 – so the morning shift is saved!! The first excuse to smile today!!!! At 1340 a relief arrives in the Cornwall Gallery, apologizing profusely for being unable to find me, and I sign off.
- A passing Cornish shower (or Thunderstorm as we Dorset folk call them) accompanies me to the car park and I head for home, my uniform shirt steaming with the heat in the car.
- Despite the rain, the two farm tractors ahead of me from Treluswell to Devoran are making at least 18 mph. I arrive home at 14 25 for a late lunch and find the Postman has delivered a large Visa Bill, my Telephone account - and my car needs re-taxing.
- I love being a Gallery Volunteer – far less stressful than working for a living!!
- Museum day today, it’s raining and I didn’t set the alarm, so overslept. Find we’ve run out of tea bags. A hurried breakfast, then re-thread a broken shoelace.
- I drive off in a cold car. Radio Cornwall promises “Some light rain later” as the windscreen wipers flail from side to side at full speed.
- At the Norway Inn a Police sign diverts all traffic to Falmouth via the back roads to Penryn and the traffic lights at Draceana Avenue are not operating.
- The Maritime Car Park is almost full of vehicles bearing Cornwall Council stickers (must be a Conference) and I find my umbrella is still at home.
- The Duty Manager is in a panic (panic? a Duty Manager? Never! - Ed) because none of the displays will switch on (and no Maintenance staff on duty today).
- No doubt the Five rostered Volunteers will carry the load with a smile, but at 0955 two incoming phone calls change all that to Three rostered Volunteers.
- My radio has no Roster sheet for Three people, and we all arrive in Lookout together. The toss of a coin lets me remain there, gazing at Flushing through the rain until I have to radio the DM about a screen being down, whilst trying to stop a young boy from wrenching the telescope through 360 degrees.
- A quick check in Nav. Station locates all the Council delegates playing on the children’s moving tideway, although none of the units will move more than three inches (DM advised).
- At 1045 I find Waterfront busy. The Volunteer is tearing out his hair because one yacht has been “dunked” by a child and Console 3 isn’t working at all. The Token Machine is only paying out Jackpots and one boy has enough tokens to last the morning. I take over, & notice a youth standing in the Small Boat Pool as his mate takes his picture – I speak to both in dulcet tones that they seem to understand!
- By 1130 Main Hall is beckoning – but it’s Coffee Break. The café cannot produce my usual cup of Espresso as the power has gone off. A Coke is no real substitute, although cheaper.
- A red-faced ex-Naval visitor appears at my table & demands to know where we are displaying the sailing dinghy donated by his father. I refer him to the Library (then realize it’s closed today)
- I return to Main Hall just in time to see the DM completing the re-inflation of the life raft, but hide in Cornwall until he’s finished - and I see the Naval visitor stomping away from the Library doors, muttering.
- A family is having a picnic in the Sail Loft and I advise them politely what to do with their sandwiches.
- The rain has stopped briefly but the next Crabbing Session is not until 1400 – so the morning shift is saved!! The first excuse to smile today!!!! At 1340 a relief arrives in the Cornwall Gallery, apologizing profusely for being unable to find me, and I sign off.
- A passing Cornish shower (or Thunderstorm as we Dorset folk call them) accompanies me to the car park and I head for home, my uniform shirt steaming with the heat in the car.
- Despite the rain, the two farm tractors ahead of me from Treluswell to Devoran are making at least 18 mph. I arrive home at 14 25 for a late lunch and find the Postman has delivered a large Visa Bill, my Telephone account - and my car needs re-taxing.
- I love being a Gallery Volunteer – far less stressful than working for a living!!
Monday, 7 September 2009
I name this ship ...
... the Volunteer. The pride and joy of the Boat Building team was formally named on Thursday 3 September when Ellen Winser joined the team of stalwarts who have worked day and night, raided skips, begged, borrowed, stolen (as if), purloined, cajoled, re-used and generally bodged to get the boat - the Museum's very own tug - onto the water.After a glass of bubbly Ellen was persuaded to risk an exploration of the harbour, accompanied by a team of engineers ready to kick the engine into life if it dared to miss a beat.
This was actually a great achievement and thanks are due to all of those involved. We now have a general utility boat that can be used to tow out our engineless craft and fetch and deliver from Ponsharden.
That she is called the Volunteer is not to be taken as any sort of hint that the lads might have spent too much time propping up the bar in the pub of the same name, nor that they named it after their favourite watering hole - The Chain Locker would be a strange name for a boat - but a direct thank you to all the volunteers who make the Museum what it is. Like some of them, she sometimes develops a cough, moves at a decorous speed, needs to be handled gently, requires the right liquid in sensible proportions but gives excellent service when treated with respect.
Wednesday, 2 September 2009
There is nothing like dame
Many of us had the privelege of hearing Ellen MacArthur speak on Monday and Tuesday after the Bank Holiday. Despite her public personna of a rather shy, quiet, almost monsyllabic interviewee, Ellen turned out to be incredibly fluent, speaking without notes and to a wrapt and silent audience. Her talk avoided the inevitably chronology of 'We started on the race; then we came to this storm, then that iceberg' and was an essay on the delights, fears and feelings of sailing alone for long distances under a weight of expectation. Her love of animals shone through and her acting of the two swallows that spent the night huddled up on her chart table was charmingly infectious and it is not surprising that a baby albatross fell for her.Her charity, the Ellen MacArthur Trust, gives young people recovering from cancer the chance to regain their confidence by tackling sailing and she told the touching story of Flora who had suffered from an aggressive form of the disease. Seeing her two years later, Flora was looking stressed. When Ellen asked why she was told 'I have my GCSEs' and Ellen was delighted to hear that Flora's problems were so 'normal'.
In a third part which she admitted privately she found incredibly difficult, she explained her current passion for sustainability, emphasising that we are likely to run out of oil in her lifetime and appear to be fiddling while Rome decays around us. This was not the rant of a green, flat-earth activist but a heartfelt desire to get us to address the problem for real. She wants to do for oil what Al Gore has done for the climate: make us face up to the inconvenient truth.
As she said 'The politicians know there is a problem but unless the people know it, they will be able to do nothing about it. No one will vote for a party which tells us to change our lifestyles so radically.' At a time when the leaders of the two main political parties were bickering about whether we should or should not have released a dying man from prison on compassionate grounds, it was not hard to believe that Ellen had a point when she said that politicians were not leading opinion. Jo Lumley for Foreign Affairs, Esther Rantzen for Children's Minister and Ellen as Energy Minister in a new form of Parliament, say I (who needs men?).
And there was praise for the Museum too. She adored seeing Wanderer as Margaret Dye had inspired a recent trip along the canals of Britain and she admired Ben Ainslie's Finn. She even recalled playing on the Waterfront pool just before she left on her voyage and thanked everyone for their help and support. But the biggest surprise for her was to discover the Library. Her school library in Derbyshire had only had four books on sailing and here was a whole library full of them. Moreover, there was one book which told her all about the building in which she is currently living in Cowes. If for no other reason, she said, I am coming back for the library.
Her quietly husky voice gives you the impression that she is about to burst into tears at any time, as indeed she was when speaking of her courageous and spirited grandmother, and this just helped to highten the tension and brought the audience to its feet at the end.
Between them, Pete Goss and Ellen MacArthur have been stand-out speakers this year. Both had captivated their audiences by their openness, frankness and courage. Let's have more of them.
Tuesday, 25 August 2009
Making Andy jealous?
Inspired by Andy's feature boat exhibition on coracles, our gallant (?) Director set out for a weekend in Wales determined to discover more.First collect and carry your coracle down to the lake. This one was actually manufactured in Essex which seems rather unauthentic given that the lake was two miles from Cader Idris.
Once you have managed to get into the thing - no mean feat - the paddling technique is very similar to sculling over the back of a boat. A figure of eight motion with the paddle held vertical (more so than shown here) and the little thing skids across the surface.
The coracle proved to be very stable and no amount of rocking pitched the paddler into the foaming brine (well, cold, brown peaty water actually).
Rather satisfying spins can also be achieved without fear because the coracle sits on the surface of the water.
If you get a chance then do have a go. I am not sure I would wish to paddle one to St Mawes but getting to the Watersports Centre from the Museum would be a real option and would cut a certain dash.
Just don't ask me to use the three in the Hold as none of them looks water-tight.
Thursday, 20 August 2009
A Fabulous Falmouth Week
We did our bit to show the flag during Falmouth week.The Thursday of Falmouth Week was the day for the Parade of Sail. Aileen (with Ben at the helm) and Daisy Belle (with Jonathan) proudly sailed past Custom House Quay, showing the flag and drawing admiring looks from the audience.
Daisy also went out for a quiet sail during the day while both Curlew (Pat Crockford and Ellen Winser) and Aileen (JG) showed the flag in a stunning wind on Friday.
There are more photos in the gallery.
Wednesday, 19 August 2009
Waterfront Pool statistical study
We see a great deal of the above in monthly reports regarding Visitor Numbers and the ways in which they spend their money, but we don’t seem to delve into the behavior of those playing on Waterfront.By monitoring the instructions given to their offspring by Fathers, it can be seen clearly why we need Coastguards, Lifeboats and a marine Repair Industry.
There are those who have obviously never been near a sailing boat & wonder where the wind is coming from. Most of the instructions are whispered, with sly glances to see how others are managing to manoeuvre their commands, and pleas to the attendant Volunteer, who cannot push the yacht off the lee shore as he is unable to squeeze past the laden pushchair, Mother and a small child, who seems intent on climbing the rail.
Then there are the Experienced Yachtsmen who totally bamboozle their offspring with clever Nautical Terms: “Helm down a little, Alistair” – “Tighten your mainsheet – like you do on the boat” – Wear around that top mark” – “Take her closer to the wind”; these instructions are always loud enough to be heard by the rest of the players.
We also have the Overseas visitors; Father stands on the opposite side of the pool from his young lad and gives a continuous string of commands in a strident voice – “Machen sie bakbord, Willi, Nein, Nein, BAKBORD, langsam, jetzt Steurebord - ” or the more excitable EU version (that also requires violent arm waving) – “Manovrare sinister,Nico, attento, attento, attenzione – pericolo – idiota!!”
Finally there are those who play almost un-noticed – sometimes adult, sometimes youths – but all managing to enjoy their five minutes with excellent boat handling - often competing keenly against one another.
Then there are the Experienced Yachtsmen who totally bamboozle their offspring with clever Nautical Terms: “Helm down a little, Alistair” – “Tighten your mainsheet – like you do on the boat” – Wear around that top mark” – “Take her closer to the wind”; these instructions are always loud enough to be heard by the rest of the players.
We also have the Overseas visitors; Father stands on the opposite side of the pool from his young lad and gives a continuous string of commands in a strident voice – “Machen sie bakbord, Willi, Nein, Nein, BAKBORD, langsam, jetzt Steurebord - ” or the more excitable EU version (that also requires violent arm waving) – “Manovrare sinister,Nico, attento, attento, attenzione – pericolo – idiota!!”
Finally there are those who play almost un-noticed – sometimes adult, sometimes youths – but all managing to enjoy their five minutes with excellent boat handling - often competing keenly against one another.
As an attraction, Waterfront is obviously a success, but its entertainment value may also be judged by the line of visitors on the “Water Lily” catwalk, all enjoying the spectacle.
Mike Pennell, Galleries
Monday, 10 August 2009
You heard it here first ...
The local newspapers are full of the news that Falmouth could be the new depot for the Scillonian since some of the good people of Penzance do not fancy losing part of their harbour front to provide a new landing stage.Rumours also abound that the best solution is a fast catamaran service.
Lo and behold what turned up on County Wharf this week: an unmarked, unbranded catamaran. Could this be the new Scillonian service carrying out sea trials to the isles at low water springs??
GO EQUIPPED !!!!
(Our poet's repeated reproof to those in authority)
When you cast off your warps for a voyage
you would never go out without charts,
For they’ll show you just where you are going
especially in far foreign parts.
A compass is also quite vital
and it tells you what course you are steering
If your helmsman is drunk, you’ll likely be sunk
when you ground on the rocks after veering.
In the cabin there’s other equipment,
important for skipper & crew,
A mobile phone & a corkscrew
plus some sick-bags stowed up in the loo.
But as I gaze over the harbour,
there’s one thing I often can’t see,
A Lifejacket worn by each person
and that seems rather foolish to me
The hoary old salts just pooh-pooh them,
say “they get in the way when on deck”,
But without one you’ll drown that much quicker
when your boat’s nothing more than a wreck.
The experts should set an example,
so that “Do as I do” is the boast
For “Do as I say” will not hold any sway
when you’re drowning ten miles off the coast.
When you cast off your warps for a voyage
you would never go out without charts,
For they’ll show you just where you are going
especially in far foreign parts.
A compass is also quite vital
and it tells you what course you are steering
If your helmsman is drunk, you’ll likely be sunk
when you ground on the rocks after veering.
In the cabin there’s other equipment,
important for skipper & crew,
A mobile phone & a corkscrew
plus some sick-bags stowed up in the loo.
But as I gaze over the harbour,
there’s one thing I often can’t see,
A Lifejacket worn by each person
and that seems rather foolish to me
The hoary old salts just pooh-pooh them,
say “they get in the way when on deck”,
But without one you’ll drown that much quicker
when your boat’s nothing more than a wreck.
The experts should set an example,
so that “Do as I do” is the boast
For “Do as I say” will not hold any sway
when you’re drowning ten miles off the coast.
Wednesday, 29 July 2009
The poet is at work again
PIRATICAL U.K. NAVIES (by an ex-lifeboatman)
The Birmingham Navy is legend
(it was fine when they left Perry Barr)
Towing the dinghy was easy
in their secondhand, uninsured, car.
Lifejackets hadn’t been purchased,
nor had flares (what the heck are they for?)
At the coast there were gales,
but they hoisted the sails
and usually didn’t get far!!
………
The Southend equivalent’s different,
they use speedboats of minimum size,
but the engine is large
(it would drive a Thames barge)
and an Essex girl “crew” isn’t wise!!
They make sure they have enough beer
and they each have a mobile phone;
The one thing forgotten is petrol,
so they cannot get home on their own!!
……
In each case a Lifeboatman’s nightmare,
for neither crew thought they’d done wrong
and no sooner this crowd has been rescued,
than another damned lot comes along!!
****************
WAYS OF GOING AFLOAT
Supercalifragalistic….Mirror, Laser, Finn,
I don’t mind looking AT them, but you’d never get me IN.
You hang out on a harness to keep the boat upright,
the Tacking isn’t Wearing, but it’s one continual fight.
Dinghies are for youngsters, muscular and fit;
but I require a solid deck, and a comfy seat to sit.
An engine saves you so much work, (I know it uses fuel);
But no more sweating pulling ropes, you just stay nice and cool.
I much prefer big engines, and a Thousand g.r.t.
(and being paid for driving it) - That’s more the life for me.
You have to carry cargo, and that can be a bind,
but if the cargo’s human, there are chances to unwind!!
The Birmingham Navy is legend
(it was fine when they left Perry Barr)
Towing the dinghy was easy
in their secondhand, uninsured, car.
Lifejackets hadn’t been purchased,
nor had flares (what the heck are they for?)
At the coast there were gales,
but they hoisted the sails
and usually didn’t get far!!
………
The Southend equivalent’s different,
they use speedboats of minimum size,
but the engine is large
(it would drive a Thames barge)
and an Essex girl “crew” isn’t wise!!
They make sure they have enough beer
and they each have a mobile phone;
The one thing forgotten is petrol,
so they cannot get home on their own!!
……
In each case a Lifeboatman’s nightmare,
for neither crew thought they’d done wrong
and no sooner this crowd has been rescued,
than another damned lot comes along!!
****************
WAYS OF GOING AFLOAT
Supercalifragalistic….Mirror, Laser, Finn,
I don’t mind looking AT them, but you’d never get me IN.
You hang out on a harness to keep the boat upright,
the Tacking isn’t Wearing, but it’s one continual fight.
Dinghies are for youngsters, muscular and fit;
but I require a solid deck, and a comfy seat to sit.
An engine saves you so much work, (I know it uses fuel);
But no more sweating pulling ropes, you just stay nice and cool.
I much prefer big engines, and a Thousand g.r.t.
(and being paid for driving it) - That’s more the life for me.
You have to carry cargo, and that can be a bind,
but if the cargo’s human, there are chances to unwind!!
Thursday, 23 July 2009
"The course of true love...
... never did run smooth" but thankfully the same wasn't true of the Chapterhouse Theatre Company's production of A Midsummer Night's Dream here at the Museum on Friday night.
Friday, 17 July 2009
Please Tamsin ...
This snap, taken the other day, is crying out for a caption. What was Stu begging for from the Marketing Dept?
Tuesday, 14 July 2009
Dan Burton exhibition
Dan Burton's wonderful underwater pictures have gone on display in the temporary exhibition area. It runs from July until the end of August and offers a unique view of life beneath our oceans, from the warmth of the Red Sea to the depths of Russia’s White Sea and beyond.
Darwin for diners
The Darwin exhibition will fill the cafe during July. 177 pictures by children aged up to 16 from all over the country, many of the images inspired or prompted by local artist John Dyer. Grouped into different age categories, they cover a wide variety of subjects from gawp-eyed turtles to dangerous dinosaurs and zoological zoomorphs. In cages above diners' heads, some bird cages are releasing their own magical and mysterious monsters.All good fun and a lovely way to cheer up the cafe at a busy time for families.
The beach huts arrive
Some multi-coloured beach huts have appeared to liven up the foyer during the summer. Inspired by the resurgence of British (Credit Crunch) holidays, these give a real weather-proof alternative to a wet Cornish beach.They are empty because everyone has naturally gone to the Museum. Volunteers have been banned from using the deckchairs for a short snooze while on duty. 'Gone crabbing on NMMC pontoon' says a sign.
Mike Rangecroft has already asked if he can use the huts later in the season for Punch & Judy shows on the square and Debs is practising her Gypsy Rose Lee impressions for a fortune telling event.
Also in the foyer are some new paddle signs with simply-worded teasers of what is inside the Museum. After hours of discussion on what we should be saying in the foyer has come to the principle: 'simplest is best'.
The fabrics were charmed out of http://www.deckchairstripes.com/ by Milly. Bids for the fabric at the end of the season to her please.
Monday, 13 July 2009
The Giant Puzzle Cube appears
It is getting close to school holiday time and the first of the children's play activities appears close to the Survival Zone. Eight giant foam cubes bearing six pictures can be assembled in two different ways. The pictures, all sourced from local artists showing their work at the Beside the Wave gallery, have a variety of themes: animals, Cornwall and the sea. Alongside, a 'Stig board' and timer are available for those with a competitive instinct. More activities follow directly/dreckley.
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
Post Titanic changes
We waved goodbye to the Titanic Honour and Glory exhibition at the end of June and prepared ourselves for the busy summer season.The foyer is under constant change. Two sails, some rope and lobster pots - hinting at boats and Cornwall - have been added to soften the harsh concrete of the lift shaft as visitors walk through into the Main Hall.
The lift has got a new image - Fish Sale on a Beach by Stanhope Forbes - and has been re-branded as an entrance to the Cornwall galleries.
In Cornwall and the Sea, some Jane Slade objects have been added: a Reuben Chappell picture of the Jane Slade herself and a named lifebelt.
The emigration display has also been cheered up by the addition of some more objects: a model of the Mystery which made the amazing voyage to Australia and was the stimulus for Pete Goss' latest adventure; and a series of objects lent by families we met through the Titanic exhibition. Luckily, we are able to keep some of the 'Titanic' objects as well.
The children's games will be going in over the next few weeks and some further changes will be made to enliven the foyer.
Wednesday, 17 June 2009
Getting Older
As a Grumpy Old Man, getting older
I find I am falling apart
I knew it would happen sometime
but I didn't know when it would start.
Apart from an obvious slow down
and getting forgetful of Names
I don't run for buses (or women!)
and I no longer play active games.
My appetite's got so much smaller
and that, at the moment's a plus,
I'm feeling quite poorly in places
(but I'll try not to make too much fuss).
I've never been frightened of Dentists
but now mine has taken two teeth.
They wobbled and were quite unstable,
so I whistle each time I say 'Pleeth'.
Quite soon I shall have two replacements,
and then I shall be my old self,
Just waiting for what fails the next time
to be put on the 'Not Wanted' shelf.
The Museum Poet
I find I am falling apart
I knew it would happen sometime
but I didn't know when it would start.
Apart from an obvious slow down
and getting forgetful of Names
I don't run for buses (or women!)
and I no longer play active games.
My appetite's got so much smaller
and that, at the moment's a plus,
I'm feeling quite poorly in places
(but I'll try not to make too much fuss).
I've never been frightened of Dentists
but now mine has taken two teeth.
They wobbled and were quite unstable,
so I whistle each time I say 'Pleeth'.
Quite soon I shall have two replacements,
and then I shall be my old self,
Just waiting for what fails the next time
to be put on the 'Not Wanted' shelf.
The Museum Poet
Friday, 12 June 2009
Shackleton's letter
Regular readers of Nauti News will know my general love of bureaucracy in its two most pernicious and unintelligent forms; box-ticking and backside-protection. I came across the following recently and am wondering whether it shows a different form.May 16th 1916, South Georgia
Sir,
I am about to try and reach Husvik on the East Coast of this island for relief for our party. I am leaving you in charge of this party consisting of Vincent, McCarthy, yourself. You will remain here until relief arrives. You have ample seal food which you can supplement with birds and fish according to your skill.
You are left with a double-barrelled gun; 50 cartridges; 40 to 50 Bovril sledging rations; 25 to 30 biscuits; 40 (bars of) nut food.
You also have all the necessary equipment to support life for an indefinite period. In the event of my non-return you had better, after winter is over, try and sail round to the East Coast.
The course I am making towards Husvik is East Magnetic.
I trust to have you relieved in a few days.
Yours faithfully E H Shackleton
Now, help me out here. You are the commander of an expedition which has, to say the least, been having a few problems. You have just spent two weeks in close company with five other men on one of the great small boat journeys of all time, through the southern oceans, and have then spent a week ashore with them on a deserted beach. One of the men is not your greatest fan. In fact that was one of the reasons you took him with you.
You are about to set out on a journey to get help and you decide to leave this man in command of base camp. Before leaving, you sit down and write out his instructions: not as a note but as a letter. You do not him address by name but as ‘Sir’. Was this intended to give him a dubious sort of rank, making him a temporary ‘officer’ as it were? Why not ‘Dear McNish’ which was surely the style of the time.
Why spell out the rations and equipment? Why add the sentence: ‘You also have all the necessary equipment to support life for an indefinite period’ unless you are going to keep a copy to cover your backside in a possible enquiry? Why the almost gratuitous ‘according to your skill’
The instructions appear inconsistent: ‘You will remain here until relief arrives’ …’in the event of my non-return you had better …’ Which of this is the man to do? Why remove almost all his decision-making powers? If you fail to return, you will hardly be in a position to check up if he obeyed your orders.
Today we might have sat down with the man alone, or with the others, discussed options and then given instructions. A democratic style of leadership has a good precedent back as far as St Bernard, but that is for another day.
Perhaps this letter was just the style of the time and shows that Shackleton left nothing to chance even when giving ‘Chippy’ NcNish his instructions. Could it be that Shackleton had been taught to write orders down as part of his training by a generation that had be-moaned the inadequate instructions given at Balaclava? Did Shackleton keep a copy of the orders in his notebook? Who knows.
We know that ‘the Boss’ did of course bring relief within a few days but that does not destroy the strange wording of the letter.
Read it again and let me know what you think.
Jonathan
Welcome to Nauti News online
It is time to grasp technology and see if we cannot re-produce the lively fun of the printed Nauti News in a new on-line version. By setting up a blog we can get the news to you faster, without waiting for Annette to collate your offerings and then pulling down a tree to print them.
In future you will have quick access to the Grumpy Old Volunteer's inner thoughts; to the latest offerings from the Musuem Poet and, who knows, happy holiday snaps from some distant shore.
And you can comment on the blogs and stories if you want to.
This is new technology for all of us; let's see what happens ...
Thursday, 21 May 2009
May 2009
The Easter holidays were extremely busy and you would have been forgiven for thinking that it was August rather than April. There were 4 record breaking days for visitor numbers with bank holiday Monday clocking up just short of 2,000 people through the door. Let’s hope that this is a sign of things to come this year.
Titanic Honour & Glory was launched on 6th March and has received a great deal of interest from our visitors. This exhibition has already received more press interest both locally and nationally than any of our previous exhibitions and it is hoped that it will attract many new visitors who would not normally have visited the Museum.
The temporary exhibition space has been taken over for the next 3 months and Newlyn: Fishing for a Living has been replaced by the Hollywood exhibits from the Titanic exhibition. A new temporary exhibition will be installed at the end of June.
The Study Boat area is moving. It will no longer be next to the workshop but will be located in The Hold gallery enabling visitors to make connections between the boats on display and those in the model boat case. This quarter’s study boat will be coracles and will feature 3 British boats. This exhibit will explore the myth of St Piran’s journey from Ireland to Cornwall in a coracle.
The Discovery Talk season continues on 27th May with Voyager of the Winds, a talk about Alan Villiers. Alan’s son Peter talks about his father, his daring voyages at sea, his wartime stories and his passion for spending his days sailing ships and photographing and recording their passing.
The Lunchtime Lectures start again on 4th May with Newlyn: A Village in Focus. Jonathan Holmes from Penlee House Gallery and Museum will give an insight into this small community.
The last of the Movie Magic Programmes will be held on 17th May with Asterix and the Vikings. Families are able to take part in make and take activities as well as watching the film. Movie tickets are £2 with a Museum ticket thanks to sponsorship from First Group.
We are taking part in National Family Week and have a fun packed May half term planned for families. Activities will include a Signal Flag family trail, mini maritime bunting, jumping jellyfish and fluorescent fish puppet, historic breeches buoy rescue and giant jellyfish. There will be a Museum Minnows session on 22nd May for the under 5s and there will be a Storytime session on 24th May with craft activities. Quizzes, word searches and creative materials are permanently available on our new Art Ship in the Nav Station gallery.
On 29th May the first of this year’s Seafood Buffets will be held. Enjoy a ferry trip around Falmouth’s coastline followed by a delicious seafood buffet.
The Museum will be involved in the Fal River Festival through various activities from 23 – 30th May.
It is going to be a very busy few months and we have high hopes for an increase in our visitor numbers, especially during the period that the Titanic exhibition is with us.
Titanic Honour & Glory was launched on 6th March and has received a great deal of interest from our visitors. This exhibition has already received more press interest both locally and nationally than any of our previous exhibitions and it is hoped that it will attract many new visitors who would not normally have visited the Museum.
The temporary exhibition space has been taken over for the next 3 months and Newlyn: Fishing for a Living has been replaced by the Hollywood exhibits from the Titanic exhibition. A new temporary exhibition will be installed at the end of June.
The Study Boat area is moving. It will no longer be next to the workshop but will be located in The Hold gallery enabling visitors to make connections between the boats on display and those in the model boat case. This quarter’s study boat will be coracles and will feature 3 British boats. This exhibit will explore the myth of St Piran’s journey from Ireland to Cornwall in a coracle.
The Discovery Talk season continues on 27th May with Voyager of the Winds, a talk about Alan Villiers. Alan’s son Peter talks about his father, his daring voyages at sea, his wartime stories and his passion for spending his days sailing ships and photographing and recording their passing.
The Lunchtime Lectures start again on 4th May with Newlyn: A Village in Focus. Jonathan Holmes from Penlee House Gallery and Museum will give an insight into this small community.
The last of the Movie Magic Programmes will be held on 17th May with Asterix and the Vikings. Families are able to take part in make and take activities as well as watching the film. Movie tickets are £2 with a Museum ticket thanks to sponsorship from First Group.
We are taking part in National Family Week and have a fun packed May half term planned for families. Activities will include a Signal Flag family trail, mini maritime bunting, jumping jellyfish and fluorescent fish puppet, historic breeches buoy rescue and giant jellyfish. There will be a Museum Minnows session on 22nd May for the under 5s and there will be a Storytime session on 24th May with craft activities. Quizzes, word searches and creative materials are permanently available on our new Art Ship in the Nav Station gallery.
On 29th May the first of this year’s Seafood Buffets will be held. Enjoy a ferry trip around Falmouth’s coastline followed by a delicious seafood buffet.
The Museum will be involved in the Fal River Festival through various activities from 23 – 30th May.
It is going to be a very busy few months and we have high hopes for an increase in our visitor numbers, especially during the period that the Titanic exhibition is with us.
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