Grumpy Volunteer's Corner

by Keith Evans

The party season is well under way. As usual the catering staff are working their aprons off to provide us with festive fayre. Many thanks to them.

The gentlemen's lunch was the usual convivial affair with sparkling conversation and good humoured banter. The ladies' lunch and the education staff party competed for the highest decibel level. I think the latter won by a fraction of a decibel despite the fact they were only having mince pies; or so they tell us. Stuart was very protective of his educationalists but I have several witnesses to confirm the results, who for security reasons remain annoymous. Of course they have plenty of practice with all those screaming children.

A request has been submitted that for next year's parties ear protectors be supplied for staff on duty. Now ladies, calm down. I'm only thinking of the health and safety of my colleagues. You know how vulnerable we are to stress which results in our early demise. Emily, can I have the next month off please?

Liners & Cruise Ships Ahoy 2011

by Clive S Mathison Galleries Volunteer

Those who are on duty in the 'Lookout' throughout 2011 will be able to extol the development of Falmouth Docks as a 'cruise ship' rendezvous. There are some 33 visits of cruise ships carrying 22,402 passengers between January and November including The World an exotic floating residence which visited Falmouth about 2 years ago (see photograph) and caused astonishment as the Captain negotiated the huge vessel with ease through our docks area.

About The World liner
This Norwegian-built liner serves as a residential community for people from around 40 different countries. The owners buy a space for prices ranging from £500,000 to £13 million and live on board as the liner circumnavigates the globe. It is very demecratic: the passengers and Captain decide where the ship will visit and what the passengers will do ashore whilst in each port where they stay for around two to five days at a time.

The ship has some 280 passengers and residents, and a crew of about 350. 196 metres long, it has 12 decks, two of which are reserved for shopping and leisure. There are also restaurants cafes, theatre, casino and nightclub.

Cruise Ships Visiting Falmouth in 2011
An advanced list of cruise ships visiting Falmouth will be displayed in the Volunteers Lounge so that you can keep yourself up to date with arrivals and departures. The World is scheduled to arrive in Falmouth on 30 May 2011 at 1800 hours with 100 passengers.

The Arctic Museum

by the NMMC Resident Poet

The temperature across the Square
was more than purely chilly
It ate into my very bones
and even reached my chest.

I’ve worn my fleece since breakfast time
and long-johns underneath,
I think a tot of whisky now
would stop my chattering teeth.

In Front of House they have some heat
it’s warm there all the day,
The Office is quite comfy too
(It’s HOT AIR, so they say!!)

I wander through Main Hall & Hold
I wave my arms about,
It looks a bit peculiar
but keeps the cold drafts out.

On Waterfront the pool is still,
the boats are moored today,
I’ve covered up the Token Slot
to keep the folk away.

I’ve bribed the Duty Manager
like other people did,
I’m Lift Attendant for the shift
(was worth it for a quid).

It’s warm and keeps you moving
and at the second floor
I nip to have my coffee,
Could anyone want more!!!

Santa Fun Run

Thanks to everyone who helped us raise more than £660 for Cornwall Hospice Care last week. We dressed up in Santa suits & joined more than 200 other Santas in running 3 miles around the streets of Falmouth on Saturday. The event was a huge success & there was a very jolly atmosphere.