By Mike Pennell
The tragic stranding of Costa Concordia shows how things have changed since I was a junior officer on a 17,000 ton passenger ship in the 1960s. Although I held a 2nd Mates Certificate, I was not allowed to keep a bridge watch alone in confined or busy shipping areas and was always accompanied by one other Officer, plus a helmsman and a lookout.
Accepting that modern steering systems have reduced the need for a helmsman, the lookout is still important when Officers have to go into the Chartroom for navigational checks to be made. Regarding the course taken by a ship of over 100,000 tons, Balmoral cleared Ushant, Cape Finisterre & Cape St Vincent by about 10 miles!
Having cruised recently in Balmoral, before the ship sailed, an evacuation drill for all passengers was held, and any with disabilities noted for crew assistance in the event of having to proceed to lifeboat stations; lifejackets had to be worn & full instructions how to secure them were given & demonstrated. Anyone joining at intermediate ports was taken to a lounge and given similar instructions.
Obviously the 1100 passengers on Balmoral would be easier to deal with than the 4000 on Costa Concordia, but procedures should allow for these numbers. It seems apparent from reports that the Master did not behave in a professional or competent manner, but I am sure that after a full investigation has been concluded, the company will not be found blameless.
It is hoped that this event will not deter any prospective cruise passengers, because that could affect Falmouth.
Wednesday, 18 January 2012
Monday, 16 January 2012
Behind Closed Doors
by NMMC Poet Laureate
In the corner of the Quarterdeck
there’s a locked and coded door;
It makes the tourists wonder –
they don’t know what it’s for.
There are even Volunteers
who are just as mystified;
Who are these special people
who must be locked inside?
They slip in there at nine-o-clock,
then leave again at five,
and some come out for lunch each day
in order to survive.
If you ask the Duty Manager,
you get a strange reply,
they mumble (I don’t think they know -
won’t look you in the eye).
Most are not in uniform,
with varied forms of dress,
but finding what they DO in there
is anybody’s guess.
Most don’t have Cornish accents,
so they can’t belong down here,
they come and go at leisure –
and some just disappear!
I think they are 'Illegals',
not a Visa to their name,
I’ll inform the Border Agency –
That will stop their little game!!
In the corner of the Quarterdeck
there’s a locked and coded door;
It makes the tourists wonder –
they don’t know what it’s for.
There are even Volunteers
who are just as mystified;
Who are these special people
who must be locked inside?
They slip in there at nine-o-clock,
then leave again at five,
and some come out for lunch each day
in order to survive.
If you ask the Duty Manager,
you get a strange reply,
they mumble (I don’t think they know -
won’t look you in the eye).
Most are not in uniform,
with varied forms of dress,
but finding what they DO in there
is anybody’s guess.
Most don’t have Cornish accents,
so they can’t belong down here,
they come and go at leisure –
and some just disappear!
I think they are 'Illegals',
not a Visa to their name,
I’ll inform the Border Agency –
That will stop their little game!!
Wednesday, 11 January 2012
Committee Recommendations Advising Personnel
Brief for Orientation Volunteer
An alternative welcome speech written by an annonymous volunteer designed as an alternative to that provided for our orientation volunteer. Perhaps produced following the Director's request for improved customer service?
"So, welcome to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
You have all paid an arm and a leg to come in out of the rain, but anyone who knows nothing about boats or the sea should leave NOW - regrettably no refunds can be given as you have already signed for Gift Aid. You will be allowed to wait in the shop for your friends, provided that you buy something.
If you look above your heads, you will notice various boats hanging rather precariously from the roof. It is better to stand clear of them although none have fallen for over two weeks. The last casualty was an elderly main from America who was looking upwards and taking a picture at the time. His camera was not damaged and his widow has generously donated the picture to our Archivist.
Over to your left is a large vintage river cruiser. Originally used by wealthy people on the River Thames, it is now launched on our Director's birthday each year and takes him across the harbour to his favourite 'watering hole', the Chain Locker. You will notice it is steam powered and the boiler is stoked on those trips by a Volunteer like me.
There are a number of Volunteers working here; we do not receive any remuneration, but the box by the exit has room for all coins (plus a slot for paper money). We are given the fleece I am wearing, and the shirt, although trousers and shoes have to be bought from our meagre pensions. The badge on my name tag indicates that for five years I have not sworn at a visitor, or pushed a child into the boating pool.
If you are frightened of the dark, do NOT enter the large doorway on your right, and just accept that you will have to buy a book about lighthouses in our well stocked shop.
Now watch where my finger is pointing. Those with young children can move in that direction and let them play in the life-raft or lifeboat, but PLEASE remove any knives they may be carrying, because puncturing either craft bears a penalty of £5 (credit cards accepted).
Those paying attention will see I have moved my finger and am now indicating the direction you should take to visit the Lookout Tower or Tidal Zone (for the latter, Wellington boots may be loaned by the Front Desk staff for a nominal charge).
Ascending the tower by the stairway is not recommended for anyone over the age of 40, and if the elevator is not working, over 40s will have to hear about the magnificent view from their younger family members. If you DO use the elevator and it sticks between floors, ensure you all scream in unison as the maintenance staff are rather hard of hearing. Do NOT use the telephone within the elevator between the hours of 12 and 2 as it disturbs the staff who will be at lunch.
I hope you all enjoy your visit."
An alternative welcome speech written by an annonymous volunteer designed as an alternative to that provided for our orientation volunteer. Perhaps produced following the Director's request for improved customer service?
"So, welcome to the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
You have all paid an arm and a leg to come in out of the rain, but anyone who knows nothing about boats or the sea should leave NOW - regrettably no refunds can be given as you have already signed for Gift Aid. You will be allowed to wait in the shop for your friends, provided that you buy something.
If you look above your heads, you will notice various boats hanging rather precariously from the roof. It is better to stand clear of them although none have fallen for over two weeks. The last casualty was an elderly main from America who was looking upwards and taking a picture at the time. His camera was not damaged and his widow has generously donated the picture to our Archivist.
Over to your left is a large vintage river cruiser. Originally used by wealthy people on the River Thames, it is now launched on our Director's birthday each year and takes him across the harbour to his favourite 'watering hole', the Chain Locker. You will notice it is steam powered and the boiler is stoked on those trips by a Volunteer like me.
There are a number of Volunteers working here; we do not receive any remuneration, but the box by the exit has room for all coins (plus a slot for paper money). We are given the fleece I am wearing, and the shirt, although trousers and shoes have to be bought from our meagre pensions. The badge on my name tag indicates that for five years I have not sworn at a visitor, or pushed a child into the boating pool.
If you are frightened of the dark, do NOT enter the large doorway on your right, and just accept that you will have to buy a book about lighthouses in our well stocked shop.
Now watch where my finger is pointing. Those with young children can move in that direction and let them play in the life-raft or lifeboat, but PLEASE remove any knives they may be carrying, because puncturing either craft bears a penalty of £5 (credit cards accepted).
Those paying attention will see I have moved my finger and am now indicating the direction you should take to visit the Lookout Tower or Tidal Zone (for the latter, Wellington boots may be loaned by the Front Desk staff for a nominal charge).
Ascending the tower by the stairway is not recommended for anyone over the age of 40, and if the elevator is not working, over 40s will have to hear about the magnificent view from their younger family members. If you DO use the elevator and it sticks between floors, ensure you all scream in unison as the maintenance staff are rather hard of hearing. Do NOT use the telephone within the elevator between the hours of 12 and 2 as it disturbs the staff who will be at lunch.
I hope you all enjoy your visit."
Grumpy Volunteer's Corner
by Keith Evans
Why do I attract the oddballs? Don't answer that! It must be the rarefied atmosphere because it usually occurs in Lookout. A strange looking chap emerged from the lift wearing a coat down to his ankles and a dark trilby. Surveying the scene, he asked "Where's St Moos?" I said "St Mawes is across the other side" pointing him in the right direction. "Is there a bridge or a tunnel?" he asked. "No, but there is a ferry." I said. "Don't like boats" he said "they move in all directions." I am still trying to figure out why he came to a maritime museum.
A chap in a red windcheater came up and looked across at RFA Argus. "Is that solid steel? How does it float?" he asked. Here we go again, I thought. Do I tell him about Archimedes leaping out of his bath and running naked down the street shouting "Eureka!" Better not, I thought, he'll probably think I'm mad. "It's very buoyant" I said. Fortunately he changed the subject. "I've just come up from the basement (Tidal Zone)" he said. "Are those fish tame?" "No," I said "they're wild." "They don't look wild" he said. Now, I thought, what makes a fish wild? When you batter it I suppose. Ho, ho, ho. Sorry about that.
Now for things domestic. The shortest volunteer complains that she can't reach the rota sheet on the notice board in 1912 to sign in. "It's alright for you men" she said. I offered to give her a leg up but she declined.
Jonathan wants to improve our customer care (Blog 13 Dec), 'Tests are to be introduced soon.' I wouldn't bother if I were you Jonathan, with decades of experience we can flannel our way through anything. One way to enjoy old age is to cause as much chaos as possible and then to sit back and enjoy the confusion.
Why do I attract the oddballs? Don't answer that! It must be the rarefied atmosphere because it usually occurs in Lookout. A strange looking chap emerged from the lift wearing a coat down to his ankles and a dark trilby. Surveying the scene, he asked "Where's St Moos?" I said "St Mawes is across the other side" pointing him in the right direction. "Is there a bridge or a tunnel?" he asked. "No, but there is a ferry." I said. "Don't like boats" he said "they move in all directions." I am still trying to figure out why he came to a maritime museum.
A chap in a red windcheater came up and looked across at RFA Argus. "Is that solid steel? How does it float?" he asked. Here we go again, I thought. Do I tell him about Archimedes leaping out of his bath and running naked down the street shouting "Eureka!" Better not, I thought, he'll probably think I'm mad. "It's very buoyant" I said. Fortunately he changed the subject. "I've just come up from the basement (Tidal Zone)" he said. "Are those fish tame?" "No," I said "they're wild." "They don't look wild" he said. Now, I thought, what makes a fish wild? When you batter it I suppose. Ho, ho, ho. Sorry about that.
Now for things domestic. The shortest volunteer complains that she can't reach the rota sheet on the notice board in 1912 to sign in. "It's alright for you men" she said. I offered to give her a leg up but she declined.
Jonathan wants to improve our customer care (Blog 13 Dec), 'Tests are to be introduced soon.' I wouldn't bother if I were you Jonathan, with decades of experience we can flannel our way through anything. One way to enjoy old age is to cause as much chaos as possible and then to sit back and enjoy the confusion.
Monday, 9 January 2012
Volunteer Trail
by Milly Newman
A big thank you to all volunteers who kindly responded to our plea at the Volunteer Review meeting for ideas of your favourite objects in the museum. These are currently being used to create a great new trail around the building.
MAIN HALL
Sush!
On my first visit to the Museum I saw Sush and my first was ‘Wow, I’d love to own her’. Now I’m a volunteer and I still think the same when I see her.
She’s beautifully proportioned, rather cute, and obviously well-made. But most of all I imagine that single cylinder engine putt-putt-putting as Sush potters round the harbour. Of course the sun is shining, the picnic basket is loaded, my Panama hat is keeping the sun off, and all is right with the world.
Colin McLaren
Waterlily Thames Steam Launch
Sometimes in a lull between visitors I stand and imagine Waterlily drifting down the Thames on a beautiful summer’s day. The beautiful ladies in their pretty summer dresses with be-ribboned hats, relaxing beneath their parasols. They are attended by moustachioed gentlemen in their striped blazers and straw boaters. All sipping tea from delicate china cups and dipping into the picnic hampers.
Dawn Eden
THE HOLD
Light House Keepers’ Kitchen
This wonderful space gives a real feel for what life was once like inside a light house, when they were manned. It provides a wonderful glimpse into history, especially by being so open and hands on instead of having a roped barrier. It’s a lovely family exhibit that stirs the imagination: companionship, isolation, claustrophobia and service.
Dawn Eden
THE TOWER
Lookout
As the lift doors open you see the best in Falmouth. There is the living town dominated by the Docks, moored yachts and often the super-yachts from Pendennis Shipyard. You take this all in for a few minutes and then see the screen. It looks a bit like a computer game but you read the information, tap out a view, move to longer range and there you have the ships at sea, live: who they are, where they are going, how big they are, exactly where they are and the course they are taking. And it is live; they are there now. You really feel that you are in control.
John Fortey
Old Fashioned Diving Suit
This diving suit makes you appreciate how far modern technology has advanced and how difficult diving must have been in the past. It also reminds me of a Scooby Doo film. Dressed as a diver in a suit like this would often appear as one of the monsters in the show.
Dawn Eden
CORNISH QUAYSIDE
Lewis Billing’s Fisherman’s Loft
This reminds me of my childhood holidays spent at Gwithian. Although the chalets were holiday lets there was one permanent resident, a Mr Kirby, whose garage looked just like this exhibit. As children we would take along our 6d (21/2p), get a length of cat gut and a fish hook (no Health & Safety in those days – you learnt the hard way) and then go down on to the beach and go fishing for tiddlers in the rock pools. He was wonderful with us children and always greeted us as if he had nothing else to do but supply our needs. I doubt if he ever got rich from the takings!
Julie Bennie
CORNWALL AND THE SEA
Jane Slade
Jane Slade transports me back in time to the boatyard at Polruan in the days of sail. It was the only yard at that time owned, and run, by a woman. It triggered Daphne du Maurier’s first book ‘The Loving Spirit’. This picture just makes my mind wander around other memories: the hard life at sea, the people of Cornwall and Jane Slade herself.
Pauline Fortey
King Harry Diorama
We are in a recession now and yet there is only a handful of ships laid-up on King Harry’s Reach on the River Fal. This model shows that back in [Date] there were 24 ships laid up waiting for orders. Some of these ships went back to sailing round the world, others would have been sold to be broken up for scrap. Don’t miss a trip across the ferry to see today’s ships.
Stella Harvey
FALMOUTH GALLERY
Windsor Castle fight
I love the story behind this painting. Poor William was only 25 but had already been a prisoner of war four times having been over-powered three times by the French and once by Spanish privateers. ‘Not again. Not this time’ he’s thinking as he and his crew fight off the French yet again. Although out-numbered 86 to 28, William and his men fought bravely. They killed 28 of the French privateers and didn’t lose one man. On their return to Falmouth William was awarded £200. He sadly died aged 47 completely worn out by the rigours of the service.
Stella Harvey
NAV STATION
Sir Robin’s Radio
As I phone my friends on my mobile phone, I often think of this massive radio. To imagine this being the only means of communication – something so large. And imagine being out of contact with any other human being for over [100 days] when it failed. Today I can text, talk, and use the internet wherever I am in the world. Then, Sir Robin was alone; really alone. And it that was when I was a teenager. What a change in my lifetime.
Gallery Volunteer
BOATBUILDING
The Dugout Canoe
This dugout always amuses me. I imagine the telephone conversation between the museum and the boat-builder: ‘You want what: a dugout? Would a little dinghy not suit you better? Oh, you want it half-built. And I suppose you want me to leave the bark on one end. OK, but it’ll never float you know and the Harbourmaster will never let you use it.’ It might not have taken a modern boat-builder long to make this but imagine the hours that must have gone into an original dugout: all that burning and chopping with primitive tools where one false move could have created a hole and ruined the boat.
Gallery Volunteer
FLOTILLA
Jangarda
Is it a boat? Is it a raft? And why that enormous sail and what looks like a seat to sit upon? This is no normal boat and I long to visit Brazil to see a modern one in action: to see how they are used, to sail with the fishermen, to understand they way of life. Not as a tourist on a packaged tour but as a member of the community, experiencing their way of life for real.
Gallery Volunteer
A big thank you to all volunteers who kindly responded to our plea at the Volunteer Review meeting for ideas of your favourite objects in the museum. These are currently being used to create a great new trail around the building.
MAIN HALL
Sush!
On my first visit to the Museum I saw Sush and my first was ‘Wow, I’d love to own her’. Now I’m a volunteer and I still think the same when I see her.
She’s beautifully proportioned, rather cute, and obviously well-made. But most of all I imagine that single cylinder engine putt-putt-putting as Sush potters round the harbour. Of course the sun is shining, the picnic basket is loaded, my Panama hat is keeping the sun off, and all is right with the world.
Colin McLaren
Waterlily Thames Steam Launch
Sometimes in a lull between visitors I stand and imagine Waterlily drifting down the Thames on a beautiful summer’s day. The beautiful ladies in their pretty summer dresses with be-ribboned hats, relaxing beneath their parasols. They are attended by moustachioed gentlemen in their striped blazers and straw boaters. All sipping tea from delicate china cups and dipping into the picnic hampers.
Dawn Eden
THE HOLD
Light House Keepers’ Kitchen
This wonderful space gives a real feel for what life was once like inside a light house, when they were manned. It provides a wonderful glimpse into history, especially by being so open and hands on instead of having a roped barrier. It’s a lovely family exhibit that stirs the imagination: companionship, isolation, claustrophobia and service.
Dawn Eden
THE TOWER
Lookout
As the lift doors open you see the best in Falmouth. There is the living town dominated by the Docks, moored yachts and often the super-yachts from Pendennis Shipyard. You take this all in for a few minutes and then see the screen. It looks a bit like a computer game but you read the information, tap out a view, move to longer range and there you have the ships at sea, live: who they are, where they are going, how big they are, exactly where they are and the course they are taking. And it is live; they are there now. You really feel that you are in control.
John Fortey
Old Fashioned Diving Suit
This diving suit makes you appreciate how far modern technology has advanced and how difficult diving must have been in the past. It also reminds me of a Scooby Doo film. Dressed as a diver in a suit like this would often appear as one of the monsters in the show.
Dawn Eden
CORNISH QUAYSIDE
Lewis Billing’s Fisherman’s Loft
This reminds me of my childhood holidays spent at Gwithian. Although the chalets were holiday lets there was one permanent resident, a Mr Kirby, whose garage looked just like this exhibit. As children we would take along our 6d (21/2p), get a length of cat gut and a fish hook (no Health & Safety in those days – you learnt the hard way) and then go down on to the beach and go fishing for tiddlers in the rock pools. He was wonderful with us children and always greeted us as if he had nothing else to do but supply our needs. I doubt if he ever got rich from the takings!
Julie Bennie
CORNWALL AND THE SEA
Jane Slade
Jane Slade transports me back in time to the boatyard at Polruan in the days of sail. It was the only yard at that time owned, and run, by a woman. It triggered Daphne du Maurier’s first book ‘The Loving Spirit’. This picture just makes my mind wander around other memories: the hard life at sea, the people of Cornwall and Jane Slade herself.
Pauline Fortey
King Harry Diorama
We are in a recession now and yet there is only a handful of ships laid-up on King Harry’s Reach on the River Fal. This model shows that back in [Date] there were 24 ships laid up waiting for orders. Some of these ships went back to sailing round the world, others would have been sold to be broken up for scrap. Don’t miss a trip across the ferry to see today’s ships.
Stella Harvey
FALMOUTH GALLERY
Windsor Castle fight
I love the story behind this painting. Poor William was only 25 but had already been a prisoner of war four times having been over-powered three times by the French and once by Spanish privateers. ‘Not again. Not this time’ he’s thinking as he and his crew fight off the French yet again. Although out-numbered 86 to 28, William and his men fought bravely. They killed 28 of the French privateers and didn’t lose one man. On their return to Falmouth William was awarded £200. He sadly died aged 47 completely worn out by the rigours of the service.
Stella Harvey
NAV STATION
Sir Robin’s Radio
As I phone my friends on my mobile phone, I often think of this massive radio. To imagine this being the only means of communication – something so large. And imagine being out of contact with any other human being for over [100 days] when it failed. Today I can text, talk, and use the internet wherever I am in the world. Then, Sir Robin was alone; really alone. And it that was when I was a teenager. What a change in my lifetime.
Gallery Volunteer
BOATBUILDING
The Dugout Canoe
This dugout always amuses me. I imagine the telephone conversation between the museum and the boat-builder: ‘You want what: a dugout? Would a little dinghy not suit you better? Oh, you want it half-built. And I suppose you want me to leave the bark on one end. OK, but it’ll never float you know and the Harbourmaster will never let you use it.’ It might not have taken a modern boat-builder long to make this but imagine the hours that must have gone into an original dugout: all that burning and chopping with primitive tools where one false move could have created a hole and ruined the boat.
Gallery Volunteer
FLOTILLA
Jangarda
Is it a boat? Is it a raft? And why that enormous sail and what looks like a seat to sit upon? This is no normal boat and I long to visit Brazil to see a modern one in action: to see how they are used, to sail with the fishermen, to understand they way of life. Not as a tourist on a packaged tour but as a member of the community, experiencing their way of life for real.
Gallery Volunteer
Happy New Year
by Mike Pennell, NMMC Poet Laureate
So now we’re into Twenty Twelve,
the Tree’s been put away;
There’s wrapping paper everywhere,
the house in disarray!
I’d stay to help with tidying -
but don’t know where things stow;
and anyway, I’m due on Shift
so really ought to go.
It’s a time for RESOLUTIONS
(in my life I’ve made a lot)
but by the end of Hogmanay
most are long forgot!!
A Museum Resolution
that should not go adrift!! –
is “Try your best to be on time
when you relieve a shift”!!
I wish you all “a Good New Year”,
with lots of Tourists in,
We’re fresh from too much food and drink,
so let the year begin!!
So now we’re into Twenty Twelve,
the Tree’s been put away;
There’s wrapping paper everywhere,
the house in disarray!
I’d stay to help with tidying -
but don’t know where things stow;
and anyway, I’m due on Shift
so really ought to go.
It’s a time for RESOLUTIONS
(in my life I’ve made a lot)
but by the end of Hogmanay
most are long forgot!!
A Museum Resolution
that should not go adrift!! –
is “Try your best to be on time
when you relieve a shift”!!
I wish you all “a Good New Year”,
with lots of Tourists in,
We’re fresh from too much food and drink,
so let the year begin!!
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