Happy memories for Norman of his times in the shipyards
NORTH EAST MAN RECALLS THE DAYS WHEN HE WORKED ON THE CONSTRUCTION OF HALF A BULK CARRIER
Happy shipbuilding recollections came floating back for a retired local electrician when he spotted our Maritime Memories Appeal. In conjunction with the Sunderland Marriott, we asked for people to cast their minds back to the days of the yards. Norman McGlasham, who is now aged 77, recalled the time when he worked in Sunderland’s Austin and Pickersgill yard on the stern half of the bulk carrier Happy Dragon. And he well remembers one particular red letter day. It was back in 1967 when he and the members of other shipbuilding trades stood by on board as the massive section was floated out of the yard and towed to Palmer’s shipyard on the Tyne. That’s where it was ‘joined in matrimony’ - as he put it with the bow section of the ship. The Happy Dragon, which was first built for an owner from Norway, went on to sail all around the world until it was broken up for scrap back in 2005.
But for Norman, its construction was a particular time of pride and he took time to share the memories with us. Now Norman is in with a chance of winning our memories prize of a dinner for himself and five members of his family or friends. The winner will get to take the dinner at the four-star Sunderland Marriott which was known as The Seaburn in those shipbuilding days. Norman, who grew up in Tyne Dock close to where he lives today, learned his trade as an apprentice with the former South Shields Corporation. But he went on to work in all the yards on the Tyne on behalf of electrical and mechanical contractors Campbell and Isherwood. He later travelled to Africa to work on major electrical contracting jobs and his career also encompassed many other projects in Ireland and around the UK. They were great times and great memories and Norman’s entry marks the close of our Maritime Memories reader competition. The winner will be announced in due course.
What a fantastic response we got to the comd petition an we
previously featured some of
their stories. We have
loved them all.
Those who shared wonderful recollections have included;
Lifelong l Sunderland resident Elsie Cooper Waite could not help growing up immersed in the sights and sounds of the city’s shipbuilding industry.
That’s because her home at the time, now long demolished, was in Deptford Terrace and it overlooked the William Doxford and Sons Shipyard and Engine Works.
The yard itself was a place she was familiar with as two of her Uncles worked in the site.
Not that Elsie didn’t have memories of her own.
Elsie, now aged 79, told how as a young girl she used to accompany her Aunt Katie each evening to the yard entrance.
They would go there to deliver a flask of tea and sandwiches to her Uncle Billy who was the night watchman and occupied a little cabin.
Elsie also recalled the days when the newly built ships were launched into the Wear.
Her Uncle Dill Murray was one of the team with the task of knocking the blocks away to allow the vessel to slide slowly into the water.
Alan Winter, from Darlington was another to respond.
Alan remembered his first job was working as a 15-year-old tea boy but he was just as vivid with his memories of the pranks which were regular occurrences as well.
They included apprentices being subjected “to these little set ups” such as being sent for a cap full of nail holes, sky hooks and stripy paint, said Alan.
But Alan was just as keen to highlight what a great start to working life it had been for him.
“I was privileged to spend 19 years making navigation lamps out of copper, brass and mild steel by hand, “said Alan.
Marriott Multi Property General Manager Eamonn Thompson said the hotel, which was known as The Seaburn back in those days, had also played its part in serving the shipbuilding industry. Eamonn said he was delighted that the competition had prompted people to get in touch with their memories.
Now all it needs is for the competition winner to be chosen and that person will be revealed soon.
Memories of a former shipyard worker who helped build a ship’s stern