Tag Archives: navy

Illustrious career

Posted on August 28, 2014 by Gary

The Royal Navy aircraft carrier, HMS Illustrious was retired today. There was great fanfare in Portsmouth as she ended her 32 year career. She has only carried helicopters since budget cuts in 2010 saw her Harriers removed. She was built … Continue reading →

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Pride of the fleet

Posted on May 31, 2014 by Gary

Today was an exceptionally good day. Ten days ago I just happened to be watching Twitter when a tweet came in, talking about HMS Bulwark and giving a link. I clicked the link and discovered about the open day. I … Continue reading →

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And so, to Spain

Posted on February 22, 2014 by Gary

Madrid is back on. We leave on Friday and I’m back on Monday while Mirinda will be back after speaking at her conference. The organisers insisted that she be there. So, I quickly saw to flights being booked, hotel organised … Continue reading →

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On the Clyde

Posted on January 17, 2014 by Gary

Today was mostly about a Scottish shipyard at Fairfield Farm. It was on the banks of the Clyde, at Govan, not far from Glasgow, and produced all manner of ships. The business really started off in 1834, as Randolph, Elliott … Continue reading →

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Aye, aye Cap’n

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Gary

I saw Nick (at work) today for the first time in three weeks. He was overjoyed. His reason was simple. For many years he has been the sole knowledgebase when it comes to shipping ephemera and he’s had no-one to … Continue reading →

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Centaur

Posted on December 14, 2012 by Gary

As you walk along the pathway up and over King’s Headland, small plaques line either side of you. These are small memorials to members of the Australian armed forces who have served their country, giving the greatest sacrifice. The walk … Continue reading →

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Speed boat

Posted on November 30, 2012 by Gary

The first steam turbine driven ship was the Turbinia, built by Parsons Marine Turbine Company back in 1894. Charles Parsons (eventually a Sir) designed the engine and the boat and created the company in order to manufacture the engines for … Continue reading →

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