The Second HMS Manchester Association

Vic (Slinger) Woods - Vic slapped in for a blue boiler suit in May 1979 and in a 32 year career he helped provide propulsion to Exeter (80-81), Gurka (83-84), Fife (84-86), Newcastle (1988), and returned to the Geordie Gunboat (92-95). He was then deemed to have sufficient Type 42 experience to handle a draft to the Mighty Manch (1999-2001) as CPOMEA(ML).

This was followed by drafts to Endurance (2005-2008), and finally Southampton (2008-2010). Among his claims to fame he helped organise the Sods Opera and Karaoke evenings on the flight deck during the 2000 Windies Deployment, and took the ship into the Guzz refit. A serial FTRS rating he is still serving at age 62, he supports Sheffield United Football Club.

Richard (Chats) Harris - Here's what he had to say about himself -

"I joined the mob in July 1984 at a very young age of 16 years and 5 days! Completed basic training followed by WEM's training at Collingwood and then to sea for my first draft onboard HMS Juno, fondly known as 'The Raving J' (not sure if you can say that anymore!). Following that, a shore draft to Pompey dockyard and then onto HMS Bristol for a short while. I picked my hook up quite soon after joining her so was drafted off for killicks course soon after.

Once fully qualified as a Killick Pinky, and been issued with my pink fluffy pillow. I slapped in my 18 months' notice as I didn't think my liver could take a long stint in the Navy. I joined the Mighty Manch in April 1989. I was a very active member of the 4R mess drinking team along with Phil Cooke and Bob Bartlett. My final shore visit was in July 1990 when the ship visited Liverpool and I was drafted off to HMS Nelson for discharge"

What he didn't tell us is that the now works as a volunteer on the Pool of London Guardship, HMS Belfast - the town class cruiser - where he met Dan Daly! Footnote: This HMS Belfast was launched on 17 March 1938 which just happens to be St Patrick's Day! Guinness must have taken a right old hammering that day!

Steve (Rubber) Plant - Steve "Rubber" Plant joined Pusser (UK) Ltd in May 80 at the Tiffy Training Centre, HMS Fisgard, and in a ten year stint served on two Type 42's - Southampton 84 85 and the Mighty Manch early 86 to early 89, by which time he was a POMEA(EL) (Yep, we have yet another Global vet in our midst!).

Leaving the Grey Funnel Line in July 90 but still hearing the call of the sea, he joined the Royal Australian Navy just two days later, and flew to Australia before the ink was dry!