The Second HMS Manchester Association

Later in the year we heard from Tony Shingler who was extremely interested to learn about Jimmy Robinson joining 2MA on account of the blurb that we had put out that Jimmy was on the Vanguard for the Royal Tour of South Africa in 1947. As it happens Tony's late father, Syd was a Royal Retinue Steward on the same jolly and did by perchance the two ever meet up? Jimmy could not recall Syd but we did learn that a meeting was not beyond the bounds of feasibility. Evidently Steward Shingler had a good go at setting the Vanguard on fire, when he decided to have a crafty fag whilst unpacking the Royal potties etc., from their straw-filled packing cases. Fortunately the fire was quickly contained and extinguished before the onboard fire party which could easily have contained POME Robinson arrived.

We also received news from former WAFU Bob Hubble, who had been doing a little reminiscing and fondly remembers the time when he was feeling a little porky and wanted to purchase a bicycle in an attempt to lose weight. He wanted somewhere to stow said velocipede and thought the big shed by the after sun deck would be appropriate, but discovered a particular band of rascals known in polite circles as WAFU b@stards used it to stow a seldom flown helicopter - his!! When invited to forward suggestions where else the bike could be parked the answers given were too blunt for this magazine!

At the same time we also received a plaintive cry from a Mr Ivor Duff-Tyne (name changed for obvious reasons). He was a Marine Engineer who just could not get any of his engines to work. He was due to deploy his sleek Pompey based Type 42 in a few days and could do with some counselling. We suggested an immediate gathering and an extended period consuming Malcolm Irvings Type 42 bitter, and we all rushed off to put the theory into practice. It works! And the ship sails on time but not before one of the rescuers is discovered to be the best dressed man in his pit the following morning (information anonymously supplied by the webmistress!).

Buzz No.10 - hits the streets by mid-October 2011. Meanwhile, just across La Manche, Parisien traffic is brought to a grinding halt as popular pulverisers of the pedals and 2MA members, Dan Daly and Roger Jones complete their charity cycle ride in aid of the Royal British Legion in fine style.

In the meantime, the Mighty Manch is halfway through her final deployment. As it happens, prior to departure, Warship Wonderful has been chosen for another "Life in the Pusser" TV Documentary, and by way of a change this one is free of brass tops and flat tops. However, the TV company are a little concerned about bimbling around on the grey and crinkley stuff as winter approaches as it is rumoured that it often gets a little lumpy!...so the film crew and the Mighty Manch are hastily despatched to the West Indies, where the weather is warm, the sea is blue, and there is an array of classic runs ashore…and a certain, soon to be famous, ocean going coconut!

February 2011 - The 327th, and final month in the life of one of the most popular ship ever owned by the Pusser! (Shipmates may delete "one of" if they so desire!), and what a busy month it was too! The month is but hours old, and the Mighty Manch sails from Pompey for a final, final home city visit with the obvious imbuggerance factor of being berthed in Liverpool. The entire ship's company from CO to the most junior OD are greatly comforted that 2MA have despatched an extremely strong team to partake in the voyage, consisting of Neil Anderson, Ginge Crook, John Dixon, Steve Found, Dan Maskell, Tony Shingler and Sam Wellens, which ensured that the current ships company would have ample opportunities to hear tales from the first commish…and dare we say it, a few thousand Global 86 dits as well! Reports received back at 2MA HQ suggested our boys had a whale of a time, and whilst many admitted there were many changes to be seen from their own sea going days, there was one constant that had not changed. Good old matelot hospitality, it was as good as it ever was! (hic!).

Meanwhile, in an attempt to keep the nation informed and entertained as yet more austerity measures are announced by Gov.UK Ltd, Channel 5 launch their TV Prog, "Caribbean Patrol" starring none other than the Mighty Manch - still looking and acting the part after all these years. Most of the series was pretty good - and no doubt brought back many memories to our gallant band, but did we really need an in depth portrayal of two sailors - one of each kind - trying and failing to give up smoking? Stocktaking down the Main Naval Store would have been far more exciting!