A journey by ship

  admin        October 13, 2016

As a young kid, exploring the RMS Oronsay was fun, we learned the shortcuts between decks, where we could go and what was “off limits”.

The ship had a children’s play area where we were encouraged to make models, try handicrafts and play games. In the area you could meet other children and make friends.

I think I still have to this day a plaster of Paris dog that I made and painted. It sits proudly on my bookshelf.

I can remember the first night on board and being given choc mint icecream as a dessert, truly a novel experience when you were young.

When we awoke we were entering the great harbour of Rotterdam, where we berthed and had a day to look around.

I remember some of the sights and sounds and comments made by my younger brother which caused my parents to laugh.
 

How the years’ fly by

  admin        October 12, 2015

Just over 47 years ago another family set off from Tilbury docks in Southern England to go to the Antipodes, they were travelling on one of the great white liners that belonged to the P&O line.  The ship was the SS Oronsay and the voyage was to last 6 weeks. Saying goodbye to family was  a heart wrenching event, I remember my grandmother saying that she might never see us again. Others in the family farewelling us as if we were going to Mars. 

My father commenting that we were leaving on Friday the 13th and maybe we would not make it down the Thames!!

So the adventure began.