New 25 December 2002
(slightly revised 19.11.2005)
TEESSHIPS
MY
FIRST WEEK OF SHIPS
My friend who,
45 years ago, suggested this then new hobby of ship-spotting was
Peter Maggs. Peter, if you ever read this, see what you got me
into! And I would love to hear from you as well.
Coincidence reigns again! I am now hoping to hear from Peter one
day as it turns out someone I have known of for quite some time
through our local Ship Society is his uncle!
Saturday, 19 November 1960 arrived and with it came a conscious decision to follow up a suggestion by a friend that I go down to the docks to see the ships. So, on my bike I went and climbed onto the footbridge approach into and overlooking Middlesbrough Dock. What the weather had seemed like on leaving home a couple of miles away I cannot now say - but I do know it was extremely foggy downtown at the dock! So my first ship-spotting trip was confined to sighting approximately half a ship looming out of the fog! Nevertheless, into my little note-book it went, and remains today number one in my ship sighting records.
No. 1: AYUTHIA
The following Monday, 21 November 1960, my friend and I decided to go down the docks straight from school. This was little more conducive for good ship-spotting: it was dark and pouring down with rain. However, we walked all round the dock and noted five ships - the AYUTHIA not among them.
No. 2: JALADUHITA
No. 3: KOHISTAN
No. 4: FAVORITA
No. 5: CITY OF YORK
No. 6: SIREFJELL
For the following Saturday, 26 November 1960 I recall nothing about the weather conditions, but I did record a further five new sightings.
No. 7: DONGOLA
No. 8: TRIBESMAN
No. 9: MAKRANA
No. 10: AFRICAN PRINCE
No. 11: ORMSARY
OK, so you want to see some photos, and details of these ships?