In November 1949, during the first annual overhaul of the Green Goddess in Liverpool, the first ever ship's
dance was held. Dances in those days were a popular form of organised socialising. Here we see a group
enjoying themselves at this event.
[Above:] Photo Ref: PJ22 - November 1949
Crew Members at first ship's dance
Right to left:
George Jones, Paul Marks & Wife, Pete Jelley
[Photo: Courtesy of Peter Jelley]
Trips Off - to Butlins!
Back in the 1950s crew leave on the “Green Goddess” was usually allocated to taking
a return transatlantic trip or the North Cape Cruise off. Below are two photographs of groups of
Caronia crew not only on leave but taking a Butlins holiday together.
Being a closed and quite tightly knit community on board, spending time ashore together at Britain's
famous (or should I say infamous?) holiday camps was how some life-long friendships were formed.
When you think of being cooped-up in 8-berth accommodation and almost living in each others’ pockets
for months at a time at sea, this idea may seem a bit strange.
[Above:] Photo Ref: PJ15
A group of Crew Members at Butlins in the early 1950s
[Photo: Courtesy of Peter Jelley]
According to Peter Jelley, this group were photographed at Butlins at Clacton-on-Sea during their
“trip off”. He has identified them as (left to right) Ronnie Greaves, Rex Everest, Pete Jelley
and Pete Groves with Brian Still at the front.
[Left:]
Photo Ref: PRD02
Another Butlins Trip
Left to right:
Dave Wilkin, Tommy Coe, Freddy Wilkerson and Pete Read
[Photo:
Courtesy of Pete Read]
Pete Read tells me that the “uniform” jerseys worn by 3 in this group actually came from Norway,
with many of the Caronia crew having purchased them. Some even sewed “Norway” badges on to them.
I guess there was a sense of pride in being “world travellers” on this renown ship!
The Caronia Band Ashore
Photo Ref: AQ034
The Caronia's Band playing at the "Club du Portugal," Lisbon
[Photo: Courtesy of Ave Quin]
The ship's band were very popular and would often play gigs at venues ashore. I'm aware that
they also recorded a Long Playing record, although I'm still on the look-out for a copy to
establish what tracks they recorded and when the album was released.
