Caronia 2007 Reunion at Romsey
01 February 2007
For several months now I've been posting dates of the regular informal gatherings of what has come to be
known as the “Caronia Reunion” which take place monthly at the Old House at Home public house
in Romsey, Hants. Sadly, with my living 220 miles away, my attending on a regular basis has never been an option.
However, a set of concurrent opportunities on eBay led to a very pleasurable decision that was going to make
the February 2007 “old salts” meeting just a bit special. The one man who has been instrumental
in organising all of the formal Caronia Reunions in the past, along with the present informal ones, is Pete Jelley.
As recorded elsewhere on the Timeline, Pete first joined the “Green Goddess” late in 1948,
sailed on her Commissioning Run and then her Maiden Voyage in 1949, staying with the ship until 1953. His
fondest memories of that time are of the two Africa and Africa / India cruises.
The offer of a 1950 Great African Cruise poster for sale was the catalyst, as it could have made a perfect
presentation gift for Pete in recognition of his unstinting efforts. However, having set wheels in motion
by sounding out most of the regular attendees, all of whom were very enthusiastic about contributing, we
almost came a cropper. We were outbid by someone prepared to pay any price for this poster. They didn't
get a bargain!
Luckily, we were able to find an equally suitable replacement, a signed limited edition print of Caronia
leaving Cape Town, by Stephen Card. Instead of presenting a signed card with this, a copy of the souvenir
book for the 1950 Great African Cruise quite co-incidentally became available. We were back in business…
An Unmissable Event
Although I'd previously never attended any of the “Caronia Reunion” meetings, I nevertheless
wanted to show my appreciation for all the help, photographs and detail information that Pete has so
enthusiastically provided me with in the earliest months of the Timeline, and ever since. This was one
gathering that I wasn't going to miss, no matter how far away it was!
February Reunion (1)
[Left:] - Left to right:
John Snook, Pete Jelley, Sid Worthington, Pete Read, Larry McGowan
Nominally, the gatherings start at midday - but so enjoyable are these that even as early as
11.40am there were 6 guys already there.
Within minutes of getting seated, packets of treasured photographs were being produced, with the names of
most of the guys depicted being recalled. I have to admit that I was amazed at how easily these names came
to mind on pictures taken 50 or more years ago!
February Reunion (2)
[Right:]
Back Row left to right:
Sid Worthington, Pete Read, John Arsman, Larry McGowan, John Delamere,
[Front] John Stamp, Bernie Webb, John Redhead, Dave Gregory
Amazing Array of Tales
My amazement was compounded by the array of stories and recollections of a life passed and so fondly remembered.
Be in no doubt that I've yet to hear from anyone who will attempt to deny being proud to have served on
the “Green Goddess”, in any capacity!
I should at this point mention that co-conspirator in this surprise was Gordon Wright, who had everything
wonderfully organised locally, gathering all the funding and signatures for the presentation. By the time
the moment came to spring it, there were 18 of us in attendance.
February Reunion (3)
[Right:]
Left to right:
John Redhead, Dave Gregory, Don Smith,
Cliff Mattingley, Brian Richardson, Peter Stevens, Rocky Homer
The Presentation
At around 1pm Gordon called for a bit of hush and an extremely surprised Pete Jelley was presented with
his gifts. In turn, Pete told us of just how much pictures of the Caronia at Cape Town meant to him. There's
no doubt that everyone there was delighted to see how much pleasure it brought him.
February Reunion (4)
[Left:]
Gordon Wright making presentation to Pete Jelley. John Stamp, John Snook, Bernie Webb,
John Redhead (left foregd.)
Where did those 3 hours go to? So many stories were recounted, with a few that I intend to follow
up on to bring to the Timeline fairly soon. There'll also be a several more pictures, some of
which many former crew members will find very evocative.
February Reunion (5)
[Right:]
Left to right:
John Stamp, John Snook, Pete Jelley,
Sid Worthington, Bernie Webb (right foregd.)
