I believe that this voyage of the Ben Ain was under my charter: carrying Canadian timber transhipped at Liverpool from the deep sea liner. Ramsey Steamship performed many voyages for me with timber from Liverpool to many different Irish Sea ports. A good company, forced to close by being the last British shipowner under the national seafarers pension scheme, which they could not afford.
Chris do you have any footage of tugs towing two or more barges loaded with timber trunks, headed up river from Bristol to Lydney Plywood. I used to watch them pass Beachley point often with the last barge level with the tug in a huge horseshoe. A group of used to waterski off the old Beachley ferry ramp, keeping to the north shore and maybe picnic on a level section of grass. Great care was taken with the tide being so strong, always minimum of two boats in case of breakdowns. Thanks for posting and digging out old tapes.
Chris; Shortly after the start of this clip, you mentioned something about her running aground off the coast of Oman, and on inspection, she was scrapped on sight. If that indeed happened, how is it that we now see her entering port at Sharpness docks? Could it be that she was SOLD for scrap before being recommissioned as a seawothy vessel? Any chance you could enlighten me?
Trip down memory lane with ships this size , love the film
Many thanks Paul. A modern ship for you this coming Saturday.
I believe that this voyage of the Ben Ain was under my charter: carrying Canadian timber transhipped at Liverpool from the deep sea liner. Ramsey Steamship performed many voyages for me with timber from Liverpool to many different Irish Sea ports. A good company, forced to close by being the last British shipowner under the national seafarers pension scheme, which they could not afford.
Hi Martin, many thanks for your comments, always nice to hear the story from another angle.
Reminds me of the coasters that used to visit Watchet in the 70's & 80's. Great Video
Thanks Mark, yes some good ships of the day
at the beginning of the video it shows the date 18th January 1990 so possibly answers Andrew Footes question
Thanks Derek.
No yellow safety jackets in sight also north mole timbers all intact great sight greetings from Tauranga NZ
Days before H&S!!
Chris do you have any footage of tugs towing two or more barges loaded with timber trunks, headed up river from Bristol to Lydney Plywood. I used to watch them pass Beachley point often with the last barge level with the tug in a huge horseshoe. A group of used to waterski off the old Beachley ferry ramp, keeping to the north shore and maybe picnic on a level section of grass. Great care was taken with the tide being so strong, always minimum of two boats in case of breakdowns.
Thanks for posting and digging out old tapes.
By memory, no, sadly. I believe I may have a stills photo of them. I will see if I can find anything.
Chris; Shortly after the start of this clip, you mentioned something about her running aground off the coast of Oman, and on inspection, she was scrapped on sight. If that indeed happened, how is it that we now see her entering port at Sharpness docks? Could it be that she was SOLD for scrap before being recommissioned as a seawothy vessel? Any chance you could enlighten me?
As the film says, it is old footage of mine taken long before she was aground off Oman
She’s seen a few battles poor girl
Yes and lost in the final one.
Chris, My Mother came from Ramsey hence my Cristian name , Glad she didn't come from Notting Hill Gate !!!!!!!
Hi Ramsey, an amusing little story.
Ĺove your videos, can you please tell me if the Tenacious is still with you .?
Hi Richard, yes, she is still at Sharpness
Yes she used to work alongside the Lird Nelson out of Southampton as part of the sail training association.
ramsay steamship company was a joke it ran old wrecks it sold out to absolut shipping which went bust very shortly after