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[tom sommerville]

Hi Colin, Still not fully up and running with the new web site, not sure what POST REPLY to use, top of page or bottom of page. Anyway thanks again for feedback, always good to hear from someone who has gone through the ops. Not quite facing the Eiger as yet but I feel that might be down the road somewhere. As a friend said - "I'll know when the time is right". Not too enthused about the long leg flight syndrome as I fly to the UK every year. I fly Business Class so maybe I wont be so susceptible to the DVT. ps I fly Business Class for no other reason than I'm just too bloody big for Sardine Class.

Regards
Tom Sommerville

[667974_bluestar]

Hello Tom,

You can use either of the "Post Reply" buttons, they both work the same, they are provided at either end of the page to avoid the need to scroll for miles before you can get to reply.

And on a completely different note

I fly Business Class for no other reason than I'm just too bloody big for Sardine Class.

What an Excellent excuse! My parents are still living in Auz, while I live in UK, and I hate cattle class...now I have a valid excuse both to get off the relentless diets "she who must be obeyed" insists I follow AND to travel Business Class when seeing the folks...

Or is that not quite how it works?

Jim Blake

[Big Budgie]

Hello again Tom.
I'm sorry if I alarmed you regarding long haul flights and DVT. It is my understanding that the risk diminishes with time, six weeks being the first milestone, when the TED stockings and the blood thinning meds are dispensed with. I think you are reckoned to be "back to normal" after about 12 weeks. The exercise regime also helps stimulate circulation and promotes healing and is definitely beneficial. There is no reason why you shouldn't retain and wear the TEDs during the flight and perform as many of the exercises as the limited space allows. In fact, I believe that there are recognised exercises that people can do on aircraft to help prevent DVT. A really simple and effective one is simply known as "ankle pumps" where you move your foot through it's full range of up and down movement, as if operating an accelerator pedal for instance. The movement generated in the calf muscles "pumps" fluids which gather in the lower leg and ankle during periods of inactivity, back into the system in the same way as walking would, something every normally active person takes for granted and wouldn't even notice.
As has been said, you will know when the time is right for you, but the overwhelming opinion I seem to get from people who have had the ops, is "I wish I hadn't waited so long"!
Regards Colin.

[A.D.Frost]

I would like to post a reply to a comment I made about the "Clipper Ships"in a magazine passing on my expereance on the TROJAN.
In respect of Mr.Frost's comments,it should be noted that the Standard Clipper's refrigerating machinery layout was similar to many contemporary reefersincluding those built for Geest.It should not have been neccessary to limbo under the shaft as a ladder bridge was situated at the extreme forward end of that compartment just abaft the thrust bearing:this ladder led exactly to the brine room door recess.This may be possibly have been altered in the Middlesborough ships althougha safe access across the shaft would have been required.
I would welcome your comments as to wether he is correct or not.

[GKPC]

The Mandama was alongside in Port Elizabeth on the 2nd April 1982, for repairs before loading for Antwerp and Sheerness.According to my notes we began loading on the 5th. At some stage after that I seem to recall there was talk of taking the apples out again and becoming "stuft" but didnt happen.However Sheerness was amended to Newport, where I paid off on 5th May.
Regards, Chris.

[Ray Vincent]

I joined BSL in 1950 and I find it difficult or almost impossible to find my way through the language now in use, in particular
the jargon icons and smilies,in all probabilities if someone took the trouble to explain the finer points to me today by tomorrow I would have forgotten a lot of the details. Whereas I found Frasers system easier to negotiate,in other words the present format is very difficult for someone of my vintage.

[Fraser Darrah]

I joined BSL in 1950 and I find it difficult or almost impossible to find my way through the language now in use, in particular
the jargon icons and smilies,in all probabilities if someone took the trouble to explain the finer points to me today by tomorrow I would have forgotten a lot of the details. Whereas I found Frasers system easier to negotiate,in other words the present format is very difficult for someone of my vintage.

I find it equaly confusing, but unfortunately the latest version of MS Server 2008R2 which is the operating system the server bluestarline.org is hosted on will not allow the page programming I used for the old Logbook. Jim Blake who set up the current Logbook is trying to simplify it.

I have placed a brief set of instructions at: http://www.bluestarline.org/logbook_buttons/New_Logbook_Instructions.pdf

Fraser

[george edwards]

Many thanks for the Log Book insructions,very helpful. We ars slowly getting there.
George Edwards

[Fraser Darrah]

Point Lynas Lighthouse ~ Photograph © Fraser Darrah

After the VGSA Luncheon in Liverpool I had a couple of days in Anglesey and took the opportunity to visit Point Lynas Lighthouse. We met the owner, Mrs. Iona Beckmann who kindly gave Gill & I a conducted tour. The actual lantern is leased back to Trinity House who have responsibility.

There are more photographs at: http://www.bluestarline.org/point_lynas/Point_Lynas_Lighthouse.html

[Fraser Darrah]

The VGSA Liverpool 18th Reunion Luncheon was held on Wed. 18th April 2012 at the Liverpool Marina & Harbourside Club.
Approximately 72 members attended and enjoyed meeting past aquaintances.
It was good to see Captain Ian MacKillop back in good form after his various health issues.

Photographs can be viewed at: http://www.bluestarline.org/VGSA_Liverpool_Reunion_2012/album/index.html