Had a old sea buddy send me a link today that l think is really important.
In a previous life, l were a orange person and we played in the ocean for 20 odd years.
There are no more Coastal Patrol Divisions in Victoria any more but other states still run and are screaming for new blood.
So a plug for those guys and gals.
May you travel the waters safely over this holiday break and stay safe.
And while l’m strolling,
The ‘retired’ crew and supporters of Patrol Boat GPV 5 and the new ‘Kemsley Streat’.
(If you are looking for me, just search for the smallest tacker wearing a tie.
On one side l have my mentor and friend, Mr Kemsley.
On the other l have my Chief advisor and very good friend, Mr Streat.
Fourth from the end is my Captain Dear Captain (l called him that for years)
A lot of good men.
Yep good help is hard to find -
people just arent putting their hands up to help these day
Makes me wonder where we are heading to be honest
BTW how lucky were you to have “sea legs “- I envy you
How long ago was it that Kemsley Streat was built? I remember it so well….all the fund raising and the problems while being built. Damn shame she’s still not servicing your area.
God, l remember it all so well. The begging for money and grant papers, the red tape, the building of the boat, etc.
My Captain dear Captain still has a home video of the launching day which shows me slogging a bottle of champers over the bow (and wearing the contents down the front of my uniform).
The photo above was taken in 2003 according to its file. Gosh, that seems so long ago and a bloody weird way to end 20 years of service in the next few months. If only we knew what the future held, we could of saved ourselves a heap of trouble.
Still, cant take the past back. We did do a lot of good over the years and l can sit back in my rocking chair and say ‘we saved some lives’.
The boat is still in the shed down here, cant say l’ve heard anything about her saving lives or even hitting the water. The media dont follow that mob around like they did with us. Haven’t seen mention of a single rescue in the locals for years. Shame, utter shame.
Did you spot Robin in the photo? (dont say which one tho. )
Yeah, I did. He sorta stands out. lol
At least the town still has the boat. Better then her being confiscated, even if she doesn’t go to work.
I presumed that was Robin near the end. Go all the vollies I say – fireys, ambos, coastguard types, SAR, they are all fantastic. In fact, today (5 December) is International Volunteers day – so find a firey and give him/her a hug (*especially if they look like this
http://www.firemanscalendar.co.nz/*) LOL