Happy New year, and I hope you two are wintering ok.
I see by your blog posting you must be up and around after surgery.
I’m ratcheting down at the call center, to a 3 day week, my voice has had it after 15 years.
You might have heard there’s been drama there lately, another name change, etc.
I do a lot surfing online for art and photography and stumbled a picture,
a neat little motorcycle sidecar, if I could attach the picture, will send.
Another one of my “someday” model building projects.
Hi Wendell
Happy New Year, you must be one of the all time veterans at Resolve or whatever they call themselves these days. Linda sends her regards, we are visiting with Valentina this afternoon, I expect you will remember our Russian friend. I tried to add a link to a very interesting video but your email address bounced. I’ll attach it here and see if it works?? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKps5ORD228. All the Best Ben (irishrover)
Thanks for the scooter clip, fantastic, that must be in the early 60’s,
before Beatle haircuts.
All the high schools in Calgary had dozens of scooters parked out front-
I miss my Honda 50 Cub, and am on the lookout for one to restore someday.
(I missed my chance to by that 175 cc Honda Linda had)
If you like, try sending something again-
the two l’s up against the h seems to cause typo’s
Then I can attach the sidecar /smartcar picture in a reply
I’m Scott Redford, owner of Diesel eBooks. You have a nice website and we hope you will use it to announce where your ebooks can be found. Please take a moment and paste the below “My latest Diesel eBook” link to your website. Your readers will be grateful (so will we), for when “clicked”, it will take you to your most recent book at our web store. Please see for yourself by clicking on the below link or pasting the URL in your browser:
Also, don’t forget to click the “like” button underneath your cover on your diesel book page. Get your friends and fans to click as well. More clicks equals more exposure for you. It takes just a second and this will automatically put your title on Facebook for everybody to see. Never know – you may go viral.
Our authors tell us that linking to their titles increases their sales so please take a few moments to past the code and start promoting. If you need help just let me know.
Give me a quick email back on your decision if you can… and keep up the good work.
Scott
Diesel eBook Store
1202 Peachtree Blvd
Richmond VA 23226
804-201-4162
Hello Scott
Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. However, I do have a good excuse, on the 3rd February last year I was in hospital awaiting heart surgery. I received quadruple bypass and it has taken me a while to get caught up. Your site is now linked on my web page and I have registered on your site.
Cheers Frederick Rodgers
Ben,
Sorry to hear that you have been ill. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. So glad your family is there keeping you company. I know the time must be long as you wait for surgery. I spent two months at the old Grace Maternity a number of years ago, so I know what it’s like to be away from home. I know they are good at taking care of you so that is some comfort. Joel and I will be trying to check all the books for you. Just focus all your energy on getting better. Say hi to Linda.
All the best, Nora
Hi Ben,
You write a ripping yarn, full of human interest.
About the sub that dived out of control – if you were near the Bermuda triangle I have heard a theory that giant pockets of methane gas rise from the sea bed there and may have accounted for some of the ships that disappeared. Perhaps that was what happened to your vessel.
I am a retired (freshwater) hydrographer a month younger than yourself so could relate to the times mentioned in ‘The Royal Navy and Me’.
Hi Bob
First please let me thank you for your kind words about my book ‘The Royal Navy & Me’ they are very much appreciated. I’d be interested in learning how you came by the book? it is available on Amazon and as an Ebook but I rarely sell so far off as Australia. Have you read the first book ‘Lily & Me’ I think its the better of the two? Now, to your theory of a methane gas bubble being the cause of our uncontrolled dive. I have given this idea some thought but still return to the ice berg as the most likely cause. I would expect a large bubble of gas rising from the sea floor would make some kind of noise or disturbance in the water that would be detectable on sonar. Sonar did not hear anything unusual that morning. Its so long ago I can’t remember exactly where we were located, but its quite likely we were in the Bermuda area. I hope you will reply and I look forward to hearing from you, I’m interested in knowing which part of Australia you are located in. I have fond memories of my time there in 1956, I had an aunt who immigrated in 1935, a very brave thing for a young girl to do all those years ago. I now have some sixty relatives living down under.
Best Wishes Frederick Rodgers
Hi Mike
You are the second person to say its a football tee, so that’s what it must be it. How it ended up in a box of Lambretta spare parts is still a mystery though
You may remember you supplied some copies of your book Lily & Me to us for resale. We have received an order for a copy and would appreciate if you could contact me at Ulster Historical Foundation. Kathryn (Tel: 02890 661988) or enquiry@uhf.org.uk
After seeing you at the yard sale I returned to my apartment and spent the rest of the day, the evening, the night and the early morning with you and Lily. Your story was interesting and I like your style. Sometimes as I read in the night I would forget the fact that this was a true story and find myself wondering when little Frederick, Eric, Ben Cook Rodgers would morph into a MI5 spy or a serial killer. Instead I remember the dapper Irishman from my yard sale wandering. Lily And Me is a testament to the resilience of the spirit of the child. I don’t think all children are blessed with your resilience but you were and we your readers are thankful. Ivan Gallant; e-mail; jivangallant@Gmail.com
I read your x-mas story, when I was looking for “Miss Lily Cook” in St. Lawrence, IoW, where I stayed with her at the Vestry Cottage for a couple of weeks in 1967. I was a teenage-girl when I met her first at Chilton Lane in Brighstone where I spent the summer 1965 at a friends place. Anyway, your story brought back to me, wonderful memories…
Hi Donna my sister moved from the IOW in approx 1953 so definitely no connection but I’m glad you enjoyed my story. The IOW was probably the happiest time of my trouble childhood
I happen to come across your page trying to search some random terms as I have been looking for my father, John Brian Hutchinson
Born: Guiseley, Yorkshire England on August 2nd or 3rd 1942
Mother: Mary (do not know surname; however, she had a sister Ann)
He served in, The Royal Navy, Stationed on the HMS Alcide when he married my mother Elaine Grafton at HMCS Stadacona,Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in Nov. 12, 1964. At that time they lived at 2 Cherry Drive, Dartmouth, N.S. Canada He was still on board when they brought the HMS Alcides back to england. My mother remembers he had some buddies although she can’t remember their names she does remember some of the nicknames like, smokey (she said, smokey helped, then get together), Gordon Doran, Rosie, and Nick.
Is there any chance you knew him or know where I could find him? Any information would help and is greatly appreciated.
Re: Alcide Question
Dave Mercer
01/12/2014
[Flag this message]
To: Frederick Ben Rodgers
Hi Ben, I received a similar message from the same lady, I tried to reply to her but as I am not a paid up member of the Forces web site my e mail reply did not go through.
The name sounds familiar but that is about it.
Thank you Dave,
I do recognize your name from Forces Reunited, so yes that was me. I really do appreciate you messaging me. Hopefully, I will eventually learn something that will help me locate him. It might be helpful to know, he had a hair lip. Mom said he was self conscious about it, just in case the feature might bring back some sort of memory. I also know he had a younger brother David. In addition, mom said, when the HMS Alcide returned to England they lived at 40 Sephton Close, Rowner, Gosport, Hants, Naval Estate from Feb. 1967- May 1967 at that time my mother returned to the Boston, Mass with me.
My name’s Hazel; I’m a writer from Nottingham. I’m moving to Rif, Iceland soon as an Artist In Residence to develop and produce a play I’m writing called The Catch, based on the cod wars between the UK and Iceland from 1951 – ’76. The play includes the boarding of Northern Foam by officers from the ICGV Þór and their subsequent stay on the HMS Eastbourne. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind discussing this a little with me please? I’d be honoured to speak to someone involved!
Hi Ben, We don’t know each other but we are both TROG’s, I joined in May 1965. I’m building some photo galleries for the HMS Ganges Museum and found your page whilst looking for photos of the old place and TROGs. Would you mind if I added your class photo to the galleries, I would credit it you in the caption and if you have any other photos from your time at Shotley that you’re willing to share that would be great. All the best, Jim Worlding. https://pbase.com/hms_ganges_museum/profile
You have published my original poem on your blog. I would be most grateful if you would kindly attribute it to me. The title is “Let’s All Drink to Lockdown “. You have headed it “Social Girl”.
Kind regards
Jan Beaumont
Auckland, NZ
(Home of the All Blacks but we love your Irish rugby team!)
I’m not aware of having posted your poem or the title Social Girl? I’m quite sure I would have remember it if I’d blogged this particular article??? Think you are confusing my blog with someone else
Hi there Ben,
I’m looking into the history of HMS Cockade. My Uncle Godfrey George served on her in the far east and wonder whether you might be able to id some photographs for me?
Thanks!
Hywel
Will certainly try if you send the photos, However, your uncles name its on the 1956-58 commission, must have been an earlier commission. The chances I can id your photos are not too likely.
irishroversbooks.wordpress.com 
Happy New year, and I hope you two are wintering ok.
I see by your blog posting you must be up and around after surgery.
I’m ratcheting down at the call center, to a 3 day week, my voice has had it after 15 years.
You might have heard there’s been drama there lately, another name change, etc.
I do a lot surfing online for art and photography and stumbled a picture,
a neat little motorcycle sidecar, if I could attach the picture, will send.
Another one of my “someday” model building projects.
All the best, Wendell Hughes
Hi Wendell
Happy New Year, you must be one of the all time veterans at Resolve or whatever they call themselves these days. Linda sends her regards, we are visiting with Valentina this afternoon, I expect you will remember our Russian friend. I tried to add a link to a very interesting video but your email address bounced. I’ll attach it here and see if it works??
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKps5ORD228. All the Best Ben (irishrover)
just wondering if you knew my dad Kenneth splitpin Layton he was stoker in korea
Difficult to answer your inquiry with so little info? what ship what year etc.
Thanks for the scooter clip, fantastic, that must be in the early 60’s,
before Beatle haircuts.
All the high schools in Calgary had dozens of scooters parked out front-
I miss my Honda 50 Cub, and am on the lookout for one to restore someday.
(I missed my chance to by that 175 cc Honda Linda had)
If you like, try sending something again-
the two l’s up against the h seems to cause typo’s
Then I can attach the sidecar /smartcar picture in a reply
Wendell
Hi Ben, found it
Pastime at the River
if that sidecar isnt a Smart car ?!?!
the artist is Kevin Walsh, if you google his name under Brisish nostalgia
Frederick,
I’m Scott Redford, owner of Diesel eBooks. You have a nice website and we hope you will use it to announce where your ebooks can be found. Please take a moment and paste the below “My latest Diesel eBook” link to your website. Your readers will be grateful (so will we), for when “clicked”, it will take you to your most recent book at our web store. Please see for yourself by clicking on the below link or pasting the URL in your browser:
http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/index.php?page=item&id=SW00000034018
Paste this code on your website to show the above link to your readers:
My latest Diesel eBook
You can also send your readers to a tailored listing of your eBooks at our store using the below code.
See me at Diesel eBook Store
Also, don’t forget to click the “like” button underneath your cover on your diesel book page. Get your friends and fans to click as well. More clicks equals more exposure for you. It takes just a second and this will automatically put your title on Facebook for everybody to see. Never know – you may go viral.
Our authors tell us that linking to their titles increases their sales so please take a few moments to past the code and start promoting. If you need help just let me know.
Give me a quick email back on your decision if you can… and keep up the good work.
Scott
Diesel eBook Store
1202 Peachtree Blvd
Richmond VA 23226
804-201-4162
Hello Scott
Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. However, I do have a good excuse, on the 3rd February last year I was in hospital awaiting heart surgery. I received quadruple bypass and it has taken me a while to get caught up. Your site is now linked on my web page and I have registered on your site.
Cheers Frederick Rodgers
Ben,
Sorry to hear that you have been ill. I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. So glad your family is there keeping you company. I know the time must be long as you wait for surgery. I spent two months at the old Grace Maternity a number of years ago, so I know what it’s like to be away from home. I know they are good at taking care of you so that is some comfort. Joel and I will be trying to check all the books for you. Just focus all your energy on getting better. Say hi to Linda.
All the best, Nora
Hi Ben,
You write a ripping yarn, full of human interest.
About the sub that dived out of control – if you were near the Bermuda triangle I have heard a theory that giant pockets of methane gas rise from the sea bed there and may have accounted for some of the ships that disappeared. Perhaps that was what happened to your vessel.
I am a retired (freshwater) hydrographer a month younger than yourself so could relate to the times mentioned in ‘The Royal Navy and Me’.
Best of luck with your writing,
Bob Bird
Hi Bob
First please let me thank you for your kind words about my book ‘The Royal Navy & Me’ they are very much appreciated. I’d be interested in learning how you came by the book? it is available on Amazon and as an Ebook but I rarely sell so far off as Australia. Have you read the first book ‘Lily & Me’ I think its the better of the two? Now, to your theory of a methane gas bubble being the cause of our uncontrolled dive. I have given this idea some thought but still return to the ice berg as the most likely cause. I would expect a large bubble of gas rising from the sea floor would make some kind of noise or disturbance in the water that would be detectable on sonar. Sonar did not hear anything unusual that morning. Its so long ago I can’t remember exactly where we were located, but its quite likely we were in the Bermuda area. I hope you will reply and I look forward to hearing from you, I’m interested in knowing which part of Australia you are located in. I have fond memories of my time there in 1956, I had an aunt who immigrated in 1935, a very brave thing for a young girl to do all those years ago. I now have some sixty relatives living down under.
Best Wishes Frederick Rodgers
Hi Ben: We’ve ‘lost’ your email address……please email us back so we can keep in touch.
Thanks, Patti and Brian
The picture you have of the “Mystery Part” does appear to be a tee for kicking an American football.
Mike
Santa Monica, CA.
Hi Mike
You are the second person to say its a football tee, so that’s what it must be it. How it ended up in a box of Lambretta spare parts is still a mystery though
Dear Mr Rodgers
You may remember you supplied some copies of your book Lily & Me to us for resale. We have received an order for a copy and would appreciate if you could contact me at Ulster Historical Foundation. Kathryn (Tel: 02890 661988) or enquiry@uhf.org.uk
Yes I do remember, however the books were supplied from a distributor if I recall correctly. Did you have a question or problem concerning the book??
After seeing you at the yard sale I returned to my apartment and spent the rest of the day, the evening, the night and the early morning with you and Lily. Your story was interesting and I like your style. Sometimes as I read in the night I would forget the fact that this was a true story and find myself wondering when little Frederick, Eric, Ben Cook Rodgers would morph into a MI5 spy or a serial killer. Instead I remember the dapper Irishman from my yard sale wandering. Lily And Me is a testament to the resilience of the spirit of the child. I don’t think all children are blessed with your resilience but you were and we your readers are thankful. Ivan Gallant; e-mail; jivangallant@Gmail.com
I read your x-mas story, when I was looking for “Miss Lily Cook” in St. Lawrence, IoW, where I stayed with her at the Vestry Cottage for a couple of weeks in 1967. I was a teenage-girl when I met her first at Chilton Lane in Brighstone where I spent the summer 1965 at a friends place. Anyway, your story brought back to me, wonderful memories…
…sorry, I missed to say, even though she has the same name, she cannot be your sister!
Hi Donna my sister moved from the IOW in approx 1953 so definitely no connection but I’m glad you enjoyed my story. The IOW was probably the happiest time of my trouble childhood
Hello Irish Rover,
I happen to come across your page trying to search some random terms as I have been looking for my father, John Brian Hutchinson
Born: Guiseley, Yorkshire England on August 2nd or 3rd 1942
Mother: Mary (do not know surname; however, she had a sister Ann)
He served in, The Royal Navy, Stationed on the HMS Alcide when he married my mother Elaine Grafton at HMCS Stadacona,Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada in Nov. 12, 1964. At that time they lived at 2 Cherry Drive, Dartmouth, N.S. Canada He was still on board when they brought the HMS Alcides back to england. My mother remembers he had some buddies although she can’t remember their names she does remember some of the nicknames like, smokey (she said, smokey helped, then get together), Gordon Doran, Rosie, and Nick.
Is there any chance you knew him or know where I could find him? Any information would help and is greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your help
Hi Andrea I have post your email on my blog, hopefully some one will know him and contact me and in turn I will contact you.
Thank you so very much, I can’t tell you how much this means to me!
Re: Alcide Question
Dave Mercer
01/12/2014
[Flag this message]
To: Frederick Ben Rodgers
Hi Ben, I received a similar message from the same lady, I tried to reply to her but as I am not a paid up member of the Forces web site my e mail reply did not go through.
The name sounds familiar but that is about it.
Thank you Dave,
I do recognize your name from Forces Reunited, so yes that was me. I really do appreciate you messaging me. Hopefully, I will eventually learn something that will help me locate him. It might be helpful to know, he had a hair lip. Mom said he was self conscious about it, just in case the feature might bring back some sort of memory. I also know he had a younger brother David. In addition, mom said, when the HMS Alcide returned to England they lived at 40 Sephton Close, Rowner, Gosport, Hants, Naval Estate from Feb. 1967- May 1967 at that time my mother returned to the Boston, Mass with me.
Pingback: A Late Christmas Gift Idea. | The Irish Rover's Blog
Please feel free. Interesting story told to me by the young man who died at that spot a week later
Dear Ben,
My name’s Hazel; I’m a writer from Nottingham. I’m moving to Rif, Iceland soon as an Artist In Residence to develop and produce a play I’m writing called The Catch, based on the cod wars between the UK and Iceland from 1951 – ’76. The play includes the boarding of Northern Foam by officers from the ICGV Þór and their subsequent stay on the HMS Eastbourne. I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind discussing this a little with me please? I’d be honoured to speak to someone involved!
Here’s my email address: hazelrmonaghan@gmail.com
I’d love to hear from you! Many thanks, Hazel
Hi Ben, We don’t know each other but we are both TROG’s, I joined in May 1965. I’m building some photo galleries for the HMS Ganges Museum and found your page whilst looking for photos of the old place and TROGs. Would you mind if I added your class photo to the galleries, I would credit it you in the caption and if you have any other photos from your time at Shotley that you’re willing to share that would be great. All the best, Jim Worlding.
https://pbase.com/hms_ganges_museum/profile
Happy to oblige Jim. Do I post them to the web page or do you have an email address
You have published my original poem on your blog. I would be most grateful if you would kindly attribute it to me. The title is “Let’s All Drink to Lockdown “. You have headed it “Social Girl”.
Kind regards
Jan Beaumont
Auckland, NZ
(Home of the All Blacks but we love your Irish rugby team!)
I’m not aware of having posted your poem or the title Social Girl? I’m quite sure I would have remember it if I’d blogged this particular article??? Think you are confusing my blog with someone else
Hi there Ben,
I’m looking into the history of HMS Cockade. My Uncle Godfrey George served on her in the far east and wonder whether you might be able to id some photographs for me?
Thanks!
Hywel
I will certainly try if you send me the photos. However, I have looked up your uncles name and it doesn’t show on my ships compan list y
Will certainly try if you send the photos, However, your uncles name its on the 1956-58 commission, must have been an earlier commission. The chances I can id your photos are not too likely.