Hi,

Yesterday I made the journey to Selsey to check in on my old pal Lewis Sykes. As readers of this site will know Lewis has terminal cancer. He is fighting this bloody awful disease with courage and determination.
We had a lovely couple of hours chatting over old times and trying to cheer each other up. There were tears and a few larfs.

Both he and Audrey greatly appreciate the calls and good wishes they get from former shipmates, please keep them in your thoughts at this difficult time.

Yours aye, Mike

Hi everybody,

Some of you may already have worked out that it is our Blue Sapphire Wedding Anniversary on April 2nd 2025.

Well, we have had lots of good wishes and Celebratory Cards and the Paid For Card from our Sovereign and his Wife.

So, 65 years and two children and three grandkids, have we done well or not?

Daughter ended her career as an Assistant Surgeon in Cardiac Theatre, followed as an Assistant Surgeon at the American Heart Institute in Nicosia, Cyprus. She returned to to the Bristol Heart Institute in Bristol, and retired from there following a Respite Strain Injury following her sewing up patients for a number of years.

Son, was Project Manager Europe and married a Lady form Leipzig. They then were asked to move to the USA with our Son in the same position of Project Manager USA. Our grandchildren were born in Pineville Hospital on the borders of South and North Carolina. The latter will now start University next month in either Florida or North Carolina..... Why? Grandson wants to go to Uni with his childhood friends from Charlotte NC.

Meanwhile, my lady wife and I look to seeing our family together as their time allows.

Eldest granddaughter passed her Phd in London, and is now known as Dr. Claudai Jane Lowe. Odd that she is not allowed to use her married name.......

Best wishes to you all.

Yours aye

Bill.

So sorry to hear the sad news about John, a great friend and lots of laughs on the Yacht. He will be sorely missed, such a character and a great guy to have living in small spaces on the yacht.

Trying to locate Dan Archer. Ex bugler. Was in contact with him yesterday but contact info on phone has now gone. I believe he's coming to Plymouth soon. My number is 01752600125. 07748014083. Appreciate any help. Cheers guys!

Farewell to another fine player from the Euph & Cello club, we have certainly had many great players in that catergory over the years. My thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time. My son simon will be accompanying me to the Albert Hall this coming Friday to check out the Massed Bands Concert, so expect to see and hear some great Military Band Music, perhaps have a chat with the King ! but most of all, look forward to an excellent evening of music making from the worlds best....See you in the Countermarch......Michael.

Good morning,

So sorry to hear the news that John Sharp has crossed the bar. As Rodney has said, he was a fine musician he also possessed a great sense of humour. We served together In HERMES 62/64 commission.
RIP John.

Mike

It is with great sadness that I write to report that John Sharp died in Niort Hosp France last night.
(10th Mar)

I'm sure there are many of you who will remember John as a fine Euph and Cello.

Good morning,

Many of you may remember Lewis (Lew) Sykes, Cornet and Violin, we served together in HMS HERMES 1962/4 under the baton of Graham Hoskins. We have been great mates ever since.
A few weeks ago Lewis was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer. I went to see him yesterday at his home in Selsey. He is bed bound and is accepting of the outcome. We spent a couple of hours chatting and at time there were tears but also laughter.
I know that his wife Audrey, is appreciative of the support in the form of phone calls from former colleagues and friends. please keep them in your thoughts at this difficult time.

Yours, Mike

[Editor] You're a good man plz tell him I have him in my prayers.

Hi Richard,

Interesting article from George Latham but it then raised a question from my Squadie Bill Hartland. We both knew George but neither of us could remember if he was in our squad or not. So Richard if it is possible would you be able to contact George and give him my email address? Would love to hear from him.

My best regards to all of those who are still on this site.

Cheers from Down Under,

Eric.

John Borrington

A very good write up by one of John's son's, who detailed much about John I wasn't aware of, desite having served with him.....

As soon as I boarded HMS Lion, I was summoned to the Bridge, where John was waiting with my fellow Solo Clart, Ginge Feather. John then told us both that I was to be the Principal Clarinet! For those who wouldn't know, it was a procedure that the longest serving was to lead and others follow. Ginge bless his little soul, didn't make any protest as I pointed out to John that seniority counted as to who did what and how, but John was resolute and that was that.

The events of that Pier Head jump resulted in Dodger Long telephoning me and asking would I like to go to HMS Terror for 30 months on a married accompanied draft. I served with Dodger in the Home Fleet and HMS Drake.

I have emailed others of Johns address and the Christian name of Johns widow. His Son Mark has noted that.

Dear Richard ,

69 years ago today, 20 new recruits arrived in snowy Deal. Sadly only 3 of us (of the ones who got rated) are left. Mike Tellick, Ray Grant and myself.

Many cherished memories of 18 years service . With no hesitation I would do the same again. Proud to be associated with the great Band Service Family �

Regards to all

Barry