Modern cruise ships leave a sinking feeling

I WAS delighted to read the recent letter from Mrs JM Andrews, and to know that someone else agrees with me.

In the 1950s and 60s, I went on many cruises with P&O, on their lovely old ships and they were absolutely wonderful holidays.

But a few years ago, having always wanted to go on a cruise again, I made the mistake of doing just that on one of their mega-liners. What a disaster!

Gone were the long lazy days of relaxing on the deck, swimming, playing deck tennis, or just relaxing and watching the lovely blue sea as we sailed slowly by, calling at just three or four ports in two weeks.

Instead we hardly saw the sea at all. The sailing was done at night so one woke up every morning to a different dock-side. The massive ship was packed with people – it was like having a holiday at Meadowhall or a holiday camp – the decks were even too crowded to see the Rock of Gibraltar as we passed through.

I cannot understand why these people don’t simply fly from city to city – why go on the sea which you never see?

It seemed to me that the majority of passengers were only there to dress up or take advantage of the cheap drinks and gargantuan amounts of food.

There was no naval atmosphere, and no naval terms used on the ship – now it is rooms instead of cabins for instance – no trips to the bridge or engine room. How sad that P&O have come to this. The husband of a friend of mine, on returning from one of these cruises, said to his wife: “Let’s go on a holiday to the seaside!”

These new ships are incredibly ugly and spoil the view of whatever bay they are anchored in, and it makes one wonder what will happen to them when, eventually, the discerning holiday-maker tires of them.

And on a similar subject, why are those wonderful old liners the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth now referred to as “cruise liners”?

They were passenger-carrying trans-Atlantic liners, and it is an insult to call them anything else.

Memories of the moors

From: Michael Parker, HEC Associates, Venture House, Arundel Street, Sheffield.

THE Moors Memories Project is an oral history partnership project that aims to record the relationship between the people and the moors in and around the Peak District – with a current focus upon the Bradfield, Langsett and Midhope areas.

HEC Associates have been asked to collect the memories of people who have lived and worked in the moorland areas of interest, particularly in the water industry or have used them for leisure down through the years.

We would like to hear about the changes to the landscape and way of life you may have witnessed and also hear from those who remember significant events connected with the moorland areas. For example, the Second World War decoys and the effects these events had on life on the moors in question. Or maybe you helped dig sheep from snow drifts or tackle moorland wildfires in days gone by?

In other words, if you have a story to tell regarding life on the Peakland moors, then we would love to hear from you.

The memories will be safely stored in a permanent public archive besides in addition forming the basis for the creation of a new exhibition based in the Moorland Centre at Edale and a series of new audio trails and booklets. Therefore, anyone interested in sharing their moorland reminiscences, please contact: Christine Handley or Michael Parker at HEC Associates on (0114) 272 4227 or email [email protected]

Day of Royal celebrations

From: Kate Empsall, Helm, Askrigg, Leyburn.

THE media seems to be saying that communities are not celebrating the Royal wedding next Friday. All I can assume is that they are contacting local councils, who have not received many applications for street parties due to unwieldy rules.

Well rest assured we are celebrating here in Wensleydale, in Askrigg and Bainbridge, though not using streets, but other public spaces.

In Askrigg the bring and share event is on the football pitch, at Yorebridge from 3pm. It will be held regardless of weather, so local people and holiday makers are welcome to take marquuees, gazebos etc. The theme is red, white and blue. One of the organisers says “Make it how you want to, to celebrate”. In Bainbridge, the bring and share tea party is on the village green from 4pm, and is being organised by the Millennium Committee, who are providing a drink for a toast.

Hugh Gregson, a former chairman of the parish council, will present some commemorative items to all children of 11 years and under, who live in the large parish consisting of Bainbridge village, Worton and Rayalside. There will be music, a treasure hunt and games for children.

Let’s make the most of the day off, in this period of doom and gloom.