Norman Tripp
Hello all ex shipmates and PWSTS Grenville 1966
classmates. My first ship on leaving PWSTS was the British Centaur, together
with Derek Jones who was also in Grenville 66 with me. I went on to serve with
Shaw Saville (southern cross), Cunard (Franconia), Fyffes (Turrialba) doing a
round robin from LA and South America to Japan and Hong Kong. Bananas one way
and hard
goods back. Great ship. I finished with the RFA supply ship Olmeda out of
Portsmouth.
In 1971 my wonderful wife Jennifer trapped me into marriage and we have two
fantastic sons. Tragically we lost our eldest boy at 33 yrs of age. He was a
engine and airframe fitter on helicopters. We miss him terribly.
In 1972 I left the navy and bought and managed my own catering business. In 1977
I
joined the Police and served for 25 years, 15 of which I spent on the Police
Marine Unit as a Coxswain. On retiring in 2001, I became security manager of a
cosmetics company in Portsmouth, which 2 years later went into liquidation. This prompted our move back to Bournemouth. I spent 4 yrs at Bournemouth
Airport as a security agent and now work part time at Bournemouth University (more time for golf ).
Other than Derek Jones, I only vaguely remember John Broadbent, as he lived just
down the road from me in B/mouth in 65. However, Jonathan Snook (our class
leader) and his lovely wife Linda have been, and still remain, very close friends. We have never lost touch over all these years. We attended each others
weddings and our children played together. We are due to fly out to them in Canada
in August. Jon never lets me forget the dart in the radiator incident at PWSTS.
I thought it was the end for me that day!!.
By coincidence, whilst living in Lee on Solent, Hants, in 1990, Len King who was
in Endeavour 1965 bought the house next to me. Len and his lovely wife Jan became
close friends of ours. They now live in Stubbington, Hants. We see them often.
If any old boys fancy a couple of beers and a bit of reminiscence, get in touch.
Ministry of Defence Police Launch Portsmouth
Ministry of Defence Police Launch Portsmouth
