your comments
If you are under 16 please do not disclose your surname.
We try to publish as many comments as we can but unfortunately, due to the volume of comments we receive every day, we cannot guarantee that all comments submitted will be published
Nick, Web Team
Hi all, we are closing this board as the appreciation society website is now up and running. We're glad to have been able to help and to have played a part in the debate.
Hwyl am y tro - bye for now.
Fri Jan 25 08:30:34 2008
Willow
I have just received notice that BBC can't forward on details any more. Can I therefore urge anyone who is interested in the meeting to contact via the email address on the www.dukeoflancaster.net site?
Thu Jan 24 16:03:30 2008
Willow
Gareth, my email address is on the web site www.dukeoflancaster.net or you can get it through this site. I haven't received emails from anyone yet. Could I ask everyone who is willing to attend a meeting to contact me at the email address on the www.dukeoflancaster.net site. If I have a definitive list of takers I am happy to arrange a venue, issue directions and more importantly drive down to the ship and ask the owners if they would attend. If comms are proving to be a problem, let me have your details and if you are happy for it to happen I will publish them to the web site.
Thu Jan 24 11:00:51 2008
Gareth Perks, Telford, Shropshire
Dave, I have tried to contact Willow to help him run his site but no good - no contact as I don't have his email address so I do not know what's going on.
Thu Jan 24 08:49:21 2008
John Veal from Hull
I have contacted all the local newspapers and the BBC, also local libraries to try and find some photos of the day the Duke of Lancaster was brought to Llanerch-y-Mor. Unfortunately my search has been fruitless. Can anyone help?
Wed Jan 23 16:30:08 2008
Dave from Greenfield
For Gareth Perks. The idea of a Duke appreciation society is the best idea for years. Giving up before the thing has got off the ground is the wrong attitude. We need to get together, pool our ideas and agree on the next step. This could be the start of something very interesting. As for contacting the ship's owners, this needs to be done by only one person, not lots of individuals. Contact John or Willow I am sure they are a few steps ahead of you on this one. I think you owe me a pint for pointing you in the right direction.
Wed Jan 23 08:13:14 2008
Gareth Perks, Telford
For Dave from Greenfield, all I said was it would be a good idea to contact the owners and that I would have a go. And what makes you think I won't turn up for a meeting - you don't even know me. I drove up last week from Telford to take a look at the ship in the pants weather to take a look at her so yes Dave, I do have an interest and I will turn up.
Tue Jan 22 08:28:54 2008
Dave from Greenfield
I reckon there is more chance of the ship's owners going to this first meeting than there is of Gareth Perks going. Prove me wrong Gareth and I will leave some money at the bar for a drink. (I think my money is safe.)
Mon Jan 21 09:22:28 2008
Peter, Derby
If someone is going to contact the owners, please make it clear that we are in fact on their side and not scary folk.I have to say a Saturday would be a lot better for me (sorry).
Mon Jan 21 08:23:53 2008
Gareth Perks, Telford
I think it would be a waste of time if the owners did not turn up. We need to contact them. I will have a go and see what happens.
Fri Jan 18 07:40:16 2008
Willow
Happy with either date. I can make a few recommendations where to meet.
Fri Jan 18 07:33:58 2008
John Veal, Hull
Ian in Stockport, I was thinking more of an indoor venue. We just don't know what the weather will be like. If the owners want to attend, they will be very welcome. Unfortunately I doubt that they will!
Thu Jan 17 14:41:51 2008
Ian in Stockport
Sundays are probably better for people with work commitments on Saturdays, however do they still have the Sunday market on the site? If so would this be a good or bad thing as the owners might be there and able to meet us.How about either Sunday the 16th or Sunday the 30th (either side of the Easter break)?
Thu Jan 17 12:36:25 2008
John Veal, Hull
I think it's now time we arranged our first meeting for the Duke of Lancaster appreciation society. I personally favour some time in March, either a Saturday or a Sunday. Post your thoughts here and let's see if we can all agree on a date. When we have come to a decision then we will be able to arrange a venue. So come on guys let's take the next step forward.
Thu Jan 17 10:21:04 2008
Peter, Derby
Willow. I would have emailed you, but unfortunately I do not have it. (I checked the site but could not find it.) John Veal has my email address. I do like the temporary site that you have set up.
Mon Jan 14 14:35:59 2008
Willow
For Mike, a real shot in the dark, if your father is called Jim could you contact me through this site? But, you are absolutely correct about the coastal path. A colleague of mine is keeping up to date with progress, which seems to have faltered recently.
Mon Jan 14 14:35:35 2008
Mike Taylor, Chester
Coastal issues are coming to the fore. An All Wales Coastal Path is being created through Flintshire, the aim is to get people locally and regionally to access the coastline (see CCW website). The ship is on the path as a major waymarker. The ship offers views over an internationally important site for estuary wildlife and has great potential. A local sea cadet group may also be a good partner. A partnership or trust may be the way forward as per Greenfield Valley. It would be a great place to hire bikes from with FCC's proposed cyclepath too. I wish you luck in securing the ship's future and its place on the coastal path.
Mon Jan 14 09:47:33 2008
Willow
Guys, the web hosting is sorted. www.dukeoflancaster.net. Very basic for now, but I must admit the response from people has been particularly underwelming. Other than John Veal I have been contacted directly by zero people. My email address is on the site. I still need a web administrator to contact me.
Fri Jan 11 15:58:58 2008
Pete, Derby
Willow and John Veal. What is the latest? Haven't heard anything on the email or message board front. If you can keep me abreast of news I would be fully appreciative.
Fri Jan 11 13:45:38 2008
John Veal Hull
The Duke of Lancster appreciaction society website is almost ready. Can anyone donate any old photos of the Duke not previously seen on the web. Anything will be appreciated. Maybe the BBC have some in their archives. We would especialy like some of the day the ship arrived at Llanerch-y-Mor. The good people at Soliter, Mr Rowley and Mrs Scott will have some. Come on, be good sports and help us out. After all we are about to embarras Flintshire council for way they have blocked all your attempts over the last 27 years to turn the Duke into a viable tourist attraction. If you can help scroll down to the bottom of this page and in the comments section, ask the BBC to pass on your email address to me.
Thu Jan 10 08:41:55 2008
Justin Merrigan, Hobart
Hi from Tasmania! I note there are a couple of links to various web sites which feature the above ship. I would if you would be willing to add mine, which not only features the ship but also contains some interesting comments from her former Captains: http://www.sealink-holyhead.com/ships/Dukes/noble_dukes.htm
Thu Jan 3 14:54:54 2008
Willow
For Gareth. Can you drop me a line, the web hosting is set up for the site, I need to give you the passwords. For the BBC. Please can you forward my email address to anyone who would like to get in touch. For Robert. I only agreed to get involved with the project on 7th Dec, by 19th the site was ready for an administrator. 14 days, not months. For everyone else - a post Christmas rant. Come on guys, get in touch. If we are going to move this project on we need actions not words. Again can I implore you to contact John Veal? It seems from his note here that not many have. I expect we have all been busy with Christmas but with that out of the way let's do something positive in Jan and Feb instead of moan about all the weight we've put on and how much money we've spent! (And all the hangovers we've suffered!)
Thu Jan 3 13:39:04 2008
John Veal from Hull
To Robert from Birmingham. I have been speaking to Willow and we both agree that that we need to use the name of the ship The Duke of Lancaster. The Fun Ship was a mickey mouse name given to a once proud vessel. If you have previously served on committees then any help you can give will be invaluable. I have asked the BBC to pass on my email address to a number of people and to their credit each time the BBC has emailed me to say that they have. Unfortunately not everyone who has expressed an interest on these pages has been in touch. If you scroll down to the bottom of this page in the comment section ask the BBC to forward your email address to me, I am sure they will, they do for me. I look forward to hearing from you and anyone else interested in joining us.
Wed Jan 2 10:39:59 2008
Mathew from Swindon
Hi, Does anyone know how I could get in contact with the owners of the ship? It's with regards to a project!
Mon Dec 31 08:41:02 2007
Robert, Birmingham
Willow, I can assure you I am not diluting the effort being shown here. For several months there have been posts saying a website is needed but nothing had been done, so, I have donated a couple of domain names and the necessary hosting for a website, forums and email. Sadly, because of the delays in posts being written and appearing here your message about the domain you have donated wasn't showing up when I wrote my post otherwise I would have kept silent. Having served on a couple of committees over the last fifteen years I know the importance of a concerted effort.
Mon Dec 31 08:37:45 2007
Willow
Robert, I have just read your comments, sorry I missed them before. Could you please read through the threads because a site was already in progress when you decided to register the site you have. I don't want to put a dampener on things, and any help we can get that's great but if you read my notes I have previously said a concerted effort is needed. We are pulling in different directions for the same cause. Could I suggest you contact John Veal via this site?
Mon Dec 24 09:15:32 2007
Willow
Well the deed has been done. dukeoflancaster.net has been registered. Gareth, if you want to contact me through the BBC I can sort out all the login details etc.
Fri Dec 21 08:16:23 2007
Ian in Stockport
Came across this tribute video on youtube.Worth a look. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrN8lUauZpU
Fri Dec 21 08:09:46 2007
Robert from Birmingham
Hi, I've been fascinated by this ship since I heard about it a couple of years ago. I hope no one objects but I've taken it upon myself to register a domain and set up a small website on behalf of the "Duke of Lancaster Appreciation Society". It's obviously very much in its infancy. Please see mostynfunship.co.uk
I don't envisage being able to do too much with the DoLAS but this is my contribution and I hope it helps get the ball rolling. I can help with ideas but I'm not great at implementation!
Thu Dec 20 08:54:57 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford, Shropshire
Hi Willow, I would have time after work and weekends to run as administrator for you if you like.
Thu Dec 20 08:40:50 2007
John Veal
To Mr Rowley and Mrs Scott. We would be most grateful if you would let us have some photos of the Duke of Lancaster that have not been seen on the internet before. This would be a great addition to the new web site presently being set up. We look forward to hearing from you.
Wed Dec 19 16:18:54 2007
Willow
Peter, the land that has been cleared and flattened is by the market car park on the opposite side to the ship's access road. As such it has no significant effect to access. What I did say in a previous note was that this might make it easier to bring the broken ship up the culvert to be loaded in the car park onto wagons. This is purely speculation though and the work of an over active imagination. We don't need to worry about a website, I have registered one already and it should be live this week. What I do need though is someone to run it as an administrator. I really don't have the time to do this.
Wed Dec 19 09:14:22 2007
Peter, Derby
If someone is able to contact the owners, and once we have The Appreciation Society up and running, a visit on board the ship (of a daytime of course, as it scares me witless of a night) from the interior if we can find a way of a use that we could forward to the owners. I have heard that they have flattened ground close to the car park for easier access. I have to say that the positive comments on this board is a promising sign.
Tue Dec 18 08:21:12 2007
Peter, Derby
I also have stumbled across this. I am sure it is quite worthy: digitalfilmarchive.net/dfa/browseDisplay.asp?id=195
Tue Dec 18 08:20:39 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
Willow, mid to later Feb sounds better. Like you say we need more people. It would be great if we could contact the owner to meet up as well as I'm sure he would like to hear suggestions. I have an idea for more interest. I will let you know the outcome.
Tue Dec 18 08:13:44 2007
Ian in Stockport
I've been following this thread for a while and would very much like to help. I agree with Willow that any meeting should be later than January. In the meantime maybe a discussion group such as yahoogroups could be set up and a link to the group posted on websites such as SS Manxman in order to raise interest from other likeminded folk.
Mon Dec 17 15:21:03 2007
John Veal from Hull
It has been less than two weeks since I suggested on this website about forming a Duke of Lancaster appreciation society. I have been suprised and delighted by the response. I know it's only early days but I think we are onto something big here. Now is your chance to get in on the ground floor, so to speak. I would like to thank the BBC web team for their help. I am sure we are going to need a lot more of it. So come on if your interested in joining tell us here.
Mon Dec 17 08:43:11 2007
Willow
Guys, given we have only just started to get names together, I appreciate Gareth's enthusiasm but could I suggest we first get a list of willing volunteers? By my reckoning we are up to about 6 people. We wouldn't fill a bath never mind a meeting room. Could I suggest aiming for mid to later February.
Fri Dec 14 08:30:37 2007
Luke from Lincoln
Count me in for helping with anything. BUT to be realistic people should put their money where they put their mouths. It's all well and good SAYING they'll help or donate. (And yes I would be willing to put money on the table before anyone doubts me!) As for the Rowleys, last time I contacted the daughter she was trying to get photos from the 80s of the ship for me and the father WAS keen on doing SOMETHING with the ship he just wasn't sure what.
Fri Dec 14 08:26:01 2007
Mick Webster Payne, Sheffield
John regarding you last comment on some early photos of the ship when she first came. Hit the link at the top of the page "irish sea shipping.com" then look for Duke of Lancaster ship, the Moystn Fun Ship years; there you will find about five or six good colour photos from around 3 months after the ship came to port, both anchors are down, there's no concrete jetty, and no concrete barges at this point, and the ship is just as it left service, nice and clean and no rust. Bit of t cut will sort that out now, add that to the harris paint brush of Willow and we're nearly there. I am also up for the car park meet on either 12th or 19th Jan. If John Veal wants to go we could go down together as he's got to come past my house, my car of course, anybody else up for this meet? Lets be hearing please.
Fri Dec 14 08:18:49 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford, Shropshire
I think a meet up after Christmas would be good, maybe a weekend on the market car park next to the ship. How about 12th or 19th of Jan? It would be a good start.
Thu Dec 13 08:10:02 2007
John Veal, Hull
We have all seen photos of the Duke as she is now and as see was in her Sealink days. I would like to see some photos of the ship the day she arrived at Llanerch-y-mor. These would be great on the new website that Willow is setting up. In fact, I think they would be a first! In fact they have now just become a must have! Someone must have some. Come on if you have got any photos of that day please tell me on this page. Mr Rowley will certainly have some. Come on Mr "R" how about it, can we have some of your photos of that day? Any photos that have not yet been seen before on the web would be much appreciated.
Thu Dec 13 08:05:11 2007
Sophia from Mostyn
Hi all! Well, I have just moved to the area and I love ships! I live by the 'Duke of Lancaster' and I see it every day and I think it's an awful shame for it to be rusting away there! Don't know if I can help but I just wanted to show some support!
Wed Dec 12 08:47:34 2007
John Veal Hull
To Jennie from Edinburgh, I have read through some of my earlier comments on this page and must admit I did sound as though my uncle was the one and only Captain of the Duke. Obviously the ship had more than one crew. I am sure I have heard the name Neville Stirzaker before. Anyway glad to have you aboard. Like Willow I would be happy for the BBC to pass on my email address to anyone who wishes to join us. Luke Howard could be a big help as he started the save the Duke petition. Come on Luke where are you?
Wed Dec 12 08:39:30 2007
Willow, Greenfield
So we have quorum of five. If we get the council to back us we can call ourselves a Quango, I've always wanted to be on one of those. Come on all you guys who have been on this site saying it's a shame this and a pity that. Rise to the challenge I've laid down and sign up to the Appreciation Society suggested by John Veal. If John can coerce me into helping, I'm sure he could you. Come on Eric, write us another poem which we can use as our battle anthem. G Burnell tell us how to float the ship on the stock exchange even if we can't get it to float on the Dee. Tobias Jones, our Community Planning student from Manchester, I can think of a dozen ways you could help. JJ Hughes, one of the first contributors to suggest an Action Group, how can you help? Aaron Robinson you wanted to build a web site, I'll sort out the address and the hosting if you’ll manage the content. Stacey Hughes whose mum worked on the ship, I did in 1984, I probably know her, could she help? Noel, from Alvanley, why did you ask if the ship was likely to be sold, share your thoughts. And Phil from Connah's Quay, you submitted a item about the ship arriving and its early days and you were bang on the button. How come you know so much, share it with us and come help. And last but not least, my sparring partner Joanne from Holywell, if nothing else you could come along and slap me for so being cheeky. I am happy for my email address to be passed on to any interested party.
Mon Dec 10 14:14:56 2007
Jennie in Edinburgh
Message to John Veal of Hull re: his late uncle Jack Irwin.My late uncle, Neville Stirzaker, was also some of the captains of this ship serving the Heysham/Belfast routes as well as cruising the Scottish coast. I am not sure how we make contact on this site but do feel that this ship, apart from having personal historic value, should be preserved in much the same manner as would be afforded to a building worthy of a place in the archives of British Heritage?
Mon Dec 10 08:22:48 2007
Mick Webster Payne Sheffield
Peter your comments on setting up a website are true, are you the man to set one up or is there anybody out there who can, because I wouldn't know where to start? This would be a great start but hopefully that the mighty WILLOW is now on board (no boat pun intended) we can get anyone on board, lets keep the comments coming and keep the ship's profile active, cheers Mick.
Mon Dec 10 08:20:33 2007
Peter, Derby
Count me definitely in with the Duke Appreciation Society. If we could set up a website perhaps, this could be the first step.
Fri Dec 7 13:24:11 2007
Willow
Count me in, I'll help. To be honest I'd come to a meeting just to see all the cagoule wearing, sandal shoed beardies you all must be! You could even look at the trains and there are even some Easyjet Boeings flying over from time to time if the wind is right. What a fun packed weekend we'll have. On a serious note, if anyone can get me the six digit registration number of the ship pertaining to its originating port, I'll see what I can dig up. If anyone has the number pass it on to me. Also, does anyone know why the owners website has suddenly disappeared? I CAN'T BELIEVE I'M DOING THIS!
Fri Dec 7 13:23:50 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford, Shropshire
I would be very intrested in a Duke of Lancaster appreciation society. I think a meet up would be a good idea for people with interest so we could put names to faces, it's a start.
Fri Dec 7 10:15:29 2007
John Veal from HULL
So it looks as though we are up and running. I'm in charge 'cos it was my idea. Mick's in charge of the bar and Willow's doing the painting. Seriously though, I can hardly believe what I have just read. If Willow is serious about getting involved we have a local on board already. I am convinced more than ever that a Duke of Lancaster appreciation society is the only way forward. If something is to be done with the Duke it will take a united effort. Comments on a web page are OK but comments alone will not change anything. I urge anyone who is serious to put their name forward. Even post a comment about this web page or on other web pages where the Duke has been mentioned. The sooner we get started the better.
Fri Dec 7 10:06:22 2007
Willow, Greenfield
That's just what I needed to spoil my coffee and Special K. The ship might be here to stay. Hip hip hurray! Seriously, I cleared my shed out over the weekend and found three 9 inch rollers (used), some White Emulsion (it's a good brand), and a real find, a brand new Harris 3 inch brush for doing the cutting in. Let me know where to send them and I would gladly donate them to a good cause. Also if you do set up an appreciation society I would love to be part of it, I am sure I could add balance to the arguments. You are absolutely right though John, the owners need to be approached and their support sought. This is paramount to any plan. I know the owner has been spending quite a bit of time on the site recently because of the changes being made to the Fun Ship car park. Perhaps he would even be good enough to meet up with a few of you right minded individuals.
Thu Dec 6 12:00:20 2007
Mick Webster-Payne, Sheffield
I too have recently contacted the owners through their shop and can also confirm they are not in the least bit bothered about scrapping or selling the ship. The lady I spoke to also said that in the last couple of months the owners had talked to the local papers about what I'm not sure but maybe Willow could find out as he lives in the area. As for Willow helping out, as he sounds like a great person with a great big blot of a ship on his horizon I think you would have more chance of him helping to raise the Titanic, but I'm optomistic, and if he did help I'd buy him all the beers he could drink (PS. in moderation of course, don't want the AA on my back now do I?).
Thu Dec 6 08:13:08 2007
John Veal from Hull
I have been a fairly regular contributor to this website for a year or so. My own interest in this ship has been all my life. My uncle was the first captain of the ship and continued as the Captain for most of the ship's working life. There has been a lot of support for the Duke on this site, despite a number of locals who are against it.
People keep putting messages on this site saying that the Duke will be scrapped and broken up. I have made enquires with people who know about such things and believe me this isn't going to happen. Far from being worth money as scrap the Duke is actually a liability. It is worth less than nothing. It would cost the owner money to scrap it.
To break the ship on site would be almost impossible as the road that goes to the dock goes under a railway bridge which is little more than 6ft high. How would you get 30,000 tons plus of scrap out of the site?
Before the ship could be taken to a breaker's yard she would have to tested for seaworthiness. She would have to be towed so towing points would have to be tested to ensure they were strong enough. Anyone who has seen the Duke recently will realise that she is not in the best of condition. If after all this if it was possible to refloat her and again - if you've seen her she is well and truly beached, this would be a mammoth task. The cost of towing her would also be extremely expensive.
Restoring the Duke or even giving her a coat of paint would again be a major operation. I have read on this web site that the owners don't know what to do with the Duke. I myself wrote to the owner and his daughter was good enough to phone me. This shows the owners are not unapproachable or unreasonable.
I think that if someone could come forward with a viable idea they would be willing to listen. The last time I looked there were 195 signatures on the save the Duke petition. How many of them are serious?
My opinion is that we need to form a Duke of Lancaster appreciation society. If anyone is seriously interested then contact this page. Luke Howard who started the petition may also like to get involved. Come on Luke. As the ship's here to stay we may well get my old mate Willow to help!
Wed Dec 5 16:21:57 2007
Neil, South Wales
I, like many others have for some reason been drawn to this ship, and I haven't even seen it in the flesh. Again, like many others, I would love to see the ship put to some use. but at the same time, i am a realist and in these days of andrex lenghts of red tape think that nothing will be done and it'll be scrapped. I think an additional attraction to the Duke is the mystery behind why the owners are being so protective about something that they don't seem to car about. Also, I've read several forums and websites and still have yet to see a comment from the very silent owners. I can see the point of view from the locals, they've been used to it being on their doorstep gathering massive amounts of rust. It's a shame that it can't be organised that at the very least it's painted. I'm sure a herd of volunteers would come forward to paint it, I myself would. At least then the locals might have a better landscape. It might then give more time for it to be somehow brought back to good use. I really would hope to see the Duke of Lancaster saved but fear it is just that, hope.
Fri Nov 30 09:04:02 2007
Willow
Mick, no offence taken, thick skinned (and some would say thick headed). I would be more than happy to send you through some details of local places the meeting could be held.
Tue Nov 27 10:29:20 2007
Willow
No Joanne, nothing so exciting. Sorry to disappoint! I'm afraid I'm too straight talking to ever be considered for politics. Anyway, I promised not to rant. I do still think though there is a lot of mileage in this project for someone interested in the ship, but it needs actions not words.
Tue Nov 27 10:28:36 2007
John Veal from Hull
Mick Webster if you can get a meeting organised I will be there. If I can help let me know.
Tue Nov 27 09:23:57 2007
Jo from Manchester
I remember my parents taking me on to the ship when it was open to the public many years ago. Ever since, I have been fascinated by the "ship in the field". I pop down at least once a year to have a look at the old girl and have watched her deteriorate to her present sad state. Sadly, she will end up as scrap. Far more significant vessels are being scrapped on the beaches of India every day of the week. She has been neglected and abused for too many years I'm afraid. It'll be a sad day when she is eventually cut up.
Mon Nov 26 10:11:41 2007
Mick Webster-Payne
Willow, please don't take offence, the comment was not aimed directly at yourself as you can't have an argument on your own, but, like yourself, I do think that you live in a very beautiful part of the country, but, unlike you, I would like to see the ship saved. As said before, I don't have to live with it on my doorstep and can only imagine what it must be like having it there if you don't like it, but, as I said before, I wouldn't mind. As for organising a meeting I would do it sure, but I would need some local help as I don't know the area, eg I suppose there would be a village hall to hire out, and then get the local paper involved. If there's anybody out there who can help me lets here from you. I don't suppose for one minute you would like to get involved Willow, but what if the boat was cleaned up, eg painted back to original? It would at least look better, and could it not be put to a lot of good local causes because I have a lot of ideas?
Fri Nov 23 07:53:58 2007
Joanne from Holywell
Willow I would like to bet we don't hear another word from Mick but I hope we do from you. This site would not be the same without your scathing attacks. Are you in politics by any chance?
Thu Nov 22 13:12:25 2007
Gerald from Prestatyn
There has been a lot of talk about the ship being scrapped. Has anyone got any idea how much the ship would be worth as scrap?
Thu Nov 22 09:36:23 2007
Willow
Mick, I think your criticism is fairly and squarely directed at me and I must agree with your comments on the way the site is heading. For my part in that diversion I apologise and I'll back off. However, I get very defensive when the area I love is criticised. You sound like a well rounded individual why don't you take up the challenge I laid previously and set up the initial meeting? You might be surprised who turns up.
Wed Nov 21 14:04:40 2007
Mick Webster, Payne, Sheffield
It seems that it has turned in a mud slinging contest between counties, not really what this forum is about, is it now? I've just come back from a week's holiday at Talacre, and once again I looked for the ship, didn't know anything about it. So, whilst my wife went inside the fabric shop, my son and I went for a look at the ship. Took some video and photos, came home then looked it up on the net and came up with this forum. I do agree North Wales is not what it used to be, but I'd still come again. There are some fantastic places there, and we will be going to Talacre again next year. I do see it from both sides though, on one hand there are the locals that have to live with the ship on a daily basis. Personally, if I lived there it wouldn't bother me the slightest the boat being there but then I don't live there and can only imagine what it must be like for those of you who have to see it every day out of your windows. I'm not sure what the local economy is like in Mostyn, but could the boat be put to some good use? Reading the comments on this forum is very, very interesting and if this is the type of interest that a rusty old ship can provoke then surely it could be put to a number of good uses. There are plenty of good ideas on this forum that could work with the ship. I myself would pay anyone £10 who could make a hour's documentary about the ship, footage of her inside as she was and is now, I would also sign any health and safty liability disclaimer and pay £10 for a small group guided tour. I live in Sheffield and would be down like a shot if that was offered, and reading other people's comments I'm not on my own, it really (from my point of view) would be a shame if the ship was lost because in this day and age of tourism this project could have legs, and would create jobs for the local economy. If anyone is going to start the ball rolling to save the ship count me in, I will travel to a meeting. Now, how many will second that and turn up to a meeting as local knowledge and help is what I am going to need? Cheers.
Tue Nov 20 08:58:42 2007
Peter/ Derby
It was not meant to cause offence, I think you misread what I put. I am stating that there isn't much to offer in North Wales. Rhyl and Prestatyn have unfortunately gone down hill since the heyday of the late 70s early 80s. I loved North Wales as a child, but feel that having this ship on your own doorstep and you are not happy with it beggars belief! It has become something of a famous landmark now, and folk tend to travel from all over to see it. Your comments about Derby are so off the mark. We have the famous Peak District, Westfield Shopping Centre (I could list quite a few). Regarding the violence, you are sadly mistaken, I think you are thinking of Nottingham.
Fri Nov 16 08:34:30 2007
Rob from Liverpool
I don't see what your problem is with the ship. The owners have asked for ideas and no one has been very helpful, what more can they they do? It's in your own interests surely as the ship is obviously going nowhere.
Thu Nov 15 08:47:22 2007
Dave from Greenfield
For Peter from Derby. We once went to Derby. I wish we hadn't bothered. Dismal Derby we called it. We should send you this ship, it would brighten the place up.
Tue Nov 13 10:04:17 2007
Willow
Can I point out that Derby has one of the highest levels for football related violence in the UK, frequently has murders reported both locally and nationally and also is listed as one of the 50 most deprived areas of the UK? I have lived in North Wales all my life and worked in Derby frequently and in terms of things to do there is no comparison. In North Wales we have excellent scenery, outdoor pursuits by the bucket load, miles of sandy beaches, excellent concert venues, theatres, award winning hotels and restaurants. My only problem is how to choose to spend the weekend. I accept we have the odd blot on the landscape such as this ship but given that this site is headlined 'Ask a local' I would suggest you appreciate the offence you might cause the audience.
Mon Nov 12 14:49:59 2007
Peter, Derby
I personally think that the ship should stay in North Wales, after all.. what else is there to see in North Wales?
Mon Nov 12 08:58:50 2007
Willow
Joanne, please, please, please listen. Last attempt. I have no intention to contact the ship's owners, never had have. Please read through the notes I've posted. I have clearly pointed out I want the ship gone, it is an eyesore and I have no intention of becoming a "Save the Ship" campaigner! I have merely been pointing out, the same as you, that a load of blogs on a website is not going to get anything at all done. Rest assured, if the ship did hold any value in my life I would be more than willing to write to all and sundry.
Fri Nov 9 12:41:19 2007
Joanne from Holywell
Frank from Mostyn, you were going to bombard the council with letters and emails. How many have you sent? None I would like to bet. Another bloke full of hot air. Willow was quite right about people saying things and doing nothing.
Thu Nov 8 14:48:30 2007
Joanne from Holywell
Willow there is absolutely no need to apologise. I can assure you I can give as good as I get. Typical man, full of hot air! Have you made contact with the ship's owner yet? If not, why not? Get on with it man, we are all watching and waiting.
Thu Nov 8 14:48:10 2007
Willow
Joanne, no insult intended in this response but please read through my notes, I want it removing.
Thu Nov 8 09:21:01 2007
Dave from Greenfield
Harry Blaen, This may not be the most scenic area but it does not give someone the right to dump a ship here. Yes make light of it. Make smart comments. But think of the environmental consequence.
Thu Nov 8 09:02:12 2007
Gareth Davis
Willow it was perhaps a bit thoughtless of me to throw down a challenge like that. There must surely be someone who reads this page, perhaps someone retired, who could consider organising the idea of using the Duke of Lancaster to raise money for charity. Better than leaving it sat there to rot. Come on, if you think you can help, post a comment and we can take it from there.
Thu Nov 8 09:01:48 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
For John Veal: When the Duke came out of service from Sealink she was taken for strip out for her failed adventure as the fun ship. From what I heard there was a lot of steel removed from her inside. Try the Sealink-Holyhead website. There's loads of info on the ship and her sisters.
Tue Nov 6 08:43:41 2007
Blaen
Dave Greenfield - you could register your car at Lloyd's and then try to cross the Irish Sea in it much in the manner that Jeremy Clarkson crossed the English Channel in Top Gear last week. It might sink, but never mind eh? At least it won't be an eyesore on the scenic Bagillt shoreline will it?
Tue Nov 6 08:37:17 2007
Gerald from Prestatyn
Willow old boy, I think you're being rather harsh on a member of the opposite sex.
Mon Nov 5 08:03:27 2007
Dave from Greenfield
Harry Blaen. You seem to know a lot. Can you tell me how I can get my car registered at Lloyds because it seems like a good excuse for a lot of things. Negligence, irresponsiblity, tax avoidance to name but a few.
Mon Nov 5 08:01:49 2007
Joanne from Holywell
Willow, I have never been so insulted in all my life. If as you claim you have been saying this all along then why haven't you done it? Typical man! Guna do it! Guna do it tommorow! Guna do it on Sunday! Guna do it next week! Get your wife to do it and it will probably get done.
Mon Nov 5 08:01:09 2007
John Veal
I have gathered quite a lot of information about the Duke of Lancaster's history. There is a time period between when she was finaly taken out of service with Sealink and when she ended up in Mostyn. Can anyone help? Was she sold to someone else before the present owners? Where was she laid up before being brought here? How much was she sold for? Any information would be of intrest.
Fri Nov 2 14:49:43 2007
Willow
Joanne, isn't that what I've been saying all along? Contact the owners? Typical women, engaging her mouth without any help from her brain!
Fri Nov 2 10:35:36 2007
Harry Blaen
The ship will inevitably be broken up when that course of action is the most financially attractive course of action. Given the current state of scrap metal prices on the world markets that time cannot be long from now. An auction of souvenirs from the ship at the adjacent marketplace would seem to be an obvious intermediate step.So far as council tax is concerned it is almost certainly bound by maritime law and as such its registration with Lloyd's, if still current, will have more force in law than any claim the council might have to any revenue. Whatever that means.As for being an eyesore, it's a bit late to moan about that now. That should have been brought up at its first beaching - it's not exactly as if it was ever likely to be kept, shall we say, ship shape and Bristol fashion. And as others have already pointed out, it can hardly be said to lower the tone of the surrounding landscape.
Fri Nov 2 09:54:42 2007
Chris Brindle
For the latest images of the ship visit www.classicships.orangehome.co.uk which is one of my sites. I'd be hapy to get involved with saving the ship if anyone else is up for it.
Thu Nov 1 12:30:20 2007
Dave fom Greenfield
Frank from Mostyn. You are quite right. Things have been left for too long. If your or my car had been left in the street for twenty years next to our houses, left to rot, with no tax or insurance, would the council think it was OK? No, they would think, let's make some money from this and fine them. Easy money! Yet this ship has been sat there for twenty years, rotting into the river, and it's OK. No council tax or river tax or anything. I might be wrong "I might be wrong". I would like the council to show evidence that I am wrong
Thu Nov 1 12:23:02 2007
Willow, Greenfield
I've got a demanding full time job, a wife, as well as children (or should it be a full time job and a demanding wife?). I ain't got the time nor the inclination.
Thu Nov 1 12:05:35 2007
Joanne from Holywell
All you boys arguing over a silly old ship. Why doesn't someone write to the owners of the ship and ask them what they would like to do with it and if they can agree and indeed help with any of these suggestions. How simple would that be. Notice how it takes a woman to come up with the obvious answer.
Wed Oct 31 13:11:52 2007
Frank, Mostyn
I absolutely agree with Dave from Greenfield. After all the idiotic pap that's been talked about the so-called fun ship (eyesore) may I suggest that we bombard Flintshire County Council with e-mails, letters and generally pester the council into some form of action as opposed to the inaction currently evidenced. Dave from Greenfield is correct, something is not right, the inaction by those in authority is stunning. The owners are obviously not interested in doing anything positive and seem to be taking the michael out of those who have to live with this eyesore and the council. Lack of activity by any party is NOT an option. Get rid of this monstrosity soonest.
Mon Oct 29 14:28:57 2007
Gareth Davis
Yes Willow I see your point. Difficult but as you say, not impossible. I have to be honest though I am not the man to organise such a thing. I could not organise a drinking session in a brewery. I'm more your ideas man. What would be needed would be someone local with good local knowledge. Well educated. Articulate. Of strong moral fibre. Someone with the power of their own convictions. Someone maybe who has done something along these lines before. From what I have read on these pages Mr Willow I think you could well be that person. How about it? Go on give it a go. It's for a good cause. It does not have to be for just one charity but could be for the benefit of a number of charities. I am sure local health and saftey officials would help smooth the way. Maybe all the things that look difficult would be helped along because it is being done for charity. Give it some thought Mr Willow
Mon Oct 29 14:26:34 2007
Dave from Greenfield
Thanks for agreeing with me Willow. But now that Gareth Perks has told us that the ship's owners must be paying council tax "as it's only right", I feel such a silly Billy for suggesting otherwise.
Mon Oct 29 14:25:45 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
I see you have a negative look on the ship Dave, I'm sure they have to pay council tax for the ship - it's only right but for you to say you are going to 'EMBARASS', well...
Mon Oct 29 08:50:14 2007
Willow
So turning it into a charitable venture is going to negate the need for building regulations, safety certificates, fire certificates, emergency service access, disabled access, smoking shelters, not to mention the Health and Safety at Work Act and every other fun police regulation invented over the past 20 years? You will need all of the above before you could even get third party liability insurance. If the people on this site are truly passionate about saving this ship then you need to do so with actions not a few heartfelt words on a web site. Someone should start the ball rolling, rent a conference room locally, it'll cost about £90 and publish it on this web site. See how many people are actually willing to turn up. If you have enough people, form a committee but a committee which is headed by someone who can and will make difficult decisions, decisions that will be supported by the committee. Decide upon a plan of action, but a plan that is based on sensible business rationale and not nostalgic idealisms. Only when you have a plan that is supported by all the members of the committee, create a constitution which all members sign up to. Once this constitution is in place you would be amazed at how many sources of funding are available. I'm not saying you will get them, but they are available. Then, and only then, should you make a formal approach to the ship's owners clearly stating your intentions. If he is not prepared to enter into open and frank dialogue you will be, excuse the expression, sunk anyway. I can assure you if you think all of the above is difficult to achieve, trust me it's only the beginning and it is absolutely fundamental that this is correct from day one. My guess would be though that people will just continue to pontificate in the comfort of their office chairs. I do agree with Dave though, the representatives of Delyn and later, Flintshire Councils do seem to have a lot to answer to!
Fri Oct 26 13:25:30 2007
Dave from Greenfield
If you look on the Flintshire County Council website A to Z there is a phone number to report abandoned vehicles, cars and even caravans. But there is no phone number to report an abandoned ship. If you park on double yellow lines for a few minutes you get a ticket. If you dump a ship on the river for twenty years it's OK. Sorry but something's not right about this! Can the council give an answer to this? Why has this ship been allowed to rot here for twenty years. Do the owners pay council tax? Will the council just ignore this posting, pretending they have not seen it? Which we all know they have. Come on, answer now before I am forced to embarass you. Be warned, I am not going to give in on this.
Fri Oct 26 08:34:37 2007
Gareth Davis
I think this idea of mine about using the ship to make money for charity might work. We have been discussing this at work and have come up with a few ideas. If the thing was run by a local charity volunteers could do guided tours of the ship. Only small groups at a time, say 10 or 12. If this was done at a weekend and bank holidays I am sure tourists and maybe even a few curious locals would be prepared to pay. The ship was known as the fun ship. It does not look like a fun ship anymore. Perhaps it could be known as "The ship that time forgot". If anyone has got any ideas to add to this why not post them here. All this is academic though without the co-operation of the ship's owner. So if you are reading this Mr ship's owner come on and do some good for charity.
Thu Oct 25 08:00:15 2007
Ian, Daventry
Considering North Wales is a hot spot for tourism and holidaymakers, surely the Duke should receive heavy investment to turn it into a huge tourist attraction. Include bars, restuarants, a casino, coffee bars, children's play areas... the list is endless. How many people visit North Wales every year and drive past it? Just look at the business opportunity. If I had the money, I'd have a go. Why? It could be a gold mine!
Fri Oct 19 08:29:40 2007
John Veal
Using the ship to raise money for charity is a brilliant idea.
Wed Oct 17 12:18:42 2007
Gareth Davis
I and many others are becoming increasingly annoyed by the lack of response from the boat's owners. If they don't want the boat then sell it or give it to a local charity who could make money from it by doing tours of the boat.The owners are quite happy to take people's money down at the Solitaire market but clearly have no respect for local opinion. I for one will no longer use the market until we get a response.
Mon Oct 15 16:24:14 2007
Willow
Gareth, Belfast, England or Timbuktoo its home certainly isn't Llanerch-y-Mor.
Mon Oct 15 15:13:44 2007
Gareth Perks
The home of the ship is Belfast not England
Fri Oct 12 09:15:11 2007
J D Jones
Most local people would agree with Willow's comments. It's an eyesore and a heap of scrap. I am reliably informed that the reason why the present owners no longer use it as a warehouse is because of the asbestos. Most people on this forum who think it's worth saving are not local, they just see it with rose tinted glasses as the big ship by the Sunday market. As a local living and seeing it every day, if you must save it - please take it back home to England.
Thu Oct 11 09:07:55 2007
Eric from Nelson
I am pulling the plug on this website taking it off my favourite places after all the lovely poems you put on this site of mine, it's all a waste of time. I don't suppose you will print this to the site. I will never know, goodbye forever.
Wed Oct 10 08:28:01 2007
Willow
John, John, John the reason the area is a scruffy inlet is because of the ship. Prior to it arriving there was a small dock which was the home of a few fishing boats which frequently fished for salmon, cockles and shrimp in the Dee. The changes made to the inlet to hold the ship in place made it virtually impossible for the dock to continue being used and the fishermen were eventually driven away. It was the arrival of the boat and its owners that have turned the area into an eyesore. The Second World War concrete barges, the yards and yards of razor wire and the poorly maintained docks all came after the ship and the area was once far more beautiful than it is today. It was ill-conceived, ill-planned and ill-executed. Someone wanted a quick buck and when that didn't materialise it's been left to rot. There may well have been scores of Willows through the ages but they would have contributed to pushing society on rather than wallow in the past. The patron saint of this ship must surely be St Jude, because it is most certainly a lost cause. Personally, I love going to heritage museums, such as Beamish and Iron Bridge, with my children, I support the heritage centre in Greenfield and often go to air displays and donate to the Battle of Britain Squadron. My attitude to history and heritage is far from short sighted. I do not doubt the beauty of the ship nor the quality of the fittings when the ship was in her prime as I have alluded to in previous notes. My issue is where she is, the current state of her and the complete lack of intervention or action from the owners. All these factors sadden me and I think the time has come to say goodbye. As for patience, it's been closed for over 20 years. I can fully understand your argument and sentiments if the boat was permanently moored somewhere like Liverpool or Hull but years of neglect have made it virtually impossible for the boat to ever move again. It has never belonged there, it has no historical connections to the area and as such remains completely out of place. She's like a ship out of water! Would I scrap my Ford Cortina if it was old? If it was an immaculate Mark III Face Lift like the one used in Life on Mars, no I'd rent it out to the production company. If it was a rust bucket that was beyond economic repair, couldn't go anywhere and was causing an environmental health issue by keeping it in the garden then yes, you bet I'd scrap it. I am more than happy to post listings as and when I know something. I know this for sure though, if you ask the workman clearing the site what they are doing they immediately close ranks and refuse to talk. I'd also love to know what your plans are. Perhaps the site administrator would pass on my email address to you.
Tue Oct 9 12:58:48 2007
Carl R, Coventry
I would love to contact the owners and have a formal discussion re:the setting up of a voluntary group to restore the ship. But would need some reassurances about its future. I suspect we could easily get 50 or more people to each do their part. If anyone can help, let me know.
Tue Oct 9 08:58:44 2007
John Veal, Hull
Willow, Willow, Willow, I have to agree with you! If The Duke of Lancaster was docked in the hanging gardens of Babylon or next to the lost city of Atlantis, then yes it would be an eyesore. But it's not! It's docked in a scruffy inlet on the muddy banks of the River Dee. This is certainly not a beauty spot. Let's be honest, a sewage outlet pipe to the sea would not be out of place down there. The ship blends in well with its surroundings. It gives the area a bit of character. It adds a bit of rusty charm to the place. Over the centuries there have probably been many Willows ranting "Burn this down it's old, get rid of that it's derelict, knock that down it's an eyesore". Where would our history or our heritage be now if people over the years had taken such a short sighted attitude? You must be more patient and tolerant, appreciate what you have got. Look upon yourself as a custodian of this ship for future generations. You may or may not realise that most ships only have a shelf life of about 30 to 40 years. By a twist of fate this one is over 50. How old will it have to get before someone thinks "perhaps this ship is a classic"? I live in Hull, which is a large sea port, and believe me, ships don't look like that any more. It's like a mark one Ford Cortina next to its contempary, the Ford Mondeo. If you owned a Ford Cortina you would not scrap it because it was old would you? (I can guess already what your reply to that is going to be!) As you can probably gather Willow from my previous comments on this page I have been interested in this ship for years due to my family connections with the ship. Do me a favour. As you only live round the corner from her, keep me up to date with anything going on down there. As for the present future of this ship, I have an idea that would make money for the owners and local traders alike. I have done some research and I don't think this idea has been tried before. It does not require vast amounts of money. Very little in fact, as the ship lends itself to this idea perfectly as she is!
Mon Oct 8 14:56:47 2007
G Burnell, Prestatyn
Just had a brainwave that would save the Duke and keep the ship in good order. The owners could sell public shares in the ship, say £100 per share. Limit the sales to 5,000 shares over a period = half a million pounds. All the passion this ship generates I think this would work and it is enough money to paint any rust bucket.
Mon Oct 8 10:14:41 2007
Willow
John, glad you enjoyed the area. I'm born, bred and still live in Greenfield, so I am pleased by your comments on the area. I'd have bought you a pint if I'd have known you were staying over. Drunk as a lord or sober as a judge, we'll never see eye to eye over this one though! It's an eyesore. It could be docked next to the lost city of Atlantis, beached in the Hanging Gardens of Babylon or floating on the Sea of Tranquillity, it would still be an eyesore. Location is irrelevant to something that is being allowed to grow old disgracefully. I do take your point that there is passing interest in the ship but it is just that, passing. I seriously doubt if many people would jump out of bed first thing on a Saturday morning and say "Tell you what my love, let's go down the coast and see if we can find a beached 1960s car ferry that's rotting into the river and have ourselves a ball?" Although I might have put my foot in it because you did travel all the way from Hull, I hope you had other things to fill in your weekend. I can't imagine your walk around the market was the most stimulating experience of your life either! When it first arrived and the owners had enough fifties for the meter it looked splendid all lit up at night, only because it hid most of its defects! As I've said before it was in need of TLC when it first arrived. The fact it's rotting, the fact it needs a complete blast down and repaint, the fact it is totally inaccessible, the fact it can never be brought up to modern regulations, not only makes it an eyesore but a total white elephant. I really do wish I felt differently about the old girl because I have both wonderful and bittersweet memories of her from that summer in 1984, but I just can't see through all the nostalgia and take the thing seriously. My opinion remains unchanged on this. Put her out of her misery. If she had been a Labrador we would have long since done the honourable thing.
Thu Oct 4 11:53:23 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
The ferry has a wow factor for passing vistors if you like that sort of thing. Last time I was looking at the ferry there was a small crowd of people there which is a good thing for the local market. Maybe if the ferry was used as an indoor market to extend the existing market...
Wed Oct 3 08:45:35 2007
John Veal, Hull
Hi Willow. I have just got back from a visit to the Duke of Lancaster. Spent the weekend in Holywell. This is a lovely part of the country. Everyone was very friendly. A great place to visit.We spent well over an hour on Sunday down at the ship taking photos, looking around. In that time I counted more than 30 other people who came down to have a look.The ship is too far away from anything else to be seriousley considered an eyesore. It's just sat there inviting people to have a look. Many of the people we saw down there we later saw in the market spending money. Would they have gone to the market if the ship had not caught their attention?
Tue Oct 2 10:14:40 2007
K Hill, Essex
There's not many names on the petition. Looks like many people will be glad to see the back of it.
Mon Oct 1 09:23:01 2007
G BURNELL, PRESTATYN
I think the chances of using the Duke again as some people would like are doomed as I was told the ship was purchased for a low price in the 1970s as the propshaft was broken. It is a great shame the ship is not kept in painted order. I am sure lots of volunteers would come forward if the owners gave permision and I don't think it would be too hard to find a paint company that would provide free rust proofer and paint just for the publicity. I wish I had kept some of my first cars I owned. They are now real classics. The Duke is also a classic and should be saved.
Fri Sep 28 08:44:55 2007
Richard Owen from Tywyn
I came across this ship just today whilst on a business visit to Holywell. As soon as I got home I had to look on the net to find out more & I was pleased to find a wealth of information about this once proud ship. It is a shame that this is what has become of this ship. I for one would wish it be scrapped than left as it is.
Fri Sep 28 08:40:26 2007
Willow
John, I was there yesterday afternoon. You will be surprised at the amount of work that has been carried out on the car park. You can see clear to the ship now across the market as all the trees have been removed and a local contractor is levelling the land to the culvert. Access to the ship now has been severely restricted as many of the staircases up to her have been removed. Her days could well be numbered.
Thu Sep 27 09:16:53 2007
John Veal, Hull
Thanks for that Willow. Much appreciated. Am planning on comming through at the weekend for a look at the ship.
Tue Sep 25 08:57:13 2007
Willow
John, being a businessman you will be fully aware of the likely costs involved in any sort of venture to open this ship up and also the repeated on costs in keeping things afloat, sorry for the pun. Located in Mostyn the likely return on investment just isn't there, this has already been proved. The current owner is also a successful businessman, with I believe considerable wealth, who like you doesn't miss the point when it comes to making money. Therefore, as a businessman, if the ship was able to provide a viable return then surely he would have overcome the issues with access and cut through the bureaucracy that is the local council, rather then let the thing rot for twenty years. Likewise I am sure that had it been possible to scrap the ship for a reasonable profit then this message board would have had a very limited life span. The world scrap markets have dictated that was not possible. The only people who could really shed any light on this are the current owners who don't seem to be particularly forthcoming with information. I haven’t any pictures of the ship from the inside but I have got very vivid memories of first going on the ship. When it arrived in Mostyn, it looked every bit what it actually was. A workhorse of a ship saved from the cutters torch and that had seen better days. What can I remember about her? Bearing in mind I was only 11 when she moved there and only 16 in the summer of 1984 when I spent some time on her, I'll apologise for any memories jaded by time. The bridge was virtually untouched and fully operational, with the compass, wheel and the radar still in place. The telegraph was also fully functioning. I remember being amazed looking at the radar and then looking across to the mouth of Mostyn docks and being able to make out the ships represented on the screen as little orange dots. On the upper decks were a number of staterooms that stretched down to the aft wheel house. I looked in a couple of these and remember how plush they must have been in their heyday but they looked decidedly dodgy in the 1980s. The aft wheel house again had everything in tact, the wheel, compass etc. One of the upper levels, the one by the lifeboats was mostly an open plan arcade, and to be fair to the owners it had all the latest video machines and I remember them being free. You paid an entrance fee and you could play all day for nothing, this was quite a pioneering innovation. The saloon bar was at the very front of the ship with many of the old features still in place. Polished oak panels, leatherette chairs which had seen better days and a bar perched right at the front. I remember the floor being uneven and you had to walk up hill to get a pint. This was the first bar I ever got served in as I was only 16. At the rear of the ship as it curves round, one area was again open plan and it housed a number of pool tables. The other level had one of the main shops on board where 'Frankie Says Relax' shirts were most definitely the style of the day, with rah-rah skirts and skin tight jeans. There was a silver service restaurant which I can never, ever remember being open which was a shame because it was one of the most untouched parts of the ships and reminded me of the grand hall in the Jack Nicolson film the Shining. The fittings in there were wonderful. Glass display cabinets housed wonderful crystal glasses and silver cutlery. The café to the rear of the restaurant was always open and the food wasn't bad, it kept me going for six weeks. Down in the bowls on the old car deck there was a children's theatre putting on films and cartoons. One thing I also remember were the acts that sometimes came on board. One time there was a hypnotist who had convinced one guy that the ship was sinking and he had to sit on the hole in the deck where imaginary water was gushing through. What made it all the more funny was the tide was out! Finally I remember the music that was piped around the decks. To this day whenever I hear Rose Royce singing 'love don’t live her anymore', I remember never was song more fitting than standing
Fri Sep 21 11:15:32 2007
John Veal Hull
Thanks for your comments Willow. You shed some light on how the ship got here. I and I am sure many other readers of this page would like to know more about the days of the fun ship, how it came to be located here, any photos or memories of that day, any internal photos of the ship. Can you help? If you read my earlier comments on these pages, you will see that I agree with you on most things about this ship. As for me missing the point, I am a businessman and do not often miss the point when it comes to making money. And there is money to be made from this ship. Whether you are the owner or not. Think about it! Don't just dismiss it.
Wed Sep 19 08:47:52 2007
Luke Howard
The majority of us seem to agree that something (despite our different suggestions) should be done with the Duke of Lancaster, rather than let it sit there and fall apart. I got an e-mail off the daughter of the owner today.
"My father has no plans to scrap the ship. he's not really sure what to do with it. Any good ideas will be gratefully received. It would be nice to see it back to its best, but that would cost a lot of money! We have seen the petitions and read the comments. It's been a suprise, but still very nice to know, how much people love the ship."
Wed Sep 19 08:11:53 2007
Gareth, Telford
With the Duke gone could cause poor trade for Aberkhan and cafe as a lot of people park there to walk over to take a look at the Duke.
Tue Sep 18 08:33:11 2007
Willow
John Veal of Hull, I'm sorry but you are completely missing the point here. The Fun Ship is an eyesore plain and simple and shouldn't be left to rot into the river any longer. It has been closed to the public now for almost two decades, and trust me I worked on the thing in 1984 and it was in need of repair then. The venture was ill-conceived and couldn't get the appropriate licences to run in 1980. In a world now dominated with Health and Safety and the fun police I doubt very much if the boat could ever be converted to meet modern building regulations regardless of where it is located. As stated in this message board, access to the ship is poor and it is not possible without massive investment to heighten the relief road to the site. It would also mean massive disruption to the main Holyhead to London railway line due to the need to install a new bridge. The other access point to the ship over the railway, about half a mile down the road is not suitable for emergency vehicles and would again take massive investment and the co-operation of both the council and Railtrack to widen it. I have great sympathy for the people who remember the ship in service and feel it should be saved. I understand that view point. However, many of the comments coming in to save the ship are from all over the country and indeed the world. Yet respondents in the local area such as Mostyn, Greenfield, Bagillt and Prestatyn all think the same as me, it's an eyesore. I have also read on these pages comparisons of the Fun Ship to the Tuxedo Princess. As someone who has been on both during their heydays there is absolutely no comparison. The Tuxedo Princess was excellent with its bars and nightclubs. All the Fun Ship offered was greasy burgers, a damp bar and 'Frankie Says Relax' T-shirts in the shops. I should also point out that the Tuxedo Princess in Newcastle is now considered past its sell by date and is to be removed from the Quayside in the first quarter of 2008. Add this to the fact that The Duke of Lancaster is hardly the QE2 nor can Mostyn be compared to Dubai, the tourist catchment area just doesn't exist for the Fun Ship to ever become a viable venture. It is never going be a 'must see' tourist attraction that the Queen Elizabeth II and Royal Yacht Britannia are. It also makes me smile the suggestions that the Duke of Lancaster will leave Mostyn under its own steam in a proud and majestic fashion. That will never, ever happen. She didn't arrive under her own steam and was pushed into place by tugs. The engines have never been run up whilst at Mostyn because I was told many of the heavy mechanicals had to be removed to lighten the ship to get her in on the spring tide. Nostalgia is all well and good in the right vein. As a ferry operating between Ireland and Wales I have no doubt the Duke of Lancaster was a true workhorse and provided an excellent service to those who travelled on her. From its silver service restaurant to plush bars and cabins. As a land based operation in Mostyn, the Fun Ship never took off and never even had the correct licences to operate as a tourist attraction. And as a final note, I can report that the land adjacent to the Fun Ship Market is being cleared. The car park is being extended to the banks of the stream running between the Market and Aberkhan. The hopeful side of me would like to think this is to allow access to the site so that the ship can be broken up and removed.
Mon Sep 17 09:26:15 2007
John Veal, Hull
If you removed it what would you be left with? A muddy hole. Make the most of what you've got. The Duke of Lancaster is more famous than Mostyn. Do something with it. Be constructive.
Wed Sep 12 08:00:55 2007
Tobias Jones, Manchester
Hello. I'm a student at Manchester University studying community planning. I have heard of the Mostyn fun ship through a friend in Bangor who passes through on a regular basis and am very interested. I would like to incorporate a study of the ship into my dissertation and was wondering if I could possibly have some details regarding its past and present uses, who owns it, when it was last used, external and internal condition, access and any proposed uses.It seems a shame that the ship looks like it's about to fall into permanent and unrectifiable disrepair. Perhaps I could help...?
Mon Sep 10 09:00:33 2007
Willow
It's an eyesore. It's always been an eyesore. Find the people who put it there and make them pay for its safe breaking and removal.
Fri Sep 7 12:58:38 2007
Eric from Nelson
Hear, hear. We need a prompt response quite rightly if she is ever to be saved. We need to organise ourselves into a committee.
Fri Sep 7 10:32:57 2007
JJ Hughes
While I appreciate all the good people who mean the best for the "Lancaster" after some few years of these messages we need to organise ourselves into an action group. I have reason to believe her fate has already been decided. With all haste we need to unify our sentiments and intentions. Time may be shorter than we think. In true traditions this is an urgent SAVE OUR SHIP bulletin. I urge prompt response.
Thu Sep 6 10:25:22 2007
Eric
It's all a waste of time. All these comments are a load of hot air. Nothing will ever come of it. The ship is doomed.
Mon Sep 3 10:23:03 2007
John Veal, Hull
Nigel Street's comments seems to have silenced things for a while. I intend to go onboard and have a good look around at my leisure and legally. Anyone else interested?
Mon Sep 3 08:54:38 2007
Nigel Street
The pictures at http://www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=18739 are amazing. Considering the nature of the site and the building, that's one hell of a challenge.
Wed Aug 22 09:42:29 2007
Guipasse Brasco
If this was to be sold, what would be her value?
Wed Aug 22 09:36:46 2007
Eric Stern
I would like to hear people's opinion on these images of the Duke of Lancaster. I think their families wold be very cross with them. www.28dayslater.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=18739
Tue Aug 21 10:44:18 2007
Graeme Davison, Doncaster
Me and my wife were there at the weekend. I first saw the Duke 6 odd years ago when visiting a friend in Holywell and thought it had ran aground. I finally got the chance to take a good close look on Saturday when we drove up the coastal road and the wife and I presumed it had been brought in for breaking and been subject to delay. Very interesting to find out its past uses but it's starting to look in quite poor condition now. Still very interesting though and it could be tuned into some sort of attraction quite easily.
Tue Aug 21 10:43:28 2007
John Veal, Hull
I now know the names of the owners of the company that own the Duke and their contact address etc. I respect their privacy so I will keep that to myself. I will attempt to contact them. Watch this space!
Thu Aug 16 10:06:29 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
There are a lot of pepole who would sign a waiver because of the interest of the ship but how would you get around to the owners to do this? Like you say COME ON.
Tue Aug 14 09:36:47 2007
John Veal, Hull
I would pay to have a tour of this ship. Obviously the owners are restricred by health and safety law. I would be prepared to sign any waiver clause, in order to board the ship and have a look around. Anyone else interested? Come on!
Mon Aug 13 10:45:38 2007
Mick, Blackburn
I find this "Emergency Services Access" situation rather ridiculous! In the first place, we all know there is an access road. I have driven down it in the past and Solitare obviously used it for deliveries etc. It could do with a bit of work but that is easily sorted. In the second place I am sure that she had more problems with emergency access when she was in the middle of the Irish Sea. Ships are generally equipped with more fire fighting equipment than any road going fire tender.
Wed Aug 8 10:05:40 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
I have been looking at the Duke today 4/8/07, looking in a poor state. It is a good idea for her to be turned into some good use, loads of good ideas on this site good to see the support but where she is located makes it very hard for ambulance, fire, police etc to get to her. Health and Safety would not allow her to be put in use for the public, she would have to be moved for this to happen but to move her would cost a lot of money and would she make any money if she was moved?
Mon Aug 6 11:13:27 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
She was built in 1956. There are lots of info on the Duke on the web.
Tue Jul 31 09:30:21 2007
Geoff Moran from Adelaide, South Australia
Reckon I did the Heysham-Belfast in my chidhood about 10 times and sailed on all the Dukes. Usually I was sick but I have to admit that it was an interesting journey starting with the train ride from Euston. Eventually we switched to BEA and the Vickers Vanguard flight to Aldergrove. Then I actually did the trip alone in 1971 as a 14 year old to stay with my grandmother in Ardoyne and arriving in was then a war zone. I would love to see a restoration. I fear it is too late though.
Mon Jul 30 07:30:37 2007
Eric from Nelson
Oh Duke of Lancaster
Inch by inch you'll move by winch
The hauser growing taught
You'll slip back naught
We will not let you
The hauser streching tight
When tide is right
We'll float you off
Away from rocks that bite
Oh grand old Duke of Lancaster
Things will turn out just right
Fri Jul 27 08:11:54 2007
David Brain, Uttoxeter
From the moment I saw her at the age of six yrs old, I fell for this ship. I managed to have a tour of the ship and I still remember that day with happiness. From that day to this 24 years later I have always viewed this ship as mine. How I wish that was true - save her.
Wed Jul 25 09:21:51 2007
Rosie Bintcliffe from Huddersfeild
When was the Duke of Lancaster built and how tall is the ship?
Tue Jul 24 09:06:27 2007
ERIC EROM NELSON
Oh what more can be said
about a ship that's nearly dead
oh god forbid
lets not get rid
of a ship that's hanging on
of poems I've wrote many
about this grand old ship
let not her days end morbid
lets see her sail again
from Ireland to Stranraer
the Duke of Lancaster.
Mon Jul 23 15:12:41 2007
Eric Nelson
Oh fun ship Duke of Lancaster, good times you've had so many, with slot machines for a penny, and disco summer nights, fast food for oh so many, the nights you've lit up bright, the sounds of happy people, the sound of music loud, you still had chance to be proud, but now you are a fright, the sounds of happy people, are no longer to be heard, will rescue come in time, to save you from your plight?
Fri Jul 20 09:30:26 2007
Eric Nelson
The grand old Duke of Lancaster, you were once a proud ship, but now the cutter's torch will cut you up in bits, there's enough and more to fill a skip, that's what we call recycle, perhaps you'll become a motocycle or just another ship.
Thu Jul 19 14:26:40 2007
Dennis Trimble
I now reside in Australia. Although I was born in Newcastle, Northern Ireland, (1946). Our family moved to Hampshire in England when I was 6 yrs old. I moved to Aus in 1981. The reason I mention all this is that it gave much delight when I discovered pictures of the ship the 'Duke Of Lancaster' on this website, as that was the ship that brought us across the Irish sea in 1952. Like me she is looking a bit tired around the gills.
Mon Jul 16 10:40:57 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
It would be cool to have a look around the ship now as it is not used as a warehouse anymore but security is still there. See www.sealink-holyhead.com for loads of info on the Duke of Lancaster.
Tue Jul 10 10:37:27 2007
Eric from Nelson
Oh, grand old Duke of Lancaster
we wish you all the best
since you came into mostyn town
and laid you up to rest
they've stripped you of your golden crown
and now you've rust instead
oh surely this can't be your fate
they've left you there for dead
deep down inside your engine room
amongst the dark and gloom
I see a torch with light so bright
and someone shouting out
come on ship's mate
a coat of paint
and engineer some oil
through days and nights
the sparkies toil
to get electrics right
with push and shove
and then some might
we'll get her out to sea
with Nelson Brass Band playing
you'll slip away the quay
you'll sail the mighty seas once more
at last you will be free
and there restored in all your glory
for all the world to see
Fri Jul 6 08:25:08 2007
Aaron Robinson - Bolton
Save this ship:Solitaire (Liverpool) Ltd10, Williamson St, Liverpool, Merseyside L1 1EBI am currently trying to look up a valid email address to write too, maybe with enough protest the owers will do something about this.
Thu Jul 5 07:17:25 2007
Aaron Robinson - Bolton
I am very interested in this ship, though at present I know almost nothing about her, though I am considering building a website dedicated to her.Maybe if people who are interested could email me their views, stories, pictures, etc this would make it easier for me to start up such a website and maybe even form a group who would like to see her restored?Anyone feel free to email me at aaronr@datamonkeys.co.uk
Wed Jul 4 15:40:50 2007
Eric from Nelson
No there's no chance for the grand old Duke of Lancaster ever getting out to sea again. The engines will be seized up solid, more so if the engines have never been run up over the years. They would need to have been run up at least once every 6 months for about 30 mins to get all the lubrication warm and fluid. The only way is to strip down the engines in situ, the electrics would all have to be checked for short circuits due to cable insulation breakdown. Also a big job on a ship this size with miles of electric cable plus the concrete mix which she has been standing in all those years will have had a corrosive effect on the ship's lower plates. So to all the other people who have sent e mails on the ship the answer is that one day soon she will be cut up on site but not before she becomes a ghostly eyesore.
Tue Jul 3 14:01:31 2007
Stacy Hughes
Has anyone got any photos of this ship when it was the fun ship with the entertainment on because my mum used to work on there?
Tue Jul 3 08:57:24 2007
Paul Shaw, Stoke on Trent
What a shame for this to be left to rot. We went on a break with the kids and we were all very interested with the Duke of Lancaster and the kids loved it. Please could somebody help this poor ship?
Wed Jun 20 07:58:00 2007
Andrew R, Flintshire
We used to travel past this ship as kids and would always look out for it. Although for most people in Wales, it is the equivalent of America's Statue of liberty, I would like it to be restored.
Mon Jun 18 07:53:01 2007
Mark Stephenson, Llandudno
I remember briefly as a child travelling from Dun-laoghaire to Holyhead on the Duke of Lancaster. She looks in terrible condition and it's a terrible shame. Is there a night watch man who lives on board? I really must go and take photos of this dying ship before she is broken up. If I had a million pounds I would buy her and give her a lick of paint.
Tue May 22 09:45:43 2007
Noel, Alvanley, Cheshire
Is the ship going to be going up for tenure in the near future or any time at all?
Thu Apr 26 07:23:27 2007
Pete, Derby
Andrea, The back of the ship is where the cars went on and off.
Wed Apr 25 08:35:52 2007
Mark from Cheshire
Many years ago I remember travelling home along with coast road with my parents after a Bank Holiday weekend away and being intrigued by the ship. I was very curious about it and would always look out for the ship on the way /return journey. My parents wouldn't stop so that I could go explore; I only found out later that it was actually open and served as hotel/arcade etc. I guess they didn't want me spending even more money on the arcades. I have hazy memories of it being lit up at night. Was it a night club? I can't explain what the attraction was; probably the fact there was this beautiful piece of engineering so close to the road and within arms reach. I think the fact I never got close or visited the ship only fuelled my curiosity even more. Yesterday, I was travelling back from Deganwy with my partner and we decided to take the coast road home. We stopped at Talacre and then headed towards Mostyn. My partner shared the same curiosity as I did and we parked up opposite the market and made our way down the muddy path. I'll be honest and say as the weather changed, the sky blackened and it started to rain, an eerie feeling set in as we passed underneath the low bridge. It felt like a point of no return. We were both dressed for Summer and the rain was heavy in its fall soaking us. OK I'm over exaggerating with the point of no return, though anyone who was a kid growing up in the 80s with films like the Goonies will know what I mean. It felt like an adventure that had been waiting to happen for over 20 years. I joked with my partner that I could see shadows and people moving about the bridge; like the Hills have Eyes [film] though on a ship in Mostyn. It was spooky, probably because of the change in weather and the fact we were the only people around. I tried to get close and with the tide out leaving the rocks exposed, I did think about trying to get even closer. I took some pictures from a safe distance though the rain had started to become more intense and we decided to head back to the car. I'm glad that I finally got to see the ship close up. Not as close as I had liked, however enough to satisfy my curiosity. I'm hoping to go back and take some more pictures, from the other side of the ship if possible with out breaking the law, being chased by a pack of hungry Dobermans or hunted down by the characters from the Hills have Eyes. I'd love to start a website/blog dedicated to the ship and in turn try and raise the profile of the Duke of Lancaster.
Tue Apr 24 09:06:22 2007
Gaynor : Connah's Quay
Does anyone know what is to become this old lady...it's sad to see her wasting away every year.
Mon Apr 16 12:43:42 2007
Andrea of Wrexham
I have been wondering how the vehicles got on board as they say it was a car ferry. I can't see any evidence of doors at all. I would certainly back any moves to restore the ship as I used to sail on the S.S. Nevasa an educational cruise ship and I was horrified to learn she had been scrapped.
Tue Apr 10 08:44:45 2007
J. D. Jones, Bagillt, N Wales
I live a few miles away from this eyesore. Now that the price of scrap steel is at an all time high I hope the present owners do the decent thing. Better than letting this once proud ship just rot away.
Tue Apr 3 11:24:33 2007
Adam Corkill, Stockport
Visited the ship myself last week, looks now to be in worse state than latest photos indicate. Took some photos of the underneath and front of ship. No one around a tall, big warning keep off signs but no one to back it up. Shame, big shame.
Tue Mar 27 08:15:39 2007
Maureen, N Ireland
Surely there are enough wrecks already around the coast which could be used for divers without going to all that trouble to add another!
Mon Mar 19 09:42:39 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
Hi, how did you hear that it's to be moved to Liverpool to be sunk as a diving ship?
Wed Mar 14 07:43:38 2007
Tania Hibbert, Southport
Saw her today and she is great it is such a shame and her undercarriage isn't in bad condition. I heard today that they were thinking of taking her out to Liverpool Bay and sinking her for use as a diving ship, that would be such a pity.
Mon Mar 12 13:37:59 2007
Alf Robbins from West Kirby
I have many fond memories of sailing on the Duke of Lancaster and her sister ships the Dukes of Rothesay and Argyle. This was on the Belfast to Heysham route when I was serving in N Ireland in the late 50s and early 60s. Imagine my surprise in 1987 on moving to West Kirby and seeing the vessel across the Dee from W. Kirby and discovering that it was the Grand old Duke! Closer inspection reveals the sad state. I suppose that unless some entrepeneur sees the ship as an asset, the decline will continue. Duke I salute you.
Fri Mar 9 16:56:59 2007
Luke Howard, Lincoln
You are all very pessimistic! I never said it would not cost a lot of money. However consider how much it costs a ship from new? I have heard many reports that the interior of the ship is in a good state. From all the outer pictures (above the water) I've seen the hull and decks look in a fair state, the odd patch up, grease and lick of paint. The majority of work would be internal mechanics and electrical (guessing here). And obviously freeing the ship which I don't think it's concreted in all the way round, only to about 1/3 to 1/2 the way. The rest is held in by a concrete barge and build up of mud/silt. Which all can be broken up & removed by pneumatic hammers & diggers / excavators.
Wed Mar 7 11:44:21 2007
Justin Merrigan, Hobart, Tasmania
For want of a better description, the Duke's fate is set in stone; there will be no removing of the vessel from her current location unless achieved piece-by-piece, i.e. she is broken up in situ. Alex Naughton is quite correct when he points out it would cost a lot of money to extricate her from her concrete prison. As much as I would love to see her saved and restored to once again wear her blue hull livery with red funnel, this is most unlikely to happen. As for restoration where she lies, we must remember what caused her failure as a 'Fun Ship'. The inability of emergency services to access the ship would make this a non-runner. Without major civil engineering works involving the rail line, she's doomed. A real shame as she is a truly beautiful ship.
Wed Mar 7 08:21:31 2007
Alex Naughton, Liverpool
Interesting debate I see on the Duke of Lancaster ferry. It clearly could cost a lot of money to extricate her from her current position and then restore her. But it may be possible with sufficient funds. She is still owned by Soltaire of Liverpool. She could look wonderful in her old blue hull livery with red funnel and restored for use as a restaurant/entertainment complex in a North West port town, Stranraer or perhaps where she was built in Belfast. Sadly I fear that she will be just scrapped where she is now. But if only a group could be formed with enough money to renovate her to her former glory for use as a restaurant ship etc. We can at least dream. But you never know!
Mon Feb 19 13:37:16 2007
Luke Howard, Lincoln
Granted I've never visited the ship or area but I'm interested in boats and history. And it seems there is a lot of interest for saving the Duke. If people are this passionate why don't you start a charity/comittee and raise funds, lottery funding for instance can give out several million for heritage repair etc for listed charities. I would do it but wouldn't feel right as I'm not from the area and am not connected to the ship in any way.
Tue Jan 30 15:22:21 2007
Pete, Derby
If the Duke of Lancaster does get broken up and sold for scrap it would be a tragedy. This was part of my childhood! I have managed to get many pics of the ship (in service as well as interior shots from that era, when it was a fun ship, and how it looks now). I have always been interested in the ship, and would love to see pics of its interior as it looks now. Even though I have moved away, I do mention the ship at work and how it looks as though it has been dumped on a field.
Tue Jan 30 08:12:20 2007
Gareth Perks, Telford
I have been told that she will be broken up soon is this true? I have found a great site on the Duke of Lancaster with pics and info: www.sealink-holyhead.com
Mon Jan 29 09:56:35 2007
Denis
Pauline Kelly. I worked alondside your father and JM in the 1st Class Bar and in Lancaster. Lots of stories. Contact me.
Fri Jan 19 14:48:45 2007
Amanda from Prestatyn
I have to look at the ship every day as I work at Abakhan Hobby & Home which is right next to the old ship. Lots of our customers ask us what it is and why it is there and also if they can get to it to have a better look. I think that there is sufficient interest from the public for the owners to convert it into some sort of attraction but they are probably not prepared to pay for the cost of doing it up.
Wed Jan 17 14:00:18 2007
Mike Flanagan from Moston, Manchester
This ship was amazing. As a child my parents would travel from Lyons Camp (Rhyl) & spend the whole day there. Now I'm a parent myself I wish I could let my kids have the fun there like I did. As you get near it coming from Rhyl there's a pub with a man's head on it & my perants would say it's a real man. The pub's called Honfelt o Man, I think. When the season opens we have a caravan in Towyn and we go past the Fun Ship every weekend and watch it decline - What a shame.
Tue Jan 16 08:23:43 2007
Francis
A rumour persits that the Lancaster has been sold for scrap. Apparently this is a done job.
Mon Jan 15 09:39:12 2007
Denis
I believe that the old 'Lancaster' should be preserved in some manner. There has to be some spare cash in different council funds that could take care of her. Why me worry about her? I sailed on her on her maiden viyage and later took her from Holyhead to Fishguard to be sold. Captain Stirziker was indeed on board the DOL as Chief Officer and then Captain in the late 60s early 70s. Harry Stalford was the name the other person was looking for, he used to be purser in the 2nd Class Bureau and was then made up to full purser/catering officer. Ian Scott - Taylor. Long time no see, you may remember me! I was 2nd Stwd at the time. Contact me.
Mon Jan 15 09:37:25 2007
Gerry, Birmingham
I visited the ship (along with quite a few others that were there also) last Thursday (28th December '06). There was a rather unpleasant man on board who professed to be "looking after the ship" but was not forthcoming with any information about her future and seemed determined that people should not venture anywhere near her. Just who does own her now?
Tue Jan 2 11:13:57 2007
Justin Merrigan, Hobart, Tasmania
Nige, I'm not sure I follow your idea regarding the Steam Packet taking the ship.
The Lady of Mann was sold quite recently, while the old Lancaster has been landlocked since 1979! I really don't think the Steam Packet would want to try to rebuild a ship that has been encased in rubble since a time when the Lady was a three year old newcomer to the Manx fleet.
But back to the Lancaster. It is interesting to note that in 1978 the ship was actually considered by Sealink/Manx Line as a second vessel running alongside the Manx Viking during the summer season!
Tue Jan 2 11:03:59 2007
Jan from Lancaster
My mum, Dorothy Wright, worked Heysham to Belfast on the Duke of Lancaster in the sixties and seventies and despite all the hard work especially with the 'quick turn rounds' she loved it to bits. I have many dear memories of the Duke and I would be more than willing to provide my support and help to any initiative to resurrect her.
Tue Jan 2 09:39:32 2007
Nige Fallon, Cleveleys, Lancs.
Went to see the Duke of Lancaster a couple of years ago and took video footage and photos of ship, what a shame a vessel has to lie around like this. Perhaps a certain Steam Packet Company, should have bought her and taken her under their wing, when they sold the Lady of Mann[2] to foreign shores, perhaps we could then have a good all year round service from the port of Liverpool, and not have to be ferried by coach Liverpool to Heysham and vice verca every time Seacats cannot take to sea. That's my gripe and I am now standing down off my soapbox. Anybody share my view?
Thu Dec 28 15:42:51 2006
Justin Merrigan, Hobart, Tasmania
I agree with Mark Baker, but the chances of such a project being launched are remote to say the least. I just can't understand how she's left to rot there.
I have updated my own web site with additional photos of the 'Duke'. Visit www.sealink-holyhead.com and go to Ships/The Duke Boats.
Thu Dec 28 11:54:38 2006
Mike - Buckley
I often pass this ship whilst on my travels to visit friends, it kinda gives me the creeps, probably due to its condition, but, at the same time, makes me wonder why it is just rotting away? Who actually owns the ship? It would be nice to see it being refurbished, even if it is just the exterior. I've been meaning to stop and have a proper look at it sometime.
Thu Dec 28 09:22:32 2006
Jim Oakley from Greenfield
I live about a mile or two away from the Duke of Lancaster's current position and it would be a damned shame to see the old girl broken up. The area wouldn't be the same without it. I've always known it to be there being born in '82 and it would just break my heart to see it gone. Everyone who sees it for the first time is fascinated by it. It's just so barmy. My girlfriend, who is from Derby, couldn't believe that she was seeing what appeared to be a ship in the middle of a field with nothing but miles of flat land in each direction. She was bemused by how bizarre it was. Kind of like those Russia ships in the desert that once was the black(?) sea. It's just one of those British eccentricities that slap you in the face, drop your jaw and make you smile. I'm sure something could be done with the old girl. I wouldn't rely on Flintshire council to do a thing with it though. I couldn't even see them paying for it to be broken up. It's a shame because it is of some historical relevance. We're Britain for god's sake. We're supposed to be the 'ruler of the waves'. Surely this accidental maritime survivor has a role to play in our heritage somewhere. It's the last of its kind and from the people who brought you Titanic. I would love to see it back in its original black, red, white colour scheme again.
Tue Dec 12 16:42:25 2006
Gordon Burnell, Prestatyn
As a last resort the ship should be sank as a nature reserve for marine life. If I win the lottery I would try to buy it.
Mon Dec 11 08:57:27 2006
Kate Evans, Mold
When is this rotting eyesore going to be removed?
Mon Dec 4 10:34:08 2006
David Ellison Nottingham
It is indeed sad to see the state of the 'Fun Ship' as depicted in these photos. I have fond memories of visiting it, (when on the occasions it was actually open), in the early to mid 80s. We'd go along from Presthaven Sands & play some pool, (which was a challenge due to the sligh
This is now an archived page about the Duke of Lancaster containing people's memories of time spent aboard the former ferry. An appreciation society - website address below - has been set up to try to preserve the ship which became known as Mostyn Fun Ship.