Subject: RE: Johnny Collins/scattering of ashes 5 Sep
From:
George Papavgeris
Date: 07 Sep 09 - 01:15 PM
The Scattering of JC's Ashes
At approximately 1630hrs Saturday 5th September 2009 The Excelsior, a 1921 sail Trawler, left her berth at the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival, with a small intimate group and JC's ashes. As the Excelsior slipped her mooring Jim Mageean led the singing with "Rio Grande" and was joined in the chorus by approximately 30 people, who had gathered to sing Johnny on his way.
As the other ships present were aware of the occasion, when the Excelsior passed them by they paid their respects. The first ship to pay tribute was the Lord Nelson sounding her whistle and "Dipping" her colours and the Officers stood in dress uniform on the stern platform, this was immediately followed by The Grand Turk, who fired a two canon salute as well as lowering her colours. (There was a slight incident at this point, but that's another story) A group of 1800's Marines fired a 9 gun salute. The Border Patrol and Customs boats followed suit as did the Artemis who lowered her colours as the Excelsior passed by.
Excelsior crossed the bar and "Shallow Brown" was gently sung as the skipper found a position where she was able to switch her engines off and drift gently on the tide. Ken Stocks, skipper of the Julia, on which Johnny had sailed as cook, said some final words and then at the same moment on ship as on shore "The Farewell Shanty" was sung as Johnny's son, Michael scattered the ashes and Joyce threw a rose to the waves and we said goodbye to our dear friend. There were a few quiet moments whilst the people present had private thoughts, then the engines fired up and the Inward journey started. The Excelsior returned to her mooring to the strains of Rolling Home " Call All Hands To Man The Capstan"
Goodbye Good Buddy Rest In Peace
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sj
