I was on SS Gothic on 18 November 1966 playing double bass in a small group at a New Zealand Lodge dinner dance.
Sadly, I cannot say we were the ship's orchestra as we were just there for that one night. The drummer Colin and I normally played in a four-piece modern jazz group together. Colin and his father Joe had a connection with Shaw Saville, which was how we ended up with the gig on the Gothic. At the dinner dance, Joe played dance band music on the keyboard and we attempted to follow. Those New Zealand ladies knew how to party, and I think it was a success.
For Colin and me the magic was that the New Zealand opera singer Inia Te Wiata was a guest and we accompanied him on several songs towards the end of the evening.
Terry Sole
Pages from the programme for the November 1966 musical dinner onboard the one-time royal yacht Gothic. Images: Terry Sole
More letters
Strong opinions welcome – in your own name
As far as tackling 'fire and rehire' is concerned, this challenging issue remains a high priority for the Union, with extra weight given to our campaigning by a vote of members (in their own names) at the 2023 General Meeting.
We won't keep cadets if we continue treating them like this
Until companies are willing to invest in a decent standard, you will have trouble attracting cadets, as conditions are far worse than in the 1970s when I did my cadetship.
Join us at the PSNC reunion
I am writing to let Nautilus members know that the Pacific Steam Navigation Company's annual reunion will take place this year in Bootle on 27/28 March.