Goodbye To The Blackpool

Gisborne's Adopted Ship Pays Last Visit

One of Gisborne's more romantic links with the sea was broken last month when Hmnzs Blackpool sailed out of the harbour for the last time.

Blackpool was "adopted" by Gisborne in 1967. Now she is on her way back to Britain to rejoin the Royal Navy.

With one exception, all her officers and men have changed in the intervening years. But this has never affected the strong ties between ship and city, and her final departure was a sad moment for many.

Gisborne did a lot for Blackpool during the association. In return, Blackpool's crew demonstrated very forcibly what they thought of us. They got together and raised $5000 from past and present members of the crew to endow a scholarship which will assist the education of a local boy or girl each year.

Good on you, Blackpool-a wonderful gift and one which will keep your name alive here, and happy memories of our association, for many a year.

During the visit there was the usual round of cocktail parties, a cabaret, and sports events. The really impressive spectacle was on the first day of the visit, when officers and men paraded at Endeavour Park for the welcome ceremony and presentation of the scholarship cheque, followed by a march through the city.

Rear Admiral L. G. Carr

Commodore J. P. S. Valiant

Lt.Commander J. W. Jennings

Lt-Commander C. J. Earl

"There have been few, if any, resultant happy relationships between a city and a ship as is that between Gisborne and Blackpool," said the Officer Commanding Hmnzs Blackpool, Commander R. E. Lawry, in presenting the Mayor (Mr Harry Barker) with the presentation scholarship.

"You have demonstrated in overwhelming manner, officially and unofficially, by community effort and as private citizens, your feelings of goodwill.

"you have lavished amenities upon the ship and hospitality to her company in a manner seldom seen and in which I and my ship's company have not before been privileged to receive."

They Say: "Thank You!"

Looking Back- September 8, 1967. Mr Barker handing the Blackpool Charter to the then commander of the ship, Captain Quinn, who originally came from Gisborne

Men of the Blackpool on parade in Gladstone Road. Their handsome gift will ensure that Blackpool is not forgotten

The Mayor reviewing men of the Blackpool at Endeavour Park. Behind him is Commander Lawry.

Ship's complement in Derby Street, about to enter the Central School grounds.

Future navy men? Three boys, Christopher Jarvis, Ian Wood and Andrew Stewart, from the Central School's pupils who were lined up to watch the parade's dismissal in the school grounds. The programme during Blackpool's week-long stay included several items for young people. Among these was a sailing and rowing regatta versus Gisborne Scouts. A Sea Day had to be abandoned because of the weather.

Happy faces at one of the Blackpool cocktail parties are pictured on this page.

Dick and Betty Kearney (left) and Jane and Bryan Home chat to Commander R. E. Lawry.

Pictured with Midshipman Ray Fong are Doreen and Jim Eddy (left) and Lee Morrison and her father, George Morrison (right)

Ken Bailes (centre) with Graham and Vendela Ledger

Ailsa Steele and Bev Cannell with Mea Barry Bainbridge

An unusual coincidence here. Local watchmaker John Jennings found his namesake, Lt/Commander John W. Jennings, was also a member of the Blackpool contingent. From left: John and Beth Jennings, local liaison Naval Officer Owen Poole, Lt/Cm John Jennings and Nancy Poole.

Three more guests were Pauline Oates, Shirley Close and Robyn Routley

Crm Roger Dick shares a joke with Helen and Mike Brittenden

Crm Roger Dick again with Clare and Doug Dyer and Dorothy and Tony Beattie

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 201 : March 24, 1971

Goodbye To The Blackpool