Yes I know it's just a spoon to you, but to me this spoon has many memories. Some of you will know I suffer from spoonerism, well not exactly but I am a collector of shinny ones.
I've only just purchased this one, but back in 1964 when I was 16, I was put on a train by my parents to go to Torpoint in Cornwall, just opposite Plymouth, to join the Royal Navy as an apprentice engineer. My shore base was HMS Fisgard, the name and badge on the spoon.
It was a family tradition, encouraged by my Father, that we would all follow him and become Engineers. My late Sister Mo became an Engineer in civilian life and my big Brother Alan took the same route as myself via HMS Fisgard in 1962.
I had never left home before and must admit I was so home sick, yes I made many friends, but I did suffer and broke down after only 4 weeks. I did get over it and a year later was transferred to HMS Caledonia, a shore base in Rosyth, Scotland.
This was to be my home for the next 3 years as I continued my apprentice. The winter weather up there was terrible and we were issued several shovels to dig our huts out of the snow each morning.
Although the friendship was fantastic, this wasn't the life for me. I decided to fail some exams which in the end meant I was discharged after 4 years. My Father was very disappointed but soon changed his mind after my achievements in engineering over the many years he was alive.
Now back to this souvenir spoon, it's not silver but plated, so different to what I usually look at. But it only cost me on £0.99 plus £1.20 postage from Ebay, it's not the value here that matters but the memories it gives me.
You had a tough start to your working career Heather. Girls these days wouldn’t have lasted the pace so you should be proud if yourself as I’m sure your dad was. An unusual career for a very young woman. I enjoyed hearing about your young life!
Your narratives are always so interesting.
I can’t imagine shovelling out your huts.... sounds brutal.
A nice capture of your souvenir spoon.