A Light-Hearted Look at Seafaring and Other Stories
19 journalers for this copy...
Journal Entry 1 by sandysgrandy from Towcester, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Sunday, August 17, 2008
In order to become a teacher or lecturer in Liverpool, it is almost obligatory to add humour to spice up the boring bits. This suited Len Holder very well, as he had been sharing his observations on life since he was a schoolboy. At the age of 72 he has been persuaded to write some of them down. The stories include schooldays in Harwich, sailing and sea scouting, serving at sea on the Far East and Australian run with Alfred Holt and Company’s Blue Funnel and Glen Lines, joining the Honourable Company of Master Mariners in London, doing research, studying and lecturing at Liverpool Polytechnic, living on the Wirral and travelling worldwide as a consultant. He has met, taught and worked with people from many countries and social backgrounds in the course of his life. They have taught him a lot, but his smile has not changed! The proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to maritime and medical charities.
Journal Entry 2 by sandysgrandy at Hartwell, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Sunday, August 17, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (8/17/2008 UTC) at Hartwell, Northamptonshire United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to Alison Weeble
Sent to Alison Weeble
Passed to me by my Dad to book-cross - I have my own copy already.Signed up so far are :-
Elhamisabel (Germany)
Tuftynut (Essex)
Suedo (Co Durham)
Vespa (Dorset)
Anglersrest (Devon)
Amanida (Surrey)
Lyzzybee (West Midlands)
VeganBob (West Midlands)
Tananmo (Leicestershire)
Spike1972(Wales)
scotsbookie (Peebles/Scotland)
yorkshire-lass (Kent) - Willing to post overseas
jmsmom - (Newalla/USA)
Llednyl - (Ohio/USA) - Non International posting only
bsliv1219 - (Ohio/USA)
Addrienne10 - (Nebraska/USA)
rebel-padawan - (Minnesota/USA) - will ship internationally.
yayajanuary - (Jakarta/Indonesia)
violetcrumble - (Wanneroo/Australia)
Bluemchenblatt (France) - International Surface
The order may change as others sign up.
As the book is being sold with all proceeds going to charity - if you enjoy reading this copy why not contact myself or SandysGrandy about purchasing your own copy - or perhaps just donate some money to a charity of your choice instead - please let us know if you do this in your journal entry.
As the book is short (200 pages) and large type - please try your hardest to read and pass on in a week as so many people want to read it. If you feel this is unreasonable then just do your best or ask to be moved to the end of the list. I have tried to adhere to posting preferences but just pm if you want shifting around a bit!
** extra note - I understand this book is moving quite slowly as people have busy lives, and please don't take this as a dig, but just to help it move quickly please can you pm the next person for their address when you first recieve the book rather than after you have read it - that way it gives a few days for pm's to be recieved and replied to and means the book can pass swiftly on once it has been read.
Oops! Sorry! I just realised I had not made a JE when I received it.
I read it over the past few days and enjoyed it.
Some of the stories made me laugh out loud, a lot of them made me smile. I've no idea about naval matters, the closest I've come to it in the past was reading Jane Austen's Persuasion and Mansfield Park and visiting Greenwich ;-) so all the naval terms were a bit over my head but they did not deter me from enjoying the book. It was also strange (in by no means an unpleasant way!) to read this while thinking I know the author's daughter.
I've already contacted Tuftynut for the address to send to.
ETA: mailed to Tuftynut on 4th September.
I read it over the past few days and enjoyed it.
Some of the stories made me laugh out loud, a lot of them made me smile. I've no idea about naval matters, the closest I've come to it in the past was reading Jane Austen's Persuasion and Mansfield Park and visiting Greenwich ;-) so all the naval terms were a bit over my head but they did not deter me from enjoying the book. It was also strange (in by no means an unpleasant way!) to read this while thinking I know the author's daughter.
I've already contacted Tuftynut for the address to send to.
ETA: mailed to Tuftynut on 4th September.
Journal Entry 5 by Tuftynut from St Leonards On Sea, East Sussex United Kingdom on Saturday, September 13, 2008
Safely received - looking forward to reading this, just finishing up the Friday Night Knitting Club bookring and will be onto this one...........
This was a fun book to dip in and out of whilst reading other stuff, enjoyable little anecdotes - I have no doubt he would be an interesting tutor :-)
On its way to Suedo today - Friday 19th September.
This was a fun book to dip in and out of whilst reading other stuff, enjoyable little anecdotes - I have no doubt he would be an interesting tutor :-)
On its way to Suedo today - Friday 19th September.
arrived today, will start as soon as I finish my current read.
I'm really enjoying this, it has been a great antidote to work as I read it in my lunch breaks. I had to stop in to say how much I loved the laundry story.
Journal Entry 8 by suedo from Redditch, Worcestershire United Kingdom on Tuesday, September 30, 2008
I'm nearly finished, and really enjoying this. The bit about landies and handbags reminds me of my mum, who will keep her handbag slung over her neck and shoulder even when visiting people. Since we keep our doors locked even when we are in I too have wondered who she thinks will want it.
I also love the story about Kate and car aerial.
It's kind of strange reading the family stories, since I know some of the people. Some of them don't seem to have changed much, but some do ;-)
I also love the story about Kate and car aerial.
It's kind of strange reading the family stories, since I know some of the people. Some of them don't seem to have changed much, but some do ;-)
Journal Entry 9 by suedo from Redditch, Worcestershire United Kingdom on Tuesday, September 30, 2008
This has been a great light read, full of insights into seafaring, academia and the modern world.
Thanks for sharing a great book, this will be travelling on very soon.
Thanks for sharing a great book, this will be travelling on very soon.
Journal Entry 10 by Katweeble from Towcester, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Monday, October 6, 2008
I haven't read this copy but I have read another one - I have to declare an interest being the authors daughter and (embarrassingly) the subject some of the stories! Posting because I want to see what others say and if I can show my face anywhere again (at least the bookcrossing Shrewsbury car park lock in does not feature).
I still say the hedge was in the wrong place, my driving was perfect:-)
I still say the hedge was in the wrong place, my driving was perfect:-)
Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry that I seem not to have ackknowledged this when it arrived :-( My only excuse is that I started reading it straightaway and got completely hooked. The stories reminded me so much of my dad, as another seafarer, he had many similar tales.
Thanks for sharing such a lovely little book. I already have Anglersrest's address, so I will get this book in the post today
Thanks for sharing such a lovely little book. I already have Anglersrest's address, so I will get this book in the post today
Arrived today. Thanks for sending and reminding me that I infact purchased a copy and forgot to journal it when it arrived, (must do that next!) Now to PM Amanida as I can read my own copy! My Journal Entries are Here
Now on its way to Amanida
Arrived safely with me today, thanks! Looking forward to starting it soon.
What a delightful book, I enjoyed it very much, some of the stories made me laugh out loud. Thanks, Weebles for sharing it, you have inspired me to make a donation to the RNLI Christmas Kit Appeal.
The book will be posted to Lyzzybee tomorrow.
The book will be posted to Lyzzybee tomorrow.
Journal Entry 16 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Arrived today - thank you! I presume it's Vegan BOB after me, and not some variant I've never met. Anyway I'll start it tonight, and I'll get Bob's address and get it on to him ASAP. Have already scanned through for tales of the Weebles and it looks charming.
Journal Entry 17 by LyzzyBee from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Friday, December 12, 2008
Len Holder is the father of Katweeble and Weebly and that's how I got to know about the book. It's a charming set of anecdotes covering a long and varied career, starting with amateur sailing and reaching great heights, but all the while the author keeps his sense of humour and a sense of balance. I liked the seafaring and teaching stories, but my favourites were the family stories at the end. I won't be able to look at Katweeble now without imagining her falling in the water while feeding the ducks, and it was great to learn along with Weebly about how potatoes grow!
Seriously - a sweet and interesting book. I will be buying a copy from Katweeble, hopefully she will bring some (signed?) copies along to the next Birmingham meetup.
I have Bob's address and will be posting it on tomorrow...
Seriously - a sweet and interesting book. I will be buying a copy from Katweeble, hopefully she will bring some (signed?) copies along to the next Birmingham meetup.
I have Bob's address and will be posting it on tomorrow...
Journal Entry 18 by LyzzyBee at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases on Friday, December 12, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (12/13/2008 UTC) at Controlled Release, A Bookcrossing member -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Posting to VeganBob on Saturday.
Posting to VeganBob on Saturday.
Journal Entry 19 by veganbob from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Monday, December 15, 2008
Received this in the post from LyzzyBee today.
Many thanks, much appreciated.
Will read this asap and pass on to Tanamo who is next in line.
Many thanks, much appreciated.
Will read this asap and pass on to Tanamo who is next in line.
Journal Entry 20 by veganbob from Birmingham, West Midlands United Kingdom on Thursday, December 18, 2008
Absolutely brilliant, I coudn't put this book down once I'd started reading it!
The author has lead a full and enjoyable life travelling around the world by sea and these stories of those journeys are wonderful and so funny.
I must try to get a signed copy and read it through again!
Thanks so much Len!
Reserved for Tanamo.
The author has lead a full and enjoyable life travelling around the world by sea and these stories of those journeys are wonderful and so funny.
I must try to get a signed copy and read it through again!
Thanks so much Len!
Reserved for Tanamo.
Journal Entry 21 by veganbob at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom on Thursday, December 18, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (12/18/2008 UTC) at -- Controlled Release, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- United Kingdom
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent to Tanamo today by first class post.
Sent to Tanamo today by first class post.
Journal Entry 22 by Tanamo from Hinckley, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Friday, December 19, 2008
Safely received today. Thanks Bob.
Journal Entry 23 by Tanamo from Hinckley, Leicestershire United Kingdom on Tuesday, December 30, 2008
I enjoyed these anecdotes, especially the one about the trombone oil. I know two seamen. One was in the Royal Navy and one in the Merchant Navy so I'm quite used to hearing such tales. DH isn't and wants to read this book so I hope no-one minds if I'm a little late passing on this book.
DH has returned this book which he very much enjoyed. I'm now off to pm Spike for his address so I can get the book on its way.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to Spike1972 today.
Mailed to Spike1972 today.
Arrived today and goes straight onto Mt Toobie.
I have to say I didn't realise/had forgotten about the "1 week" rule. I don't know if that's possible with me, but I've started it anyway. If anyone wants me to pass it on sooner, let me know.
Oops, another book I'm late journaling after I've read it. Apologies to all.
I quite enjoyed it, and can quite imagine the author being the kind of guy who would have many a tale to tell, and he certainly seems to have lived a varied and interesting life.
I've never been a 'sailor' as such, but have always had an interest in the sea, and have been lucky enough to sail on the Lord Nelson with the Jubilee Sailing Trust (I think everyone and anyone should give it a go), and I fully admit that having read this I want to go back on a boat ;o)
I think I made a mistake in reading it all in one go and would probably have gained more from dipping in and out of it, but I enjoyed it all the same.
I'll send a PM for the next person's address now, and try and get it in the post and moving again. Once again, I apologise for the delay.
I quite enjoyed it, and can quite imagine the author being the kind of guy who would have many a tale to tell, and he certainly seems to have lived a varied and interesting life.
I've never been a 'sailor' as such, but have always had an interest in the sea, and have been lucky enough to sail on the Lord Nelson with the Jubilee Sailing Trust (I think everyone and anyone should give it a go), and I fully admit that having read this I want to go back on a boat ;o)
I think I made a mistake in reading it all in one go and would probably have gained more from dipping in and out of it, but I enjoyed it all the same.
I'll send a PM for the next person's address now, and try and get it in the post and moving again. Once again, I apologise for the delay.
Sorry for the delay, I hope to get this in the post today.
Arrived safely this morning, thank you Spike1972.
A very enjoyable read, I learned a fair bit about seafaring & laughed alot. A man I'd like to meet.
Just off to PM Bluemchenblatt for their details.
Thanks for the chance to read this Weebly & say 'hi' to your dad.
Just off to PM Bluemchenblatt for their details.
Thanks for the chance to read this Weebly & say 'hi' to your dad.
Journal Entry 32 by scotsbookie at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Monday, March 23, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (3/23/2009 UTC) at By mail, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Bluemchenblatt has asked to be moved to the end of the ring so this book is in the post to yorkshire-lass. Enjoy!
Bluemchenblatt has asked to be moved to the end of the ring so this book is in the post to yorkshire-lass. Enjoy!
Arrived safely this morning,thanks. Will do my best to get it read and on its way again,I'm about half way into a book at the moment and this one is next on the pile. After reading the other JE's Im really looking forward to reading it!!
What an amusing book,some of the stories had me laughing out loud! I'm so pleased that I joined this bookray as it was so different from the books I usually read,it's good to try something new occasionaly.
I have jmsmom's address and I hope to have the book in the post tomorrow.
I have jmsmom's address and I hope to have the book in the post tomorrow.
Journal Entry 35 by 
yorkshire-lass
at By Mail, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, April 1, 2009
yorkshire-lass at By Mail, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases on Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (4/2/2009 UTC) at By Mail, A RABCK -- Controlled Releases
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Now on its way to jmsmom,who I hope enjoys it as much as I did.
Now on its way to jmsmom,who I hope enjoys it as much as I did.
book arrived in today's mail. Thanks so much to yorkshire-lass for sending it. I'm reading another bookring book right now and this one will be next.
nice book. Will be on its way to Llednyl sometime this week.
Journal Entry 38 by jmsmom at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases on Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Released 15 yrs ago (4/21/2009 UTC) at Bookring, A Bookring -- Controlled Releases
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On its way to Llednyl.
On its way to Llednyl.
Arrived today - looking forward to it, thanks!
This was a lovely collection of stories - how lucky his family is to have a copy of his stories like this to pass down through the generations! I wish my grandfather had written stories about his life that I could read. Many of these stories made me laugh out loud, although I think that they would be even better hearing them in person (especially because of their short nature). It reminded me of sitting at my family gatherings and listening to people tell stories from their childhood. I've been a passenger on boats and ships, but don't know much about seafaring, so some of the nautical terms were over my head. Other than that it was a very enjoyable read! Thanks for sharing. This should be sent off within the next few days, I'm still waiting for an address.
Journal Entry 41 by Llednyl at -- BookRing, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA on Monday, May 18, 2009
Released 14 yrs ago (5/18/2009 UTC) at -- BookRing, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- USA
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent via media mail to the next participant today.
Sent via media mail to the next participant today.
The book arrived in the mail today. I'll read it quick and get it on its way.
I enjoyed this book very much. I live very near Lake Erie and especially enjoyed the stories about the Great Lakes and the Welland Canal. We often visited there when I was a kid. I have the address for Adrienne10 and will send the book off to her on Tuesday. Thanks so much for including me.
Received in the mail yesterday. Thanks for including me in this ring. I look forward to reading it. I should be able to read it next as I just finished another book this morning!
This is a fairly quick read. A book such as this I would prefer to read each little anecdote singly, day by day. Ad that would take about 6 months, that is obviously not the best way to approach a ring book.
I probably would have enjoyed the book more if I knew anything about searfaring or knew either daughter better. I only know Weebly and Katweeble through the BCUK booklist.
The book also reminded me of my uncle's book, Padre's Point: Simple Essays from a Happy Priest by Rev. Philip Hamilton.
I have rebel-padawan's address, so will pass this on in the mail tomorrow.
I probably would have enjoyed the book more if I knew anything about searfaring or knew either daughter better. I only know Weebly and Katweeble through the BCUK booklist.
The book also reminded me of my uncle's book, Padre's Point: Simple Essays from a Happy Priest by Rev. Philip Hamilton.
I have rebel-padawan's address, so will pass this on in the mail tomorrow.
Journal Entry 46 by weebly at Hartwell, Northamptonshire United Kingdom on Wednesday, October 6, 2010
This bookring appears to have stalled, so Dad has given me a 2nd copy which I have offered to yayajanuary.
I have a copy of Dad's 2nd book, More of Len's Stories, if anyone would like to be added to a bookring for this one please pm me and I'll get it moving. http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/8342458
I have a copy of Dad's 2nd book, More of Len's Stories, if anyone would like to be added to a bookring for this one please pm me and I'll get it moving. http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/8342458
