What a wonderful couple of days...I spent last Saturday and Sunday at South Quay, Canary Wharf, welcoming some of the 6,000 supporters whe duly joined the queue for Registration and caused a lot of interest on South Quay. Most visitors got off their trains at Canary Wharf and took a short walk along the quayside to get on board the ship. Visitors included UK Chief John Sauven, and we welcomed International Director Kumi Naidoo on board - he gave a short welcome and speech of thanks to the crowds on the quayside.
As well as directing and welcoming guests, I had the chance to go onboard for a tour and into the mess room for lunch (thanks for the fantastic soups), as well as visit the bridge (don't touch anything!) I took some pictures too, which I hope to upload soon, and some video, though I cannot get the sound to play (need a new MP-4 codec!)
Just being one of the first 5,000 people to be on board is a great pleasure, and so was meeting so many appreciative people who have supported Greenpeace with their money and time - and they came from all over England just for the chance.
She is a lovely ship, and I had a moment of historical deja vu - if there is such a thing. As I was taking a tray of teas for other volunteers up the steep stairs, I was reminded that my Grandfather, who was a steward on the Titanic (and survived, I'm not that old!) must have done the same on another new ship many years ago.....Glad to say though that this new ship will be ploughing the Oceans for the Environment and for Peace for another forty to fifty years...wish I could stowaway.....
We are organising another Rainbow Warrior III rundraising Lumch on Sunday 1st April, 2012 at the Croft Tearooms, St Mary Cray High Street, BR5 4AR...please do come....
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