Maritime Volunteer Service
I thought, while I am on the subject of the MVS, I might introduce you gradually to our members. (Be aware crew, I am out for blackmail material with the camera!)
“Hornblower”, alias Paul Joseph. Commonly seen on roofs about the Swansea area. A man with a head for heights – although questions have been asked about his sea legs – in fact, about his legs in general. Loves the front man role – and in fairness, the unit probably would not exist without him. Scourge of the English Units (for some unknown reason they seem to think the Welsh have an “attitude”. Cannot image why!
Star sign -Pluto. Favourite colour -puce. Pet hates – Cardiff City FC and stop tap. Claim to fame – grounded our RIB more than anyone else in the unit.
Now let me introduce you to Sam – 
When Sam joined us I thought she would be the most unlikely candidate for our band of misfits. Far from it. She has proven herself to be more than a capable member. A single Mum (open to offers from hunky millionaire studs), who has launched herself into the MVS with gusto. So far she has managed to avoid aquiring a nickname – but it is only a matter of time. She has developed a very high standard of boat handling skills, and is now also a commited member of the Lougher Inshore Lifeboat crew. Her drunken hedge-leaping skills are spectacular! English Units beware – do not get into a drinking competition with this girl – she may be small, but her size belies her capacity.
Nothing to do with members of our unit – dogs. Every year the Swansea Maritime Festival (Swansea Council – get your act together – it is supposed to be a MARITIME Festival), features an appearance from Newfoundland dog enthusiasts. However, they have double booked this year, so sadly will not be with us. These magnificent animals, weighing in at 140 lbs+ were originally bred to save the lives of fishermen who fell overboard. They have web feet, and enormous appetites. Their display has as a climax one dog towing eight or more people through the water. This is no mean task, and in one display it included Digger (an ex-member of the MVS, weighing in himself at an unmentionable weight) and seven others. Impressive! One of the funniest sights I have seen is when all the Newfoundlands turned up with a 100lb pup – that was afraid of the water! Look carefully at the photograph, the dog is aboard the RIB.
This photo, taken I think at the Portsmouth Festival of the Sea in 2005, is of some members of the Swansea Unit, with Digger in the front tickling Henry’s fancy.
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