Hello to all!

[Maritime Michael Ian]

My name is Michael Ian Byard; I use my middle name in shipping circles and was a member of P&O's Managing Agents, Macdonald, Hamilton & Co in Melbourne from 1954 to 1962. I was also a member,for a couple of years, of The Royal Australian Naval Reserve in Melbourne. I now live back in England.

When I was in Melbourne last year got permission to buy, and fly, an RAN Ensign. Apart from Passenger ships ( to Australia & NZ) I have a big interest in Motor Torpedo Boats, especially those designed and built by British Power Boat Co, at Hythe and Poole where my late father was chief storekeeper (Chandler) during WW2.

Graduated last year with an MA in Maritime History at Exeter aged 67 years... shows age 'aint any barrier'!

I look forward to many years of membership.

[BB60]

Welcome Michael, glad to have you here.

[kc]

Welcome to the forum!

May I point you in the direction of this recent thread which may interest you regarding MTBs etc.

http://www.worldnavalships.com/forums/showthread.php?t=791

[Maritime Michael Ian]

G'day KC,

Thanks for the welcome... and the info! nice to see that my website has been found useful by members... the BPB pages referred to are part of my on-line autobiography.

[Maritime Michael Ian]

Very many thanks Jeff, glad to be aboard.

kind regards

Michael (Ian)

[herakles]

G'Day to you Michael!

I hope you find the forum as interesting as I do. Long MAY you stay.

[Maritime Michael Ian]

G'day Herakles,

Thanks for your welcome. I can see that a lot of time can/will be spent in these pages!!

[The Sailor]

Hello Ian, it's a new morning here on the forum with good news. Another Australian no less although once removed. You seem to still qualify.
We can use you old mate.
Start showing these shirkers how to post.
Graeme

[Maritime Michael Ian]

Hello Graeme,

Nice to make your acquaintance... and thanks for the welcome. I'm just about to go to bed, but thought I'd give a quick reply in return. I still have very fond memories of Oz... and still regard it as my second home, even though things have changed there out of all recognition in many places... tempus certainly fugits!

When in Melbourne last year I went down to Port Melbourne to see HMAS Lonsdale, stone frigate!! it's gone!!! in its place is a restaurant and apartments, which are called HMAS Lonsdale Buildings ( or something similar) and they are built on what used to be the parade ground!... isn't anything sacred anymore?? The irish pub is still opposite though, so some of the priorities are right!

Regards

Ian

[The Sailor]

You call that bad Ian, try looking at the Federation Square monstrosity for more than a minute without heading to a travel agent

[herakles]

You're dead right there Ian.

The place has changed out of site.

You might ask me why I moved!!

[astraltrader]

Hi Michael - I am truly glad that you followed my recommendation and joined the forum! Look forward to interacting with you over the forthcoming years.
As I previously mentioned to you feel free to use the photographs as you see fit. Catch up with you soon...

[cissystar650]

Hi Michael

Just wanted to add my hello and welcome :D

[John Brown]

Michael

A big hello and welcome!

As you know by now it was myself that found your site and was able to confirm the identity of the Power 70ft Class in Astraltraders photo. I had read about this class of boat and connected it to Astrals photo. However, until I saw the picture on your site I couldn't definitely confirm it's identity. A very good site.....Well done and thank you!.


regards..John

[Maritime Michael Ian]

The Sailor!

You are right about Federation Square... it's an abomination of a place! I remember the first time I saw it I asked a policeman at Flinders Street Railway Station about it. He said that there were only two reactions....either 'it's OK for modern art! or - as he actually said ' it's a bloody monstrosity mate and a waste of money! I agree with him!

Ian

[Maritime Michael Ian]

Hi Cissystar,

Thanks very much for your welcome

Ian

[Maritime Michael Ian]

John,
Thanks for your welcome too! it's a nice feeling when one's efforts are appreciated by others! It never ceases to amaze me how many people have contacted me as a result of my 'on-line autobigraphy' expressing pleasure and recalled memories of past ships ... extremely gratifying.

Regards

Ian

[viv1949]

Hi Michael
A warm welcome from one "oldie" to another !
Good to know that although the years have passed (my user name wiil give you a clue to my age !) and our bodies are slowing down a little... our minds are bright and alert as they ever were.
I am also new to this forum and am having a great time, hope yopu get the same enjoyment from it .....

Viv
P.s. Some of my shipmates think I am a he ( please note Sailor !) but I be a woman !!

;)

[Maritime Michael Ian]

Hello Viv

Thank you too for your warm welcome... I AT LEAST new you were a lady. Long months at sea can have a strange effect on matlows you know!

Regards

Ian

[herakles]

Bit odd. I was certain Viv is a name of the feminine gender!

Erm... ... I am right Ian? Ian is a male name still? One can never be sure these days!! LOL

Herakles is definitely male!!!

[romft1945]

Hi MMI just come home from travels welcome as a member to the site cheers,
ROM:o

By the way matlows is spealt MATELOT cheers ROM

[Maritime Michael Ian]

Hi ROM,

Thanks for your welcome.... yes you are right re the spelling.... just checking!!

Ian

[Maritime Michael Ian]

Bit odd. I was certain Viv is a name of the feminine gender!

Erm... ... I am right Ian? Ian is a male name still? One can never be sure these days!! LOL

Herakles is definitely male!!!
Herakles!

Yep! this Ian, anyway, is definitely male!

Ian