Simon Waite - Aberdovey, Wales, 1955

I was sent to Aberdovey after pre-sea training and before joining my first ship. I did not want to go, but once there I loved it. I particularly liked the boat work, and the few days aboard "Golden Valley" were terrific.
It was a great honour meeting Stan Hugill, the boatswain, an old sailing ship man, who was full of interesting stories. One of the most challenging parts of the course was the great hill walk from Towyn, I think, back to school. I also enjoyed the Tarzan course.
I think that the course gave me confidence in myself, and gave me social skills through meeting boys from very different family backgrounds.