IT SEEMS Doug Joyce's recollections of the Army Cadets, which have been serialised in TRM over the last month or so, have jogged the memories of many who were part of that special group, and this week I'm including a few more who have recently been in touch.

Neil Cogger wrote: "Hi Jeff, just thought I'd drop you a line after reading last week's column about the Army Cadets on the Isle of Man for their summer camp.

"Needless to say, I was on that trip in '72. Brilliant time had by all.

Capt Doug Joyce, RSM Henry Kelly, Haven Drive; Sgt Dai Davies, St Peters Rd, and RSM Coombes from Neyland.

They were the seniors looking after us all.

First morning's parade we were introduced to a 6ft 10 military policeman, with his white helmet and also his cat-o-nine tails, which he said they still use on the island. Frightened the life out of us !

One last thing on the subject, Jeff..the film we saw was not Zulu..but Dad's Army.

Brilliant."

Cheers Neil.

And from Ray Dony in Pem Dock, came this email and photo.

"Hi Jeff..this is a photograph of a social evening held in Neyland in the late 1950's.

This was the Pembroke Dock and Pembroke Cadet Units.

We were under the command of Captain Pulford, with WO's Jack Radcliffe and Ernie Griggs.

We were entertained by John Gillams Skiffle Group and war films, refreshments being cups of tea. John was an apprentice tool maker at Davies Steel in Pembroke Dock. He served his apprenticeship under the wing of my father, Jim Dony.

With the Cadets, I went to a summer camp at Altcar, and Pendine.

Happy days for a teenager. Hope this is of some interest to you."

Sure is Ray, many thanks.

At least once, every year, TRM includes a comment or two about the days of the Rath outdoor swimming pool, and, proving once again that it will never be forgotten, here's an email received from David Howlett.

"Dear Jeff..re Milford's long lamented swimming pool on the Rath.

As we continue to enjoy this spell of fine, sunny weather, I am reminded of those seemingly endless, summer days spent at the swimming pool on the Rath.

As a child of the 50's and 60's I would be pleased if you could feature that facility, which sadly closed in 1987.

My own strong memories are..of lying on the sun warmed, stepped 'slabs'..

the sparkling, clear water as one dived into the deep end..that young man who always made his presence known by diving from the flagpole..and pool Supervisor, Mr Hassell, white plimsoles always untied, ready to dive in and save someone floundering around in the deep end.

Of course, in my memory that is, the backdrop to the pool, the haven, was always blue and the reflected light shimmered like thousands of diamonds.

Oh, happy days! The air was filled with the undulating sounds of happy swimmers, seagull calls, splashes, and the Beach Boys from a nearby transistor radio.

I can just recall looking from the pool and seeing nothing of BP or Texaco/Regent to block the view..only a line of trawlers waiting for the lock gates to open.

Does anyone share these memories of a much loved facility?

And does anyone have pictures of school swimming galas?"

Thanks David, with your excellent description, just for a mo, I was lapping up the sun on those slabs with you.

Here's a snap for you, and all who "lived" in the pool.

Included in TRM trawler corner is another "oldie," the Celtia.

A steel sided trawler built in 1907. 239 tons and 120' long.

In October 1907 she was owned by John Jones, Grt North Rd.

She landed at Milford from Nov 1907 to April 1910, and from May 1939 to Sep 1940.

Local news report from May 1939.."The three trawlers recently purchased from Liverpool by Messrs Yolland & Llewellin have now all completed their last voyage from the Mersey and landed at Milford. They are the Celtia, Goosander and Gallinule. The first is a former Milford vessel, now returning to her old port.

All three are of the mixed fishing class, similar to the Cleopatra and Caliph, a type of trawler essential to Milford as an aid to the hake fishing on the one hand, and the small drifter trawlers working the prime grounds."

Here's a snap of the Celtia, the trawler was broken up in Dublin, in 1955.

That just about wraps it up for this week, except for the teaser.

I can travel from there to here by disappearing, and there to here by re-appearing. What am I ?

Before I slam the door behind me, I'd just like to say thanks for the many kind comments I received last week, very much appreciated. Tomorrow morning, alongside Phil Thompson MBE, I'll be at Milford News/One-Stop in Charles Street for my charity book signing. If you fancy calling in, I'd appreciate that too.