Port of King's Lynn - Associated British Ports
ABP Obituary Page 5
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Patricia Marie Barnard ( Pat), |
The following in date order.
Michael Colin RUMENS - 20.06.1947 - 30.09.2016.
Michael C Rumens, peacefully after a short illness in The Norfolk & Norwich Hospital on 30th September 2016, aged 69 years, of Heacham. Much loved son of "Winnie", husband of Caroline, father of Michelle and Kevin, Grumpy Gramps of Joseph, Georgia, Elena, Chloe and Allex. Will be sadly missed by all his family and many friends.
The funeral service was held at St Mary's Church, Church Lane, Heacham, King's Lynn PE31 7HJ on Tuesday 18th October at 2.00pm. Donations for Asthma Research Fund 42210 Q.E.H.
Funeral Service by John Lincoln 40 Greevegate Hunstanton. PE36 6AG
View/Print Order of service:- (Click to view)
Mike started work at the King's Lynn Docks B.T.D.B (British Transport Docks Board) now ABP Associated British Ports on 3rd August 1970 as a cost clerk and worked at the port till 31st March 2005 having completed almost thirty four and a half years loyal service in the position of Accounting Assistant (Management from 1989).
Michael was a very popular member of staff, he enjoyed many outside activities, Michael had an active social life, playing football, tennis, table tennis and cricket. The local speedway team became a large and important part of his life too, he regularly contributed towards writing the programme for each meeting, and even ran the junior team, travelling many miles to support them wherever and whenever they were racing. Mike enjoyed his involvement with King's Lynn Stars Speedway, and for some time was the club's statistician. He was a very keen speedway follower during the 1970's. Mike and Chris Hornby (Lynn News) were joint editors for the programme during the time of Cyril Crane and co-founder Maurice Littlechild.
Mike was a lifetime suporter of Reading Football Club.
Michael Colin Rumens arrived to the unsuspecting village of Heacham on 20th June 1947, Born and bred in Meadow Road, he was the only son of Winifred and Joseph Rumens.
In 1965 he joined an accounting firm, where Michael met his future wife, Caroline Welham. He married Caroline in February 1971, 45 years ago (1971). Caroline and Michael's own family grew in March 1973, when Michelle was born, followed by Kevin in May 1975. Their house in School Road was always filled with laughter and children, particularly when Caroline became a professional child-minder and Playgroup leader. Michelle married Jonathan in 1996 and now they have two beautiful daughters of their own, Georgia and Elena. Kevin married Lisa in 2000, and they have three lovely children, a son Joseph, and daughters Chloe and Allex.
In 1970 he left to join Associated British Ports in King's Lynn, where he remained until he semi-retired in 2005. Whilst there, he belonged to the British Docks Transport Quiz Team, (quizzes, yes another of Mike's passions) - and that British Docks Transport Quiz Team, took part in those famous "Top of the Town" quizzes which on occasion featured on the majestic Radio Norfolk and made every penny of the licence fee worthwhile.
It was always like Christmas in Mike's office with the aroma of his cigars, eventually with the H&S regulations coming on board Mike's office had more extractor fans than anyone. More to follow.
Mike enjoyed the Rick Wakeman event earlier this year at the Hunstanton Princess Theatre, to see the keyboard maestro, also described as perennial grumpy old man.
Mike and Andrew ____ created the Mardlers, who clebrated their 25th Anniversary this year. (see Andrews Eulogy below for more details).
In 2005 he became Heacham Club Charity Administrator, a post that Mike retained until June 2016.
Other interests incluced:-
- History of all sorts of things: Local Churches, Ordnance Survey Maps, the whole of Norfolk, the Doomsday book and Railways.
- He loved tending his vegetable garden. Mike supported Reading Football Club all his life. Heacham Youth Club. Mike was Chairman of Heacham Youth Trust Fund. Mike enjoyed holidaying, sightseeing and walking in this country and abroad. He was always involved with the Sports and Social Club helping and participating in the Carnival, village Fete, as well as many sports. Mike also enjoyed working with the Heacham Minors (Jnr Football team). He enjoyed organising 5 a side football competitions for both adults and children, helping with the Heacham Magpies, and to this end, he also trained as a football referee. Michael also very much enjoyed playing Bowls.
- Eulogy as read at the Funeral service by Andrew Click to view and print.
- "A Friends Thoughts" as read at the Funeral service by Edward Click to view and print.
- "Family Acknowledgement" From Lynn News 1st December 2016 Click to view and print.
Last 
on 31st Deceber 2016.
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Ronald (Ron) Derek Mace - 14.12.1927 - 08.09.2016.
Ronald Derek Mace, Suddenly but peacefully on 8th September 2016 at his home, aged 88 years, of King's Lynn. Loving husband of June, dad of Helen and Geoffrey, will be sadly missed by his family and friends.
Funeral Service took place at Mintlyn Crematorium on Monday 19th September 2016 at 12:15pm. The service was conducted by Barry Godden - Civil Ceremony Celebrant. Family flowers only please, donations if desired for ELM Ward Staff QEH and Cats Protection may be made on-line via Thornalley Funeral Services Website, Thornalley Funeral Services. Thornalley Funeral Services, Austin Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1QH.
View/Print Order of service:- (Click to view)
Ron joined B.T.D.B (British Transport Docks Board) now ABP Associated British Ports on 19th October 1970 where he became part of a team responsible for maintaining the train tracks. Within the company there was a vacant post advertised for a Dockwatchman/Weighbridge man. Ron applied and was selected and he remained in that position till his retirement from full time work in 1987 aged sixty.
He then worked part time in a garage before moving on to work for local estate agents as a board erector and occasionally showed prospective buyers around house for sale before retiring completely when he was sixty five.
- The Family Eulogy as as read at the Funeral service by Barry Godden (Civil Ceremony Celebrant) Click to view and print.
Last on 10th October 2016.
More details and photographs to be added.
John Sidney Batch - 17.09.1928 - 04.06.2016.
John Batch peacefully on the 4th June 2016 at Amberley Hall, aged 88 years of South Wootton. Much loved husband of June, dearly loved dad of Rachael and son in law Nick, devoted grandad of Finlay, a dear brother of Irene.
The Funeral Service took place at Mintlyn Crematorium on Friday 24th June 2016 - Revd. David Tate 36 the Birches, South Wootton, telephone 01553 672474. (St Mary's Church, Church Lane, South Wootton, Kings Lynn, PE30 3LL.
Donations for the Stroke Association may be sent c/o Thornalley Funeral Services. Austin Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1QH.
View/Print Order of service:- (Click to view)
John had been mechanical/chemical engineer at West Norfolk Fertilizer at South Lynn till 1976, after a short break he joined the docks during April 1977, he became Senior Technical Assistant in May 1982, then Engineering Assistant (Mechanical) in 1984, he retired as Mechanical Engineer in September 1989.
Last on 10th October 2016.
More details and photographs to be added.
Melvyn John Smith - 24.10.1944 - 30.07.2015.
Suddenly on Thursday 30th July 2015 at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, John aged 70 of South Wootton, beloved husband of Beryl, much loved and loving dad of Kevin and Darren, dear father-in-law of Steph and Gemma, adored and special grandad to Maisie, Alfie, Melissa and Matt, best mate to Sammy.
Funeral service took place at Mintlyn Crematorium, on Thursday 13th August 2015, at 12:15pm. No Flowers by request, donations if desired, to be shared between East of England Air Ambulance Service, East Anglian Air Ambulance and Critical Care Unit, QEH, can be sent c/o Thornalley Funeral Services, Austin Street, King's Lynn, Norfolk, PE30 1QH.
The funeral service was taken by the Revd James Nash (Vicar) and Revd Graham Wilkins (Curate) of St Mary's Church, Church Lane, South Wootton, Kings Lynn PE303LL.
Click to view and print order of service for Melvyn John Smith.
John married Beryl at All Saints Church, King's Lynn, they had been married for 47 years this year.
Before joining the docks, John worked for Alfred Dodman's in Highgate, King's Lynn training as a welder. He had a brief period with Barwells Tyre company in King's Lynn delivering tyres, joining the docks in 1965.
John started work at the Docks (then BTDB) on 28th June 1965 as a PO general maintenance crane driver at the age of 19.
John was extremely talented in a number of areas, for many years he was part of the Crane Gang, whose responsibility was to keep the cranes hoisting and luffing wires well greased and carrying out regular inspections. John also was a qualified crane driver and as such drove all the dock cranes for all types of cargo handling. He operated the tug masters, fork trucks as and when required. When trade was slack he would often move across to the Engineering Department turning his hand to welding repairs etc.
John unfortunately had to take early retirement due to ill health. He managed to clock up a total of 40 years service with the company.
If any members of ABP staff or family have any photographs that can be used on this page please contact John Barrett.
More details and further photographs to be added. Last on 15th August 2015.
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Major Martin SWALE (Ret'd). 2nd Dec 1934 - 28 July 2015, aged 80 years.
On July 28th, aged 80 years. Loving husband, father and grandfather. The funeral service was held at St Mary's Church, East Rudham, Norfolk, PE31 8SU on Tuesday, August 18th at 11.30am, followed by a private cremation. Family flowers only, but donations for either SSAFA or Gt Massingham Area Community Car Scheme may be sent c/o Emma Duggan Fakenham & District Funeral Services, Weasenham, PE32 2TF. Tel: 01328 838838.
Mayor's Civic Awards for Voluntary Service 2012.
At Lynn Town Hall on Tuesday 12 March 2013, Borough Mayor Geoffrey Wareham awarded Martin for the good work carried out the community at the annual Mayor's Civic Awards for Voluntary Service in 2012.
A special certificate was presented to Martin by Borough Mayor Geoffrey Wareham marking his contribution to community life in the area. Martin has contributed to East Rudham community in numerous ways, including being a volunteer driver for the Great Massingham Area Community Car Scheme, an organiser of the Rudhams' prescription service and a case worker for SSAFA Forces. He has served the scouts movement for many years and was County Commissioner for Norfolk for seven years.
Martin was also a Trustee of the East Rudham Charities.
Full Eulogy for MARTIN SWALE
At the funeral service at St Mary's Church, East Rudham, the family asked John Dominie to read the Eulogy for Martin that had been written by his wife Sheila Swale Click to view and print.
After this Martin left the Army and embarked on a second career working for Associated British Ports (formerly the British Transport Docks Board) and came to King's Lynn as Principal of the Staff College in St Ann Street. Some years later when that closed he became Group Training Manager for ABP. He was also Chairman of British Ports Industry Training Ltd - The National Training Organisation of the UK Ports Industry and a Fellow of the Charted Institute of Logistics and Transport.
Martin was Training Manager for Associated British Ports whose training college was based at King's Lynn, Norfolk from 1977 to 2000 (23 years).
MARTIN SWALE also worked in companies: BRITISH PORTS INDUSTRY TRAINING LIMITED 27/10/1992 to 22/07/2003, EATON VALE SCOUT and GUIDE ACTIVITY CENTRE LIMITED from 01/04/1999 to 02/06/2006.
From 1999 he had been involved with SSAFA Forces. He was initially a case worker then fairly soon became divisional secretary for West Norfolk, leading a team of case workers seeking funding to help ex-servicemen and women and their dependants who are in need of financial assistance.
Martin had been involved with Norfolk Scouts and for a short time he was Assistant District Commissioner/Leader in Kings Lynn, then becoming Assistant County Commissioner/Leader training until, in 1989, he was appointed County Commissioner for Norfolk and served in that capacity for 7 years. During that time he was instrumental in setting up the Eaton Vale Activity Centre.
Click on photograph to view full article (From ABP's Port Magazine) -
Martin Swale OUT OF HOURS.
Martin Swale - Front Centre
Click on photograph to view full article (From ABP's Port Magazine) -
The Scouting Association was the only voluntary organisation in the list of 100 National Training Awards for 1991 ...
Left to Right: The Chief Scout, Garth Morrison, Valerie Singleton and Martin Swale with the National Training Award. (November 1991)
Last on 10 September 2015.
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Terry Ford - 9th March 1951 - 2nd September 2015 Aged 64.
Terry Ford on 2nd September 2015, at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, aged 64 years, of King's Lynn. Beloved husband and soul mate of Marie. Dearly loved dad of Amy. A dear brother and uncle. Will be sadly missed by all family and friends.
The funeral service was held at Mintlyn Crematorium on Thursday 10th September at 11.30am. Family flowers only.
Donations if desired, for Brambles Animal Sanctuary, 55 Whin Common Road, Denver, Downham Market, Norfolk PE38 0DX may be sent c/o A.J.Coggles Funeral Directors, 1 Blackfriars Street, King's Lynn, PE30 1NN
OR
By making an On-line donation via the following website:- Memory Giving, please enter "Brambles Animal Sanctuary"
Terry started work at the Docks on 11th November 1991, he took early retirement on 30th November 2014 having completed 23 years at the Port as an Electrician. During his time working at the docks Terry never had a day off work due to sickness.
Terry was born in Grimsby (the middle child of three). He first met Marie when she was 18, and they were both living in Cleethorpes. They were married in 1972. On the 13th September this year (2015) Terry and Marie would have been celebrating their 43rd wedding anniversary. Terry always wanted to be a Pub Landlord and in 1983 he took over the Norfolk Harvester Public House on the Grange Estate, King's Lynn, Terry and Marie ran the pub till 1988. Terry and Marie enjoyed holidays in the Costa Del Sol and at the time of his retirement in November 2014, they were both considering the purchase of a holiday home in Costa Del Sol and coming back to the UK just for the summer months. Shortly after Terry retired he became unwell and he was eventually diagnosed with Leukaemia. It was a difficult time for Terry and his family as he underwent lots of treatment but in early September 2015 Terry was taken to hospital and passed away three weeks later with his family beside him.
In 1986 he had a night off from being landlord and went to see his favourite group "Queen" performing in Wembley, Terry was always a true "Queen" fan and always enjoyed listening to their music. Terry's favourite "Queen" song was played at his funeral.
The funeral Ceremony led by Hazel Warken, Funeral Celebrant Click to view and print Order of Service.
Family members and friends attended Terry's funeral including a large number of staff current and retired from the docks (Associated British Ports), this clearly showed how popular Terry was.
Last on 7 October 2015.
If any members of ABP staff or family have any photographs that can be used on this page please contact John Barrett.
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Nicholas (Nick) Simon Hitchen Palmer - 23 April 1959 to 10th September 2015 (Aged 56)
INSPIRATIONAL Grimsby and Immingham port director Nick Palmer has passed away.
Born in East Anglia on St George's Day 23rd April 1959.
The funeral service took place at St Mary's Church, Polstead, Suffolk CO6 5BS on Thursday, 1st October at 11:30 was conducted by the Revd Jackie Sephton.
After the service family and friends gathered at Polstead Village Hall to celebrate Nick's life. The family recognise the huge generosity already shown towards MND-related causes but if you wish to make a contribution in Nick's memory further donations can be made either to the Motor Neurone Disease Association or SiTran charities c/o Kingsbury & Saunders Funeral Services at the address below.
Funeral arrangements entrusted to: Kingsbury & Saunders Funeral Services, 61 George Street, Hadleigh, Suffolk IP7 5BW. Tel 01473 823 117.
More photographs to be added.
Further photographs etc to be added. - (Last on 13th October 2015 16:55pm).
St Mary's Church, Polstead, Suffolk.
View and print Order of Service. (1.04 Mb file size) . . . . . . OR . . . . . . View and print Order of Service. (671 Kb file size)
Address by Reverend Jacqueline (Jackie) Sephton.
View and print the above Address. (325 Kb file size)
ABOVE: Reverend Jacqueline (Jackie) Sephton, Associate Priest, St Mary's, Polstead
Eulogy by Colin Greenwell.
View and print the above Eulogy. (232 Kb file size)
Colin and Nick spent a week together on the "Lord Nelson" (Photo kindly supplied by the Palmer family)
The dedicated husband and father bravely came to terms with his Motor Neurone Disease (MND) diagnosis in 2006, and died peacefully, aged 56 on Thursday 10th September 2015.
Nick leaves a wife Julie, a son and daughter, Mark and Megan. He saw his son get married in Cambridge last month (August 2015).
Nick took early retirement from Associated British Ports (ABP) in April 2008 whilst holding the position of Port Director for Ports of Grimsby and Immingham Britain's largest ports complex. He started at Grimsby and Immingham as deputy port manager in 1997 at the age of 37.
In 1980 Nick married Julie his school day sweetheart since the age of 16 years, both best friends and soul mates Nick and Julie had been married for 35 years. Their children Mark and Megan, born to the couple whilst in Wales, both went to East Ravendale and then Toll Bar schools.
His wife, Julie said: We are immensely proud of the way Nick coped with his illness, never once asking "why me?" or having a moment of self-pity. His motto was always to live life to the full and he continued to practise that right to the end. Thankfully the end came very quickly. He went into hospital in the afternoon and died the following morning. Although it was a shock, we had enjoyed a really good summer, that was a relief. It is a cruel disease, but thankfully for Nick the progression was relatively slow, which gave us some time. He was able to adapt as it went along, when he first lost the use of his legs, and gradually his arms. We took the opportunity to travel, which was something he loved. We had a motorhome and toured the UK and Ireland, we did the same in New Zealand, and then a couple of cruises which made life easier.
Nick having spent nearly 30 years in the Ports Industry and largely fulfilling his ambitions within the company, left his job . Julie also resigned from her career as a special-needs teacher. They both made a strategic decision to relocate back to East Anglia, to be closer to relations and family roots, and moving into a bungalow in the Suffolk countryside.
Nick Palmer had gained a BSc (Honours) degree in Transport Management and Planning from Loughborough University and was a member of the Chartered Institute of Transport.
FUND RAISING: More than £250,000 has been raised for research into MND in his name since he retired from the role at the helm of Britain's largest ports complex.
Nicks interests
A keen oil painter, he found time for that and was noted for it in his local community, moving to digital art when the condition prevented him, again with some success.
Earlier this year (2015) Nick managed to complete writing a book, sales of which will add to the money raised for Motor Neurone Disease Association. He had already authored the publication of this book which is currently with the publishers. Details of it's publication will be widely publised, including on this website.
Nick was a huge supporter of Norwich City Football Club and also got to see them win Britain's biggest football match, the Championship Play-Off Final, in May 2015, having been a season ticket holder at Carrow Road during his retirement.
Mr Palmer's 28 year career with ABP saw him spend 11 years in Grimsby and Immingham, he came to North East Lincolnshire from Cardiff.
LINK to Some of Nick's Published Articles on the Web "Platform505.com"
Living With Motor Neurone Disease - 7th December 2012 - View from a Chair - Living with Motor Neurone Disease - 15th March 2013
- Nick Palmer lives with motor neurone disease (MND) - 27th June 1013
NICK'S Own Words (taken from one of the above articles)
- I refuse to accept that there is no hope for the future. By increasing the awareness of MND, and publicising the excellent work of dedicated health professionals, not least those working within the Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), and the initiatives part funded by the MND Association, a miracle cure can be found, one day!
You can make an On-line donation via the above websites if you wish.
NOTE: Any further donations received in Nick's memory will be directed to MND Association or to SITraN in Shiefield - who, in gratitude for his fundraising efforts such as Pedal the Ports, intend to name a research laboratory after him.
Career with Associated British Ports.
- Nick joined BTDB (now ABP) as a management trainee in 1980.
- He spent about a year at ABP's training College as a Training Officer and lecturer in King's Lynn, Norfolk in 1984
- He was appointed to Assistant Port Manager at the Port of King's Lynn from 1989 to 1992, working alongside Port Manager David George.
- On leaving King's Lynn Nick took up a position as General Manager for Red Funnel Group Ferries at ABP's shipping subsidiary in Southampton (1992-97).
- He started at Grimsby and Immingham as deputy port manager in 1997 and played a major role in developing Humber International Terminal opening in 2000. Having served as deputy director of Grimsby and Immingham - the UK's largest port - Nick took on the challenge of forming the Short Sea Ports region, when 11 of ABP Ports were merged into a single business unit. (2002 to 2004). He then returned to the Humber as Port Director of Grimsby and Immingham (2004). After retiring in April 2008 he moved to Suffolk.
Nick's career with ABP also took him to numerous ports within the company, including :-
- Fleetwood,
- Garston,
- Hull,
- Goole,
- as well as the group's South Wales ports.
More details and Photographs to be added.
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