Barrie Youde
 

I was sitting in the shade during the heat of this afternoon reading through old issues of Sea Breezes magazine and came across an interesting article on the training of Liverpool Pilots.
Written by Barrie Youde, Pilot and Poet who was a very frequent contributor to SN/SH until about 18 months ago.
Does anyone have news of Barrie?

Alaric,

I asked the same question some time ago, without receiving any news. I also checked local obituaries, without result. Web searches only came up with some articles that he had written for a Pilot's magazine, amongst other scribblings.

Someone mentioned that he had run afoul of some legslation and a legal claim that he had made and that, maybe, he did not have time to devote to frivolous pursuits.

In the end, Barrie just "disappeared" completely off the radar.

I too would appreciate any more precise information regarding him.

Best Regards,
Dave.

I echo both the above.

Indeed, much missed on both sites. A thoughtful, entertaining and measured contributor.

Barrie had a wealth of seagoing and legal experience, and kept us updated with regular posts about his concerns with a certain pilotage district. He also sailed a Drascombe lugger I believe. I hope all is well.

I fear he may be in HM's Historic Holding Tank.

Despite his often expressed loyalty to his sovereign, arguing with her ministers over their lack of obedience to her pilotage laws, possibly the laws of many Great times Grandpa Harry (who was, who was), may have ended in the Tower Gaol (let us hope not Tower Green!).

(In essence, as I understand it, several harbour authorities have been encouraged by the irresponsible Secretary of State into issuing 'class' pilotage exemptions based on STCW competencies (see earlier definitions under recent IMarEST thread) and without the expected makey-learn no-beachy-da-boat experience). This, supposedly, in the interests of economy rather than those of the remaining ship repair yards. Barrie can easily be Googled waging war on said irresponsible ministers.

Barrie Michael Fergus Youde. born Jan 1943.
Currently still shown as a partner at R. A. Wilkinson & Co of Birkenhead.
Though at 78, I wonder how 'active' he would be.

I have to say, that even though I am not a great reader or lover of poetry, I do admire his skill in that respect.

Calm, Malcolm! My Dad is a "whirlwind" at 85!
Rgds.
Dave

Sorry Dave, I should have differentiated between 'retired active' and 'professional active'.
Is he still an Active partner of the firm of Solicitors is what I was pondering
One could always ring them, but I do not intend to do so.

Hi Malcolm,

Only kidding! My Dad finally retired from teaching engineering and workshop when he was 82. At the moment inactive due to the pandemic, but he still teaches Judo, on the payroll of the local authority (6th Dan).

I may just take the final step myself and give R. A. Wilkinson a call. They should be in Hamilton Sq. I was going to call my Dad tomorrow and I shall make some enquiries with him (on the square, not Hamilton!).

Rgds.
Dave

Barrie is certainly missed by myself for his various speedy poetic replies to many subjects. I do hope he is well and will return to postings on SH in the very near future. I am certain he will have so much in these current times that he could pen about in his fine style.

I checked the records...
Barrie joined SH in April 2017, last posting was in May 2017.
Last post on SN was in December 2019.

Having served with some Liverpool Pilots in Damman I understood they served their apprenticeships on the Liverpool Pilot Boat and did not necessarily have Masters Certificates, was this correct or not. They were easy to get on with and did a good job.Also in my time there there were also pilots from East Coast UK Ports.I did not spent a long time there as our contract employer wanted to charge the length of contract which I refused to sign.

I don't have a definitive answer, Garry, but Barrie Y was a midshipman with Blue Funnel first.

Rgds.
Dave

Indeed an integral part of Pilot training is a solid grounding in chipping and painting the rusty decks of a ship whose name you have trouble pronouncing.

I am happy to advise that Barrie is fit and well and sends his regards to all. His mind is concentrated with the Pilotage scandal referred to above, a sorry state of affairs that the Government and Police refuse to acknowledge, meantime the problems continue to accumulate, by the grace of God there has not yet been serious pollution or loss of life, however I fear it can only be a matter of time.

Thanks for the update Duncan.
With the bit between his teeth on such a just cause I trust that Barrie is not allowing it to affect his health.

Yes. Thank you Duncan, good to know.

VMT 112, he always added tone to the proceedings.

Of course! How rude of me. Thank you Mr. 112.

Thank you,Duncan, for this update on Barrie. I have been wondering why he has gone OTA (off the air). I hoped that it was not due to illness of any kind. Look forward to the day when he comes back onboard with his excellent contributions.

Regards

KR

Many thanks Duncan, good news indeed about Barrie, not so good about the affairs concerned.

Regards,

Roy.

Sailing on another ship.....i too have wondered about Barrie and others.

Basil....ex MN engineer and RAF/civilian pilot for one.

If anyone has any information....i would be pleased to receive it

Basil moved home to somewhere in Scotland I believe, and seemed to drop off the forum around the same time that it was being "modified" and "improved."

Roy.

My summing up also.

Thanks for your time