大象传媒

It was aboard the M.V. Highland Monarch in the North Atlantic, we were travelling in convoy to New York. Because of certain eating prowesses a contest had been arranged for a meatball-eating contest between Gannet, Scouse Ginger (Challenger) and Lefty Meatballs Wells. It was arranged for a Saturday morning and the cook would prepare a big bowl of meatballs, the duration of the contest was to be thirty minutes. A lot of excitement was aroused in the days prior to the tournament around in the days prior to the tournament and bets were laid fast and furious, mostly in cigarettes I may add. Posters were put up telling of the eating achievements of the contestants- all very realistic. On the morning in question I would think all those not on watch, came to watch. The contest was taking place in the seaman鈥檚 mess. The cook arrived amidst all the excitement with a great plate of meatballs and a commentator was given a running account of all that was taking place (this all sounded very professional)

Prior to the contest Gannet Scouse Ginger had been exercising himself very vigorously and making sure his bowels were empty whilstLefty Meatball Wells had spent two hard hours on the big bears barbarising the wooden decks. I imagine those terms are still used and big bears were huge blocks of wood at the end of a handle with very short bristle hairs. Old seamen would certainly know what these are.

At the given time the contest would begin and those watching were shouting encouragement to their favourites, with the commentator reaching a pitch of excitement as he gave the running commentary at the event taking place.

The contest was finally won by Lefty Meatballs Wells seven to three, and yes they made me (you鈥檝e guessed it) finish on a slice of bread and jam. They crowned me the meatball eating champ of the Western ocean.

I wonder if there are any out there that still remember this.

Of course a lot of things took place at sea sometimes for fun and sometimes to avoid boredom. Looking back some seem absolutely boring by today鈥檚 standards.

P.S I was sixteen years old at the time and Ginger was two years older and head and shoulders bigger than me. This of course is not a hero鈥檚 story.

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