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THE LAUNCHING CEREMONY
15th July 1961
When the official party travelled by rail from London to Faversham, the weather conditions
were wet and gloomy. Perhaps this symbolised a mourning sentiment for the physical absence of
the late Chairman—Mr. Deputy Humphrey Morris — from the official party, because this eventful
occasion was surely his in a personal sense.
Motor coach transport was arranged from Faversham railway station to the spacious marquee
erected in The Shipyard and close by the launching platform. The marquee was adequately
furnished, lighted and warmed and ample provision made for refreshments to be followed by a
buffet luncheon with service. An attractive feature of the lighting installation was the adaption
of one of the actual illuminated signs to be fitted in the cutter and this very effectively served
as a back-panel for the sideboard table.
The entire setting and proceedings contrasted sharply with the comparatively miserable
weather conditions outside where the "HUMPHREY MORRIS" rested proudly and comfortably
alone on the launching cradle.
As time sped on towards the appointed hour for the launching ceremony, hopes transcended
fears and, as if by supernatural intervention, the rainstorm ceased, the clouds parted and allowed
the sun to smile upon the site — precisely one half hour before the actual ceremony started.
Advantage was taken of this interval by most of those attending to view the form of the hull, the
main and auxiliary machinery and other equipment which had been set for the purpose at appropriate
places nearby the marquee.
Thereafter, the sun continued to shine and the "HUMPHREY MORRIS" waited, emaculate
with new paint and dressed overall with bunting, expectantly poised alongside the decorated
launching platform. At 1450 hours, the platform was occupied by :-
The Vicar of Faversham
Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Cohen
Mr. Deputy Allcard
Mr. and Mrs. Pollock
Directors
Mrs. McLennan
and more than one hundred guests and spectators were assembled on both sides of the narrow
river.
The Vicar, dressed in his clerical robe, read passages from the Bible and addressed the
assembly with special reference to the work of the new vessel. He laid stress on her missions
of goodwill, hope and healing mercy to all crews and passengers regardless of race, colour or
creed. Suitable prayers were offered to Almighty God for the success of her engagements in this
humane and noble work, then all joined in offering the Lord's Prayer.
The setting of the launching party on the white platform, particularly the ladies, provided a
scene of modest splendour.
Prayers ended, the first launching triggers, then the climax was reached when Mrs. Cohen
officially named the ship "HUMPHREY MORRIS" in the traditional style with a bottle of champagne
and invoked God's blessing on the ship and the crews that would sail in her. Incidentally, the
bottle struck the bow of the ship with such a powerful impact that it was completely shattered
and only the cork on the ribbon could be retrieved afterwards — although some of the guests caught
the champagne spray — 'every action has a consequential reaction'.
The last triggers were released and the ship slipped gracefully into the water—a perfect
broadside launching. With a minimum of fuss the ship was soon moored alongside and made
available for inspection. Particulars of her displacement and trim were checked and recorded to
entire satisfaction.
And so ended a truly happy and memorable day — an event which not only upheld the solemnity,
dignity and prestige for such an occasion, but laid the foundation of a worthy memorial to the
late chairman — Humphrey Morris — absent in the body but not so in spirit.
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