ODE TO THE TYNE ROVERS -The Wild Rover (song parody) RFA - replenishment ships - built on Tyneside

Were you a Rover Boat fan - who wasn't!?
The early Rover builds were initially rightly labelled "The Engineers Nightmare" - but once the Rusty engines were replaced, they became very popular little ships and delivered decades of good service and usually provided 'adventure' to all who served in them.
Grab a song sheet (available in the RFANostalgia Ships Gallery here: bit.ly/2tgHmcU) and sing along with Bob while he recalls an event in the life of each of the 5 Tyne Rovers.
For Bob's video with sing/play-along chords and lyrics: • ODE TO THE TYNE ROVERS...
The Tyne Rovers' adventures were numerous and it's been extremely difficult to decide which to include in this limited 6 minute story but the song is very adaptable - if you remember 'significant events' from your Rover Boat days, substitute the verse of your 'colour' with your own lyrics - and even better, share your Nostalgic memories here and maybe one day we can recompile the recording.
Best viewed FULL SCREEN if you can.
Have you any memories of “ RFA songs”? If so send them to [e-mail] and we will see if we can get them recorded / preserved for the enjoyment of all.

[@chuck62891]

I am a retired U. S. Navy Chief Petty Officer and my last sea tour was on the replenishment oiler USS SAVANNAH (AOR-4) and was there until she was decommissioned. Although our traditions may differ, there are many similarities. I think these songs are great and I certainly relate to them. Continued success.

[@BobTulip]

Thank you Charles. I appreciate your comment. I wasn't a seaman - but I was a mechanical engineering lecturer in South Tyneside College and had some dealings with marine students. I was asked to record the songs - and I really enjoyed doing them. Best wishes. Bob

[@bobbymacrmc]

I sailed on Tidespring, Blue Rover, Regent, Grey Rover, Brambleleaf… best days ever ❤️ love this video and song thank you

[@BobTulip]

I can take credit for singing the song and music - so thank you Mr MCCARTEN. I appreciate your comment. Best wishes. Bob

[@davidcurtis9248]

Great song and video Bob, I would have been doing 2nd Mates study leave at South Shields Marine and Tech College for BP Tanker Co when Green Rover was finishing her build in 1969. South Shields was a second home for BP ships and cadets but it is over 40 years since I was there. Still in occasional touch with a classmate from BP who married a local girl and says it is just about unrecognisable now. Always had a bit of a thing about the RFAS. All the best

[@BobTulip]

Thank you David. I can only take credit for recording the song - although I did teach Mechanical Engineering at the college and had some dealings with the cadets. Nice to hear from you. Bob

[@tarlgillings]

Loved it brought back memories of sailing on the grey at start of sea life and then on the black and gold

[@BobTulip]

Thank you Tarl. I appreciate your comment. Bob (the singer)

[@bryangirling3189]

Very clever and accurately researched - A great tribute to some great ships - work horses of the RFA for many a year..

[@BobTulip]

Thank you Bryan. I agree with you - but I can only take credit for performing the song. Best wishes. Bob

[@bryangirling3189]

Thanks Bob -any chance I get a copy of the song on a CD?

[@BobTulip]

Sorry Bryan, I don't own the song - you will need to apply to RFANostalgia.org. Best wishes. Bob

[@diggilad781]

My mum worked on Gold rover in the early 2000’s and it was one of her favourite ships until she left in 2005

[@BobTulip]

Thank you Diggi Lad. I appreciate your comment. Bob

[@mikeaustin2792]

Really good song, well researched. I once had the pleasure of serving on the Black and Gold. I heard the story of the Ruston's from an engineer who told me all about them.

[@BobTulip]

Thank you very much Mike. I appreciate your comment. Bob

[@mikeaustin2792]

@@BobTulip when were you in the RFA Bob?

[@BobTulip]

@@mikeaustin2792 I was never in. I was just asked to sing the song. Best wishes. Bob

[@downhill240]

Thank you Bob! This was not only a great musical piece but I learned something of the wonderful history of the Country as well!

[@BobTulip]

Thank you my friend. I learned a great deal by taking on this project. Bob

[@jonjoem-walton7381]

Loving this and the old tide boat song 👍 especially the old tide boat song. So apt, exactly what happens in a blackout mid RAS

[@BobTulip]

Thank you. I was fortunate to be asked to perform this song. Bob

[@AlexKrause]

Hello Bob, I have to compliment you again to your great video. Thanks for that. LG Alex

[@BobTulip]

Thank you my friend L.G. I appreciate your compliment but I can only take credit for the singing on the video. Cheers. Bob

[@ReitFans]

Loved this interest song Bob!

[@BobTulip]

Thank you Reit, glad you liked my cover. Bob

[@soundproof714]

wonderful job and vid bob!! th-up!!

[@BobTulip]

Thank you Gary. Bob

[@salmonfishandships]

nice boat trip , love tis song , trad folk , got to work this one some day too , thanks

[@BobTulip]

Thank you Philippe, I appreciate your visit. Bob

[@swagon4545]

I've never worked on her before she was decommission... But worked on oakleaf, pearleaf, Orangeleaf, Westminster, Olna.. Ford Grange, Ford George Ford Austin, RAF Argus.. RAF Olwen.. worked on many more.. good memories they really were.. enjoy time because it gos so fast...

[@BobTulip]

Thank you for your interesting comment. As you say - time goes so fast. Bob

[@72orbie]

Great stuff Bob, what a story......Joe

[@BobTulip]

Thank you Joe, I enjoyed doing this one. Bob

[@nowherenothingnever]

Very cool Bob!

[@BobTulip]

Thank you for that. Bob

[@YOSHIKIJOHN]

Great song and the video. very enjoyable. Bob. Regads John.

[@BobTulip]

Thank you John. I appreciate your visit. Bob

[@s6824s]

Loved this!

[@BobTulip]

Thank you my friend. I enjoyed performing the song. Bob

[@CrawfishParish]

Enjoy it..

[@BobTulip]

Thank you Michael. Bob

[@jman6587]

Great !

[@BobTulip]

Thank you, I appreciate your visit. Bob