It's time things changed in Wales. We desperately need to get people out of their homes and enjoying themselves once again. What a wonderful reason to get this unique and beautiful ship back in business adding a great attraction for visitors to the area.
It was an absolute pleasure, Ashley. We were worried that because of the wind, neither the interview audio, or the drone shots would be of any use. We're happy it worked out though. She's an amazing ship. Thanks for your time, it was hugely appreciated.
@@NorthWalesBoatsandPlanes Is she going to be available to hire as a music venue? Is there anyone i could speak to? I saw Jaws on the DL when i was a kid In Rhyls hay day.
It’s such a shame seeing this beautiful ship deteriorating. An appreciation society that doesn’t seem to be doing anything to appreciate her. Why can’t she be maintained, rather than just letting her rot and decay?
What a lovely ship. Photographed it many times. It's shame it's not open to the public to view history. Hope there is light at the end of the tunnel to see this amazing ship. 🙏
Yeah we agree, she's absolutely stunning. We were very lucky to be able to get in to do the interviews with the team and it took a lot of negotiation, but we completely understand why. Yes it'd be nice to see her used for more and more projects/public events as they move forward now.
I have many happy memories of visiting the Fun Ship in the 1970s and early 1980s on family hilidays to N. Wales. Hope they figure out how to open it back up someday?
Lovely video, thanks for that! Always been a bit fascinated by the DOL, passed by it many times in the mid to late 80's as a kid when my parents took me into North Wales for holidays at our caravan in Abergele, we often stopped to have a look at the old ship and wondered if we'd ever get a chance to go onboard... all these decades later and still waiting...
Hi, thanks so much for the comment. You won't be surprised by the amount of people we speak to who have the same story of being fascinated by the ship, but who're still waiting for a chance to get close to her. The situation has been dire for the owners, who seem to have been thwarted at every chance, and their ideas blocked. Things do seem to be looking up for her though (the DoL), and they are working on more and more public events - even if that just gets people onto the docks. Thanks again, we love to hear from people who love this ship - the story is incredible.
I have photos of being in the doc yard many years ago as part of college trip I actuator gifted q flag she had on her during her service Ashley is so knowledgeable able about the ship
I have fond memories of this ship as I have travelled on it a few times visiting my relatives in Lisburn in the 60s. I do remember that there was a hold at the stern as I would watch it being loaded.
I went on the Ship when it was open, it was great, I just hope you can develop it back to its former glory and make it a great attraction again. Not just for employment but a great place for people to come on holiday or a day trip, creating great memories for people.
She's also a rare Sealink ferry survivor. The only other one to survive until recently was TSS Dover, converted into a night club, now scrapped, after a suspicious fire scuppered any restoration bids. So saving and proper restoration for this fine ship is must.
Wish I could win a triple roll over lotto, I'd help get her fixed up.... these old ships being treated so badly breaks my heart. Once they're gone they're gone.
back in the early 1980s when i was a teenager our family stopped at the ship 3 or 4 times as it was a sunday "street" market & although as a kid it was fun to hang out & visit it was pretty much out on a limb on its own. nowadays lack of vehicle access to it & easy to board & get around it mobility when on ship would make it less of an attraction. quite frankly in 2023 its an eyesore, it wasn't over popular 40yrs ago & north wales has enough places of interest & genuine st markets that i couldn't see it being enough of a draw to make it viable. to make it look nice & for it to pass muster on safety grounds would be incredibly expensive. it justs sits there & we watch it slowly disintegrate, too expensive to either "do up" or take away to scrap; shame.
Here's a thing, if people care so much, including Antony ten men, why not shift the rubbish out of it and allow people to volunteer, even if they just pick up a paint brush, I'd volunteer, I'm handy on the tools, once I'd finished having a very serious discussion about bullying with little big man there.
I agree 100%. Nothing seems to be being done to preserve it. I recently watched a video on here where a group of urban explorers gained access to it, much to the annoyance of Antony Rowley, and it’s full of rubbish and in a terrible state. What’s the point of an appreciation society that’s doing nothing to look after it? I’m sure there would be countless volunteers who would be more than willing to help out.
@@luciferbox5577 yes, the one where he came out and wanted to actually physically fight the young boys. With that sort of attitude,not only has he made me want to batter him for being a bully, he has literally condemned that landmark to rot and return to the earth because nobody in a local council will ever give the likes of him the time of day, which makes me wonder about wether Rowley the elder was also the kind of ignoramus who rubbed people up the wrong way? Like father like son springs to mind. Bears thinking about. As you so rightly point out, there's nothing done to preserve it properly, it's existence since it was shut down has been one of decay and vandalism, even organised vandalism at one point when they let some supposed artists graffiti all over it. That broke my heart honestly. The way it looks today is no better. Someone reasonable and approachable with the sense and manners to actually speak to people official and otherwise, needs to organise a proper preservation effort before it's too late, take in volunteers , actually show that the ship matters, give it proper publicity instead of just endless crap drone footage. Clean out the rubbish should be first and foremost, then get some rust repaired and a proper paint job. Take it from there, start appealing for donations in both voluntary labour and materials, I'd donate , if people donated their time,cans of paint, sandpaper, tools etc , the ships future would be a bit more assured, but rowley has to be gagged and kept from bullying anyone else, he is detrimental to the dukes future.
" ...actually show that the ship matters, give it proper publicity instead of just endless crap drone footage" Just want to point out that this is exactly why we contacted them to film the ship, and interview people at the ship (and not just drone it). The effort took a good while to organise, but we live in another part of North Wales, could only afford a day, and were not allowed to see inside her. So, a lot of this detail is very new to us. We do have footage from walking on the deck, but it was shaky and unusable. Perhaps we'll upload it unlisted. At least this video has people talking about the ship, which is what we hoped would happen. Personally we think the ship is an asset, and should be restored, but it's not up to us either, of course. We think she's fantastic.
@@NorthWalesBoatsandPlanes the ship is very much an asset yes you're right, but if ten men Rowley wasn't such a little bully boy maybe more people would want to help, after seeing the way he attacked those young boys I want to kick his face in, looking at him you can see why nobody in an official capacity will deal with him, and he's the reason why the ship is condemned to to rot. I'm surprised and glad he didn't attack you to be honest. Looking at him and the huge attitude problem he has l wonder if his dad was as bad and rubbed people the wrong way as well back in the day. If he's so emotionally invested in the ship why is he not clearing out all the rubbish? Is he too busy drinking frosty jacks, smoking roll ups and finding really really tight jumpers to wear? Why is he not asking for volunteers to help him? Why are you not asking for volunteers? I bet lots of people would love to pick up a paint brush or a hammer and nails, I'm a former mechanic l definitely would like to help. I'm without car at the moment, but when I get my new car I'm going down there , I'm going to have a word with mighty mouse there, the choice is his, he can try bully me in which case hes going to have a very bad day or he can listen to some sensible ideas on how to actually move forward and do something instead of playing the spoilt child. Appreciation societies are actually supposed to do something, so go do something, clean out the boxes of shit or sweep up, replace some broken windows . otherwise you're not an appreciation society youre just a fan club. I personally am taking down a load of sheets of plexiglass when l go to offer him for patching up windows after l finish kicking him up and down for my own personal amusement
@@NorthWalesBoatsandPlanes when he attacked those young kids, he could have handled that so much better, he had the choice to either educate them and take the time to speak with them and act like a grown up, or If he was so butt Hurt about it he could have phoned the dibble and done them properly. Either way would have been better than acting like a thug and a bully, they were no threat to him, they were just kids, there wasn't a full set of pubes between them, so why act the way he did. ? I wonder if he'd pick on a grown man the same way ? And l wonder if he would still be that brave without his minimum wage hi Viz numpty to back him up?
It's too far gone now and the local council are to blame. I live in a group of flats in an old Victorian building and the self-appointed Director of the property management company is exactly like this council. There's always a problem, always an issue and nothing ever gets done. The result is forlorn decay.
i remember the day the ship sailed in... been in every room. first job i ever had was on the ship peeling potatoes... Trevor went out with my sister her first boyfriend.... planning not permitted, all the dreams the owners once had just washed away, begs the question, what would be a good reason to refuse investment.... mmm!!!!!! ... still today the council destroy dreams....
I cannot understand the council's narrow minded view over this ship. They should be moving heaven and earth to get emergency access to it. The potential there is fantastic. Restore it room by room, what a fantastic place it would be for a restaurant and many many other things.
It's such a shame seeing her like this. It's like the s.s. United States in Philadelphia rotting away. She's running out of time. The city wants her gone.....
Rhyl dieing on its arse, fun fair closed years ago and now sea world closed, the balloon ride literally never got off the ground, Rhyl has become the north wales drug capital and holiday caravan parks in parts of north wales are now illegal imigrants accommodation,.this ship was something different and now is just a rusty wreck, it would cost millions to renovate it,.
It's time things changed in Wales. We desperately need to get people out of their homes and enjoying themselves once again. What a wonderful reason to get this unique and beautiful ship back in business adding a great attraction for visitors to the area.
Was a brilliant day working with you Emma and team. The video really does get the message across. Thank you for being patient with me!
It was an absolute pleasure, Ashley. We were worried that because of the wind, neither the interview audio, or the drone shots would be of any use. We're happy it worked out though. She's an amazing ship. Thanks for your time, it was hugely appreciated.
@@NorthWalesBoatsandPlanes Is she going to be available to hire as a music venue? Is there anyone i could speak to? I saw Jaws on the DL when i was a kid In Rhyls hay day.
It’s such a shame seeing this beautiful ship deteriorating. An appreciation society that doesn’t seem to be doing anything to appreciate her. Why can’t she be maintained, rather than just letting her rot and decay?
What a lovely ship. Photographed it many times. It's shame it's not open to the public to view history. Hope there is light at the end of the tunnel to see this amazing ship. 🙏
Yeah we agree, she's absolutely stunning. We were very lucky to be able to get in to do the interviews with the team and it took a lot of negotiation, but we completely understand why.
Yes it'd be nice to see her used for more and more projects/public events as they move forward now.
More like you were lucky that the mighty atom didn't come out and attack you like he did those young boys. @@NorthWalesBoatsandPlanes
I have many happy memories of visiting the Fun Ship in the 1970s and early 1980s on family hilidays to N. Wales.
Hope they figure out how to open it back up someday?
Lovely video, thanks for that! Always been a bit fascinated by the DOL, passed by it many times in the mid to late 80's as a kid when my parents took me into North Wales for holidays at our caravan in Abergele, we often stopped to have a look at the old ship and wondered if we'd ever get a chance to go onboard... all these decades later and still waiting...
Hi, thanks so much for the comment. You won't be surprised by the amount of people we speak to who have the same story of being fascinated by the ship, but who're still waiting for a chance to get close to her. The situation has been dire for the owners, who seem to have been thwarted at every chance, and their ideas blocked. Things do seem to be looking up for her though (the DoL), and they are working on more and more public events - even if that just gets people onto the docks.
Thanks again, we love to hear from people who love this ship - the story is incredible.
Think it's time to get new council members calling how things are done. Can you vote them out?
I have photos of being in the doc yard many years ago as part of college trip I actuator gifted q flag she had on her during her service Ashley is so knowledgeable able about the ship
Thanks for sharing. Yes we agree fully, it was absolutely superb to meet Ashley, and hear her talking about this magnificent vessel.
@@NorthWalesBoatsandPlanes yeah it's great am good friends with her hopefully I'll be performing a set there in the future who knows
I remember the cocktail lounge on the ship , served the best cherry brandy I’ve ever tasted
I have fond memories of this ship as I have travelled on it a few times visiting my relatives in Lisburn in the 60s. I do remember that there was a hold at the stern as I would watch it being loaded.
Thats incredible, thanks for letting us know. 😎
It should be sent back to Belfast where it was built by Harland and Woolf…. would be a great addition to the Titanic museum….
Nice flight 🛸🤟😎👍
i remember going on this when i was a kid.
I went on the Ship when it was open, it was great, I just hope you can develop it back to its former glory and make it a great attraction again. Not just for employment but a great place for people to come on holiday or a day trip, creating great memories for people.
Be a cool museum that ship
Certainly would, and we reckon the tourism that would bring in would boost that area single handedly.
It would ive visited the area near the ship never been close to it the council there don't no what opportunities they are missing there
She's also a rare Sealink ferry survivor. The only other one to survive until recently was TSS Dover, converted into a night club, now scrapped, after a suspicious fire scuppered any restoration bids. So saving and proper restoration for this fine ship is must.
@@lizlawrence4553 Yeah. I remember that.
Reminds me of a old girlfriend her mother used to work on the ship in the early 80s often wonder how she’s going on.
Wish I could win a triple roll over lotto, I'd help get her fixed up.... these old ships being treated so badly breaks my heart. Once they're gone they're gone.
back in the early 1980s when i was a teenager our family stopped at the ship 3 or 4 times as it was a sunday "street" market & although as a kid it was fun to hang out & visit it was pretty much out on a limb on its own. nowadays lack of vehicle access to it & easy to board & get around it mobility when on ship would make it less of an attraction. quite frankly in 2023 its an eyesore, it wasn't over popular 40yrs ago & north wales has enough places of interest & genuine st markets that i couldn't see it being enough of a draw to make it viable. to make it look nice & for it to pass muster on safety grounds would be incredibly expensive. it justs sits there & we watch it slowly disintegrate, too expensive to either "do up" or take away to scrap; shame.
Here's a thing, if people care so much, including Antony ten men, why not shift the rubbish out of it and allow people to volunteer, even if they just pick up a paint brush, I'd volunteer, I'm handy on the tools, once I'd finished having a very serious discussion about bullying with little big man there.
I agree 100%. Nothing seems to be being done to preserve it. I recently watched a video on here where a group of urban explorers gained access to it, much to the annoyance of Antony Rowley, and it’s full of rubbish and in a terrible state. What’s the point of an appreciation society that’s doing nothing to look after it? I’m sure there would be countless volunteers who would be more than willing to help out.
@@luciferbox5577 yes, the one where he came out and wanted to actually physically fight the young boys.
With that sort of attitude,not only has he made me want to batter him for being a bully, he has literally condemned that landmark to rot and return to the earth because nobody in a local council will ever give the likes of him the time of day, which makes me wonder about wether Rowley the elder was also the kind of ignoramus who rubbed people up the wrong way? Like father like son springs to mind. Bears thinking about.
As you so rightly point out, there's nothing done to preserve it properly, it's existence since it was shut down has been one of decay and vandalism, even organised vandalism at one point when they let some supposed artists graffiti all over it. That broke my heart honestly.
The way it looks today is no better.
Someone reasonable and approachable with the sense and manners to actually speak to people official and otherwise, needs to organise a proper preservation effort before it's too late, take in volunteers , actually show that the ship matters, give it proper publicity instead of just endless crap drone footage.
Clean out the rubbish should be first and foremost, then get some rust repaired and a proper paint job.
Take it from there, start appealing for donations in both voluntary labour and materials, I'd donate , if people donated their time,cans of paint, sandpaper, tools etc , the ships future would be a bit more assured, but rowley has to be gagged and kept from bullying anyone else, he is detrimental to the dukes future.
" ...actually show that the ship matters, give it proper publicity instead of just endless crap drone footage"
Just want to point out that this is exactly why we contacted them to film the ship, and interview people at the ship (and not just drone it). The effort took a good while to organise, but we live in another part of North Wales, could only afford a day, and were not allowed to see inside her. So, a lot of this detail is very new to us. We do have footage from walking on the deck, but it was shaky and unusable. Perhaps we'll upload it unlisted.
At least this video has people talking about the ship, which is what we hoped would happen. Personally we think the ship is an asset, and should be restored, but it's not up to us either, of course. We think she's fantastic.
@@NorthWalesBoatsandPlanes the ship is very much an asset yes you're right, but if ten men Rowley wasn't such a little bully boy maybe more people would want to help, after seeing the way he attacked those young boys I want to kick his face in, looking at him you can see why nobody in an official capacity will deal with him, and he's the reason why the ship is condemned to to rot.
I'm surprised and glad he didn't attack you to be honest.
Looking at him and the huge attitude problem he has l wonder if his dad was as bad and rubbed people the wrong way as well back in the day.
If he's so emotionally invested in the ship why is he not clearing out all the rubbish? Is he too busy drinking frosty jacks, smoking roll ups and finding really really tight jumpers to wear?
Why is he not asking for volunteers to help him? Why are you not asking for volunteers? I bet lots of people would love to pick up a paint brush or a hammer and nails, I'm a former mechanic l definitely would like to help.
I'm without car at the moment, but when I get my new car I'm going down there , I'm going to have a word with mighty mouse there, the choice is his, he can try bully me in which case hes going to have a very bad day or he can listen to some sensible ideas on how to actually move forward and do something instead of playing the spoilt child.
Appreciation societies are actually supposed to do something, so go do something, clean out the boxes of shit or sweep up, replace some broken windows . otherwise you're not an appreciation society youre just a fan club.
I personally am taking down a load of sheets of plexiglass when l go to offer him for patching up windows after l finish kicking him up and down for my own personal amusement
@@NorthWalesBoatsandPlanes when he attacked those young kids, he could have handled that so much better, he had the choice to either educate them and take the time to speak with them and act like a grown up, or If he was so butt Hurt about it he could have phoned the dibble and done them properly.
Either way would have been better than acting like a thug and a bully, they were no threat to him, they were just kids, there wasn't a full set of pubes between them, so why act the way he did. ?
I wonder if he'd pick on a grown man the same way ? And l wonder if he would still be that brave without his minimum wage hi Viz numpty to back him up?
It's too far gone now and the local council are to blame. I live in a group of flats in an old Victorian building and the self-appointed Director of the property management company is exactly like this council. There's always a problem, always an issue and nothing ever gets done. The result is forlorn decay.
Any other country would jump at the opportunity and see the opportunity for making money and serving the people but not here 🤷🏻♂️
i remember the day the ship sailed in... been in every room. first job i ever had was on the ship peeling potatoes... Trevor went out with my sister her first boyfriend.... planning not permitted, all the dreams the owners once had just washed away, begs the question, what would be a good reason to refuse investment.... mmm!!!!!! ... still today the council destroy dreams....
I cannot understand the council's narrow minded view over this ship. They should be moving heaven and earth to get emergency access to it. The potential there is fantastic. Restore it room by room, what a fantastic place it would be for a restaurant and many many other things.
I’ve seen it’s accessible to walk around now
It's a wreck and an eyesore, and the Council should place a compulsory purchase order on it and then have it scrapped.
Sadly I agree. It's too far gone now.
It's such a shame seeing her like this. It's like the s.s. United States in Philadelphia rotting away. She's running out of time. The city wants her gone.....
Moored in the wrong location .
Rhyl dieing on its arse, fun fair closed years ago and now sea world closed, the balloon ride literally never got off the ground, Rhyl has become the north wales drug capital and holiday caravan parks in parts of north wales are now illegal imigrants accommodation,.this ship was something different and now is just a rusty wreck, it would cost millions to renovate it,.
Bloody councils all over isn’t it 🫤 I’d like to see inside
Absolutely spot on - Council bureaucracy at its worst.
Yeah we would love to go back and film inside too. It's a fantastic vessel.