Celebrated in Amble, Northumberland every year around 3rd July is Mauritania Day. It gets its name from the famous Cunard liner the RMS Mauritania. The ship passed Amble on that day in 1935 heading to Rosyth to be broken up,and received the message from the Amble "Amble to Mauretania, Greetings from Amble last port in England, to still the finest ship on the seas." The reply came back. Mauretania to Urban Council, Amble, to the last and kindliest port in England, greetings and thanks, Mauretania". Kindliest has over the years become "friendliest", and having visited recently I totally agree!
Built in Newcastle's Swan Hunter shipyard in 1907 for Cunard, she carried wealthy passengers on ocean cruises, and gained the Blue Ribband for being the fastest vessel to cross the Atlantic, maintaining this record for 22 years until it was superceded by the Bremmen. She had 9 decks, carrying passengers in 1st, 2nd and 3rd class. The first class areas were very sumptious and lined with shiny mahogony and decked out with chandeliers.
On Mauritania Day, which this year took place on the 7th July, we were able to witness the pride of the town in being named, "the kindliest (now friendliest) port in England" with a programme of entertainment throughout the day including Brass bands, choirs, Belly dancers, the weekly market, and a very welcoming street Cafe Church service with tea and cake.
Inspired by the ship's story, on return home I began my research, with a view to making a collage of this beautiful old vessel. Unsure at the moment quite how or where to portray her, as photos of old postcards and ancient photographs show her with varying paint colours including a very jazzy paint effect during the war.
Always after a ship to collage, the Mauritania certainly fits the bill, and to my delight I find I have two stamps depicting her. Back in pre-decimal 1969, and in my own collection is a set of Ships designed by renowned stamp designer, David Gentleman., including the 1/- Mauritania.
In 2004 a series of stamps depicting ocean liners was issued including a 47p RMS Mauritania stamp from a painting by Thomas Henry
Researching online, I dicover that not far from home. is a pub in Bristol called The Mauritania which is fitted out with some of the original wood panelling and other decorative items from the ship, so that was my next destination ... More to follow ...
While there I attended Cafe Church where I was welcomed in with tea and cake and some lovely chat with locals and other holiday makers. 
