I've just has an enquiry at work: when did HMS Ganges close! :razz:
I retrieved the Times article from 6 October 1975, p3, and read both with bemusement and shock. The most amuzing passage ended...
'...
The apparent time warp at HMS Ganges... insulates it from the town's hedonism, seems reinforced with the knowledge that its young sailors still have to attend compulsory church parades and may never "go ashore" unless in uniform. Even the motorist is warned "Beware - Sailors Crossing", conjuring up visions of automated bluejackets without mind or will. [...]'
:lol:
The most interesting bit of the article was right at the end, in the last paragraph, which said of the RN:
'...
It may be down to its last 180 ships...'
Bloody hell - we had 180 ships as recently as 1975??!!
PS: When Raleigh closes down in 2015

the Times will report:
'...It may be down to its last ship...' :roll: