Captain Clive Spencer started his sea-going life as an Ordinary Seaman on 'Ravenswood' in 1952, aged fifteen. I now understand he said he was sixteen to get the job.

From 'Ravenswood' Clive went to sea properly, got his time in, and got his first command in 1974. In 1979 he became a ships' pilot and is now the senior harbour pilot in a north Australian Port, and looking forward to retirement in a couple of years time from a very successful career in shipping; it all began with a season on the 'Ravenswood'. In 1989 Clive wrote an article on his experiences there in 1952, and followed that up with a number of interesting letters.

I think he does rate as a Channel Character. He used to help when he was twelve years old, taking our ropes on Penarth Pier, assisting another character of the day, Piermaster Stan Galley.