Thursday, the 18th July 1996 was an important day in Stockton on Tees for it saw a formal ceremony at Castlegate Quay to commemorate the introduction of the replica of H.M. Bark Endeavour and the leisure boat Teeside Princess

Invited by the President of the Tourist Board of Northumbria, I attended this event on behalf of the Captain Cook Study Unit and, like other guests, had the honour of being piped aboard the Endeavour before being introduced to Captain James Cook wearing full dress uniform - none other than CCSU member David Wheeler (501), who is Manager of the Endeavour. David looked resplendent, and undertook his duties excellently, despite the handicap of wearing such uniform on a very hot day.

James Atkinson, the originator of the Endeavour project, whom many members will recall meeting during our residential .meetings at Marton in 1993 and 1995, was in charge of the day’s proceedings, which included the formal welcome. on board, several speakers, a magnificent lunch at the “Captain's Table”, the traditional champagne naming, and a cruise on board the Teeside Princess.

Alwyn Peel

Originally published in Cook's Log, page 1342, volume 19, number 4 (1996).