Comrades,As a labour movement college Ruskin hosted plenty a group of visiting trade unionists, and during our time I can recall many a delegation drawing solace and renewed vigour from their time at Ruskin.
During the first year at Ruskin, and during my time as RSU President a particular visit that has stayed with me, if not haunted me, was that of the Finnish seafarers.
I remember distinctly standing in Tawney Hall with Stephen Yeo as Principal, grinning and nodding as we spoke to this group not knowing what was being said, other than expressing feelings of gratitude and hospitality. After a few minutes we came to an uncomfortable silence as the diplomatic platitudes were dispensed with. Thereafter we kind of hung our heads, mumbling and shuffling towards the door. A Ruskin tie being swapped for a Finnish seafarers' union cap in the melee.
Paul recalls an incident whereby these chaps were stood in some part of the College and a hapless student passes by with a bottle of grog he can't open. On asking if any of the assembled had a bottle opener everyone of the salty sea dogs pulled out an opening implement.
I recall their first night where, having found the local off licence, they bought large bottles of spirit, boiled it in a saucepan in Bowen kitchen, and polished off the lot despite its scalding state.
The Finns came, they saw, and they drunk, and drunk some more. They were indeed a hardy crew and despite their disposition as sturdy rogues they seemed a good bunch. I can't recall them leaving, and of course they must have done, but what wonder what their last night was like. Being Finnish sailors no doubt their last night was very much like their first.
In Solidarity
Ian
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