The Histon Mariners Supporters Club

2011 International Campaign : Matties Baltic Trawl

“The Great Baltic Adventure“

Following various projects across the globe Eg. The Far East, Stansted and Hawaii, Mattie took up the challenge given by the President & Chairman. During May, June & July Mattie took the Logistics Director to trawl the Baltic for commercial opportunities with an eye to potential recruits.

Mattie sets off from Greenwich 15.5.11

Mattie settles on his Perch below deck.

Mattie with Skipper O’Rourke and able seaman Craig and Danish contact Lars Theglar.

Planned stops @ Cuxhaven, Kiel, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg & Tallin were part of over 20 stops in total. As such it is only possible to give a fleeting glimpse of the various plaices visited on the extensive trawl. At the risk of carp-ing on, cod knows how long this chapter would have bream if all episodes were b-roach-ed.

After tentative forays in Cuxhaven & Kiel Canal, Mattie’s first major meeting were scheduled in Copenhagen.

Mattie meets JC Jacobsen (the founder of carlsberg brewery) to discuss potential joint prospects & sponsorship.

Mattie with his negotiating bream : International Brewing Consultant Xavier, Financial Adviser Mr D Merill, the Logistics Director & Skipper O’Rourke.

Carlsberg’s Guest of Honour at the Copenhagen Beer Festival

After opening the Copenhagen Beer Festival, as Carlsberg’s Guest of Honour, Mattie took time to reflect on proceedings.

With ever an eye for Codlings that would supplement the plans of Ray “The Fish”, Mattie unearthed Scottish refugee’s Cromerty & Firth.

Cromerty & Firth were incredulous at being spotted by Mattie

Copenhagen was clearly a success, so much so that further recruits were needed to supplement Mattie’s team.

A not so subtle blend of Youth, Experience & Advanced Senility. Such a group of disparate individuals would soon be moulded into a coherent fighting force.

Momentum continued unabated in Stockholm and by the time Finland was reached the undercover work of Mick O’Rourke would clearly play dividends.

Mick O’Rourke introduces Mattie to the Helsinki Underground Movement.

Note : Mick O’Rourke’s years of military training – much of it often secretive” was well appreciated by Mattie.

Mattie in sponsorship talks with Black Sheep Phil, here being supported by the Logistics Director. “Halibut” Phil was so grateful for Mattie’s time that he (briefly) broke off from his extra-curricular activities to conduct discussions.

At the Russian Border all bureaucratic obstacles were overridden by the authorities – a reflection of Mattie’s growing status in the Baltic.

Mattie with the Logistics Director reflect on the project so far & the vast potential of our new Russian Links.

Mattie, the ‘Sole’ guest of Soviet Legend Yuri Gagarin. When the invite to Mattie first arose, the rest of the crew thought it a ‘Red Herring...!’ but clearly Mattie & Yuri appear true comrades.

In St Petersburg @ the Baltika Brewery light refreshment provided a welcome break from proceedings.

Mattie with codling Sean O’Rourke & Liz Vater.

Mattie discussing with codling Sean O’Rourke & Liz Vater, who was most enthralled by Mattie’s charismatic profile. [Liz would later approach Mattie for help in the Stoke Newington – Estonia cultural twinning.

It was quite understandable given the adrenaline fuelled pace of proceedings for the occasional bout of frivolities. However under the careful eye of Mattie & the Logistics Director (Infamous for his abstinence) proceedings were usually kept very business like.

The entire negotiating team show good form with Mattie giving Depeche Mode fanatic, Pete Brown an earful.

Mattie’s entrepreneurial eye again produced outstanding results with his formation of the Ladies of St Petersburg Mariners Supporters Club.

Mattie & 2 members of the Ladies of St Petersburg Mariners Supporters Club.

Undercover agent Mick O’Rourke, just seen here through his disguise embraces with Skipper O’Rourke; their sense of immense satisfaction at the end of the Russian leg, clearly oozes from the above photo.

Tallin further cemented a most successful mission. At this stage we can only allude to the Stoke Newington – Estonia’s project. Devised by impresario Pete Brown & cultural icon Liz Vater in Helsinki but watch this plaice.....

Keep The Faith!

UTM