Campaign Feedback
Below are some of the many messages of support that we have received for the campaign. Together we CAN bring her home!
08/03/2010
Michael Lockley
What Barrow could do with is a Barrow Transport Museum dedicated to all forms of propulsion connected with the town, boats (both commercial and defense), trains, trams, buses etc.
08/03/2010
Matthew Garnett
After working on various MOD ships in the yard i think it would be great to see her back here. Lets hope she does and keep up the good work!!!!
07/03/2010
Paul Reid
What a cracking idea, let's bring her home.
06/03/2010
Mark Walker
Seeing as this boat was used to protect us she should be brought home.
06/03/2010
Antony Norris
My late father was a career RN Officer, and were he alive he would have been campaigning hard to have Invincible saved, and brought back to the place of her birth. We have lost far too much of out naval heritage already: not a battleship saved, not a heavy cruiser saved, the big Ark broken - let us put a halt to that here.
06/03/2010
Mike Paton
I remember as a kid watching this sail down Walney Channel, watching from the piers on Barrow Island (where i was born) and waving at my dad on the deck. Bring Invincible home!!
05/03/2010
Chris Ellis
It would be nice to see the UK preserving something like this as opposed to selling or scraping such a vessel.
Surely we can learn our lesson from the QE2 which recently went out to Dubai. Nothing has been done with it as the foreign buyers are in billions of Debt.
A vessel like this would make a fantastic centre for education be it navy or civilian and a great museum/visitor centre. Which in itself would attact revenue.
05/03/2010
John Deakin
Bring HMS Invincible Home and be proud of our Shipbuilding Heritage !!!!
05/03/2010
Pete Caldicott
Good luck with your campaign!
05/03/2010
Tony Murphy
She should be at home where she belongs !!!!! I am from walney i moved away app 13 years ago. But i was there when she was launched , I remember when the school took us down to the channal to watch .I would love to take my son on her to see what i saw all those years ago ........
05/03/2010
Steve Howes
I served with 2 para during the falklands war and remember her with pride, the old girl needs saving.
05/03/2010
James Kyle
Please save her!!!!
05/03/2010
Stuart R Glendinning
I fully Support the campaign!!
05/03/2010
Lidija
You have my support! Bring Invincible home where it belongs!
04/03/2010
John Harris
I was a Foreman Shipwright and worked on 3 and 4 deck outfit i was onboard for the launch and went on trials the team I was in charge of were of the higest quality Shipwrights and contributed to the production of this magnifcent vessel which the town is proud of.
04/03/2010
Derek Coyle
Lets show the rest of UK we care.
04/03/2010
Paul Clark
It's been a while since I wrote here. Glad to see you are still 'fighting to the end'. Keep up the good work & best of luck to you. She deserves to be back in Barrow!
A pic of me (on the left) serving Champagne Cocktails on the quarterdeack in 1981!
04/03/2010
Phil Paton
Come Home to rest.
04/03/2010
Derek Armer
Apart from her history,if our country is once more threatened she could lead a flotilla of the Barrow Park rowing boats to defend us i.e.we don't really have a Navy anymore!!!!!!!!!!!
04/03/2010
Les Trotter
Think it`s a great idea, but keep Ricky Lucas away from it !
04/03/2010
Steve
I worked on the ship and sailed on her sea trails for 8 weeks shes a fine ship.
03/03/2010
Michael Paton
I think it is long overdue that Barrow is given some recognition for its massive contribution to warship building in this country.
03/03/2010
Dave Simmons
Invincible should be brought back to barrow where she was built not only will it show what barrow can do but would bring much needed tourism to the area now the govenment has cut our shipbuilding projects.
03/03/2010
Jennifer Beddoes
I was at the launch of Invincible, and would love to see her be brought back to Barrow.
03/03/2010
John Mark White
Lets hope they listen for the first time, to the people that count, and their wishes are answered, bring her home.
03/03/2010
John Walker
Let us bring her back here to stay.
03/03/2010
John Bissell
BRITISH IS BEST!
03/03/2010
Michael Henry
Such a fine ship, which has done so much historically for the UK and for Barrow.
Would be a shame to see it not come home.
02/03/2010
Janet sim
I was born in Barrow and remember getting the day off school to watch the launch.
01/03/2010
Eddie
It would be great to see HMS Invicible back in Barrow & would provide a great attraction for the town.
25/02/2010
Mike Chirnside
Lt Cdr Mike Chirnside MCGI, RN (Retd) Air Operations Officer, 1990-1992. Delighted to have been able to attend the 25th Anniversary CTP!
24/02/2010
Gregg Smith
For a maritime nation we don't like holding on-to our past, The US pretty much keep all their important ships as museums so why don't we (With the exception of Victory and Warrior) Look at the mess they did over the Caroline. Also what a massive atraction and boost for Barrow would it be to have her back. A Majestic Ship needs to stay here.
24/02/2010
Steven
Barrow has built hundreds of ships and submarines, have any of them permenantly returned to the town...no! History is being lost if it is sold to a foreign navy or scrapped. Of course the major issue is money, but the positives far outweigh this. I can see the HMS Invincible as a major tourist site in Barrow, and will restore some pride in the town. The ship was launched from the dock that is now part of the Dock Museum, and it would be great to see it return there.
Portsmouth has HMS Victory and London has HMS Belfast. Neither of these ships were built in the respective shipyards, so let's have a unique first in this country...'Bring HMS invincible' home!
24/02/2010
Jason Fox
It would be great to see the old girl back here, I am ex navy myself and my grandfather worked on her when being built. I think it would be a popular attraction and good for Barrow.
If the powers that be "Love Barrow" then what finer display of what is good about this town could you ask for.
12/02/2010
Andrew Marson
I joined hms invincible on march 10th 1980 in barrow at the age of 16 and class it as the best ship i was on in my whole naval career, the other 2 in the class were not up to the same standard. Good luck with your campaign.
12/02/2010
Iain Irvine WOLFY
The Invincible will be kept in mothballs in Portsmouth until she is deemed surplus to requirements then she will be towed to Scotland and scrapped.
It is impossible to retain this ship as a museum or anything else as it would cost to much and the money saved here by the government could then be realeased to house the next wave of immigrants entering this country.
11/02/2010
Kevin Hollindale
Served onboard this iconic ship for a few years. This beautiful ship should stay in the uk as a floating museum, so all those unfortunate not to have been onboard and experienced what i have can do so. It would be a crying shame to sell this ship to another country, it and many other ships saved this country's pride during the falklands conflict, we owe it to her to preserve her for our future maritime history.
08/02/2010
George Birkett
Stood by INVINCIBLE in Barrow and left on return from the Falklands. The people were so very proud of her during the build. Take her back, live the dream.
01/02/2010
Tony McNally
I was born in Barrow and remember seeing this fine ship at the shipyard, it made me very proud, especially when she sailed South with the Task Force in 1982. Bring the old girl home.
14/01/2010
Tim Gratton (Australia)
I was the first Junior Rating to join in 1979, and had a ball in Barrow! Left the ship 1981!
11/01/2010
Robert Howie
Excellent idea. Just finished watching 'Sailor' and would have loved the old Ark to be preserved. Saw the Invincible at Rosyth when I was a child.
Come on MOD do the right thing!
05/01/2010
Graham Lees
Hi All.
I just stumbled in to this website by Googling HMS Invincible.
What a great idea bringing home one of the Iconic ships ever built in Barrow.
I spent many Cold Winters working on Her as an electrician in 3P08 compartment, I remember it well because it was freezing all through the Winter.
The Sea Trials were great, Month after month sailing out of Greenock and Largs. I left Barrow in Feb on Her and came back to Barrow in June on Her.
If She does come back to barrow lets hope it's a more graceful return for the Old Girl than when She came back from Sea Trials and got rammed into the Groin of the Dock Entrance and had to be pulled free by the tugs and had a badly bent Nose for a while and then burst one of the Yokahama fenders in the lock.
It would be great to see Her in the Dock again, maybe where the Escalators used to take us to the flight deck level everyday to work.
30/12/2009
Andrew Vaites
Served on the vince for a year in 1999-2000 and think that this country neads to save her. I remember hearing about all the times groups try and save our Naval history but we nead to stop losing fine ships to the breakers
22/12/2009
Alan Harris
She was my first ship after serving on HMS Sheffield in the Falklands. She gave me my confidence back for being at sea. I had a fantastic trip to Australia, with some interesting events along the way such as bent propshafts and dry docking in Singapore for several weeks(I have great pictures of her bottom). Very fond memories of her and the crew I served with at the time. Let me know how it goes and happy to give my support. Give me a shout if you need a hand painting her.
07/12/2009
Dave Armstrong
Would like to see her back home again I spent 3 years working on 2 deck and have a lot of fond memories.
30/11/2009
Mark O'Connor
Please consider the nation's heritage, and preserve this ship. I ask you only one question. Where in the UK is an aircraft carrier preserved?
18/11/2009
Aidan Nicholas
I forgot to add in the previous post that my grandad also worked on the building of this ship in barrow shipyard. I agree that she shouldn't be made into some sort of shopping center, however a naval aviation museum would be a fantastic idea, it could prove a valuable tourist attraction for barrow and remind people of the role barrow used to play in UK ship building, and lets face it, barrow docks are empty these days so space cannot seriously be an issue.. Plus, its a historic piece of barrow's history in some ways. Im sure my grandad would love to see her in barrow docks again.
27/10/2009
Terry Mccallum
Hope H.M.S. Invincible is bearthed in Barrow to give a little back to where she was built. Living in a port city myself i know how proud of your sea heritage you must feel. H.M.S. was bearthed on the Pier Head Liverpool for the last 4 day and was open to the public.
26/10/2009
Mike Reynolds
I worked up at Barrow from 1977- 1979 on the Invincible.
I support the campaign for the Invincible to return to Barrow.
I would like to add though that during the build at Barrow there were massive recruitment drives in many cities and whilst I was there the majority of Tradesmen I saw working on the site were in fact out of town labour.
26/10/2009
Matthew Barnes
I went to Portsmouth recently and on a harbour tour saw the old girl sitting there looking sorry for herself.
We should absolutely bring her home; she is more than a piece of hardware. She is a symbol of our great shipbuilding and Naval heritage. She is a link in a proud historical chain and should not be scrapped.
26/10/2009
Dex Rose
I was 11 when invincible was launched and have fond memories of seeing her at the dockside when coming over St Georges hill.
Part of my childhood....
It would be great to see her where she belongs - I would definately do the tour.
Keep up the campaigning.
Dex
09/09/2009
Brian Stevenson
Invincible was the last ship i served on back in 1989, i served aboard her through her refit and first sea voyage on completion, i met many good friends and have great memories of her, i think i would be wounderful to see her return to Barrow i for one would be there to welcome her home.
07/09/2009
Sean Daley
Hi, I served aboard Invincible from March 1980 until Feb 1983.
I joined on her arrival in Portsmouth from Barrow and spent the next three years aboard her!
Its such a shame to see her in moth balls in Portsmouth harbour. I would love the chance to be able to board her again and relive some of the best years of my life.
Good Luck with your Campaign I will certainly make the trip to Barrow to see her again.
The Communication lads who served during the Falklands have managed to get in touch with each other and we are having a reunion in Blackpool this month!
Three cheers for HMS Invincible!!!
01/09/2009
Tristan Erwin
It makes me happy, to know that others believe a great piece of British history should be preserved. It is such a shame, that none of the great battleships were preserved, i hope the UK will start doing better to preserve its illustrious naval history, by bringing the Invincible back home.
26/08/2009
John B Whitehead
Bring her back.
She can do for Barrow what the HMS BELFAST does for london.
25/08/2009
Tim (Gonzo) Jenkins
I would love to see her home. Have tried to visit her having served in Comms Dept during the Falklands but unable to as she's rotting away in mothballs.
Anyone who served during the Falklands as part of the Comms Dept join the reunion association. Details at www.freewebs.com/hica82
24/08/2009
Martin Slater
Being involved in the campaign to save HMS Plymouth, I know only too well the obstacles a project such as this can encounter.
I would like to add my support to your campaign to preserve HMS Invincible in Barrow.
Martin Slater
Secretary HMS Plymouth Association
24/08/2009
Gina
This is very important to the people of Barrow. Bring her home!
22/08/2009
Gary Miller
I remember seeing her during build as a kid. It'd be great to see her again and have a look round.
21/08/2009
John Carswell
Wonderful idea, was at the launch, have seen her a few times in Portsmouth and would visit when back in Barrow. The council should do every thing they can to get her back in Barrow as part of the dock museum.
21/08/2009
Ralph (New Zealand)
What a fitting tribute this would be to the town.
20/08/2009
Mike Wilson
Its only fair the the MOD & the British Govenment acknowledge Barrow's part in defending the realm by producing all the fleet ship,sub,field-gun,tank etc over the years.
They owe us a tremendous gratitude, what a better tribute than gifting this mighty fine ship to the Borough of Barrow-in-Furness for the townsfolk, visitors and future generations to enjoy and remember our industrial heritage.
20/08/2009
Fred Davis (Canada)
I worked on the Invincible back in the days when I lived in Barrow, and as I visit Barrow quite often it would be great to take a tour of the Old Girl...so bring it to Barrow for all to see.
16/08/2009
Paul Colling
I served on hms invincible in 1992 to 1994, I would describe those years as the most enjoyable in my life. I was lucky enough to serve with some good friends and travel the world. It would be fantastic to be able to visit her & share the experience with family and friends.
13/08/2009
Lorraine
I would like to thank everyone for their comments and their support. We would love to bring HMS Invincible back here to her HOME where she was built. After remembering this ship from when her keel was first laid to when she was launched, which was a memorable day for Barrow and the many people what worked on her, it would be great to see her sail back to the folk that know this ship inside and out. Carry on giving us your comments, we love to hear from you. I would like to thank Furness Internet for sponsoring this website we could not have managed without them.
13/08/2009
Charles Clifford
Good luck would be great to see Invincible sail again. Went to Navy days last year and saw her moored up in the inner docks away from the public gaze. Spoke to a Sailor on duty on the day and he told me she would not sail again and that she had a large hole in her hull and they were continually pumping water out, how true this is i do not know. Maybe someone else could shed some light on this.
Anyway good luck with campaign.
11/08/2009
Traci Leeder
Bring her home !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
22/07/2009
Charlotte Thornley
After reading the website, i looked on it as my brother served on invincible as the chef to the captain for about 9 years. I had the priviledge of being onboard the ship twice, once for a family day where she set sail with families on board and once when he came home on leave. It would be good for her to visit Barrow in Furness as it would be good for the people, i do however believe her real home is Portsmouth naval docks where she always returned to. So yes bring Invincible home for a visit before settling such a magnificent ship that i personally thank for keeping my brother safe xx
26/05/2009
Martin Miller
D184794G Martin Miller RO1 (T)
Served on Invincible for 3-1/2 years from 1981 to 1984. Fond Memories of sailing with her.
Good luck with you campaign i would certainly like to visit her again.
18/05/2009
Noel Tallent
A perfect tribute to the people of Barrow who built this magnificent icon of our still great Navy. It would be great to have a Naval Museum in the north.
Good luck with the campaign.
07/05/2009
Rhodri Davies
I would like to pledge my support for your noble task of attempting to return HMS Invincible to her birthplace. A much loved ship; I served on her for just under a year as a 909 Weapons Radar technician (I noticed she no longer has the system aboard) from October 1981 - September 1982. I was aboard her during the Falklands Conflict, an event that showed her worth - ergo, preventing her falling into the hands of the Australian Navy.
I wish you well in your campaign and when she does arrive 'Home' I will certainly make a trip to Barrow-in-Furness to see an 'old friend' again.
16/04/2009
Declan Dillon
D198284V Served 1983-1986 as RO1T. Blood sweat and tears on this pride of the British RN.
Intrepid has gone, would love to show my family around this ship where I served for 3 years of my life. I feel old, all my old ships are out of service!
Please bring her home.
15/04/2009
Richie Gavin
Invincible is a royal navy icon. i think that they should preserve this one and keep the invincible alive on one of the new carriers.
23/03/2009
Steve Gardiner
Like so many peaple on this campaign I too joined Invincible in Barrow while she was still undergoing sea trials then brought her down to Portsmouth and served on her till 1982. It would be extremely fitting that she should rest out her days back home at the very least she's earn't it. Wishing you all the best of luck with the campaign I look forward to visiting her again someday.
06/03/2009
Robert Westerberg
I wish you every success in your campaign. If we are not careful there will be a large gap in our naval history with nothing to represent the Falklands era.
18/02/2009
Steve Hewitt
She absolutely must be taken home upon her official retirement and preserved. To scrap her, sink her or sell her would be outrageous; she played a major role in the Falklands conflict and is first-of-class. Well done on a worthy campaign - it's high time we took more pride in the RN.
26/01/2009
Jose Hales
She is a lovely ship, one that I was truly proud to have served on. I brought her out of Barrow down to Portsmouth with a handful of sailors and a lot of the Vickers engineers. As an engineer my self then, I learnt a lot from those guys. They say that if you ask the man who built a piece of machinery he will tell you just how to treat it, unlike the manual.
She was perfect.
19/01/2009
Michael Davies
I served on HMS Invincible as first crew in 1980. She was a fine ship and still is. She should be allowed to visit barrow, to show the people there the fine job they made in building her.
19/12/2008
Richard Burke
I served on HMS Invincible from 1988 to 1992 as a stoker. It would be fantastic to see her properly maintained and used to honour the lost ones of the Falklands campaign.
Bring her home!
01/12/2008
Dave Hill
I am curently working in portsmouth in the naval base and have just seen Invincible tied up. The gandways are closed and the funnels covered.
I remember seeing this ship being built as a schoolboy and it is real shame to see such a fine vessel being left to rot away.
24/11/2008
Nigel Dicken
Please keep this wonderfull ship intact, and preserve for future generations...who sadly have no idea of our Navel power, past & present...
23/10/2008
Stuart Rich
Good luck in your campaign, it would be excellent to have such a fine ship as a museum. This country needs to have something like her, lots of other countries have big naval ships as museums.
I work in a maritime museum, so id be very interested if this happened.
13/10/2008
Chris Weathers
Being a proud Cumbrian and also an ex member of the RO5's ship company, I believe that Barrow should have the invincible back. My Granddad worked on her when he was a draughtsman at the shipyard. Good Luck
08/09/2008
Steve yardley (www.royal-navy.org)
Served aboard her during construction at Barrow and two years of her first commission.
The UK needs an Aircraft Carrier museum.
HMS Invincible is a fitting monument to the UK's historic Naval Aviation achievements.
She demonstrates many of the worlds first achievements.
We should be proud of her.
20/08/2008
Aiden Murphy
I served on HMS INVINCIBLE,during its first commission and iam very proud she is a CUMBRIAN. I personally would love to see her back among friends.
04/08/2008
Paul Blackstock
Having served on HMS Invincible I believe she should go home, do not sell her off to another country, keep her in Britain at least, even use her as a museum.
23/07/2008
G. Fraser Smith
If a decision is made to "scrap" Invincible, a ship as famous and historic as this, to the British public, should be saved and serve as a museum to all the personel and ships of the R.N. that served and played their Individual parts in the South Atlantic in 1982. Would be a fitting and appropriate tribute and an appropriate end for a fine and solid ship.
03/06/2008
Chris Brown, Ontario, Canada
Such a memory, my Dad went out on her for her sea trials and I remember getting a day off school for the launch by the Queen. A magnificent ship without which actions in the Falklands would have had very different outcome.
28/05/2008
Jeff Booth
I served on Invincible during the Falklands and I believe she deserves an honourable retirement.
Good luck!
27/05/2008
Peter Finn
Served in the comms dept on first commission. As a fellow Cumbrian my heart says bring her home. But, my head says the cost would be unrealistic.
Unless, she is turned into a Naval aviation Museum, with Harrier, Seaking and older Naval aircraft on display on deck or in the hangar. In the US near Charleston they have preserved an old WW2 carrier as a Naval aircraft Museum. (cant remember name of carrier)
25/05/2008
John Smith, UK Independence Party.
Miss Robinson, I noticed your article in Saturdays Evening Mail regarding Invincible and was unaware of your campaign,however I agree that if Invincible should return permanently to Barrow like yourself it should remain as a Naval vessel not some kind of shopping centre,and being a founder member of the UK National Defence Association I think if you were to approach the UKNDA your campaign could be given more support, you do have mine.
25/05/2008
Dave Grove
I believe there could be many uses for a retired warship here in her home town,the sea cadets for instance, and other organisations. Why not use the ward room for meetings etc. with the proposition of a new marina and visiting pleasure craft a small charge could be made to board her.
A magnificent sight , honouring our brilliant shipbuilders.
25/05/2008
Geoff Rawlinson, Canada
AS one of those in the MEDO that helped design this magnificent vessel,(engine uptakes avcat system etc)i would add my voice to those who wish to see invincible return home. Not only return for a visit but return to stay as a floating museum and as a tribute to the barrovians that built her and to the sailors that served in her.This would be a great tourist attraction for the town and will remindall visitors that Britons never never shall be slaves.
20/05/2008
Stephen Pilkington
I served aboard Invincible from 1981 to 1984 and certainly have fond memories of my time onboard. I was an Able Seaman and worked in the Ships Routine Office on 5 deck and lived in 5D Port Mess.
Good luck in your campaign to get her back to Barrow.
08/05/2008
Philip White
Served on this fantastic ship 1980 - 1982. AED 2F(P) Mess
Bring her home!
01/05/2008
Emerson White
I have worked on a harbour tour vessel in Portsmouth Harbour since 2003 and have personally witnessed the deteriation of this legendary ship.
She is now sat rusting in an M.O.D Dock with her props on the flight deck! What a shame. Bring Her Home!!
01/05/2008
Aidan Nicholas
I am an 18 year old marine engineer and would really like to see this ship in her hometown again, would be great to look around and see what fellow Barrovians built back in the days when the shipyard was in its prime.
27/03/2008
Jeff Payne
ex lwem in 85-89, she should go home and not rust in pompy.
27/03/2008
Gary Madgwick
I served on board H.M.S. Invincible from joining her at Barrow-in-Furness from 80'-83' I was L/Stwd on board, she was a great ship and i had some really good mates on her of still a few i still keep in touch with, i'd love to see her back home. Hello to all 'Invincibles' !!!
13/03/2008
Iain Irvine WOLFY
I served on INVINCIBLE from sept 80 to may 83 and have many a happy memories of that fine ship not least of all hour on hour shoving stuff up the gangway as store ship for the falklands. we need a website to keep in touch.
Hi to you all nooby and carl remember me!
13/03/2008
Ian Robinson
I think that HMS Invincible would be a splendid attraction for Barrow. I have only just discovered your site whilst researching another Barrow built ship (HIJMS Mikasa) for a project which will become apparent on Barrow's roads in the near future! I am involved with vehicle preservation and previously with ships including the return to Barrow of the RNLB Herbert Leigh.
You may be interested to know that there had been a serious plan to preserve HMS Valiant at Barrow. I was also closely involved with HMS Warrior at Portsmouth so I am fully aware of the costs and difficulties of such a scheme. You have to start somewhere, however!
Please let me know how the project is progressing.
01/02/2008
Tim Jenkins
Served on HMS Invincible during the Falklands and last year started a Reunion Association for Communications Department from the Falklands. Hoping to see her this year in Portsmouth, would be nice to keep her for every year. Anyone who was in the Comms Dept during the Falklands see the Reunion Website at Freewebs.com/hica82
22/01/2008
Mark Husband
It would be very sad to see her go to the breakers yard or sold off like so many other fine ships that have gone before her.
I served in the Fleet Air Arm onboard HMS Invincible from 1982 - 1984 it was during this time she was involved in the Falklands War,I remember we were at sea for a total of 166 days, it was quite a trip!
In my view she would make a fine memorial to all those young men from all services who never returned
14/01/2008
Raymond Foulston
I served on board HMS Invincible as young able seaman during the Falklands war. She should be saved not just as a memorial to those who lost there lives during the campaign itself, but also a monument to the countries naval history and to that of ship building.
The weekend before the task force sailed in April 1982 the country and the good people of Portsmouth pulled together to enable the might of the Royal Navy then to set sail. Lets not lose another grate ship and part of this grate nations maritime history.
19/12/2007
Paul McCoy
I had the pleasure of joining the Invincible at Barrow in furness on a cold night of January 1980. I remember spending the night in the works office opposite the ship sleeping in my kit bag. I was with her from 1980 til late 81 and had to watch her sail for the falklands war in 82, with some of my good friends still with her. It was good to see her return after.I rejoined her later that year until 85. I think the nation should be proud of the ship and crews that over the years have flown the flag all around the world. It would be very fitting for her to return to her birth place and be kept to show that we had the skills once to build such a great ship.
02/12/2007
Ian Greenall
I have some great memories from serving on invincible, at 16 i joined her as she was having the final touches made at barrow,lodged in a pub for a few weeks before eventually being allowed onboard. very emotional sailing out of barrow as eveyone considered the ship to be leaving home. only fitting she returns.
22/11/2007
Adrian JE Lote
I totally agree with your campaign, and thoughts. I actually served for 3 years on Invincible from before the commissioning by HM Queen, until after the Falklands, and she should be preserved for prosperity, as part of history and shipbuilding in Barrow, and part of the Royal Navy.
14/11/2007
Paul Keates
As a member of the very first crew to sail the Invincible from Barrow I too would agree that it would be a fitting end to a fine ship for her to serve out her remaining time in a town that loved her.
12/11/2007
Claire McIntyre
I was lucky enough to see this ship on its return from the falkland islands when I was a child as my cousin was aboard it. I remember the sight of this huge ship and all the sailors stood around the sides looking so proud. It was amazing and the atmosphere was electric, especially for a child. I would love to see it sail once more. I support the campaign fully to get the invincible back where it started from.
22/10/2007
Mark Billitt
I have always been very intrested in aircraft carriers and i hated seeing our last convensional carrier old ark scraped it should of been saved with new engines and i want to see this great ship saved and sent home to barrow, not sold to india.
24/09/2007
John McClean
I think it would be very fitting for "Invincible" to be retired to Barrow.Not only because she was built there, but because of Barrows association with the Royal Navy Air Service from, or even before it's inception.
My g-g uncle was John Robinson McClean. His company "McClean & Stileman" designed and built the docks. His son Frank was resident engineer of Barrow Docks, and Furness & Midland Railway from 1864-8. His grandson, also Frank (Francis Kennedy) McClean was a pioneer aviator.
In 1912 he volunteered the aircraft and airfield so that the first batch of Royal Navy pilots could be trained.Also in 1909 the Admiralty placed an order with Vickers at Barrow in Furness to build an experimental airship. It's trials were held in 1911 at Barrow.
Taking into account the above, and the enthusiasm of the locals for the idea, Barrow seems to be a natural choice for hosting a carrier. The fact that "Invincible" was built there is so much the better. The best of luck in your campaign.
04/09/2007
Chris Edmeades
I've always loved the site of the war ships and would be a shame to see her lost.
I know the modern age takes over but it is still nice to see the past war vesals still there in front of your eyes just like H.M.S Victory.
My sister spent 3 yrs on the ship and i always liked to go and see her off and see her come back for shore leave.
i will never forget the site of Invincible to come round in to the solent and slowly make port along side, thats a day i would never forget.
23/07/2007
Stephen Pilkington
Good luck. I would love to visit my favourite "old" ship once more.
I served on her from 1981-1984 and have many happy memories.
Do you know the location of the ships bell?
20/07/2007
Karl Kirby
I WAS DISGUSTED TO LEARN THAT INVINCIBLE IS IN MOTHBALLS. THOUGH
THEY SAT UNTIL 2010 AND IF CALLED UPON OUT OF RESERVE, IT WILL TAKE HER 18
MONTHS TO GET HET SHIP SHAPE. I WAS A IN THE NAVY AND DID 2 STINTS ON HER. THE FIRST BEING FROM 1981-1983 (FALKLANDS WAR INCLUDED) AND MY SECOND STINT WAS FROM 1984- 1986. SHE IS A WONDERFUL SHIP THAT DOES NOT DESERVE TO BE IN MOTHBALLS.
HAVING SERVED HER COUNTRY TO THE FULL, JUST LIKE OTHER OUTSTANDING SHIPS, SHE
DESERVES A BETTER HOME OPTHER THAN GATHERING COBWEBS. YOU HAVE MY FULL SUPPORT IN YOUR CAMPAIGN, AND GOOD LUCK. MY EPITAPH? THE PRIDE OF THE BRITISH FLEET.
14/06/2007
Rebecca Read
It would be nice to see her back home. I was very little when we watched the launch, and I remember thinking how big she was.
14/06/2007
Dave Joy
Having served on HMS Invincible during Falklands war as a Leading Aircraft Handler and also having my son Garry christen on her after the falklands war. I would like to see HMS Invincible return to its home. I am sure that she still has lots to offer and it would be great to see lots of people from around the world being able to visit her. With this being 25 years since the falkland war, the grand old lady should be allowed home.
16/04/2007
Mr. D. Bowes
Having briefly seen the ship evolve from slipway to its final magnificent form in Buccleuch Dock, it is right and proper that 'Invincible' should return home to Barrow. What a great tourist attraction it would be!
02/04/2007
Paul Firman
I joined Invincible in March 1980 at Barrow in Furness. Very memorable. I have some great memories from my time with her. Enjoyed my time in B in F. Good night out. Last saw her in 1990 in Sunderland. I was priveliged to be asked on board by some of the ships crew. BRING HER HOME. I'LL BE THERE TO SEE HER.
19/03/2007
Ian Lawson
My Father Edwin (Eddy) Lawson was an Electrician at the "Yard" and he always said that the blokes that built the Invincible where the best people he ever worked with. Of course she should be brought home so the younger generations of Barrovians can see and appreciate the craftsmanship that is involved with her.
12/02/2007
Paul Clark (Nobby)
She was my first ship. I joined her when I was just 17, in Barrow-in-Furness in readiness for her commissioning into the Royal Navy. The towns folk were friendly & rightly proud of 'their' ship. I ended up as Captains Steward during a fantastic couple of years on-board. What could be more fitting for her than to return to her 'home' of Barrow-in-Furness.
12/02/2007
Rachel Rhodes
I am sending my support as my Grandad was the principal ship overseer on the building of this ship.
09/02/2007
Clinton Myhill
I stood by Invincible while she was being built, the people of Barrow can be justly proud of what they achieved. This was probably the most enjoyable time of my life in the Navy I will always remember how the local people looked after us. You deserve the gray lady back
03/01/2007
David G. John
I worked on the building of the invincible in 1976 as an electrician, and I agree that she should come "home" to show everyone at barrow what was achieved with the building of this magnificent ship.
14/11/2006
John White (Queensland, Australia)
I was very proud to serve on Invincible from 82-84, she was
a fine ship. I think she should go home for a visit, her builders would
like to see her again.
30/10/2006
Steven Phillips
Having spent eight years of my naval life on her i fully support
your efforts to bring her home, would love the chance to take another tour round especially bringing my son on board who was born while i was serving on her in Bosnia.
09/09/2006
Derek Lewis (NSW, Australia)
Served on HMS Invincible from 1982 until 1985 now live in Australia.
22/06/2006
Alex Gallacher
BARROW
GOOD LUCK WITH YOUR CAMPAIGN, YES SHE SHOULD COME HOME, IT WOULD
MAKE A LOT OF BARROW PEOPLE HAPPY AND SHE'D CERTAINLY BE GOOD FOR TOURISM.
24/04/2006
John B Whitehead
Even if the invincible cannot be saved she SHOULD be allowed to visit Barrow before she goes to her final resting place.
02/04/2006
adrian harrison
i am from Barrow where i surved my time,my father worked on the
invincible but i now live in portsmouth building ships for the navy,every day i
see the invincible just sat there so i think it should be based in Barrow where
it would be more appreciated.
28/03/2006
MARTHA JEAN BIRDWELL
HAVING READ ALL ABOUT THIS, IT IS MOST IMPORTANT TO BRING THE SHIP
HOME.
I SUPPORT LORI ALL THE WAY.
28/03/2006
Jane Lawrence
Best of luck with your excellent campaign - of course the Invincible
should and MUST return to Barrow!
25/03/2006
Ethel Barrow-in-Furness
Too much of Barrow's shipbuilding prowess is being allowed to perish
and so is the memory of the many proud employees who have contributed towards
this reputation.
In memory of my dear husband.
21/03/2006
Trevor Dockeray
I am nephew and godson of Alan Rowan (model maker featured on your
website) & continue to keep an eye on Barrow affairs, 'Vickers' and its history
21/03/2006
David Robinson Barrow-in-Furness
I worked in the Ship yard and was a welder, and worked on the
Invincible along with everyone else. It's always special when you build the
first of a class!!! and that was Invincible. I think that she should come back
to Barrow, seen as though we all played an important role.
19/03/2006
Joanne Keenan (Barrow-in-Furness)
I think that HMS Invincible should come back to Barrow-in-Furness,
even to dock for so long. I remember going to Portsmouth to see her come back
from the Falklands in 1982. Barrow is her "Home Port" I agree as Portsmouth is
the main Naval Port for all the Navy Ships. I feel that Barrow should celebrate
25 years of Invincible, afterall we built her.
14/03/2006
Dan Nash
Good Luck in your campaign, I hope she returns back to Barrow. I live in Pompey and although she would be missed, she is not active and as such would not cause a great strain on the Navy. If people come to Portsmouth they will have plenty of other warships to look at.
Where there is a will there is a way!
14/03/2006
Keith Stanley
Morecambe
Good luck with the campaign, I hope you do succeed.
I remember working on her in the shipyard and watching the launch
opposite the King Alfred pub on Walney Island.
13/03/2006
Tony
Hi,
Just thought I would add my support to this, I remember her being built, a
most impressive sight.
Good luck,
13/03/2006
Mark Newbrook
Wirral, Merseyside
Although I have only recently become familiar with Barrow and with the case of HMS Invincible, I am now very aware of the strength of feeling rightly aroused by this issue, and I express my wholehearted support for Lorraine Robinson and her colleagues in their efforts to see the right thing done. I hope very much that the MoD will agree to their request, and I will be very happy to see the vessel in Barrow when she returns. All good wishes, Lorraine, and very well done so far!
12/03/2006
June Hutchings (barrow in furness)
HMS Invincible was born in barrow and has earned the right to return home to her resting place.
10/03/2006
Jon Squirrell
Iam now retired but was involved in several refits over the years in both Portsmouth and Rosyth. A fantstic Ship and great crew members.I have fond memories of those times and enjoyed being a part of the team.
09/03/2006
Sarah Price
Bringing invincible home would be a great idea, especially as I have a 10 year old nephew that would love to get the chance to explore the ship!!!
09/03/2006
Gina from New York City
Please bring Invincible home!! It's the right thing to do!
08/03/2006
Stephen Jay
Good luck with the campaign, yes I agree HMS Invincible should come back home for a visit before she is (probably) eventually sold on, as a flagship for another countries Naval Fleet.
I remember like many other people in Barrow having a special afternoon "off school" Just so we could go down to the prom and watch the launch...
In Portsmouth she is probably two a penny as all Royal Naval ships are officially homed in Portsmouth where ever they are built. But Invinci was built HERE ... Not There !!
Is it too much to ask after over 100 years of Barrow shipbuilding!!!
08/03/2006
Joe & Jane Ralph
When I was little and used to go and meet my grandad coming out of vickers, he always said that this was a ship he built. Sadly he died 2 years ago, and it would be nice to bring the ship home, it brings back good memories.
08/03/2006
Diane Creegan
Hi, I strongly support your campaign to bring Invincible home.
I was the lucky person who presented the Queen with flowers on that very memorable day in 1977 - so it would mean a lot to me if Invincible could come back to Barrow. Keep up the good work and you have my full support.
My father worked at the Shipyard also but couldn't come to the launch as he was in hospital battling cancer, but I can remember going to the hospital afterwards and telling him all about my day, he was so very proud of me. Sadly dad died in Sept of that year - so yes lets bring this magnificent ship back home as it also has a lot of sentimental feelings for a lot of people.
Good luck.
08/03/2006
Martyn King
I would love to see the boat return back to barrow.
I did my apprentership on this boat as a welder. And love to see it back to
where it was built to retire in full glory
08/03/2006
Tea, from Holland
I really hope the invincible will come home. I think she belongs there.
08/03/2006
Rebecca Alexander
Wonderful website.... great pic's!! keep up the good work and hopefully sooner rather than later 'vinci' will be back home where she belong's!!!!!!
08/03/2006
Steve Riley
Having assisted in building her and having served aboard I have
a close affinity with her. It would give Barrow a boost in difficult times
having once again been pushed into the submarine only role at the yard.
08/03/2006
Louise Fleming
Bring it home!
08/03/2006
Claire Largue, Anne Fleming, Mandy Jefferson
Good luck - hope its a success
08/03/2006
William Milns
I worked on the ship as a fitter for over 3 years outfitting her, as well as twice going on sea trials and found her the best and happiest ship I was involved in building in my time in the shipyard, everybody that I know of was proud to be involved with her and the crew was the best.
08/03/2006
Paula Ashwell
I also watched invincible launched and feel it should come back to Barrow. It would be a great asset for the town for tourism. My father incidentally worked on the ship. I have three family members who work in the yard and support this cause.
08/03/2006
Ken Gilbert
The HMS Invincible should come back home to Barrow in Furness.
08/03/2006
Marie Taylor
Invincible was one of the many ships that I have seen at the side of Michaelson Bridge over the years while living in this town, and think it should come back to Barrow for the townspeople to see it again.
My family moved to the town with the navy, and has more links here than in portsmouth now.
08/03/2006
Robert Henderson
Worked on the Invincible in Vickers shipyard. Would be great to bring her back home.
08/03/2006
Arthur Whitnear
Worked on it was there when the Queen launched her. Would be nice to see her in the docks again.
08/03/2006
Graeme Sawyer
It would be nice to walk round her again worked on her it was a pleasure, about time we got visit from ships built in barrow instead of same boats Walney and Cumberland
08/03/2006
Peter Cain
Good luck please keep me posted, (be a shame to let her go again if we got her)
08/03/2006
Gareth King
My father was a welder just like yours (as i've learnt from the evening mail) when the ship was launched in 1977 i wasn't even born but i have great interest in this Magnificent vessel! I now work in the ship yard myself and it would mean alot to see her home again!!!!!
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