John Burn
John belongs to: The Coble and Keelboat Society
John grew up in Tynemouth. He spent his spare time as a child sailing. John followed his father into piloting ships on the Tyne.
John was interviewed by Kylea Little on 3 March 2006. The interview took place at Discovery Museum History Office and lasted 1 hour, 0 minute and 12 seconds.

Progress through pilot apprenticeship
"At the end of the month, we all had a little book, which we had to, what we had to do was we had to put in drills on ships with pilots "
At the end of the month, we all had a little book, which we had to, what we had to do was we had to put in drills on ships with pilots and we had so many of those to put in each month and that was checked off at the end of the month to see that you had put them in, you see, and all signed up. So that was the start of your training.
But of course, really, you know, you r training started a long time before because all my memories of when I was at school was perhaps being at uncles’ or aunts’ houses- most of my uncles were pilots, and it must have been rather boring for their wives, you know, because salt cellars were taking sheers across the tabletop, and salts pot, and whatever it was, you know, ships were maneuvered across during the meal, because that was the life, they lived it and that was it.
John has 11 memories in the memorynet:
John's memories with a Work theme:
Pilot apprenticeship
Progress through pilot apprenticeship
Going to sea after apprenticeship
Returning to the pilot service
The pilot’s routine
24 hour service
The pilot watch house
Call out routines
Dangers
John's other memories:
This memory has these themes:
Traditions | Training | Work

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