Exhibition of rare naval treasures

Aug 9 2006 Wirral News

A RARE collection of shipping memorabilia has gone on display at Wallasey Town Hall.

The exhibition includes more than 120 naval cap badges collected over 30 years by retired merchant sailor Gordon Sykes-Little, who livesin Wallasey.

Capbadges, also known as "head badges" or "hat badges", are worn on headgear by merchant sailors to show the wearer's organisation, and by members of the armed services to distinguish their regiment and corps.

Captain Robin Woodall, of Meols, former captain of the Queen Elizabeth II, opened the exhibition on Monday.

Mr Sykes-Little said: "I started collecting cap badges 30 years agowith the purchase of around 20 old and redundant badges from a Preston firm of gold lace manufacturers.

"When on leave frequent visits to antique shops, car boot sales, ships' uniform outfitters helped me to increase my collection to around 120 badges."

The collection comprises badges from the early 20th Century through to the year 2000 and includes a number from the White Star Line, and the FC Mahones' Fast Flyers - whichcontributed to Liverpool'simport of Canadian timber baulks - used in the building trade.

Several of the shipping companies represented by badges in Mr Sykes-Little's collection no longer exist.