CHARLIE COOPER
I knew Charlie for over 40 years and we had some amazing times together and memories that will never be forgotten.
In fact, later in life, we found that his first cousin also Charlie Cooper was married to my first cousin Margaret Roscoe. Naturally, Charlie arranged a party and got us all together. That was one of his things, organising events.
We both taught English in different schools in Kirkby and were also union reps for our school but we met first as English teachers. In short, we both saw the potential in having access to the school Video recorder and started making up plays with the kids and entering competitions – that’s how we first became friends. I would like to think we were both ahead of our times.
When I retired and I needed Crew for my boat and somewhere in the back of my mind I remembered that Charlie knew how to sail, so I got in touch with him and that, as I said was the beginning of some of the best experiences, and challenges of my life.
And not just me, the rest of the crew too. In fact, Marilyn, my wife said he organised the best birthday of her life and arranged a wonderful meal of Lobster tails. It was on our trip to the Black Bouy inn in Carnarvon.
That particular trip was an absolute joy for everybody. We sailed there and joined a race through the Menai Straits with about 30 other Boats. We actually won, although we were the only one in our category and we got a big silver cup. There is now a photo of me forever on Facebook holding it aloft.
There are lots of wonderful memories but the best one started at two in the morning when Charlie suggested we head home, in the dark, following the buoyage and heading round Puffin Island in the dark and creeping past the booming Doomsday bouy, magic. So thank you Charlie for being a part of our life and the journey we had.
John Blackall
john blackall
22/06/2026
