NATIONAL Trust staff clubbed together in Liverpool to give HMS Ark Royal’s captain a memorable souvenir of the Royal Navy flagship’s visit.

The 10 Saturday volunteer stewards at the Rodney Street “time-capsule” studio-home of photographer Edward Chambré Hardman, donated £10 each to pay for a hand-made print.

They presented Captain John Clink and his officers with the framed print showing the previous Birkenhead-built Ark Royal at a special ceremony at the 59 Rodney Street house.

Called The Birth of the Ark Royal, this famous photograph taken from Holt Hill, shows Ark Royal IV on Cammell Laird’s slipway, painted white before being launched by the Queen Mother, in April 1950.

The event came about after Cdr Chris Clough, Ark Royal’s weapons commander and press officer, paid a surprise visit to 59 Rodney Street, during the aircraft carrier’s debut Liverpool visit in June.

After seeing Chambré Hardman’s striking image, Cdr Clough wanted a copy to display in Ark Royal’s wardroom, but there were none available to buy.

Saturday steward Doreen Barrow was determined not to disappoint Ark Royal, Liverpool, or the National Trust, so the special print was ordered with the help of her fellow stewards.

Capt Clink, 44, who is Ark Royal’s youngest commander, said: “I am very touched by all the efforts to present us with this magnificent picture.

“Ark Royal’s crew have a tremendous interest in her namesakes’ histories and this photograph will be prominently displayed on the ship. I am very impressed by this house and Liverpool itself.”

MR BROCKLEBANK/ DAILY POSTCARD: PAGE 11;

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