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  1. Contact us about Elder Dempster

    Please contact us using the details below if you’d like to find out more about Elder Dempster Lines or the Homeward Bound Project. We welcome enquiries from schools, teachers and community groups.

  3. About the Elder Dempster project

    The Homeward Bound: A Liverpool-West Africa Heritage Project documents the lives and memories of Elder Dempster’s seafaring and office staff. As part of the project, we recorded 25 oral testimonies.

  4. Elder Dempster events

    Throughout the year, we hold a number of events relating to Elder Dempster Lines. We'll post details about upcoming events on this page. Read more about the workshops, talks and training we've held in the past.

  5. Mike Ingham

    Mike was a Purser for Elder Dempster Lines. In his interview, Mike talks about the role of a Purser and the challenges he faced. Listen to Mike's interview.

  6. John Martin

    John Martin was a catering officer with Elder Dempster Lines. Read his account of his experiences with the shipping company.

  7. John Goble

    John Goble was the Chief Officer for Elder Dempster Lines. John joined Elder Dempsters in 1963 as Third Mate. In his interview, John discusses the challenges of working at sea, his first impressions on West Africa and how the impact containerisation had on the industry.

  9. Derek Bailey interview – Elder Dempster

    Derek Bailey joined Elder Dempster Lines in 1957. In his interview, Derek recalls what it was like living on a ship with a wife and children at home. Derek also speaks about Elder Dempster Lines’ latter years.

  10. Barry Groombridge interview – Elder Dempster

    Barry Groombridge joined Elder Dempster Lines aged 16. Barry’s first voyage was from London to the United States, via West Africa. The voyage lasted nine months. Listen to Barry’s interview to hear about the Christmas he spent with nuns in Madeira and what life was like as a purser at Elder Dempster Lines.