Former Melton man Steve retires after 42 years at sea

Steve Mann, whose family ran shoe trimmings business MM Mann – where Latham House Surgery now stands – for two generations, was born and bred in the town.

He has worked solely for P&O since joining the company as an officer cadet in the ‘70s and he finished his career as senior food and beverage manager on board one of his favourite ships, Aurora.

His wife, Eileen, said: “Steve has had a long and varied career, enjoying every minute of his time at sea. He cannot count how many times he has been around the world but it is in double figures.

“During his time at sea, Steve has met many famous people and celebrities, such as Princess Diana when she launched the ship Royal Princess. He remembers well being the first officer to step up the gangway of Canberra on her return to Southampton from her time as a troop ship in the Falklands War.”

Mr Mann is now looking forward to spending his first full year in the UK since the early ‘70s, enjoying time with his five grandsons and driving his classic BMW and other cars.

He is looking forward to catching up with his many family and friends living in Melton, including his 92-year-old mother, of Burton Road, who he will be visiting on a regular basis now from his home outside Stratford-upon-Avon.