Allchorn Pleasure Boats – Newsletter and Restoration Update – January 2005
After a very wet and windy season in 2004, work nevertheless continues behind the scenes throughout the winter months on our maintenance and restoration programme. We shall be resuming our daily summer cruise operations from the beach on 1 st May, if not even a little before, continuing a historic Eastbourne tradition and heritage visitor attraction.
‘William Allchorn’ and ‘Southern Queen’ now reside side by side in their covered winter quarters in our boat shed at Fisherman’s Green, where work continues.
‘William Allchorn’
This winter, work is being concentrated in two specific areas. Firstly, routine hull timber renewals at the fore end of the vessel are progressing and are well advanced. Modifications are being made to the vessel’s electrical system, which involves considerable work in the engine room. The aim of this work is to maximise the reliability of the vessel and to reduce the effects of damp and high ambient engine room temperatures. If time and funds permit, attention will be given to the aft athwartships benching. As usual, before re-entering the water in March, the vessel will enjoy its annual full re-paint and re-varnishing in readiness for the forthcoming season.
This month, ‘William Allchorn’ has been acknowledged as meriting inclusion in the National Register of Historic Vessels of the United Kingdom, at The National Maritime Museum. This is exciting news, which motivates us even more towards our preservation and restoration aims
‘Southern Queen’
The poor summer weather did not justify this vessel entering service last year, and as a result, she awaits a demand for her services this year. Apart from a final coat of paint on the hull, antifouling and a coat of varnish, the vessel is ready to re-enter the water.
This month, ‘Southern Queen’ has also been acknowledged as meriting inclusion in the National Register of Historic Vessels of the United Kingdom, at The National Maritime Museum.
‘Former RNLB The Robert’
This unique and historic ex RNLI lifeboat was acquired in December 2003 to join the Allchorn Pleasure Boats fleet, and to reinstate the opportunity to cruise from Eastbourne to The Royal Sovereign Light Tower, viewing shipping in the English Channel. This has been achieved by introducing unique Lifeboat Experience Cruises operating daily from Sovereign Harbour. During 2004, interest and support has been most encouraging. It is hoped that as the service becomes more well-known, the initial success of these cruises can be built upon and grown further.
The first priority after acquisition was to restore the outward appearance of ‘The Robert’, and consequently a full hull and superstructure repaint in authentic colours was carried out last spring. Enjoying an almost original configuration and inventory, further restoration efforts will be focused on repainting the engine-room, the survivors’ cabins and the wheelhouse, as and when time and funds permit. The vessel operates all year round and can carry a maximum of twelve passengers.
World War II Amphibious DUKW
This sometimes un-seen workhorse of the Allchorn Pleasure Boats operation is well occupied lifting and moving equipment as necessary at our boat shed during the winter. Prior to the resumption of summer operations, the DUKW will receive maintenance and a full repaint.
On 6 th June 2004, the 60 th anniversary of the D-Day landings, this vehicle being an example of this class of vehicle which took part in the landings, was displayed on the beach as a tribute to those who fought and those who lost their lives.
Volunteers
The preservation of Allchorn Pleasure Boats and the traditional services that it provides takes ever-increasing time and resources. We need and welcome contributions of volunteer labour and expertise throughout the winter months. If you have carpentry and/or engineering skills, then please call us on 01323 41060 for further information. There are also opportunities to work as paid beach assistants and boat crew members during the summer months.
