Recent visits - September 2005
Paula Palmer and Simon Stephens were afloat on the River Thames on what was a very memorable day.
Portwey
As part of the Thames Nelson Flotilla, a re-enactment of the river journey
of Lord Nelson’s body from Greenwich to St Pauls, the steam tug Portwey
was one of over 200 vessels that took part in this historic event. Barry
Sanderson, Honorary Secretary to the The Steam Tug Portwey Trust, very kindly
invited the Paula and I to experience a historic vessel under full steam.
This proved to be a very interesting experience with a guided tour around
the engines and boiler room whilst under steam, and a quick spell on the
helm. It also highlighted the fact that to keep such vessels in working order,
that a well planned and sustainable maintenance programme is in place.
http://www.stportwey.co.uk
The team were also in the North West this month and Paula Palmer and Simon Stephens were met by Nigel Bowker, who very kindly offered to drive to some of the more ‘remote’ locations. Nigel is the owner of James Jackson Grundy, Panary, Safehand and Hen, several of which are still operated carrying cargo on a commercial basis.
Panary - Frodsham
It always interesting to see historic ships still working in their commercial environment. Used for transporting grain from Liverpool to Frodsham, the team were able to see the cargo being unloaded into a waiting lorry on the quayside. Skipper Len Clarke gave us some insight to the workings of this vessel both past and present, since his father was also skipper, thus keeping it in the family. As regards the cargo space, the hatches were covered by the traditional wooden boards protected by pvc sheeting held in place by long battens and wooden wedges.
James Jackson Grundy - Saltersford Lock,Cheshire
Moored afloat on the river Weaver, this vessel was well maintained and is in the process of being moved to a new location in Liverpool. The ongoing repairs to the engines were in progress and there are plans to replace the fender around the hull.
Safe Hand - Huskisson Dock,Liverpool
Built by W J Yarwood & Sons in 1950 for carrying vegetable oils, it is still being operated commercially, transporting vegetable oils from various locations around the region.
Hen - West Sandon Dock Liverpool
The next stop on this regional tour was to the West Sandon Dock to see this dumb lighter. Still largely in its original state and in good order, it is occasional used as a platform for floating firework displays.
Wincham
One of several vessels built in late 1940’s for ICI to transport soda ash from Winnington to the Liverpool docks via the rivers Weaver and Mersey. Located in the Canning half tide dock next to the Merseyside Maritime Museum, the team was greeted by Captain John Temple and Pam Brown, together with other members of the Society. They gave a breakdown of the repairs carried out in recent years as well as the on-going maintenance. It was clear that this vessel was well cared for and has a proven track record enabling it to take part in the various regional river festivals.
Kerne
Located just ahead of the Wincham, this interesting tug was built by
Montrose Shipbuilding Co in 1912 and used mainly on the river Thames. Ablely
cared for by a Trust, the team were welcomed by Bob Stead and Bob Adams
who gave an interesting account into the current restoration of the boiler.
Of particular interest was the method of replacing the tubes in situ within
the tight space of the hull, that would make even swinging a cat somewhat
challenging.
http://www.tugkerne.co.uk/