Recent visits - October 2005
An interesting visit to the Lake District was made by Paula Palmer and Simon Stephens and for once, spent more time afloat than on dry land. They concentrated on the passenger vessels operating on Coniston Water and Ullswater. As with the previous month’s visit, it was rewarding to spend more time onboard these working vessels than on dry land. Of particular interest was how the various owners and operators in the Lakes had formed the Commercial Passenger Boat Operators Association (English Lakes). This provided a valuable forum to discuss various matters and had the full support of the MCA
ML Ransome, ML Ruskin - Coniston
Apart form its natural beauty, Coniston Water is noted for its water speed
records and Arthur Ransome’s Swallows and Amazons. The team met with Gordon
Hall, joint owner and founder of the Coniston Launch who operate passenger
vessels ML Ransome and ML Ruskin. He kindly arranged for trips aboard and
explained the thinking behind his pioneering use of solar power. This technology
provided clean energy, and gave a quiet and comfortable journey around
the lake. Originally ML Ransome was built to carry passengers around Portsmouth
Harbour and was purchased by Coniston Launch in 1994. While ML Ruskin initially
worked on the River Dee and relocated to Coniston in 1992.
http://www.conistonlaunch.co.uk/
Gondola
- Coniston
A quite striking steam launch in terms of design, the Gondola is operated
by the National Trust with the aims of providing a unique experience of
a Victorian journey by water. This vessel is a faithful replica based upon
the lines taken from the original hull (sadly disposed of) and contemporary
photographs. The addition of a new boiler and engines has enabled Gondola
to be an efficient and cost effective method of steaming on the lake. It
was also interesting to note how the historical recreation of this vessel
sat alongside the current safety equipment required for passenger safety.
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-gondola/
Lady of the Lake, Raven, Totnes Castle - Glenridding
The final visit was over to Ullswater where the team managed a two way
trip on Raven and Lady of the Lake, both built by TH Seath & Co,Glasgow
in 1899 and 1877 respectively. As with most of the lake steamers, it has
been a good summer for passenger numbers and both Jim Walker and Christian
Grammer provided a useful breakdown of operations. They provide a valuable
service for tourism in the region especially for the hill walkers, and
play an integral part to the many mapped walks in the area. Totnes Castle
built by Phillips and Sons, Dartmouth in 1949, has recently being acquired
Ullswater Steamers and is currently undergoing modification and restoration
and due to enter service next year.
http://www.ullswater-steamers.co.uk/index.htm