About Rescue Wooden Boats
Rescue Wooden Boats are passionate about conserving maritime heritage. They are a registered charity that conserve examples of working wooden boats, telling their stories - and those of the last generation of seafaring communities to use them - through film and photos, showing the crafts and skills used, and actively involving people (particularly young people) in learning all about this.
The Maritime Heritage Centre
Situated in Stiffkey, Norfolk, the Maritime Heritage Centre was the former Officers' Mess at the Old Military Camp. In the Centre, Rescue Wooden Boats tell the story of Dunkirk veteran local lifeboat Lucy Lavers. They have displays of the local fishing and wooden boat building heritage, including crab fishing, whelk fishing and on fishing life and communities. Visitors can also watch their films which capture the stories of the last generation of fishermen and lifeboat men to use wooden boats.
Lucy Lavers
When Lucy Lavers arrived at Rescue Wooden Boats, her hull was in quite good condition but her curved mahogany canopy, her engine, spars, sails, and most of her bronze fittings were missing. The team conserved her to her former glory ensuring she can be viewed and used for posterity. Her conservation was filmed to capture the story and the traditional skills involved, which are seldom used today - for example, steaming and bending mahogany. They also created a photographic record of the project work undertaken.
Bessie
Bessie is another Dunkirk Little Ship and was acquired by the team from Trevor Farman in Yarmouth, from where she was delivered to Morston Quay in 2011. One of the last remaining Johnson-built whelkers, she was built in 1935 for the Cox family, who whelked with her out of Wells-next-the-Sea for 30 years.
During the winter of 2013 and 2014, essential work was carried out on Bessie to repair damage and keep her stable until she has her major refit. At the same time the added wheelhouse was removed and her decks were strengthened, so she looks much more like her original 1935 self. She needs major conservation and once restored the aim is for her to be used afloat.
Get involved
You can become involved with Rescue Wooden Boats by Becoming a Friend and supporting their work through donations, joining the Maritime Heritage Centre team, joining their Education team, helping with fundraising, or vessel maintenance work. Bring your skills and interests along - contact them to talk about how you might like to be involved.
LATEST NEWS:
March 2024: Rescue Wooden Boats announce April Open Day, new Maritime Mingle Sundays, and summer talks programme Read more
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