LAUNCH

First pictures of the launch of the rebuilt Dawn on Saturday 19th May 2007

(more to follow)

The barge was floated out of the lighter and brought onto the lock at Heybridge the previous day due to high winds. Unladen she appears to float about 6 inches deep - it was always said you could float a barge on a heavy dew!

Shipwrights, trustees andand volunteers all made a huge effort to get her finished, cleaned up and painted in time for the launch. There were a number of aching backs and sore knees - but plenty of smiles.

The Household Cavalry sent guards to represent their connection with the project - the Trust hopes to take a stack of hay to London for the Household Cavalry.

At the launch ceremony the crowd were informed and amused by the guest speakers. Special mention was made of all the sponsors and helpers who have made the project so successful.

The ceremony concluded with a blessing of the barge in her new form.

Food and drink were kindly supplied by sponsors Wilkin and Sons Ltd.

The Dawn Sailing Barge Trust Ltd would like to thank all the sponsors who have helped to get the barge afloat again:

The Heritage Lottery Fund

Maldon District Council

Astor Foundation

A W Marine Services

British Gas

Cartledge and Sons

Charles S French Charitable Trust

Costain Civil Engineering

Craghouse Charitable Trust

Erith Group

Essex Heritage Trust

Fishmongers Company

Frankis Solutions Ltd

Garfield Western Foundation

Horace Moore Charitable Trust

Hervey Benham Trust

J O’Doherty Haulage Ltd

NRM Bobrowski

Swift Scaffolding

School House Graphics Ltd

The Balfour Trust

The Idlewild Trust

The Leslie Mary Carter Charitable Trust

The Pilgrim Trust

Wilkin and Sons Ltd

Simper Farms

J.H.Vaudrey and Son Ltd

Chignell Buildings Ltd

Maldon Town Council