The Dawn Sailing Barge Trust Limited
Our first news is that Robert Simper stood down as chairman at the last AGM after nine years of hard graft. Robert’s part in the saving and rebuilding of the Dawn cannot be understated, so he stands down with a huge vote of thanks and the gratitude of the trust. Robert and Pearl stay on as members and we look forward to seeing them at barge events.
Neil Holdsworth has now taken on the task of chairman in this crucial final year of the re-build. We welcome new trustees Neil Peek and Paddy Doyle. We also are receiving valuable help on the trustee team from member Don Hands, who is joint owner of the barge Ardwina and has a wealth of experience managing barges.
Planked up sides 12/2/2007
The last plank went on the port side yesterday (13 th February). You may remember that the port side had already been replanked some years ago at Hoo. It was felt that it was not worth spoiling a ship for a h’ap’orth of tar (well, quite a bit more than that actually) so we now have complete new planking all round. All the planking is iroko – a durable hardwood, similar to teak but harder.
The bottom is half way through being doubled – it’s a long, hard task and we don’t envy anyone the job of crawling about underneath the barge trying to fit planks upwards. All of the planking has been fitted in the traditional manner with layers of felt and bitumen between overlapping planks which makes for a very solid and watertight hull.
The deck is now complete and our shipwrights are fixing the hatch comings and starting on the stern cabin top. All the timber is on site to make up the bulwarks, rails and capping around the deck. There will then be a period of faring the hull and finishing everything off and the hull will be pretty much complete. The internal timbers are being soaked with as much linseed oil and preservative as possible, because once the douglas fir ceiling and lining (the layer of planks on the inside) goes on it will be hard to get at the ribs and floors again.
New hatch comings 12/2/2007
The rudder and lee boards are due to come back from storage in Maylandsea and plans are being made to have the spars shot blasted and epoxy primed. Some of the new rigging blocks have already been delivered and the wire rigging now is being made. Volunteers who came to make a start on refurbishing the rigging will be pleased to know that some of the original pieces will be re-used although new rigging is being made to replace any suspect pieces.
Sailmaker Steven Hall has made a preliminary sail plan and is standing by to take final measurements when the mast is stepped after the launch. Hopefully it will be possible to get the spars on board while the Dawn is in the lock for the launch ceremony.
The very best news is that the hull of the Dawn is all on schedule for a re-launched ceremony on Saturday 19th May. It is planned to bring the Dawn in through the Sea Lock at Heybridge basin for a ceremony at the high tide (time to be confirmed according to tides). We anticipate quite a few people at the ceremony. It would be helpful if those who are coming and are on the internet could email: holdsworthkim@btinternet.com to help give an idea of numbers.
After the launch ceremony the Dawn will go back into her mud berth beside the boatshed at Heybridge – but without the lighter this time – while fitting out work continues.
It is worth mentioning that the trustees are working hard to find the final amount of matching funding and money for additional works which will release the last of the Heritage Lottery grant. Neil Holdsworth would be very interested in talking to any person, group or body who might be interested in sponsoring the barge. We will soon be taking advance bookings and may well want to make some corporate links and partnerships. Please let us know if you have any good ideas.
While speaking of money, the trust thanks all its many supporters and friends for helping us to get this far. Thank you to those who pay yearly by standing order. Those who pay by cheque may like to renew their subscription of £25 single or £40 joint or family by cheque to :
The Dawn Sailing Barge Trust Ltd, c/o Kim Holdsworth, Claythorn, Domsey Lane, Little Waltham, Chelmsford CM3 3PS.
We will have some proper membership forms with us at the launch day – the form includes a gift aid declaration which increases your donation by 28%. It also has a standing order form which makes everything a lot easier. You can also download the full form off our website :
Newsletter prepared by
Gerard Swift and Michael Feather.