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Golden Chaffcutter Thames Trust

Issue 128 www.bargetrust.org June 2020 From the 1 Helm

Membership 2 Renewal

Covid-19 2 National Lottery Support

Escape from 3

New Child’s 5 Activity Book

Pudge 5 Project Activities

John Fuller 6

Gary Butler 6

Pudge 100 7 Club

Centaur 8 Update

Pudge 8 On Wednesday 12th May Pudge was pulled out from between Sailorman and Update Centaur and taken down to Fullbridge to start on her restoration. New Mugs 9 Picture by John Rayment to Shore 10 From the Helm West- 12 I am sure that we are all Centaur is close to being ready volunteers will now be completed moreland equally frustrated to find our to rig out, and the weekend by Kevin. The technical commit- sailing season suspended as team plus trainees will have her tee, for the Pudge project, are Centaur 12 the Country deals with the in sailing order as and when we keeping very close tabs on costs. Visits to awful Covid 19 virus. Many are allowed to get a team to- In addition we are looking at re- Pt 2 members will know families gether safely. Thanks go to Tim placing the stem and stem band 1950—1953 affected and I am sure that all Jepson who has been working while in dry dock which involves Dates For 13 our thoughts are with those away on his own to get us as the purchase of more . Your Diary that have lost loved ones in ready as possible. such dreadful circumstances. The object of the Pudge project is Trust 14 On a positive front, Pudge has of to get Pudge to a posi- We have had to call time on now been towed down to Kevin tion where she will be ready to VHF Course 15 the planned trips for May, Finch’s at The Fullbridge give us many years more service Lockdown June and July and the rest of ready for work to start. The without any further major resto- Training the season’s program remains Trust have acquired a container ration work in the foreseeable subject to change. Looking at to store the equipment that had future and I am confident that we the Governments guidance, it been removed by the Thursday are well on track for achieving is going to be difficult to com- group. Unfortunately, due to that goal. ply with the current arrange- Covid 19 restrictions, we cannot ments but we are looking at access the yard which will mean I was recently reminded that it is

how we can adapt our plans. some of the jobs scheduled for (Continued on page 2)

Page 2

(Continued from page 1) get involved with that project Match season being decimat- would be very welcome. Please ed with cancellations. Rest more or less ten years since let David Gibson know. In my assured if we can this we started preparing for the opinion we need to keep the season we will. work we are now doing on Centaur project team separate Pudge. That has focused our from Pudge, not least as new Thank you all for your sup- minds on Centaur, and early ideas are really needed in these port. plans are now developing for potentially difficult financial Peter Taylor the next stage in her restora- times. tion. A small team is starting

to think about fund raising for As I write these notes, I am

Centaur, and anyone who hearing of various aban- feels that they would like to doning the season, and the Membership Matters

Following the membership This can be done on line or by [email protected]. renewal process at the begin- contacting me. ning of the year, we unfortu- Membership rates for new nately lost a number of mem- New members in the last two members are now: bers who did not renew for a months: Full Member: £35 pa variety of reasons. It is im- Chris Flower—Maldon Joint Membership £50 pa portant that we try and main- Matt Ingham—Chelmsford Joint Concession £40 pa tain our membership at rea- Corporate Membership £360 sonable levels as the income If you have any questions about pa from fees goes towards sup- membership, please contact the Life Membership £600 porting the Trust’s activities. membership secretary, John (Concession [65+] £400) Rayment at: 25 Repertor Drive, Joint Life Membership £900 If you know of anyone who Maldon, (Concession [65+] £600) would like to become a mem- CM9 6FQ. ber, please get them to enrol. Tel: 07587 141054 or at: John Rayment Covid-19 National Lottery Support The Trust has received now feel confident that we will pleased to be able to lend our £25,200 from The Lottery be able to maintain our two support to organisations such Heritage Emergency Fund to historic sailing barges through as Thames Trust assist the Trust with its cash- the summer. We’re grateful that during this uncertain time.” flow and help cover The National Lottery Heritage costs in relation to work re- Fund is supporting us at this Like the quired under the Pudge pro- crucial time – it’s a lifeline to us Trust other charities and or- ject. and others who are passionate ganisations across the UK that about sustaining heritage for have been affected by the Since the Covid-19 pandemic the benefit of all.” unprecedented impact of the and lockdown began the Trust coronavirus outbreak are be- has been unable to sail and Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of ing given access to a compre- has had to cancel a number of The National Lottery Heritage hensive package of support of fundraising events which has Fund, said: “Heritage has an up to £600 million of repur- therefore impacted on its abil- essential role to play in making posed money from The Na- ity to meet its obligations. It communities better places to tional Lottery. This money is has also been unable to use live, supporting economic re- supporting some of the most its volunteer workforce to un- generation and benefiting our vulnerable people in our com- dertake work on Pudge as personal wellbeing. All of these munities and span the arts, part of the Heritage Lottery things are going to be even community, charity, heritage, supported project. more important as we emerge education, environment and from this current crisis. sports sectors. David Gibson (Trustee) said: “Thanks to the National Lot- “Thanks to money raised by tery and its players we can National Lottery players we are

Golden Chaffcutter Thames Sailing Barge Trust

I s s u e 1 2 8 Page 3 Escape from Dunkirk

This year is the 80th Anniversary of way along the sea shore with a few chance of making a safe crossing, and the evacuation of British Expedition- men, hoping to find some boat that several of the men were fathers of ary Forces from Dunkirk in May 1940. would still float. We first found a large families, I decided, however to take a grounded barge, then several holed chance and make the attempt. Just If Pudge had not been awaiting her boats, but finally, about a mile from then, through the morning mist, I restoration and the Coronavirus epi- Dunkirk East Pier I came across a caught sight of a boat fitted with lee- demic had not been with us, we small fishing boat full of water. I im- boards drifting southwards with the would have taken her back to Dun- mediately decided to float her. One of current. At first, I took her to be a kirk for the celebrations. the men pointed out that she was small fishing boat, but gradually, as we unseaworthy, being full of water. I drew alongside, I saw that she was a However to mark the event, I have promptly replied that, on the contra- big Thames barge. The outline was been delving through the Trust’s Ar- ry, as she held water she would cer- familiar to me, as I had often seen pic- chive and found the following ac- tainly float! We baled her out, and tures of these craft. I had also seen count which was published in the found two good oars under the some in the Port of during a Thames Barge Sailing Club’s journal thwarts. With some difficulty we got visit in 1930. of the Winter of 1956. her down the 200 yards to the sea. Editor. Nine of us got aboard, and as the I tried to attract the barge’s attention boat had only 5" to 6" freeboard, we with my signaling lamp from about 200 Here is the answer to the 16-year-old had to row very carefully. I decided to yards, but there was no sign of life on mystery of the crossing of the "Beatrice make for a torpedo boat, which, alt- board - nobody was at the wheel or on Maud" from Dunkirk, made known as a hough listing from a distance ap- deck. We came alongside and some result of a visit to the Fenchurch Street peared seaworthy. We quickly French soldiers popped up from the Office of the owners G.F. Sully by a reached her, as she was only about . We scrambled on deck and found brother of Lt. José Heron. 400 yards off shore. Alas! we found that we were on the barge "Beatrice Maud" of London. She already had The editors acknowledge the kindness of that she was a complete wreck with about 250 French soldiers on board. A our members Messrs. Raymond and Ber- not a living soul on board. lieutenant among them explained that nard Sully in sending us this report. Several of the men asked to be left on they had come aboard the day before - About midnight on the 3rd June 1940, the board of her. They were scared of June 3rd at Malo-Les-Bains. They had French and British Admiralties ordered risking a crossing in so frail and over- waited eight days and nights on the that the evacuation of troops beach for evacuation, under should cease, leaving nearly incessant bombing. Absolutely 40,000 men still on the beach- exhausted, these men boarded es of Malo-les-Bains. the barge. They thought they would be safer at sea than on About 4 a.m. on the 4th June land, even though they had no Lieutenant Heron, who had idea where they were going. reached the shore at Malo-les- Bains with a small detachment I immediately took charge of of men from the rear guard, the "Beatrice Maud", as I was decided to try and avoid cap- the only one on board with tivity by attempting a private any knowledge of sailing. I evacuation. The Germans were found an acrobat and an ex- actually occupying Dunkirk, marine amongst the men, and and the remaining Allied with this "crew" I managed to troops, caught like rats in a hoist the sails and lower the narrow trap, had no chance to . Unfortunately, one escape except by sea. But at of the latter stuck halfway. As dawn on June 4th the pale we were getting aboard the Beatrice Maud—Picture kindly supplied by Society "Beatrice Maud", the German calm sea only offered a misty of Sailing Barge Research horizon, with the wrecks of tanks were penetrating onto many sunk during the evacuation, laden boat as ours. I refused, pointing the beaches of Malo-Les-Bains standing out like skeletons. out that if they did stay on the torpe- running up and down rounding up any do boat, they would have no further troops that were left. Here, however, follows the story of the chance at all of reaching freedom. We had incredible luck in being able to departure and the miraculous crossing of They decided to remain where they reach the "Beatrice Maud” just half an the "Beatrice Maud". were. hour before the Germans arrived. I still While the first German tanks and ar- I was also worried, though, about tremble to think that if these providen- mored cars could be heard approaching attempting a crossing to in tial circumstances had not occurred, along the lanes leading to the Malo-Les- an open boat, only 14 feet long, with we would have had to face 5 years of Bains beachhead, I hurriedly made my nine men on board. We had little captivity in Germany.

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(Continued from page 3) hour or so, then steered South West. turned an English ship to England.

As soon as the sails were hoisted I took After another hour I steered North I would have been very surprised to the helm. I felt quite proud to command North West again. We passed near a have met the owner of the “Beatrice this fine craft, and to feel her gliding half-submerged lightship, absolutely Maud” and hand his ship back to him along in the gentle breeze. Alas! after deserted. It was very difficult to distin- personally, safe and sound. She suf- less than a quarter of an hour, we were guish the name in the poor visibility - fered the minimum of damage despite carried between two grounded cargo perhaps it was the South Goodwin. the crossing from Dunkirk to Dover boats, only 100 yards apart, and the with more than 300 soldiers on board. We were spinning along at a good "Beatrice Maud" was ashore on a sand- speed, when, about 7.p.m., the lookout bank. I thought that this was the end of The same night, we were sent to a in the reported that he could see our journey. I realised, however that it reception camp at Southampton. On something through the fog. Through my th was low tide, and that we would re-float June 6 we were repatriated, sailing in binoculars I saw the outline of a small as the tide made. The men on board the steamer “Vienna” to Cherbourg. naval craft; then a second, then a third. were so exhausted that none of them The Battel of France was not yet over. They proved to be armed trawlers. noticed that we were aground. We re- After the end of the war I wrote to an floated in about half an hour. We headed towards one of them, and English friend living in and passing close under her bow, I hoisted At the same time a very lucky thing asked him how I could trace the owner the letter "T" flag of the International happened. A mist shrouded the sea, of the “Beatrice Maud”, but he was Code - the reverse side of which shows blotting out the coastline; hiding us unable to help me. It was only in 1955 blue, white and red. I asked her the completely from the eyes of the Ger- that I traced the name of her owner in name and direction of the nearest port. mans. I am certain that this saved us. a very interesting book by C.G. Carr on The reply came from the bridge - Without this friendly mist the Germans Thames Barges. "Dover - just a mile”. certainly would not have forgotten us. My family and I are deeply grateful to Soon the fog lifted, and we saw the As soon as the "Beatrice Maud" re- God for allowing me, with so many of cliffs of Dover – God be praised! Be- floated, I took the helm again and set my comrades, to escape the misery of cause of the difficulty of entering har- course approximately North West in the five years captivity – thanks to the bour under sail with so poor a crew, I hopes of reaching Dover or Folkestone. presence of the “Beatrice Maud” at decided to ask the trawler to tow us in. We sailed all morning with a gentle Dunkirk. We were drifting Southwards, so I breeze from the North North West. Eve- dropped anchor and furled the sails. In memory of this marvelous epic, one ry now and then we passed through a of my daughters has been named graveyard of wrecks, cases and drifting The sea was rather rough now, and the “Beatrice Maud”. boats. We also saw a Belgian plane half trawler was circling us, waiting for the submerged. A capsized vessel intrigued right moment to take us in tow. Owner’s notes: - us greatly; at a distance in the fog she “Beatrice Maud” then went to looked like an island, and we wondered We waited about a quarter of an hour, . Despite Lieut. Heron’s if it was an hallucination! and finally the trawler put a man on well-meant remarks, she was in need board to assist us. We tried to weigh of an extensive refit. She was now About midday the wind began to fresh- anchor, but the rough sea made this an fitted with an 88h.p. Kelvin-diesel en- en, causing a slight sea. Several times impossible operation, so we sawed gine, but still retained her full during the morning we picked up men through the chain and slipped the an- with the exception of her gear from overloaded rowing boats attempt- chor. and mizzen. As is usual when convert- ing the crossing to England, these frail ing these craft to power the dubious craft would certainly have been in trou- The trawler then took us in tow, but the luxury of a wheelhouse was added. ble in the rough sea we met later on. tow rope broke twice. We then threw Thus fitted, in 1943 she was taken on We sailed on through the afternoon with them one of our own ropes that we charter by the Ministry of War a freshening wind. About 5.p.m. I had found neatly coiled up in the bow. This Transport and sent round to the Bristol to get the and down, using held us, and we entered Dover Harbour Channel. There she remained on Gov- only the , and mizzen. at 8.p.m. ernment Service until her return to the Thames in 1946. Since then she has I began to feel very tired about 5.p.m. A large crowd gathered on the quay as been employed in the normal East as I had not left the wheel since early we came ashore. It was low tide, so Coast barge trade. Sail lovers will no morning. So, I decided to rest a bit in ladders had to be provided so that we doubt be sorry to learn that her sail case we should have to sail all night. I could climb up onto the quay. We were plan has now been further reduced by gave the wheel to a companion, to well received by the British, particularly the removal of her . whom I had given a little instruction in the Red Cross, who supplied us with all the art of sailing, and went below. I had kinds of things. I remember those small Editor not been lying down a quarter of an delicious English sausages. Having Beatrice Maud became a barge hour when I was called on deck because starved for so many days I devoured a in 1972 at Maldon and 1986 of all the broken water dead ahead. great number of these. I do not think at and at Morwellham that many Englishmen believed our sto- I saw that we were heading straight for Quay fro 1987—1993. But was bro- ry to be strictly true. Perhaps because it a sandbank. I immediately turned about ken up in 2006 at Landrake. has been only on rare occasions during and sailed back on our tracks for an past centuries that the French have re-

I s s u e 1 2 8 Page 5 New Child’s Activity Book

In the next article there are details of file of the Thames Sailing Barge the work we have been doing in creat- amongst 5 to 11year olds. ing relationships with local schools in helping us meet the outcomes of the They will be given to children during any Heritage Fund Support we received. activites where we interact with 5 to 11 However we have also just published a year olds. new Activity Book which has been de- Funding has been made available from signed under the guidance of John the Heritage Fund, Maldon Rotary Club Rayment by a team of teachers and and Maldon Regatta Committee young designers.

We would like to thank Pat Boss, Jen- ny Baines, Jess White and Rachel Mc Givern for all the hard work they have put into this publication. The Activity Book has been created to be educa- tional and fun and help raise the pro- Pudge Project Activities

As you will read elsewhere, Pudge has and Nicola Archer a teacher at Maldon use when they pass by Pudge at Full- now moved to Fullbridge so that work Primary School we have now prepared a bridge. As part of the Project it has can continue on her rebuild after the programme which we aim to deliver to been agreed that the public must be Thursday volunteers removed all her schools once they are back learning post able to view the work in progress and deck fittings and the accommodation Covid –19. in cooperation with Kevin Finch the below deck. shipwright a gallery will be built which The programme consists of three les- will allow the public to view the resto- The Restoration is only part of the sons. The first is an illustrated and inter- ration. Pudge Project and the Heritage Lottery active talk which will be delivered by a require the Trust to undertake a num- Trust member to the pupils and will tell Four students at Plume Academy, Mal- ber of outcomes/activities in lieu of its them about the history of the barges and don have designed two display boards support and these are being managed what they were used for, specialising on telling some of the history of Pudge by John Rayment and will run long af- the cargoes they carried and their im- and details of the work being carried ter Pudge is back sailing. portance in East Anglia. out, along with a leaflet which the public can take away and read. Anoth- One area we have been concentrating The second two lessons focus on science er student is working on a Pudge Pro- on has been setting up a programme aspects and in particular pulleys, levers, ject website which we will use to high- to work with primary school children buoyancy and resistance. light the work as it progresses on who are studying at Key Stage 2 and Pudge. We hope that this will go live The final two lessons can be delivered by with the help of Jenny Baines (a prima- shortly. the teacher and materials will be provid- ry school teacher and Trust member), ed by the Trust which are funded The boards for the display were to be through the Heritage Lottery produced by another community Grant that we received. group ‘Men in Sheds’, but due to the virus this has not been possible and An experimental course was Richard Walker a Thursday volunteer run in early March at Maldon has produced these for us. Primary School where the Trust has created close links Once Pudge enters the dry dock we and the programme adapted will invite the students to view their after receiving feedback. work.

If anyone has a relationship If anyone is interested in becoming with a Primary School in Es- involved in our school work, please sex, we would love to get in get in touch with John. touch and see if we can deliv- er this to their pupils. John Rayment

Maldon Primary School Pupils doing work on Another way in which we have Pulleys as part of HLF Pudge project—by been working with a local

John Rayment school is in the preparation of display material for visitors to

Page 6 John Fuller (1938 – 2020) An Appreciation

The BOR (Brotherhood of Revel- race. Several barges rafted up ry) have chartered Pudge or three or four deep on a lighter Centaur every year since 1987. off Pier for the prize These charters were initially -giving, then settled down for organised by Mary Gilder, and the night. In the small hours when John joined in 1990, he the wash from a passing ship soon became her assistant and caused the barges to surge and chauffeur. Both lived in Surrey one of Pudge’s springs parted and John would happily drive with a loud crack. This was the her, and four day’s provisions, one stopping us from hitting to Maldon each June until 2009 Centaur’s , moored just when Mary handed over to Pen- ahead. John and I were the ny and me. John continued sail- only crew members to join the ing with us until 2015, having skipper and mate on deck, per- been diagnosed with MS in haps because we were the only 2010, and dying peacefully on boat owners, used to sleeping 21st April 2020. with one ear cocked. The rest of the crew slept on, oblivious John had been a BOR member John Fuller (Center Back Row) on the 2013 BOR of the drama on deck. John was since 1959. This was the year I Charter on Pudge. Picture by Don Baines soon handing warps to the ma- first met him, sailing on the te, and all was made fast. Norfolk Broads along with my older always looked forward to having John in brother. I was fourteen, John was the crew. From the first time he had the As well as the sort of friend you need twenty. We sailed regularly on the chance to helm Pudge it was clear he in a crisis, John was also a steadfast Broads with the BOR for the next ten had an instant feel for the old girl. I was friend for life: a lovely chap, who will years. During this time John and a soon comfortable to leave him on the be very much missed by all who knew friend built a 26 foot , Agena, in wheel, and walk about the barge check- him. Following his MS diagnosis he his back garden, which they sailed out ing things. I could do this without worry- never once complained, and bore his of Chichester. Marriage and a family ing that the barge would veer off course, steadily diminishing mobility with forti- required a larger boat, and John traded or lose the wind from the sails. Some tude and dignity. His mind remained Agena for Katy Girl, a Moody 31, which yachtsmen never get that feel of the sharp to the very end, and it was his he sailed until 2015. barge, but John did, and very well.” request that any donations in his memory should go to the TSBT. In a tribute on John’s MuchLoved me- In 2000 the BOR formed Pudge’s crew morial page Terry O’Sullivan wrote: for the Thames Match (skipper Terry Don Baines, Commodore, BOR “John was one of the mainstays of Mary O’Sullivan; mate Wendy Yates). We Gilder’s BOR Charters. As skipper, I didn’t win our class but had an excellent Gary Butler

We are very sad to pass on times bringing his family along to help the news of the death of Gary out. Once he had managed to grasp Butler on 16th April, Gary died how a barge works, he quickly pro- unexpectedly whilst undergo- gressed from crew through to Mate sta-

ing chemotherapy for bowel tus. Gary was a very capable mate who Cancer. was good at explaining how the gear

worked, and when to do things. Howev- I’m sure Gary will be greatly er he was always aware of when he missed by many of you. He needed to step in to get it done. He had been one of our senior never let chaos ruffle him, and ap- mates, and endeared himself peared to be totally laid back. Over the to all those who have met or years Gary became in great demand as sailed with him. charterers repeatedly asked for him as their mate, and he became the regular Gary joined us with his wife mate for some of the annual charters Gary (3rd from the left) in Mate mode with Peter Barbara in early 1980. He Duckworth at the helm, Val Dudley, Terry soon became an active mem- Gary also joined our committee, and O’Sullivan, Graham Munday, Wendy Yates and ber, and joined in with the took on the task of Secretary, and very Dave Batley aboard Pudge winter working parties, some- efficiently. His minutes were generally

I s s u e 1 2 8 Page 7 accurate, and he always made sure in- Since standing down as mate, Gary ering of eccentric senior members. coming correspondence was passed onto has kept up his sailing on Daphne Our thoughts go out to Barbara & the right person to deal with it. He also Mair’s charters. This, without the Family. We all miss him dearly. kept a vigilant eye on the ‘Notices to Mari- pressure of being mate. There he was able to offer advice to some of the ners’ and Harbour regulation changes, and Terry O’Sullivan. passed on the relevant one’s to the Skip- new breed of trainees and Mates. pers. Also, they could witness his calming effect on the chaos amongst a gath- Pudge 100 Club—New Members

The Trust’s 100 Club is looking for new members. Funds are used towards major works on Pudge. Members can join for a period of 12 months, by completing the form on the right and forward it to Terry O’Sullivan.

Annual renewal of the club is taking place and Terry will be contacting existing members shortly. Rules to join are detailed below.

Rules: 1. The fee for membership of the Thames Sailing Barge Trust ‘Pudge 100 Club’ shall be £1 per month per share, payable in advance. No member may be admitted to participate in the draw by chance, ex- cept after payment.

2. Membership shall be limited to 100 fully paid members, over 18 years of age. Any number of chances may be purchased, but there is no variation permitted to the monthly subscription.

3. There will be a maximum of 6 draws annually.

4. Prizes to be paid as follows:- 1st £50, 2nd £20, 3rd £10.

5. No prize will be paid to any member, other than the member holding the winning membership share number.

6. Share numbers are not transferable, but on members defaulting paying for their allocated num- ber, when called upon to do so, it shall be with- drawn, and may be reallocated to another member.

7. Draws will take place at a Trust Committee meet- ing, or other Trust function or meeting as may be decided from time to time.

8. In the event that the membership of the ‘100 Club’ is less than 100 members the promoter shall be entitled to reduce the amounts of the prizes or number of draws (or both), provided however that The winners of the last draw were: in these circumstances the ratio of prize money to 1st Glen Fenemore-Jones £50 subscriptions shall not be affected . In the case of 2nd Andrew Berry £25 any dispute the committee ruling shall be final. 3rd David Jupp £10 9. In the event that the demand for membership of the ‘100 club’ exceeds 100 members, additional If you have any questions about the 100 Club, then please contact members may be admitted up to 50 in number, with Terry O’Sullivan on 01621 788276 a proportionate increase in prize money.

10. The minimum period of membership is one year Thank you for your support. Terry O’Sullivan

Page 8 Centaur Update

With the corona virus situation things when everything was new and unfamil- need replacing. After some searching have gone very quiet at the Hythe, it iar. in the lighter, we found some pitch seems very strange with no barges un- left over from the re-decking we derway in this lovely weather, the only Once we had got Centaur back along- carried out on Centaur in the early movement being Pudge when she was side, we had to abandon the working 1990's and we were able to make up pulled out of her berth and towed up to weekends, so I have been doing essen- come short planks to put in. To get at Kevin Finch's yard at Fullbridge. Luckily tial maintenance and helping (from a the plank alongside the bitthead meant we had got Centaur on the blocks and distance!) to fit the new stem band. moving the windlass barrel out of its scrubbed and tarred and also managed Luckily the weather, which bearings. Once the new plank was in to get the sails dressed before the virus changed from persistent rain and wind place the barrel was refitted, not shutdown. The article written by Jocelyn during February and March, to the dry an easy job due to its weight and lack Low of the weekend on the blocks was a settled weather we have had for quite a of room to jiggle things about. With splendid account and it was interesting while now has allowed some painting the barrel back in place the refur- to see it through the and small repairs to be carried out bished pawls and beds were refitted eyes of one of our newer while Centaur is not working. The along with the drive pinions. trainee's, it reminded me most essential thing on any tim- of my early days with the ber craft is to get rid of any deck On May 23rd John Prime passed away barges in the mid 1970's leaks. Rain water causes rot and it at his home in North Street. He was is also extremely annoying for very much involved with Centaur in passengers if they are laying in the mid 1960's when she was convert- their bunk with water dripping ed from a trading barge to a charter onto them, they may not want to barge. John and Eddie Smith built up repeat the experience! After going the partitions to create the cabins and on the blocks there are usually a few saloon and engine room and fitted the new leaks due to the straightening bunks. John told me that he had ob- out. When the barges were carrying tained the saloon doors and saloon cargo the bow and kept their table from an ex government sale in shape but when the cargo carrying Chelmsford. John and his wife June stopped the ends slowly start to drop owned the sailing barge Gipping for a and going on the blocks put the hull number of years prior to their involve- back to its "as built" shape. ment with Centaur, and when she and the Kitty were ready to go into the To remove the stem band the knee be- charter business John and June acted hind the stem/apron had to be removed as the booking agents from their North as it covered a couple of bolts that had Street address not far from the Hythe. to be removed to get the stem band off. Once the knee was off, we could see Tim Jepson that the 2 deck planks underneath it had softened up, there was also a plank just inboard of the port bitthead that Pudge Update

After an appropriate period of being in out the two large water tanks which we ‘lockdown’ along with the rest of the had previously disconnected. At this country Kevin Finch looked into all the time there is not a final decision as to Government advice regarding starting whether to keep or dispose of them, so up again and decided that with just they have been stored alongside the himself and his two assistants, Ben shipping container that the Trust had Cardy and Dan Scully, all social distanc- already had organised to be delivered to ing, in a large Yard and mostly outside, the Yard a few days earlier. Everything it would be safe to start work on Pudge. else which we had stored down below So she was towed upriver on the 12th was lifted out and transferred into the May (pictured on the front cover) and container. All the items that we will not work began. need for some time, such as equipment etc. have been placed at the As soon as Pudge was made fast along- back and towards the front are all the side the Quay at Fullbridge the three deck fittings that have been made ready got to work opening up a large enough for the shipwrights to re-fit as soon as area of the main hatch to enable them the new deck and hatches are in place. to clear Pudge’s hold. First they craned

I s s u e 1 2 8 Page 9

of the barge at deck level. These beams will be fitted at fixed positions to ensure that the barge keeps her shape. Also when in position they determine the plac- ing of both the main and the fore hatches. Nine beams have been fashioned, all of slightly different These include the , windlass, sizes and they have each been craned ventilators, chimneys etc. The diesel into Pudge and laid out on the ceiling these next pieces. fuel tank has also been craned out and ready for fitting and final rounding off stored near the container also awaiting and finishing. Our volunteers still have work to do on a decision on whether or not we need some of Pudge’s fixtures and fittings one of a larger size. Alongside them are the 30 carlings which have been stored on Sailorman which have also been made. These are for the time being. There is also work With everything in place it was finally the short beams, which have one end to be done on Sailorman herself. But time for the reconstruction work to fitted to the frames at the side of the all has obviously had to be put on hold begin. Kevin started with the main barge with the other end fitted to the until we can all meet again safely. beams, using the oak trees which had underside of the hatches. They are Hopefully the volunteers will be able to come from France. Firstly there was a designed to support the side deck start again soon, when we can ensure great deal of measuring to be done to planks. that we can work in totally safe condi- determine the exact shape, size and tions. positioning of all the 9” square, curved It’s an impressive sight to see all these beams that span right across the inside beautifully shaped new pieces of oak Peter Boss—Pictures by Peter Boss and laid out down below out of the sun and John Rayment ready for the next stage. This will happen quite soon now. By the time you are reading this, if all goes to plan, Pudge will have been floated into the dry dock.

In the meantime, Kevin has re-organised the timber piles again (a never ending task) and has selected the best pieces from which to fashion the windlass , the lodging knee etc. and work has begun on measuring and shaping up New Mugs for Sale

The Trust has always had mugs have stock to sell. for sale often featuring a picture of Pudge and Centaur, although in If you are interested in buying a mug our 70th Anniversary year we had for you morning tea or coffee, then a new design printed which was these can be purchased online via the bold and seemed to be liked by Trust’s new website at a cost of £7 plus many. As the supply of picture £2 postage and packaging. They will mugs was coming to an end, we also be available at Open Days and have decided to move away from events. the previous design and have had Peter Holmes produced new mugs which bear the Trust’s bob and logo. We plan to place a supply on Centaur for the season once sailing starts so that all the mugs match, but we

Page 10 Ship to Shore

During the lockdown, I have had a parallel with the shore to Fisherman's wire runner (1" Circular.) led "Single chance to review a few old copies Head on Foulness Island, with "side- whip" through the . (In very early of the Thames Barge Sailing Club’s roads" running into the "headlands". days rope and single publications and in doing so found block). The standing end of the runner this article written by Fred Cooper The origin of the road is lost in history was fastened to the dolly fitted and which appeared in the Journal and it is marked on early Estuary charts to the forward coaming of the main for the Winter of 1956. Editor (C.159O). Its name is derived from the hatchway, or a portable single barrel brooms or bunches of twigs used to winch stood on deck and ballasted mark the road and helped late travellers down, and the running end of the wire With the modernising of transport so to follow the route when caught by the led to the hold and usually had a swiv- many of the farms dotted around the tide. The name Maplin is derived from elling hook. By adjusting the or rivers and creeks of Essex and Suffolk the dialect, map or maple meaning the gear could be adjusted to (and elsewhere for that matter) now broom, and is a later name for the one work in any position over the main obtain their supplies by lorry and send time Shoo Sand. hatchway. To work the forehold the away their produce by the same topsail sheet was removed and the gin Along the Crouch and Roach banks of means. Before this, the usual means gear left hanging on the halyard only Foulness Island the barges berthed at of communication had been by water, and passed round forward of the top- the foot of the sea walls at the various and studying the scene one can see and the dolly winch used in its "loadings" with bow anchor well off to how close the connection between usual position on the bittheads. This get a start away if the wind came on farm and water had been. Many of the gear was in use at Colchester at the shore by the time discharge was com- old wharves, "loadings" and "stagings" end of the Second World War, and with pleted, and often a large kedge was laid have either disappeared altogether or two men on the winch handles and as quarter mooring if the weather made but a few broken stumps remain visi- three runners on the planks 120 tons it necessary. The connection with the ble to the eye. of was discharged in ten hours, shore consisted of a plank or planks laid each winch hand getting 3d per ton. Many of these landing places were in from the barges rail to rest on a perma- The cement was hove out in 1 cwt. use on the various islands served by nent staging built on the side of the sea bags, all 2,400 of them! The barge was the Crouch and Roach and the main- wall. This often left a length of at least paid 5/- by the merchant for supplying land farms on the banks of these riv- 50 ft. of plank, unsupported except at its own heaving out gear. ers. Any goods landed on the seaward the ends and it needed a lot of experi- side of the islands (Foulness and ence to run these planks and time the There were "stagings" at Ware Corner, Havengore) were discharged from the spring so as not to be sent off balance Pages Loading and Clarks Hard barges lying off one of the overside. It takes little imagination to (whoever named that had a peculiar "headlands" (merely a road running picture the result of careless walking sense of humour!) on the Crouch side over the sea wall from the Maplin especially when carrying a sack of wheat of Foulness Island, and White House Sand connected to the "Broomway" or similar load! and The Quay on the Roach side. The into carts. The "Broomway" mentioned Quay was the most pretentious of all Most of the cargoes were "humped off" was at one time the only communica- the "loadings" being built out as a on the backs of men, bricks and tarmac tion between the islands and the small "headland " from the sea wall etc. barrowed off and flints and bagged mainland and was a roadway that ran halfway through Quay Reach in the cargo hove out from the hold on the across the sands from Wakering Stairs entrance to the Roach, and at one time barge's gin gear to had a small hand derrick to assist in shoulder height of the handling of goods. White House, or the men on the Rugged Gutter as it was known locally, plank and carried (the name of the latter was derived ashore. (Flints etc. from Rugwood the farm whose land would be in baskets drain came out at the "loading" but or skips). was pronounced Rugged!) was a very uncomfortable berth and barges were The gin gear was prone to slide away from the berth and rigged by taking the have been known to launch them- topsail halyard tye selves! The usual "away" freight was a from off the head- hay or straw stack with mangel for stick and the sheet feeding stuff in the bottom occasional- from the clew of the ly. topsail and joining both to a short wire At one time a coastguard watch-vessel leg. The large gin had a berth just below The Quay, but wheel (10½” diam- the landing causeway used by the Cus- eter) was attached tom’s men has disappeared under the to the other end of Map of the rivers and creeks around Foulness mud, and the steps over the sea wall Picture from TSBT Archive the wire leg and a

I s s u e 1 2 8 Page 11

Most of the other gin gear and carted to the granaries. farm quays in the This form of discharge known as Roach area were "bushelling-out" was a back breaking below the level of job and the crews assisted in the dis- big spring tides charge. Three hands were employed in but higher than the hold, one holding the sack and one the half tide load- man on either side filling his bushel ings. There were measure and tipping it into the sack. three in Hell Hole, The bushel measure held 64 lbs. of the bargemen's wheat and by the time one had scooped name for Fleet a bushel full, lifted it to pour into the Head creek, Bar- sack, it felt considerably more at the ling Hall quay, end of the day. The sack held 4 bushels Baldwins and Wick and when filled was hove out by the Farm. Barges go- winch party. The bushelling gang took ing to the latter turnabout at holding the sack and filling Stambridge Mill Nr. Rochford places had to navi- and took about 10 hours to discharge gate stern first for 500 qtrs. (Approx. 110¾ tons) and in went soon after the last War. a quarter of a mile one way or the oth- the mid 1920's a busheller received 18/ er, usually choosing to do the stern first - for the job! This form of discharge On Potton Island the solitary farm was passage when empty. went on until the 1950's at Bat- served by a "halftide” wharf. The water tlesbridge at the head of the Crouch, was too shallow at the foot of the sea- Barling Quay and Mucking Hall were on but with the aid of a power operated wall opposite the farm, even at Spring the south side of the Roach, Barton Hall chain lift instead of the hand winch. tides, for a barge to berth close to the on the north side, Fleet Hall Dock and Battlesbridge still has an occasional wall and so a low wharf was built out Purdies Wharf were on the south fork at motor barge, perhaps six freights in a from the wall and was about 3 ft. high the head of the Roach and Featherby at year, and the berths are rapidly filling on the outer face with large rubbing the head of the north fork or Broomhills with mud. piles at each end to keep barges off River. Here too are Stambridge Mill and when the tides were extra high. Access wharf, a built up quay, still used by The berths at Great Wakering from the farm to the wharf was through barges but not as much as of old. "Lord were level, with top spring tides except a “gate” in the sea wall, blocked by Roberts"(Maldon) is still owned there by for Bullers which was built up above heavy boards and backed with earth A.M.& H. Rankin Ltd. the mill owners. tide level and had a steam crane to when not in use. The wharf was cov- Featherby's and Purdies' were brickfield handle cargo. The older berths at ered by any spring tide but not enough wharves and freights of sand or rough Churchfield, The Parlour and Millhead, to stop carts from going alongside the stuff (decayed refuse) were landed and the still earlier Landwick Dock were barge and cargoes were handled direct there the cargo being shovelled from at spring tide level. At these berths the between barge and-cart and saved the the hold on to the deck boards laid on cargoes were worked manually, with plank connection. One unusual delivery the deck as protection against the planks laid from the wharf across the to Potton Island was a small steam en- shovels, and thence to carts. barge’s hold and cargoes conveyed to gine used to drive threshing plant, load- and from the shore by barrow. ed on to the barge "Hadleigh Castle" Before the installation of the elevator at from a similar low quay at Barling on Stambridge Mill cargoes arriving in bulk Apart from Battlesbridge and Stam- the Roach. A photograph of this exploit had to be bagged up and hove out by bridge all the berths mentioned have is in existence with fallen into disuse with the the loading gang exception of Barling Hall looking very quay which is used by the pleased with them- local Oyster Company as a selves with the landing, and many others steam engine on have almost disappeared the main hatchway apart from a few stumps, of the barge, and and the greatest load car- not without reason, ried by these is the eternal as they had no cormorant. crane to assist them. I wonder Fred Cooper 1956 what modern ste- vedores would think of this job?

Wallasea Island had a half tide quay at Devils Is- The River Crouch Battlesbridge Matthews Mill land. and The Barge pub. Lew Foweraker Collection TSBT

Page 12 New Book

Purchase direct from David Patient 18 Victoria Road, Maldon, CM9 5HF or online at www.jardinepress.co.uk

New Volunteers Needed to Help with Events

As part of the Trust’s activities relating to our heritage Lottery Award, the Trust is being asked to attend more events and hold more Open Days. Although we have a band of loyal helpers at present, the more events we do, the chance is that many of these volunteers will be unable to help. It is proposed that we recruit some new members to help out. If you are interested, please contact John Rayment. Once we know of the numbers a meeting will be arranged to dis- cuss what would be required and provide details that would help you answer the publics questions.

Contact [email protected] Westmoreland

As many of you will know from the arti- chapter in her history. cle in the October 2018 edition of the Golden Chaffcutter, that the Thames Raybel Charters who are working on Barge Sailing Club, the for-runner of the the Restoration of Sb Raybel were Trust used to own the sailing barge offered the dry dock as it was clear Westmoreland. that Westmoreland could not be saved. We reported that in 1973 she broke her back at Hoo and was taken to Faver- Raybel therefore had to dispose of the sham for rebuilding, but unfortunately Westmoreland and in early May work this was not completed. started on breaking her up. The good news is that some of her fittings and A few years ago the Westmoreland Trust timbers will be used towards Raybel’s did try and raise Lottery funding for her restoration. rebuild and moved her to , but unfortunately this was not successful Editor and Westmoreland has been residing in Westmoreland being broken up in a dry dock ever since awaiting the next May 2020 (Facebook) Centaur—Visits to Maldon 1935—1953 Part 2 to 1950—1953

Following the article in the last issue of Once we are able to visit the Records the Golden Chaffcutter we are now able Office again we will see if we can find to publish the final details from the further information of Arrivals and De- records held at The Essex records Of- partures fice of Centaur’s movements and car- goes in and out of Maldon between John Rayment 1935 and 1953.

I s s u e 1 2 8 Page 13 Year Arrival Date From Cargo Master Arrived at Departed To Cargo Departure Date

1950 07-Feb London Timber Hewson Sadds Wharf London Light 09-Feb

10-Jun London Grain Yeates Greens Wharf London Light 13-Jun

23-Jun London Timber Yeates Sadds Wharf Colchester Light 30-Jun

15-Jul London Grain Yeates Greens Wharf London Light 20-Jul

30-Jul London Grain Yeates Greens Wharf London Light 03-Aug

06-Aug London Light Yeates Haslers Wharf London Grain 10-Aug

15-Aug London Light Yeates Town Quay Colchester Light 26-Aug

11-Oct Light Yeates Stansgate London Light 23-Oct

14-Nov Creeksea Light Yeates Heybridge London Grain 18-Nov

28-Dec London Timber Yeates Heybridge Basin Colchester Light 03-Jan

1951 05-Apr London Timber Yeates Sadds Wharf Colchester Light 06-Apr

22-Jul London Grain Yeates Greens Wharf London Light 24-Jul

31-Oct London Timber Yeates Heybridge Basin Colchester Light 31/11

26-Nov London Grain Yeates Greens Wharf London Light 28-Nov

1952 30-May London Timber Jones Sadds Wharf London Light 07-Jun

22-Jun London Timber Jones Sadds Wharf London Light 26-Jun

28-Jul London Timber Wilson Sadds Wharf London Light 30-Jul

08-Aug London Timber Wilson Sadds Wharf London Light 12-Aug

16-Oct Colchester Light Wilson Stansgate Colchester Timber 21-Oct

1953 30-Jan London Timber Wilson Sadds Wharf Colchester Light 03-Feb

22-Feb London Timber Wilson Sadds Wharf Colchester Light 25-Feb

15-Mar London Timber Wilson Sadds Wharf London Light 20-Mar

03-Apr London Timber Wilson Sadds Wharf London Grain 16-Apr 03-Jul London via Timber Wilson Sadds Wharf London Light 04-Jul Stansgate

08-Sep London Timber Wilson Sadds Wharf Fingeringhoe Light 17-Sep Surrey Docks

26-Nov London Timber Wilson Sadds Wharf Colchester Light 08-Jan 54 Dates for your Diary

Weekend Working Parties for the winter Social Events: have now ceased and dates for 2020/21 will be advised later in the year NEW DATES FOR AGM & LAYING UP All Events up to July have been SUPPER cancelled and those the rest of the year are under review pending gov- Saturday 31st October—Maldon Little ernment guidelines. Please visit our Ship Club. website for up to date details. AGM to start at 2:00 pm Saturday 8th August—CENTAUR & Laying Up Supper 6:30 pm for 7:30 pm KITTY 125th Birthday Celebration— Start. Working Parties Harwich (More details in next issue of The Thursday Group meetings have Saturday19th September—Maldon Golden Chaffcutter) now been suspended until further Regatta notice. Members will be advised

when these are set to re-start.

Page 14 Trust Sails—Revised programme (still subject to changes)

Due to Covid-19, the Trust has had to look at ways in which we can sail dur- pending on the guidelines that are pro- unfortunately cancel all sailing until ing the latter part of the season. vided by the Government. In the mean- August at the earliest. time we hope that you understand the The programme below details the plans circumstances and that as soon as we Once we have some social distancing for the period August to October, and are able to offer sailing opportunities restrictions lifted, we hope to be able to this may also be subject to change de- you will look to book with us.

Date No. No. Board Disembark Description of Cruise Price days Nights Port/ Port/Time Time

August

7th to 3 3 Ipswich Ipswich Centaur & Kitty 125th Birthdays Celebration 3 nights 9th (Thurs (Sunday Join Centaur for a leisurely trip from Ipswich Dock on £180 (inc Evening) Afternoon) Friday taking in the picturesque River Orwell on the way meals) Depart to the Harwich Sea Festival, on Saturday. Centaur will be early open to the public for the day, and she will be joined by Friday her sister barge Kitty, who is also celebrating 125 years. Sunday will be a leisurely sail from Harwich back to Ips- wich.

25th to 3 3 Maldon Maldon Clacton Airshow Front Row Seats 3 nights 28th (Tues (Friday Boarding at Maldon Quay on Tuesday 25th evening, Cen- £215 (inc Evening) Evening) taur will be making an early start from Wednesday 26th meals) Depart morning, down the River Blackwater. On Thursday 27th, early she will sail on to the Clacton Airshow to enjoy front row Wed. seats of this ever popular event. Friday will be a leisurely sail back to Maldon Quay, arriving Friday 28th evening.

September

5th to 3 3 Maldon Maldon Squeeze, Scrape, Strum, Blow, Bang, Sing Folk Mu- 3 nights 7th (Fri (Monday sic Cruise £215 (inc Evening) Evening) Arrive Friday evening for a weekend full of live music. meals) Bring your instruments and your voice, or just come along to enjoy all the fun. All meals included.

11th to 3 3 Maldon Maldon Colne Barge Match 3 nights 13th (Thurs (Monday Your last chance to see the barge fleet racing in 2020. £240 (inc Evening) Afternoon) Arrive Thursday evening and leave Friday morning from meals) Depart Maldon for a passage down to Brighlingsea, ready for early Saturday’s match, which is a race down the River Colne Friday from , and out into the River Blackwater Estuary. An evening ashore on Saturday night for the prize giving and a passage back to Maldon, arriving Sun- day evening

25th to 3 3 Maldon Maldon Burnham Carnival Cruise 3 nights 27th (Thurs (Sunday A passage from Maldon to Burnham-on-Crouch for the £215 (inc Evening) Evening) fabulous Burnham Carnival Parade. Arrive Thursday meals) Depart evening to leave Maldon early Friday morning and return Friday to Maldon on Sunday evening

I s s u e 1 2 8 Page 15 VHF Course Lockdown Training

One of the amazing opportunities given vessel that was definitely outside the Initially I thought that would be my to TSBT trainees, is that the Trust subsi- room. TSBT training for the season over, but dises relevant RYA training courses. So, Mick Nolan is not one to let his train- when Mick sent an email round offering Pete quickly switched everything off ees slack off for a few months. He a place on the RYA VHF course on the and on again, adjusted the frequency quickly started a WhatsApp group for 1st of March, I was straight in and for good measure called the coast mates and trainees, and as well as a there. The course was going to take guard just to make sure they were not Barge related ‘film of the day’ we also place in the Maldon Little Ship Club, our hearing us. It turned out to be a glitch get links to useful resources and the regular haunt for a beer and a cheese in the matrix and we carried on with occasional Barge theory test question roll the night before going sailing on the course. to keep us on our toes. We’ve even Pudge or Centaur. An exam in a Pub! got a TSBT singing sailors group for What could possibly go wrong? Apart from a few people saying “over those trainees who are interested in and out” occasionally, (which Pete told the squeezebox side of things. Luckily for everyone, it was tea and bis- us was not a good thing to say on a cuits only at that time of the morn- radio unless you want your barge cred It’s been fantastic to be able to carry ing. TSBT legend Lee Shepherd, had of to be in tatters for ever) everything on with some aspects of the training course already consumed about 8 cups went very smoothly. Lee and I of during these difficult times but most by the time I arrived. Suitably caffein- course totally aced it and are now offi- importantly the WhatsApp group has ated, we joined the rest of our class of cially allowed to use a VHF. been a way for us trainees to stay in friendly boaty people and sat down to touch and talk about something we all our radios. Our instructor Pete assured I was very much looking forward to love and look forward to doing togeth- us we were on a closed circuit and that putting my newly acquired skill to good er again very soon: mucking about on our mayday calls would definitely not be use possibly on the shakedown sail or barges. heard by anyone outside the room… one of the upcoming training week- Until a few minutes later we heard the ends. But then…Lockdown happened. Patrick Schulenburg –Trainee coastguard responding to a call by a Letter to the Editor

Editor our great massive hull - so different The Trust has received the following from the small boat experience, and I letter from James C Marwood MFA remember ‘Frosty’ kept the mizzen MRCS LRCP. brailed up because under the weather conditions Arrow was ‘a bit of a weath- ercock’. Later I was instructed in the techniques of big-boat steer- ing, in order to avoid what Frosty elegantly described as ’screwing the arse off her.’ I think my memory of that day was dominated by the feeling of power, suggested in the photographs that great dark red spread of mainsail can- vas filled. Sadly the nearest thing to be found around Tasmania were the centre board , of which just Dear Barge people, I was a (not very one survives, May Queen, ‘mothballed’ active) member of the Trust before I in Hobart Harbour. With best wishes for came to Australia in 1961. I recently your continued success in these difficult found two photographs that I would like times, to share with you. I took them aboard the Arrow on a day’s sailing from Whit- Jim Marwood stable under skipper ‘Frosty’ on 11.9.55. I remember clearly the initial feeling that the jetty was moving away from

Page 16 Registered Address: Thames Sailing Barge Trust, Handsel House, Walden Close, Great Totham, Maldon, Essex CM9 8UJ Visit our web site

Registered Charity Number 1102840; A company limited by guarantee registered in www.bargetrust England & Wales no. 04726591 .org

Newsletter produced and edited by John Rayment. Your comments are welcomed about the newsletter. Email or write to the Editor or Trust.

Deadline date for articles for the next issue should be sent to John Rayment by the 9th August 2020

A Line Up of Primed New Carlings on Pudge Picture by John Rayment

CONTACTS [email protected] 100 Club—Terry O’Sullivan 01621 788276 Interim Chairman– Peter Taylor Open Days—John Rayment [email protected] 07587 141054 Training Manager—Mick Nolan [email protected] [email protected] Secretary—David Gibson [email protected] Crewing & Charter Secretary— Working Volunteers Liaison David Gibson Thursday Group—John Rayment Treasurer—Gerald Moore 07840 862685 07587 141054 [email protected] [email protected] Weekend Working Group—Tim

Jepson Membership—John Rayment Newsletter—John Rayment 01621 851817 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]

Sales—Peter Holmes 01621 854108