THURSDAY, JULY 9, 2020 WEST BRITON 3 Carrot baton is carried in virtual relay for charity »»Carrots have been carried from West Wales to Truro in a virtual relay for charity. Staff from Brewin Dolphin – each carrying a carrot – walked, ran, swam and rode bikes and horses for a total of 618km to raise more than £2,600 for Farms for City Children. That is the distance from the charity’s farm on the West Wales coast, via its other farms on the River Severn and near Okehampton, Devon, to the investment management firm’s office in Truro. Growing vegetables is part of the experience offered by Farms for City Children, which was founded by author Sir Michael Morpurgo and his wife Clare – hence the carrot baton. Each participant chose how far they wanted to go and by what means – one managed 74km. Brewin Dolphin assistant director Rhiannon Bates said: “The pandemic has made it even more important for children cooped up for months in cities to enjoy the countryside once government guidelines permit.” To donate, visit justgiving.com/ fundraising/brewindolphinsw 66Fleury II, one of the Little Ships used in the evacuation 80 years ago, has been restored to her former glory by Cockwells boatbuilders Photos by Andrew Wright farmsforcitychildren Arts organisation Dunkirk Little Ship sails again as to spread the word

»»An arts organisation dedicated boatbuilders bring history to life to sharing the joy of words has been chosen to bring a national by Olivier Vergnault Built in Christchurch, Dorset, in hard-to-reach areas. We have also lighten the space and the exterior scheme for schools to Cornwall. [email protected] 1936, the motor yacht, was designed maintained the aesthetics of the has been stripped and revarnished. From October, The Writers’ @OliVergnault by Eric French, of Poole. She was deck but have gained durability by Holly Latham, the restoration pro- Block, a space dedicated to named by her original owners, the using marine ply and a layer of fibre- ject manager, said: “Another reward- creative writing at Cornwall team of boatbuilders have Fleurets. glass/epoxy where traditionally ing part of this project has been the College, Pool, will be supporting brought a piece of history The Little Ships of Dunkirk sailed wooden boards covered with new owner’s eagerness to respect Cheltenham Festivals to deliver Aback to life. from , , to Northern painted canvas would have been the history of this vessel whilst mak- its Reading Teachers = Reading The shipwrights at Cockwells France between May 26 and June 4, used. ing sure she can be fully enjoyed Pupils project throughout the Modern and Classic Boatbuilding 1940, to help rescue more than “One of the highlights of Fleury II during the next chapter of her life. region – one of four new hubs usually spend their time creating 336,000 British, French and other is that her original keel is intact and “Practical changes have been across the country. award-winning luxury superyacht Allied soldiers trapped on beaches her backbone can be seen in its orig- introduced sensitively and are hid- Reading Teachers = Reading tenders or classic motor launches. during the Second World War inal state. This is a tribute to the fine den, where possible, to complement Pupils offers free reading groups As boat lovers they also relish the Cockwells’ skilled craftsmen have craftsmen who built her, who we are Fleury II’s heritage and ensure her for teachers, using the best new challenge the restoration of a his- now restored Fleury II to her former proud to follow today.” survival for decades to come.” literature for younger readers, toric vessel presents. glory. The deck fittings, stanchions and Fleury II will take part in The with the aim of inspiring the next Fleury II – a Dunkirk Little Ship Mark Curnow, from Cockwells, one of the aft-cabin sides have also Association of Dunkirk Little Ships’ generation of book lovers and with a glassed deck that was leaking said: “Originally, solid strips of been replaced, while the wheel- return to Dunkirk to commemorate raising educational attainment. and a rotting deck beneath – was thicker wood would have been used house and skylight have been the 80th anniversary of the daring Amanda Harris, director of The taken to Cockwells’ Mylor Creek in the deck’s construction and repaired and the windlass has mission. The event, scheduled for Writers’ Block, said: “We are Boatyard in autumn 2018 for much- steamed in but today we can lami- received a complete overhaul. May, had to be postponed until next delighted to be a strategic needed structural repairs. nate thinner strips in situ to repair The interior has been painted to year because of coronavirus. partner in this very exciting and inspiring programme to support children’s reading. We also can’t wait to get stuck into some really good books with the teachers.” To sign up, visit thewritersblock.org.uk/rtrp Packaging prize »»Reusable protective packaging made from recycled paper pulp by Porthleven company Flexi-Hex has been shortlisted for the Innovation Award and Recycled Product of the Year in the National Recycling Awards. The winner will be announced on December 15.