Tag: conservation

Could you or a colleague win one of two Marsh awards for historic vessel conservation?

The 120-year old gentleman’s racing cutter Leila emerges into the light. The volunteers involved in conserving her might be contenders…

Nominations are still open for this year’s National Historic Ships UK–Marsh Christian Trust awards for the volunteer or group of volunteers who have made the most significant contribution to the conservation or operation of historic vessels in the UK.

The overall prize of £1,000 donated by the Marsh Christian Trust can be spent as winners choose. Nominations should be submitted by application form until the 31 July 2012.

New this year is a youth prize of £500 for volunteers of 25 years and under.

It doesn’t take long to think of some worthy potential winners – I’d suggest just paging through this weblog will reveal quite a few contenders.

Judges will be looking for evidence of developing traditional and conservation skills, contributing to the operation and maintenance of historic vessels, and on the achievements of the volunteers.

For entry forms, rules and details, click here.

Faversham Creek Trust chairman Griselda Mussett explains the organisation’s work

Faversham Creek Trust chair Griselda Mussett makes such a strong and reasonable case in this video made by Easy Street Studio. Let’s all give her the support she needs.

While we’re thinking about opposing and developing appropriate alternatives to plans that worsen our living environments in the name of progress, those of you who know the fine city of Norwich might like to add their names to this petition condemning threats to remove long established houseboats in the city centre.

See SS Robin return to London and the Royal Albert Docks on Wednesday

Steam coaster SS Robin on her pontoon

If you’re anywhere near London on Wednesday, try to slip down to Royal Albert Dock at 11am to see the last complete steam coaster SS Robin return up the Thames to arrive at her new home, close to where she was built 120 years ago.

A National Historic Fleet vessel, SS Robin, is now to be on show mounted on a new floating pontoon, specially built to carry her, and once she is safely moored in the dock she will undergo extensive conservation work to turn her in into a new London visitor attraction and learning centre, and may become a permanent fixture.

As well as at the Royal Albert Docks, the public will also be able to see her from any of the points shown on the map on this flyer.

SS Robin Trust CEO and co-founder Nishani Kampfner argues that the SS Robin is the most important maritime symbol of London’s trading and economic success. Over a lifetime spanning three centuries her story represents risk, enterprise and endurance – what he calls ‘the qualities of our Victorian forefathers’.