Issue 11 June 2007
Newsletter – Summer 2007
Ipswich Maritime Trust celebrates 25years!
PAST EVENTS
Richard Woodman - “The Merchant Service in Napoleonic Times”
Some 50 members of the Trust enjoyed our last of the Winter series of talks at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club on the evening of Wednesday, April 18th. Many having first enjoyed an excellent supper!
Richard is well known to us, having spoken to members on a previous occasion, and alsothrough his many maritime-themed books (both fiction and non-fiction). We learnt that the Merchant Service in those
days carried out far more functions than simply carrying cargoes. Without the skills of Merchant Seamen, the Navy would not have had the reserves of skilled seafarers in times of need. Such was the demand that many merchant vessels were severely undermanned when demand was high. Further, many trading vessels were armed – and used them – when necessary, some also proceeding with
the express intention of engaging our adversaries, authorised through the issue of “letters of marque”. Britain was not alone in these proceedings, other nations engaged in similar practices and the Frenchman ‘Surcouf’ proved to be one of the most successful.
Richard covered the whole range of the merchant service, from the coasters of those times to deep sea vessels with some fascinating prints of the vessels involved. A most enjoyable and interesting evening. Thank you Richard.
FORTHCOMING SUMMER EVENTS
June 30th – July 5th
Barge weekend/week and IMT’s 25th Anniversary Reception.
Following the Gravesend – Pin Mill passage race, IMT will host an exhibition by The Sprits’l Sailing Barge Society at the Waterfront Centre beneath the Old Custom House (OCH) over that weekend (June
30/July 1) from 10am to 5pm, and it will be continued during the evenings of that week (Mon-Thurs, July 2 – 5) from 5 to 8pm.
Thursday 5th July
25th Anniversary Reception
On the evening of Thurs 5th July we are holding our 25th Anniversary Reception at the OCH. This will be along the lines our successful HMS Pickle Party. Please see separate leaflet for more information and an attached Booking Form. Please return it as soon as possible as
numbers may be limited.
August 6th-13th
Jamestown/Ipswich Connection.
A replica of the “Discovery” (one of the ships which carried the founders of the first English settlement to what was to become Jamestown from Ipswich.) will be on display alongside the OCH from Aug 6-13th. and there will be an exhibition “An Ipswich
Maritime Miscellany” organised by us at the Waterfront Centre. This will be open 10am to 6pm each day.A brochure describing other ‘Celebrating Gosnold’ events taking place throughout
Suffolk is enclosed .
Sept 8th - 9th
Heritage Weekend
The quay-level floor of the Old Customs House will be once again be open to the public, with an exhibition organised by the IMT.
Des Pawson would be delighted to hear from any member who would be willing to help prepare and/or man (perhaps the word is “person” nowadays!) the events. There will be a special meeting on the 10th
July at 5pm in the Waterfront Conference Centre (ground floor), at the Old Custom House for all those who feel that they can help with the “Ipswich Maritime Miscellany” exhibition – Ring Des on 01473 690090 or email him at knots@footrope.fsnet.com ’07-’08 “WINTER” PROGRAMME
Full details will be in our next Newsletter - but make a note in your diary.
Six dates, all the 1st Wednesday in the month, starting October and at the RHYC, Woolverstone, where parking is adjacent, and an optional pre-lecture supper can be booked. The venue ties at RHYC, which include a licenced barr us and the venue is al for us.
The 3rd October - Anthony Osler - well known local maritime artist and IMT member. “Painting and talking about Barges” Tony will demonstrate painting techniques and, whilst doing so, talk about his
experiences sailing barges, and the sailormen he has met.
7th November - Keith Wade, Suffolk CC’s Archeological Services Manager. “The Archaeology of Ipswich with special reference to the Dock Area” The history of the area as traced by our eminent local specialist.
5th December - Martin Vince, “Fish and Fishing over the past 40 years”.
Martin has worked for the Ministry, mostly afloat, local and afar, over this period. He will give details of the past, present and future of fishing together with an inside picture of life afloat on the fishing grounds.
Naturally, to be preceeded by an optional “Special Fish Supper”.
Events and lectures for the following 3 “IMT Evenings” on 06/02/08, 05/03/08 (following our AGM) and 02/04/08 will be advised nearer the time. Rest assured that we have a selection of appropriate, fascinating and wide-ranging subjects in mind for these evenings – but members’ suggestions will be much appreciated. Please contact Des Pawson with your ideas on 01473 690090 or email: knots@footrope.fsnet.com