Issue 18 Jan 2010
Newsletter January 2010
A few words from our Chairman
A Happy New Year to you, our Members! 2009 was a memorable year for the IMT with the opening of our long-held ambition to provide a public “Window” on our maritime past.
Many thanks to the sub-committee, headed by Des Pawson, and the “Window-Team” Stuart Grimwade, Ben Bendall, and Richard Watkinson, all made a magnificent contribution to its success. In addition I should also like thank all the members who donated or loaned us many interesting artefacts. Our next display will be on Ship Building and Barges of Ipswich. Should any of our members have suitable artefacts or know of any possible items for our next “Window” change-around, please get in touch with Des or any of the team. For the future, further 'Museum Windows' are scheduled and the adjoining quay is now available for historic and traditional vessels visiting Ipswich.
Our other activities have been exceptionally well supported throughout the year including the Heritage Weekend at the Waterfront Centre and our Winter Lecture series which invariably prove to be well attended and have become very sociable events as well as informative and entertaining.
On our doorstep, the Webb brothers launched their Sprits'l barge “Melissa” after her total rebuild at Pin Mill. To cap their wonderful effort, in her first race she won the Pin Mill SC Barge Match by a few breathtaking seconds on her final tack. Well done indeed!
For this coming summer season, it is thought we might hold a social gathering of members and friends at the Old Custom House on the provisional date of Thursday 17th June 2010 to coincide with the week of the Pin Mill Barge Match. We are hoping to attract several barges and perhaps some historic vessels into Ipswich Dock.
And finally .......we need people to help the IMT progress in all directions. Can or will you help?
Geoff Hartgrove
Opening of Ipswich’s new Waterfront Maritime Heritage “Window Museum”
The opening of Ipswich’s new Window Museum on Albion Quay means that the town’s rich maritime heritage can at last be properly recognised and displayed.
Since 1982, when the Trust was formed to help bring the Waterfront back to life from its gradual decline, there has been a growing call for such a museum, and now, through a unique collaboration between the developers of the Mill, Wharfside Regeneration, and the Trust, this has finally been achieved.
The Museum was officially opened by Capt. Jim Lawrence in the presence of the Mayor and Mayoress on 13th September, and is the first of a planned five display windows, which will together form the Museum. Capt. Lawrence, himself a renowned barge skipper and sailmaker, described the importance of the town’s maritime heritage stretching back through the centuries to its Anglo Saxon roots – as the Museum itself proclaims – ‘Ipswich has been a Seaport since the 7th Century’.
The Trust is currently preparing a full accredited Accessions Register of its Archive, and when completed a summary will appear on the IMT website and regular updates will then be added.
The Museum display is available to view by the public at all times, and the local exhibits will be regularly changed. For this first display, the Trust has used items from its sailmaking and photo archive collections, and includes two beautifully made model sailing barges.
The Window Museum is easy to find along the quay between Stoke Bridge and the Old Custom House, and the Trust has enhanced the newly surfaced quay by reinstating traditional barge mooring rings, so that historic vessels can once again moor at the head of the Dock.
Museum News
The museum committee is so pleased with the Window Museum that they have decided to put the project forward for the prestigious Art Fund Prize for Museums & Galleries 2010. We know we will be up against many “Big Boys” but feel that there is a chance we can “punch above our weight “. Our Window Museum is a highly unusual solution. In our supporting statement, we said, amongst other things,
The Window Museum of the Ipswich Maritime Trust, located at the head of the Victorian Wet Dock as part of the regeneration of this part of Ipswich, on the site of the Port’s original Anglo Saxon quays, provides an opportunity for Ipswich’s and Suffolk’s rich maritime heritage to be put before the public in a free and readily accessible manner, with potentially manageable manpower running costs. Renewal of the adjacent quay gives an added opportunity for the Trust to encourage historic vessels into the heart of the town once more.
Whilst we doubt that we are likely to win the £100.000 prize, we would be content to be in the short list of 10 and put Ipswich’s Maritime heritage in front of the country. Let’s wait and see.
Des Pawson
Sailing to St. Peter’s Dock
It must be 50 years or more since a barge berthed on St. Peter's Dock (and it may be the last!), but on 6th October 2009, SB Victor once
more made her way up the New Cut at the top of the tide, to take part in a photo-shoot from Stoke Bridge by an internationally famous architectural photographer. Steve Godwin and Wes invited Stuart Grimwade to join them and the crew to sail her back down the Cut and into the lock. Stuart’s unique sequence of pictures of this once-only voyage can be viewed on the IMT website at
www.ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk
Future Events
Spring talks 2010
Three talks have been organised for this Spring starting on 3rd February at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, and on the subsequent first Wednesday of March and April.
The talks start at 8pm and a 2 course supper is available from 7pm.
February 3rd - “Sailing with P&O in the 50’s & their History” by Fred Bridges
March 3rd - “Poachers and Smugglers” Wednesday by William Tyler
April 7th – “150 Years of Ipswich Dock Life" by Stuart Grimwade and Des Pawson
Further details on all the talks and supper booking slips can be found at the end of the newsletter.
Sorry but…..
Having now staged nearly 40 talks now it has become apparent that their cost is increasing. Accordingly, we believe that the fairest way to overcome this is to increase the entry fee by £1 to £3.50 for members and £4.50 for non members in the New Year. In this way we are not penalising those members who do not attend - as would have been the case had the, very low, membership fee been increased - as was the alternative.
The talk on April 10th will be preceded by the AGM, and will commence directly after its
conclusion. Full details of the AGM will be sent out separately.
Forthcoming talks
PLEASE TELL US WHAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO HEAR!
The time has come to think of suitable IMT type subjects and speakers for our 2010/2101 winter season of talks and events.
From the healthy attendance we regularly see, it seems we have generally been ticking the right boxes for you and hope to carry on doing so BUT choosing suitable lecture subjects – and good speakers – becomes increasingly difficult the more lectures that pass.
One, rather different, idea is to hold a “Members (or DIY) Evening” when 5 or 6 members talk on a subject of their choice for 10 to 15 minutes. What do you think? 3 members have already expressed their interest in taking part.
If you can suggest a subject which you think would interest/entertain/inform/amuse (or all 4!), then please give Mark Grimwade a call on 01473 787210, or email
markgrimwade@yahoo.co.uk. It doesn’t even have to be local, historic or particularly maritime.
IMT Event 23-25th August? (Suffolk Open Weekend)
Suffolk County Council is launching ‘Suffolk Open Weekend’ on 23-25 July 2010, and is making available grants up to £500 to enable parish or town councils, community groups and groups of individuals across Suffolk to hold small cultural and sporting events to mark London 2012 Open Weekend. There are three of the qualifying categories which could apply to the IMT, being ‘archives’ , ‘museums and galleries’, and ‘heritage and historic environment’. Further details can be found at www.openweekendinsuffolk.com
If anyone has an idea for a suitable event that could be held to promote the IMT and its aims, please get
in touch with Mark Grimwade (01473 787210), Fraser Yates (07531 083576), or any committee member. As always, volunteers would be appreciated, whether it be to organise or help assist with an event.
Past Events
Autumn talks
October - “British Railways Ferries - firsthand stories of the old Harwich and Parkeston ships” by Capt J Carter
Our October speaker was Captain John Carter on the subject of his sea service with British Railways from the early 1950’s up until he retired. He had with him an extensive photo collection of many of the ships he had served upon as an officer and also in command. He highlighted some of the manoeuvring peculiarities of individual ships and also told us of some of the amusing incidents and situations he found himself in during his career.
After a short break for refreshments, we had a lively question and answer session when we found some of the members and guests had their own similar memories of working on some of these ships which made for very interesting discussion. In fact, our Chairman Capt. Geoff Hartgrove served on the SS Dewsbury in 1957 as Deck Boy with John Carter who was then the Second Mate. Furthermore, amongst the guests, were daughters of the late Capt. Patterson who took his first command of that ship also in 1957.
The evening was enjoyed by the many who attended and made special by personal recollections of ships sailing from Parkeston Quay and Harwich.
Geoff Hartgrove
November - The Hidden Treasures of our Secret Sea” by Rob Spray.
Our large audience had very little idea of what to expect as most of us aim to stay above the surface of the southern North Sea!
Rob left us in no doubt that what lies beneath is spectacular beyond belief! He, with his partner Dawn, are expert and experience divers (and photographers) whose interests lie in finding, recording and conserving the amazing variety of plants, organisms and fish which inhabit the waters off our coast. Rob and Dawn work with Sea search, a volunteer project set up jointly by the Marine Conservation Society and the Joint Nature Conservation Committee to record the life in and on the bottom of our seas.
His knowledge and enthusiasm rubbed off on us all. Rob appears to know numerous species so well as be able to report their reaction to his presence amongst them as well as their reaction to danger, food and others of the same species! He spoke of many as being his “friends”!
Throughout, the photographs were stunning in their clarity and colours – so much for the murky old North Sea!
Before finishing with numerous questions from the audience, Rob “subjected us” to a quiz – asking us to decide if various featured photographs were of local or tropical varieties. A dozen vivid pictures later and a 50:50 vote on most, we were amazed to learn that they were ALL photographed off our shores. He certainly made his point – entertaining and educating us at the same time.
Thank you Rob and Dawn for a memorable evening.
To learn more, visit Rob’s website on http:/www.1townhouses.co.uk/
Mark Grimwade
December - “Austin ‘Clarence” Farrar” an Eye for Innovation” by David Chivers
It was a wet and windy night but nearly a hundred members and guests ventured out to hear David Chivers, Austin “Clarence” Farrar’s biographer, give an illustrated talk on the life, interests, and innovations of “Clarence”. It was well worth the effort!
David gave us a fascinating and well illustrated account of Clarence’s life, from his youth amongst the sailing Packard/Fison family in 12 metres and steam yachts, to his training as a shipbuilder and marine draftsman (inventing the yacht “pulpit” in the process) before the war. Using this experience, during the war he designed and built very successful torpedo protection systems for the Merchant Navy. A local man, soon afterwards he set up Woolverstone Shipyard – then a redundant wartime naval base – where he designed and built racing dinghies, innovative in both construction and form. He also, very successfully, sailed with this country’s leading dinghy racing aces, often in boats of his own design. Meanwhile he maintained a deep involvement with maritime research and was involved with HMS Victory, designing her “gig” and casting medals for her staff.
Turning his self-taught hand to sailmaking, he pioneered the use of the, then experimental, new ‘artificial’ sailcloths, setting up several successful lofts locally.
Clarence’s interests outside boats were many and varied – classic cars, designing, casting and firing cannon, wind generators, steam power and photography were all within his spectrum and all received his innovative attention.
Thank you David for a fascinating, informative and enjoyable evening on a local man whose light is now, certainly, less hidden under a bushel!
Copies of David’s biography on Clarence (same title as the lecture) are available from him by ‘phoning him on 01206 305107 or emailing
Mark Grimwade
Heritage Weekend – September 13-14
Old Custom House - Exhibition of photographs by Den Phillips, and
photographs and artefacts by the IMT.
Once again the Trust opened the ground floor of the Old Custom House for Heritage Open Weekend. We had record numbers of visitors this year, no doubt helped by the steady completion of parts of the waterfront, making the area much more attractive to visitors. Thanks to Den Phillips for providing a fascinating selection of maritime photographs for display, and Ben Bendall and Des Pawson for displays on Thames Barges and Ropemaking in Ipswich. Also thanks to the volunteers from the IMT for manning the exhibition over the two days, without whom these events could not go ahead.
Membership news
The membership has now reached a total of 220 reflecting a steady yearly increase. A warm welcome to the new members who have recently joined:
Tim & Joan Crowson, Bee Farrell, Alan Edwards, Alastair Grimwade, Adam Green, Peter Turtill, Gilly Thomson, Brian Woods, Derek & Marilyn Lyne, Ian Jewry.
2010 Subscriptions
Subscriptions are now due for 2010 and a renewal slip has been included with this Newsletter if your subscription is not usually paid by Standing Order.
We aim to keep the annual subscriptions low and it helps us greatly if it is not necessary to send out subscription reminders to members. Prompt payment, or preferably changing to standing order, is therefore much appreciated thanks.
Fraser Yates
Information Sought
We received the following letter asking for help with any information on the s/b Melissa. Can you help?
Dear Sir,
I was wondering if you might be able to help me please?
I'm developing a web site for the Thames Barge Melissa. The site is located at
http://www.SBMelissa.co.uk and it has a history page that I'm trying to fill out.
Melissa has worked in the Ipswich area since April 8th 1970 when she was purchased by Maritime Moorings (Ipswich) Limited of 12/14 Purplett Street, Ipswich. On March 20th 1973 she was purchased by Arthur William Horne of 3 Bradley Street, Ipswich. In 1975 Melissa was taken out of commercial service.
I gather that she was used in the "Ipswich Ballast Trade" but what that was I'm not sure? I assume that she was involved in moving ballast but from where or to where I don't know.
Any information we could gain about the barge herself or her owner would be a great help. Any information or photos of Melissa would be of interest.
If you can help please get in touch.
Thank you.
Martin Waller
Olive Cottage,
6, Church Road,
Chelmondiston,
Ipswich,
IP9 1HS
Advance Notice
We have just secured a talk on the Thames Estuary "Maunsell Sea Forts" (Roughs Tower, Shivering Sands, and others). This is a fascinating subject and includes their design, build, positioning (including film of Roughs Tower being sunk in position - not according to plan!) and their various uses. A "must"!
Date to be advised.
Spring 2010 Talks
Wednesday February 3rd at 8pm - “Sailing with P&O in the 50’s & their History” by Fred Bridges
Fred, more recently a lecturer on many local subjects from maritime to
ornithology, sailed with the P & O line in the mid 1950’s when, as he will
confirm, “Aeroplanes still came second to Liners”!
Having served on the passenger liner “Stratheden” and the cargo liner
“Pinjarra”, Fred will tell us about life aboard in those days. After giving us a
look into the history of P&O, we will be taken on an illustrated “virtual”
voyage to Australia and back. Seaplanes at Southampton, a walk around the streets and port of Aden – and much more.
Wednesday March 3rd at 8pm - “Poachers and Smugglers” Wednesday by William Tyler
But you won’t be expected to “Watch the wall m’darlin while the
‘Gentlemen’ go by” at the RHYC on Wednesday, March 3rd!
William Tyler is an accomplished speaker (and writer) on many
aspects and “the goings-on” in local life.
Both these groups of men (and women) lived on the margins of
society. Both were criminal, and yet more often than not were regarded as heroes by the local populace. Suffolk has more than its fair share of both, enjoying as it does a long indented coastline and a great deal of countryside - ideal for a spot of poaching.
Wednesday April 7th (after AGM at 8pm) – “150 Years of Ipswich Dock Life" by Stuart Grimwade and Des Pawson
The opening of the Wet Dock happily coincided with invention of photography, and ever since has attracted photographers like ducks to water!
One of the very first was a local artist named Robert Burrows whose family lived and traded near the dock in the 1840s. It's not for nothing that his technique involved a complicated process making 'wet paper' negatives! His are the earliest surviving images of Ipswich, or indeed anywhere, so it's with some of these remarkable and rare pictures that Stuart and Des start their tour and tales of the dock, its ships and trades from the days of Nelson up to more recent times.
The Trust now has a unique archive of images of the port and its river, and Stuart and Des have woven these into the history of local sail and rope-making to bring the past alive for us.
All are welcome to our lectures at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, Woolverstone where a warm welcome and bar awaits. There is adjacent parking.
Lecture charges: Members £3.50, non-members £4.50. No need to pre-book.
BUT why not make it a full evening out and enjoy the optional 7pm. pre-talk supper (sit-down, 2 course + coffee) at £12.00? Suppers should be booked 7 days in advance (see below for details).
Enquiries or bookings – either email bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk (booking will be acknowledged), or call Fraser on 07531 083576, or the number given on the booking form below.
Wednesday April 7th
“150 Years of Ipswich Dock Life" by Stuart Grimwade and Des Pawson
Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, March 31st. It is only necessary to reserve places for supper but please add payment for the lecture.
Please reserve . . . . . place/s for supper at £12.00 per head. £ ___________ Any special dietary requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I require . . . . members’ seat/s at £3.50 per head £ ___________ I require . . . . non-members’ seat/s at £4.50 per head £ ___________ Total enclosed (by Wednesday, March 31st.) £____________
Name (printed please) …………………………………………..
Cheques made payable to ‘IMT’ and sent to: IMT, "Gleniffer", Lower Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RJ Or you can email your reservation to <bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk and pay on the night, Or call Mark on 01473 787210 to make a reservation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday March 3rd - “Poachers and Smugglers” Wednesday by William Tyler
Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, February 24th. It is only necessary to reserve places for supper but please add payment for the lecture.
Please reserve . . . . . place/s for supper at £12.00 per head. £ ___________ Any special dietary requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I require . . . . members’ seat/s at £3.50 per head £ ___________ I require . . . . non-members’ seat/s at £4.50 per head £ ___________ Total enclosed (by Wednesday, February 24th.) £____________
Name (printed please) ………………………………… ………..
Cheques made payable to ‘IMT’ and sent to: IMT, "Gleniffer", Lower Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RJ Or you can email your reservation to bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk and pay on the night. Or call Fraser on 07531 083576 to make a reservation.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday February 3rd at 8pm - “Sailing with P&O in the 50s
& their History” by Fred Bridges
Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, January 27th . It is only necessary to reserve places for supper but please add payment for the lecture.
Please reserve . . . . . place/s for supper at £12.00 per head. £ ___________ Any special dietary requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I require . . . . members’ seat/s at £3.50 per head £ ___________ I require . . . . non-members’ seat/s at £4.50 per head £ ___________ Total enclosed (by Wednesday, January 27th.) £____________
Name (printed please) …………………………………………..
Cheques made payable to ‘IMT’ and sent to: IMT, "Gleniffer", Lower Holbrook, Ipswich, IP9 2RJ Or you can email your reservation to bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk and pay on the night. Or call Mark on 01473 787210 to make a reservation.