Issue 20 Jan 2011
News Update Newsletter No. 20
Public Inquiry into Rights of Way around the Dock
It all began with a chance remark to Des by someone connected to ABP. It seemed that there was to be a public inquiry in the autumn of 2010 which would establish, or not, once and for all, claimed public rights of way around the Wet Dock and New Cut West. The alarm bells began to ring in Des‟s head, as this was the first time we had heard of any proposed inquiry. Soon the IMT Committee began to plot a course for the role that we could play in this vital issue. Could we do it all as amateurs, or would we need legal help? If not, who would be our leading advocate? Deadlines were tight and the administrative burden heavy.
A small team, led by Des, got to grips with it nonetheless, and by the appointed time a huge file of submitted documents was put before the Inspector, Mr Grimshaw. It soon became apparent that ABP were going to throw their full weight at the case to show that there have not been any „circular‟ rights of way around the dock since the time of the first World War, whatever the public may have thought or assumed since then. The Trust, together with a small band of like-minded representatives of the people of Ipswich, rose to the occasion and produced a stream of witnesses who were prepared to go into the witness box and be cross-examined by the assembled „opposition‟ QCs, and then be re-examined by our own, by now suitably besuited, but un-redhatted advocate.
Our witness-based evidence concentrated mainly on recalling past freedom to move around the working dock, use the ferry across the New Cut, and cross the Lock on the swing bridge, and on the dearth of imposed restrictions. Much time was spent poring over Victorian Dock Act texts, 19th Century OS maps, and our own photographic archive
(which really came into its own) as the Inspector was invited to use his magnifying glass to identify early roadways, footways, bridges, and other significant evidence of public highways (bearing in mind the County Council‟s own QCs maxim that „once a highway, always a highway‟).
After seven long and gruelling days, the Inquiry closed, a day late, on 22nd December, and we now await the Inspector‟s report and the Secretary of State‟s decisions.
Whatever the outcome, I feel that IMT can claim that it did all it could to help establish the long-held claim of the townspeople of Ipswich to the right to move freely around the Dock, and over the lock, as they have always done until thwarted by ABPs closed gates of recent years, and that the Trust has shown that those who support its objectives on this issue were prepared to take a stand.
Des‟s closing speech to the inquiry can be read by those interested, on our website.
Stuart Grimwade
Ipswich Maritime Festival - August 2011
Plans are being put together by Ipswich Borough Council (in partnership with the „Ipswich Maritime Trust‟ and „Ipswich Waterfront Action‟) for a Maritime Festival to be held in and around the Wet Dock over the weekend of August 21st- 22nd.
The plans are well advanced for a major gathering of sailing vessels in the Dock, both large and small, classic and current. Around the
perimeter will be music, singers and other performers together with exhibitions, trade stands and, naturally, food and drink. A firework display is planned together with waterbourne activities. Perhaps a parade of sail too - up the river to the Dock!
It will be wonderful to see “Our Dock” come to life again as it has done in past Festivals.
We will keep you posted on developments which are progressing well. Meanwhile, if you have any thoughts, wishes OR OFFERS OF SUPPORT, please contact Mark Grimwade on 01473 787210 or markgrimwade@yahoo.co.uk
More details will become available on the website - www.waterfrontaction.co.uk
Museum News
The Window Museum underwent a revamp at the end of October, The entire window is now dedicated to ship building in Ipswich there is a large model of a topsail schooner such as was built in the 19th Century together with a model of Spirit yacht‟s GAIA from the 21st century.
The Window Museum was mentioned in the prestigious International Congress of Maritime Museums Newsletter, and we received greater coverage than the new combined exhibition of models from the National Maritime Museum and the Imperial war Museum at Chatham Dockyard!
We are now looking forward to April when the
entire window will be emptied and a fresh display to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Pin Mill Barge Match will be installed. We are still looking for extra items such as barge models, prize pennants and silverware to add to the items we have already. There is also room for at least one more volunteer to join the “Window Wizards” who work on these displays.
If you can help in anyway, please contact Des Pawson at des@despawson.com or by phone on 01473 690090.
Des Pawson
Feeling the cold? How about an IMT fleece?
An Ipswich Maritime Trust fleece complete with an embroidered IMT logo is now available.
A leaflet is enclosed with this newsletter giving full details.
Future Events
Lecture evenings:-
As you may have noticed, the start time for suppers has moved forward 15 minutes to 18.45hrs. to give diners a little more time to enjoy and then digest their meal. The talks will continue to start at 20.00hrs.
The price of the excellent suppers provided by the RHYC has remained at £12.00 since the end of 2008. As from 1st January this has to increase to £12.50 – still great value for money, - offering a sit-down meal with a choice of in
house cooked dishes, plus coffee and mints. We can thoroughly recommend making the IMT talks a full evening out. An example menu is included in the newsletter to give you a „taster‟.
A new feature this year is “happening” on the evening of the AGM on April 6th. This is entitled “IMT - DIY” which is exactly what it says on the tin:-
Members talking, for an all-too-brief 15 minutes maximum, on a subject of their choice to other Members. We all joined the IMT to further our interests in matters maritime and so it must be a good idea that we share them. Over to you! Just call Mark Grimwade on 01473 787210 or email
(The alternative would be for Mark to „phone you but we are sure you would rather volunteer than be “pressed”!) We already have a nucleus of offers but more are needed.
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Winter/Spring talks 2011
Three varied and interesting talks have been organised for the 2nd half of this winter, starting on Wednesday 12th January at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, and on the subsequent first Wednesday of February, March, and April.
Wednesday 12th January
“The Maunsell Sea Forts. Their origin, building, placement and full history” by Frank Turner
(originally planned for December 2010)
Wednesday 2nd February
"The History, Role and Functions of Trinity House" by Paul Howe
Wednesday 2nd March
“THE BIG DIG” – The Creation, Ongoing Development and Running the Suffolk Yacht Harbour” by Jonathan Dyke
Further details on all the talks and supper booking slips can be found at the end of the newsletter.
And finally to end the Spring 2011 talks -
Wednesday 6th April
AGM & “IMT-DIY Night” by the members
More information will be sent out with the AGM notices.
Past Events
Joint Sea Scout and Sea Cadet Event
The Sunday of 25th July saw a unique occasion of the Water Sports Event held in the Wet Dock by the combined forces of the Ipswich Sea Cadets and the 13th Ipswich Sea Scouts.
Despite coinciding with the start of the Duke Street works, which almost sealed off the end of the dock next to the lock gates, the event was judged to have been a great success. It consisted of „taster‟ sessions offered to all under the age of 18, of rowing, sailing, canoeing and motor boating. A great time was had by all who participated and this also resulted in several applications to join the two organisations. A convivial reception was held in the evening, hosted by the IMT who had been instrumental in bringing the Cadets and Sea Scouts together. Further joint exercises are planned for the future.
Heritage Weekend – 11/12 September
The IMT put on an exhibition in the Old Custom House quay-level area with exhibits of
- Sailor mats by Des Pawson
- Drawings and paintings by Michael Norman, and
- Models and illustrations of the port and promenade by Ben Bendall.
Over 700 people visited over the two days, and thanks are due to those who put on the exhibition, and the volunteers who manned the exhibition area.
Autumn 2010 talks review
Wednesday 6th October
“Essex and Suffolk Boatyards and Boatbuilders” by Mike Davies
The Royal Harwich Yacht Club opened its hospitable doors this evening for the first of our six Winter 2010/11 series of talks. The atmosphere was convivial, the bar well stocked – and used – whilst those who chose to enjoy the pre-talk supper were very well catered!
Around 90 members and guests (a full house) assembled to hear Mike Davies describe and illustrate “Boatyards and Boatbuilders of the East Coast”.
Mike has spent his working and leisure life in the boating business having been a boatbuilder, hirer, yachtbroker and, of course, sailor.
Starting on the Ore and Alde, we were taken to visit every yard and builder on the coast as far south as, and including, the Colne where time caught up with the story, leaving those further south to and including the Thames, to possibly be covered another day.
Yards and builders, large and small were covered. The diversity of vessels built and repaired was huge and it was fascinating to learn how the yards, and with many the families which ran them, changed tack with the times and the advent of fibreglass and modern marinas. Sadly, many are no longer operating but the legacy of the vessels they built lives on.
Mike has written a fascinating and well illustrated book with the same title as his lecture which can be obtained in paper or CD format by contacting him on 01206 822671 or mike.davies43@btinternet.com
Thank you Mike for a most interesting and informative evening, enjoyed by all.
Mark Grimwade
Wednesday 3rd November
“Estuaries, Birds and Man – how can they co-exist?” by Dr Nigel Clark
Once again, an excellent attendance for the talk by Dr. Nigel Clark – Head of Projects at the British Trust for Ornithology.
We were treated to a really knowledgeable and informative talk by Nigel, he explained how estuarial environments, also bird life feeding patterns, were affected from pressures put on them by the extension of ports, barrages, and other maritime and industrial developments.
The amount of data that was collected in these studies was absolutely „mind-boggling‟, but it was presented in such a way that it provided us all with an insight into the amount of scientific work carried out in this field, and the far
reaching effects of coastal and estuarine developments on wading birds.
Peter Norton
Membership news
The IMT continues to attract new members and current membership now stands at over 230, which is excellent news.
A warm welcome to the new members who have recently joined:
Elaine Waller; Andrew Aldous; J Bridges; Christopher Adams; Mrs Jane Stanley; Richard Peck; Mrs Frances McGready; Fred Bridges.
2011 Subscriptions
Renewal forms have been enclosed for all members for whom our records show subscriptions are not paid by Standing Order.
Thank you to all of you who do pay by standing order – this does considerably reduce the cost of sending out reminders and a significant administrative overhead.
Gift Aid
If you are a UK taxpayer and personally pay your Individual or Household subscription, the Ipswich Maritime Trust is now able to receive an additional 25p for every pound that paid in subscriptions or donations.
Included with this newsletter is a „Gift Aid Declaration‟ form – it would be greatly appreciated if you could take the time to complete and return it in the enclosed SAE.
e-mails!
This newsletter and other information has been sent to all members by post, including those who normally receive our communications by email, as we wish to check that we have the right email address, and also make it easy for you to complete the „Gift Aid Declaration‟ by enclosing a SAE.
If we have an email address for you this is shown on an enclosed slip – please let me know if this is not correct or if you have not been receiving our emails.
If we do not have an email address for you and you would like to receive future communications by email – please let us know it by emailing membership@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk
Sending out newsletters etc. by post accounts for approximately 50% of the annual subscription fee (which has remained at the current level since 2005!) Please help us reduce our costs.
Fraser Yates
Spring 2011 Talks 
Wednesday 12th January, 8pm (originally planned for December 4th) “The Maunsell Sea Forts. Their origin, building, placement and full history” by Frank Turner
During WWII, the Luftwaffe used the Thames as a “road” to guide them to London Docks, also for mining this, our vital shipping lane. In order to
deter this, Guy Maunsell, an innovator in reinforced concrete construction was commissioned to (rapidly) design, build and place a series of anti aircraft gun emplacements in the entrance to the Thames. Frank Turner watched these being built at Gravesend and has become their historian.
His talk includes the full stories and images of their design, building and placement including film of the (not-uneventful!) sinking in place, fully manned and armed, of our nearest tower, Roughs (now Sealand – and up for sale if any member is interested!) off Felixstowe. The towers‟ wartime use and their colourful and fascinating peacetime roles are covered as is their current situation.
Even if you are not gripped with the desire to learn of the design of reinforced concrete structures, this is a fascinating evening telling of great drive, bravery and even intrigue!
Wednesday 2nd February, 8pm
"The History, Role and Functions of Trinity House" by Paul Howe
Paul Howe, Communications Officer of Trinity House, Harwich has agreed to talk to us about the past, present and future operations of this ancient, yet up-to-date and forward-looking, organisation.
It was said to have originated from The Guild of Sea Samaritans in the 12th. Century but their proven origins begin much more recently – thanks to Henry VIII - in 1514 ! Their remit remains 3 fold:
∙ To provide guidance to mariners in the form of seamarks, lighthouses and, more recently, elec tronic means around our coasts.
∙ As a Charity, to offer Safety, Welfare and Training for those using our waters. ∙ Pilotage.
Any one of these is a very major task, to successfully achieve all three for nearly 5 centuries is, to say the least, an amazing achievement!
This promises to be a fascinating evening, opening the door on an organisation of which we are all aware and, possibly though ignorance, take for granted. Undoubtedly this will change, in our case, as from February 2nd !
Wednesday 2nd March, 8pm
“THE BIG DIG” – The Creation, Ongoing Development and Running the Suffolk Yacht Harbour” by Jonathan Dyke
Jonathan has been involved in boats and marinas all his working life. He joined SYH as Assistant Harbour Master in ‟82 and has “grown” with themarina, and is now its Managing Director.
In the 1970s behind a gap in the river wall at Levington, lay a muddy
field.Well before any marinas appeared on the Orwell, a few far-sighted
indiviuals rolled up their sleeves and dug out that field which is now Suf
folk Yacht Harbour. Jonathan will tell how, with mostly their own labour
and very basic digging and dredging equipment, the marina took shape.
Since those early days the marina has grown to be the largest of the, now many, on our river. There is a lot more to tell . . . . . . . .
Wednesday 6th April, 8pm
AGM & “IMT-DIY Night” by the members
After the (briefest possible) AGM, it‟s YOUR turn! Members are
invited to give a 15 minute presentation on a subject of their choice. 
Just talk, illustrate with slides, use powerpoint or even a magic lan
tern! We already have some recruits for this, up to 5 are needed.
With our now, large, membership we expect to be swamped with
recruits – so be prepared and get prepared!
To discuss participation, just ring Mark Grimwade on 01473
787210 or email him on markgrimwade@yahoo.co.uk . We all belong to the IMT because of our maritime interests, so why not share them with the rest of us?
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All are welcome to our lectures at the Royal Harwich Yacht Club, Woolverstone where a warm welcome, bar, adjacent parking and an optional supper await. Supper commences at 18.45 hrs, and the talk at 20.00 hrs.
The cost for attending a talk is £3.50 for members and £4.50 for guests. Please note that it is only necessary to book for suppers (1 week in advance, please!) but not for the talk.
Supper reservations at £12.50 (Optional, but why not enjoy a full evening out!) may be made by email to: bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk or call the number shown on the booking forms.
To whet your appetite, here is a sample RHYC Menu for the IMT talk suppers (the one you missed because of snow on December 1st.:-
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Wednesday 6th April 2011, 8pm (supper served at 6.45pm)
AGM & “IMT-DIY Night” by the members
Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, March 30th. It is only necessary to reserve places for supper but please add payment for the lecture.
Please reserve . . . . . place/s for supper at £12.50 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 30th ) £____________
Name (printed please) …………………………………………..
Cheques made payable to „IMT‟ and sent to: IMT, 309 Norwich Road, Ipswich IP1 4BW
Or you can email your reservation to bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk and pay on the night Or call Mark on 01473 787210 and pay on the night, (email bookings will be acknowledged).
Wednesday 2nd March 2011, 8pm (supper served at 6.45pm)
“THE BIG DIG” – The Creation, Ongoing Development and Running the Suffolk Yacht Harbour” by Jonathan Dyke
Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, February 23rd. It is only necessary to reserve places for supper but please add payment for the lecture.
Please reserve . . . . . place/s for supper at £12.50 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 23rd ) £____________
Name (printed please) ………………………………… ………..
Cheques made payable to „IMT‟ and sent to: IMT, 309 Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 4BW
Or you can email your reservation to bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk and pay on the night Or call Fraser on 07531 083 576 and pay on the night, (email bookings will be acknowledged). ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday 2nd February 2011, 8pm (supper served at 6.45pm)
"The History, Role and Functions of Trinity House" by Paul Howe
Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, January 26th. It is only necessary to reserve places for supper but please add payment for the lecture.
Please reserve . . . . . place/s for supper at £12.50 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 26th ) £____________
Name (printed please) …………………………………………..
Cheques made payable to „IMT‟ and sent to: IMT, 309 Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 4BW
Or you can email your reservation to bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk and pay on the night Or call Mark on 01473 787210 and pay on the night, (email bookings will be acknowledged).
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Wednesday 12th January 2011, 8pm (supper served at 6.45pm)
“The Maunsell Sea Forts. Their origin, building, placement and full history” by Frank Turner
Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, January 5th. It is only necessary to reserve places for supper but please add payment for the lecture.
Please reserve . . . . . place/s for supper at £12.50 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 5th ) £____________
Name (printed please) …………………………………………..
Cheques made payable to „IMT‟ and sent to: IMT, 309 Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 4BW
Or you can email your reservation to bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk and pay on the night Or call Mark on 01473 787210 and pay on the night, (email bookings will be acknowledged).