Issue 21 June 2011
Newsletter June 2011 Newsletter No. 21
Talk of ships and kings and many things, and – ‘QR’ codes
One of the happy consequences of Cathy Pearce joining the IMT Council has been the forging of further links with the History Department of the new Suffolk University (UCS). One welcome benefit has been the Department director’s immediate recognition of the value of our growing Image Archive, and its unexpected potential in the amazing new technology of QR codes (yes, it was new to me too!).
As someone who has only recently got to grips with all the buttons on my ten-year old mobile phone, I was only vaguely aware that new ones can do just about anything, and that now includes recognising the small symmetrically patterned barcodes which can be placed anywhere on anything, and which enable you to bring up on your phone screen whatever information the originator of the particular code has designed (yes, you’ve guessed it – including images from our archive). UCS are therefore trialing this new technology with some of our historic images, together with new ones specially taken by their Photography Dept. of the same view as it is today, and relevant historic information about what the viewer is currently looking at in front of them.
Meanwhile the Borough Council are preparing freestanding map-based information panels (rather weirdly called ‘monoliths’, and ‘miniliths’) to be erected all around the town centre, and along the Waterfront, which will be of benefit to all visitors, whether or not
they are technophobes, and these will also incorporate the same QR technology for those with the latest mobile phones, and they, so I’m told, now account for around 50% of the people walking along the Waterfront – which I find surprising. The first panels of this project will be erected later this year.
St Peter’s Dock from Stoke Bridge, late 18thc.
With the help of Bob Malster’s encyclopaedic knowledge of the Wet Dock, the two projects have encouraged me to dig into the issue of historic quay names, which is a fascinating topic in its own right; we know, for instance, that Edward I built his warship on the Waterfront in 1296, and that Cranfields Quay was once called Bigod’s Quay…… but more of these things as they roll out, in the next Newsletter. Ipswich certainly has an extraordinarily rich maritime heritage – and we should celebrate it in every way we can.
Stuart Grimwade
Museum News
The Window Wizards have done it again! The Ipswich Maritime Trust window Museum has a completely new display. This display celebrated the 50th Pin mill Barge Match and has the window filled with barges all sizes and styles from a micro-model about 4 inches long to a radio Controlled sailing pond model, almost 4 ft long. The models and other items have been lent by IMT members, museums and well-wishers from various parts of East Anglia.
This window will remain in place for the next 6 months, and the Wizards will be meeting again soon to decide what the theme should be for the next display. Any display has to be built up from a few core exhibits either from the Trust collection or loans and we are currently thinking hard, but would welcome any suggestions.
Please contact Des Pawson with any ideas or offers of loans. 01473 690090 des@despawson.com.
Des Pawson
News Update
Public Inquiry into Rights of Way around the Dock
The result of the Public Inquiry into the Rights of Way around the Ipswich Wet Dock was published in March this year. Briefly, the end
result is that a Restricted Byway (right of way on foot, on horseback, on a pedal cycle or any other non-mechanically propelled vehicle such as a horse-drawn carriage) now exists around the North and East side of the Wet Dock, but the proposed Restricted Byway across the Island Site was refused. The Inspector also recommended that full vehicular access is provided along New Cut West between Stoke Street and Bath Street (how many people realised that this was a private road with no right of access?). This has to be confirmed and the public will be able to make further representations before a final decision is made.
Future Events
24-25 June - 50th Pin Mill Barge Match and „Parade of Sail‟
To celebrate the 50th Pin Mill Barge Match on the 25th June, the Pin Mill Sailing Club and the Ipswich Maritime Trust have organised a “Parade of Sail” to take place on Friday 24th June between 5pm and 6pm. It is hoped that all the barges taking part in the races on the Saturday will be able to sail from Woolverstone, under the Orwell Bridge and into the Ipswich Wet Dock. If the weather is good it promises to be fantastic spectacle as about 14 barges are expected to take part.
A good viewing point should be from the Strand near the Orwell Bridge.
24th July - Second Joint Sea Scout and Sea Cadet Event, and IMT members‟ reception.
As part of the Open Weekend in Suffolk, on Sunday 24th July, the 13th Ipswich Sea Scouts and The Ipswich Sea Cadets are, for the 2nd year running, jointly organising a joint Water Sports event in the Ipswich Wet Dock at the
Ipswich Sea Cadets headquarters (near the lock gates).
The Ipswich Maritime Trust is aware of the necessity to encourage and assist these young people and their dedicated volunteers who are keeping alive the seamanship and maritime skills that built Ipswich. Therefore the IMT applied for a grant from the SCC (available to celebrate the ‘Open Weekend in Suffolk’ events) and will forward this to the Cadets and Scouts to finance their joint event.
The event is from 10.00 to 16.00 and open to the public and will offer taster sessions of rowing, sailing, and motor boating for those attending who are between the ages of 10-18.
Visiting training ships
Sittard (M 830)
There will be 3 Dutch training ships (“Sittard”, “Freyr”, and “Bulgia”) visiting the Wet Dock over that weekend and it is hoped to be able to arrange for IMT members to be able to visit one of the ships at the IMT members’ reception.
…and IMT members’ reception
In the evening, 18.00 – 20.00, the IMT will be hosting a reception for the officers and volunteers from the Cadets and the Scouts, and IMT members at the Waterfront Conference Centre on the ground floor of the Old Custom House to celebrate the second of these joint events. As per last year there will a finger buffet, with wine or soft drinks, at a cost of £6 per head.
Please come along and help support these local organisations and meet with other IMT members. A booking form is enclosed.
18th August – Barge Trip on s/b Centaur
(High Water Ipswich – 15:30)
This is a chance to sail on one of the East Coast’s iconic Thames Spritsail Barges from the historic Wet Dock in Ipswich. Thames Barges were a major force in the transporting of bulk materials on the East Coast until the railways and road lorries with their faster deliveries and of course no dependence on the weather, saw to their commercial demise. Anybody who sails on these barges nowadays is contributing to keeping these wonderful and easily handled sailing craft in a state of preservation.
Start: 08.00 approx. from Ipswich Wet Dock - Tea/Coffee/Biscuits on boarding - Elevenses
Anchoring for lunch
- Three course meal with a glass of wine included
- Afternoon Cream Tea
Return: 17.00 approximately to Ipswich Dock.
Passengers will see at first-hand the skilled handling by the two-man crew of a sailing barge at close quarters and may even be able to assist depending on the skipper’s instructions.
The Orwell and Stour estuaries are some of the finest for scenery and the Felixstowe and Harwich Docks are always busy with commercial traffic from all over the world. Parkeston Quay is busy these days with the construction and assembly of turbines for offshore wind farms.
Bird watchers are also catered for as the two estuaries are renowned for their bird life. Don’t forget binoculars!
The total number of passengers is twelve so space is limited and it is recommended to book as early as possible to secure your place. Cost is £60 per head, inclusive.
NB : If there members who are disappointed, the IMT are considering another sailing barge day on Thursday September 1st
Autumn 2011 talks
We have a great and varied program of talks booked for the autumn series. These are:
Wednesday October 5th–
“71 Years of a Coasting Ship” by Captain G Hartgrove
2nd November 2011, 8pm –
"Alternative Energy" by Professor John Midwinter
7th December 2011, 8pm – “The work of Greenwich Observatory” – by Jonathon Betts, Senior Specialist, Horology
Further details on all the talks and supper booking slips can be found at the end of the newsletter.
Past Events
Spring 2011 talks review
Wednesday 12th January
“The Maunsell Sea Forts. Their origin, building, placement and full history” by Frank Turner
On Wednesday, January 12th a VERY full house of over 100 attended Frank Turner’s talk on “The Maunsell Sea Forts. Their origin, building, placement and full history.”
The fact that this talk had to be postponed owing to snow in December did nothing to reduce the numbers – or the interest which Frank’s talk aroused.
Certainly, the subject was unusual but Frank’s
encyclopaedic knowledge, enthusiasm and, with just the right amount of humour for such a serious subject as war and gun emplacements, told the full story. All this, enhanced by excellent illustrations – and an amazing film of “our” Roughs Tower (now Sealand) being sunk in position and accidentally listing sideways as it went down bearing a full complement of men and armament!
No attempt can or should be made here to tell the Maunsell Story but it was not only the amazing brilliance of the man who originated this project from inception to completion and beyond, but his tenacity in the battles he had with Authority (The War Department) along the way. Nothing, it seems, has changed!
The Maunsell towers led the way to the design of the first post-war offshore oilrigs whilst the originals became a part of further intriguing activities including Pirate Radio stations. All detailed in the talk.
Some of Maunsell’s drive has clearly rubbed off on a group of enthusiasts (including Frank of course) who are currently well into renovating the Redsands Towers in the Thames Estuary to become a museum – and more. Perhaps the subject for a future talk by Frank? For more information on this, see
A wonderful evening! Thank you Frank Turner. Mark Grimwade
Wednesday 2nd February
"The History, Role and Functions of Trinity House" by Paul Howe
All 94 of those arriving to hear the talk were well aware that Trinity House “was there” and associated with buoys, lightships and lighthouses. For many, that’s as far as it went
until Paul Howe, Communications Officer at their Harwich Depot gave us all the details. Satellites, remote control, electronic navigation, etc. all seem a long way from the origins of Trinity House which was officially founded in 1514 from the earlier “Guild of Sea Samaritans”.
Since those far-off days it has been the remit of the organisation to provide guidance for seafarers (the buoys bit), offer safety, training and welfare to seafarers and, until recently, to provide pilotage. All of these, around the entire coastline of England and Wales including the Channel Islands - and even a lighthouse on the Rock of Gibraltar!
Trinity House has been doing all this for the past 5 Centuries. Times have certainly changed and to achieve these, very major, objectives for that length of time whilst keeping up with progress – and ahead of it - is an incredible achievement! Paul explained the past and present operations including details such as the almost immediate marking of wrecks, to their offering the public “Cruises with a Difference” (including the opportunity to sleep in the bed used by Prince Phillip!) aboard their flagship, the “Patricia”, whilst she performs her duties around our coastline.
His all-too-brief talk was followed by a Questions Session. The number and variety of these gave a clear indication of members’ wide range of interest in the subject and these ranged from their policy on “Treatment of War Graves Wrecks” to an enquiry as to the strength of the Trinity House Pension Scheme (Answer: “Excellent”)!!
Thank you Paul for your most interesting and entertaining talk and also for the literature provided for members.
Mark Grimwade
Wednesday 2nd March
“THE BIG DIG” – The Creation, Ongoing Development and Running the Suffolk Yacht Harbour” by Jonathan Dyke
Nearly 100 members and guests filled the RHYC to capacity to hear
Jonathan Dyke tell us about “The Big Dig” on Wednesday, March 2nd.
Jonathan is Managing Director of Suffolk Yacht Harbour, Levington. In the ‘70s, marinas were springing up around our coasts but, as yet, there were none on the Orwell (now there are 7!).
To rectify this omission, a small number of local businessmen – all with boating interests – got together to consider the possibility of turning what was then a flooded area behind a breached seawall just downstream of Levington Creek into a marina.
Harnessing their varied skills and not afraid to get thoroughly muddy, they used mostly very basic farm equipment and a home-made dredger to begin excavating. Setbacks were encountered but sheer determination and their skills soon saw the first boats in situ. Jonathan illustrated progress through a series of pictures showing the beginnings of what exists today.
Since those early days the marina has expanded in area, berth numbers and shore facilities until today it provides all the services the yachtsman needs – and the marina continues to grow in all aspects.
Jonathan is particularly interested in Classic Boats (owning one himself) which is reflected in the marina’s speciality of providing repair and rebuild facilities as well as hosting a Rally/Regatta for them every year.
As well as acquainting us with details of how SYH came into existence, Jonathan’s talk gave us all an insight into what can be achieve by sheer determination. This attribute clearly remains with the current “Levington Team”.
A most enjoyable and illuminating evening, very many thanks Jonathan.
Mark Grimwade
Wednesday 6th April
AGM & “IMT-DIY Night” by the members
We had our usual full house for a “family evening” when 4 of our members agreed to give a 20 minute talk on a subject of their choice. In fact, twice as many volunteered – and apologies to those who offered but could not be fitted in; they will have their chance at the next one as the success of the evening dictates a repeat!
Dave Mullett started the evening, telling us about his years as crew then skipper of the Ipswich dredger “Samuel Armstrong” as well as an insight of how dredging was carried out in the early days when the Orwell was “straightened”. The “Samuel Armstrong” was definitely a happy as well as successful vessel; lucky as well, according to Dave’s tales of near disasters and raising unexploded bombs!
The talk was well illustrated using what are now historic pictures and some, for a dredger, being highly artistic!
Next, with a dramatic change of course, came Malcolm Harding who, whilst voyaging around the Baltic in his “Dorabella”, discovered the many ports from which the “Hanseatic League” developed and operated. His excellent photographs and presentation took us to some stunning locations and, in the short time available, Malcolm gave us an insight into to enormous area and varieties of trade accomplished in those far-off days. Even to the extent of establishing a common currency (proving there’s nothing new!) which, as “The Easterling” eventually became the £ Sterling!
After the bar break, everyone settled back to await our next speaker, Moira Usher on “Diving”. Rather than the lights dimming and the screen coming life, a fully-equipped diver – Moira - “strode” (hardly the right word, bearing in mind the volume and weight of gear she was wearing!) down the aisle.
Arriving at the podium, Moira proceeded to remove each item of equipment, explaining its purpose and use. The size, weight and
complexity of it all was staggering and her description of the “behind the scenes” part of diving was both fascinating and often extremely amusing.
Unburdened of her diving suit and as a grand finale, she explained that she was in the process of attempting a World Record for underwater recorder playing - - - and gave us a tune!
Dredging, Maritime Trading, Diving, what next? Thames Barges of course! Peter Norton has been involved with the East Coast Sailing Trust and their barge “Thalatta” for many years. Since 1967 she has been busy taking young people to sea to broaden their lives and give them an insight into, effectively for nearly all of them, a totally different way of life. Not just as passengers but as members of the crew.
“Thalatta” currently stands in the hold of an old lighter at St Osyths where she is nearing the completion of a very major rebuilt – with much financial help from the Lottery Fund. The Trust hope to re-launch her this summer but they still have a lot of work and fund-raising to do before she puts back to sea to continue her good work.
A thoroughly good and diverse evening was had by all. Our thanks go to our speakers who had clearly put in a great deal of time, thought and work into their presentations – making our evening both varied and enjoyable. Put April 4th. 2012 in your diaries for the next one! Our grateful thanks to all four of you.
There followed our AGM before the 35 members who stayed on to witness what could prove to be our shortest on record – 8 minutes! This, thanks to pre-circulated data and there being no queries.
Mark Grimwade
Talk evening raffles
The raffles that have been held on the six talk nights over winter 10/11 have raised a total of £284 for the IMT funds. A big ‘thank you’ to June Webb for cajoling members and visitors to part with their money in aid of a good cause.
Membership news
The IMT continues to attract new members and current membership now stands at over 230 – thank you for your support!
A warm welcome to the new members who have recently joined:
Mike Cook, Terence Rice, Brian Pinner, Darrell Chalkey, Steve Godwin, Peter & Rosemary Creasey, Ewen Stamp, Gregg Weeding, Peter Wright, Barrie Powell
e-mails!
If you have received this newsletter through the post and would prefer to receive by email, please let me know 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 and maintain the subscription level.
Fraser Yates
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To whet your appetite for the pre-talk optional supper, here is a sample RHYC Menu for the IMT talk on 6th April 2011.
Autumn 2011 Talks 
Wednesday 5th October, 8pm
“71 Years of a Coasting Ship” by Captain G Hartgrove The amazing true story of a small Dutch built, Coaster.
Her incredible life, and voyages which involved High Seas in winter North Atlantic, fire, abandonment, fantastic sea rescue, gun fire, attempted piracy, hurricanes, and final resting place 5,000 miles from her original home port. 
A presentation to Ipswich Maritime Trust, by her Master
Captain Geoff Hartgrove
2nd November 2011, 8pm –
"Alternative Energy" by Professor John Midwinter
There are at least two compelling reasons to wean ourselves off fossil fuels - reduce our impact on the climate, mainly as a result of our greenhouse gas emissions, and the painful fact that we have been using oil faster than we have been discovering it since about 1980, with the inevitable result that world supply is likely to run out for most practical purposes by mid to late century. But just switching to renewables is easier said than done. David MacKay, in his book “Sustainable Energy - without the hot air” has tried to set bounds on what is possible within the laws of physics for the UK and in so doing has demonstrated this clearly. Prof. John Midwinter will look at some of his conclusions and discuss what it means for the UK.
7th December 2011, 8pm – “The work of Greenwich Observatory” – by Jonathon Betts, Senior Specialist, Horology
"The Royal Observatory Greenwich, the subject of this talk, is most famous today for being the home of Greenwich Mean Time, the basis of the world's time-zone system and having 'Zero Longitude', the prime meridian of the world. Few realise however that when the Observatory was founded in 1675 its remit was entirely saving lives at sea. The principal aim was to discover a means of finding Longitude, one’s East-West position, when at sea.
During the 19th century, the Astronomer Royal (the Head of the
Observatory) was George Biddell Airy, a Suffolk man and one of the
Observatory's finest astronomers. It is Airy's great Transit Telescope, built by Ransomes in Ipswich, which was to be accepted internationally in 1884 as defining the Prime Meridian of the world." -------------------------------------------------------
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 may be made by email to: bookings@ipswichmaritimetrust.org.uk or call the number shown on the booking forms.
Wednesday 7th December 2011, 8pm (supper served at 6.45pm)
“The work of Greenwich Observatory” – by Jonathon Betts, Senior Specialist, Horology Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, November 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, November 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 Fraser on 07531 083 576 and pay on the night, (email bookings will be acknowledged).
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Wednesday 2nd November 2011, 8pm (supper served at 6.45pm)
"Alternative Energy" by Professor John Midwinter
Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, October 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, October 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 Fraser on 07531 083 576 and pay on the night, (email bookings will be acknowledged).
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Wednesday 5th October 2011, 8pm (supper served at 6.45pm)
“71 Years of a Coasting Ship” by Captain G Hartgrove
Reservations for supper must be received by Wednesday, September28th. 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, September 28th) £____________
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).
Sunday 24th July 18.00- 20.00
Water Sports event Reception at the Old Custom House
Please book …….. places for the reception on the 25th July at £6.00 per head
Name (printed please) …………………………………………..
Cheques made payable to ‘IMT’ and sent to: IMT, 309 Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 4BW Or call Fraser on 07531 083576 to make a reservation.
[Please make bookings by Monday 18th July, thanks]
IMT Barge Trip on s/b Centaur
I would like to book ……. places at £60 per head for Barge trip on Thursday 18th August Name (printed please) …………………………………………..
Cheques made payable to ‘IMT’ and sent to: IMT, 309 Norwich Road, Ipswich, IP1 4BW Or call Fraser on 07531 083576 to make a reservation.
(due to the limited number of places payment is required in advance).
[Please make bookings by Monday 1st August, thanks]