Issue 4 March 2005
March 2005
Newsletter No. 4
Our third Newsletter was circulated to those who had previously made themselves known to theTrust, and who might now wish to join us. The response to that was very good, but we are now keen to make
ourselves known to others who share our aims. This is a gentle reminder to those who did receive Newsletter No3 but have yet to respond, as well as providing an update on developments over the last
month.
Our series of Spring lectures at the Waterfront Centre in 2004 were all fascinating and very well attended. Our exhibition at the same venue in September, held as part of “Ipswich Heritage Weekend”, had over 300 visitors, and we now wish to start our 2005 programme by reaching out to an even wider audience. The success of these lectures and events and our ongoing developments (see below for details) show clearly that there is tremendous local interest in “Matters Maritime” and the Trust’s projects.
To encourage those interested, we have introduced a new membership scheme for the Trust. Annual Membership subscriptions are £5.00 for individual Membership or £7.50 for Household Membership, including free entry for paid-up Members (or up to 2 people in the case of Household Membership) to whichever is the first Lecture of the Trust’s Spring 2005 series of talks you are able to
attend (subject to availability of seat reservations). Additionally, you will have the opportunity to have a “say” in the development of the Trust, become involved in our activities - should you wish - and receive
regular Newsletters giving details on maritime events in the area as well as news of progress of the Trust’s various projects. As in all organisations, new blood, ideas and help are always needed and
welcome. No commitment is required when becoming a member but you will be very welcome to become involved in any of our projects. An application form is enclosed with this Newsletter.
Maritime Centre
The developers of the new Cranfields Mill Development have already agreed to provide a display area for us within the new building. Details are now being finalised for this. Meanwhile, we have recently
bought a 20' shipping container as a store for maritime artefacts. ABP have kindly provided a location for it adjacent to Haven Marina and members have already lined, insulated and begun filling it. Already
we have been given many artefacts including several items donated by Mrs. Whitmore from the family’s chandlery/sail-making business on the Dock. More please! There is undoubtedly a wealth of other items
tucked away in garages, lofts and corners which need preserving, annotating and storing - hence the container! Do you have, or know the whereabouts of, any maritime artefacts? Please tell us if
you do. First collect the artefacts, the next step is to display them. We are under way!
Some years ago, we were presented with the 1910 ex-GER passenger launch MV “Pinmill” (her sisters are “Brightlingsea”, “Epping”, and “Hainault”). Sadly, our application to the HLF for her complete
restoration was not successful, but she remains a viable restoration project. However, our commitments in other directions have caused us to seek a suitable new owner for her who will give her a new lease of
life. Is anyone interested - she is laid-up ashore at Haven Marina in the boat park behind their offices on the Island Site - you can’t miss her, she’s “the one with the funnel”. In the meantime, she is being advertised in “Classic Boat” magazine. Details from Des Pawson - see below.
Future events:
Following Richard Woodman’s talk on ‘Trafalgar’ on 2nd
. March, we shall be holding 2 more lectures in
early 2005:
Please note that the new venue will be the Ipswich Central Library Lecture Room.
Wednesday, April 6th: Richard Smith will talk on “The Port of Ipswich and its Shipping”. Richard is a founder member of the IMT, has written many books on local maritime subjects and has a wealth of
knowledge and photographs to share.
Wednesday, May 4th: Bob Malster on “Ipswich Dock and its Engineers”. Amongst his many publications is the definitive book on the building of Ipswich Wet Dock. He will tell us “who” as well as “what”, “why”, “when” and “how”!
All promise to be at least as popular as last year’s lectures. Do come - joint the Trust and “get one free”! (see above). The lectures begin at 19.30hrs. and should finish around 21.30hrs. Our 2004 lecture
series held in the Waterfront Centre proved so popular that this year the Trust has decided to hold the 2005 series of lectures in larger premises, which we hope will enable all to be seated more comfortably. Access to the Lecture Room is from Old Foundry Road, and off-street parking is not far away in the Charles St. multi-storey car park. We hope this proves a success, but we would like to review the
situation later in the year, and so all views will be welcome! Advance booking of seats is still recommended! Contact Des Pawson on 01473 690090 or e-mail him at knots@footrope.fsnet.co.uk
Thames Barge Week-end:
The Annual Passage Race from Gravesend to Pin Mill will take place on 25thJune, with the 44th Pin Mill Sailing Club’s Barge Match the following Saturday, 2ndJuly. Between these two races, we shall be holding a “Barge Week-end” in the Wet Dock on 25th/26th June, courtesy of ABP. We are hoping to have some of the barges that are not racing there for the entire weekend and the racing barges are being invited to lay alongside after they have finished the Passage Match. We plan to mount an accompanying shoreside exhibition in the Waterfront Centre. More on this later.
Projects in the pipeline:
Maritime Artefacts. As mentioned, we now have a storage container and the promise of a display area within the Cranfield Mill Development. Artefacts are now welcome! Please pass the word around, and look in the attic, shed, garage, cellar, or even ask at you local boatyard!
Paul’s Maltings have been sold for development. The Trust has been invited to become involved in the planning of this project.
HMS Pickle: is a replica of the vessel which brought home news of the Trafalgar victory. There is a possibility that she may visit Ipswich later this year, and the Trust hopes to co-operate with the organisers of this project should it go ahead.
This year is designated “Sea Britain 2005”. Join us in celebrating it!