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Lynher's January Newsletter
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Welcome to our first newsletter of 2022. We have been working hard behind the scenes getting everything ready for the forthcoming season and we have lots of exciting news and stories to share with you.
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Classic Boats Awards 2022
Vote for Lynher!
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We are delighted to announce that Lynher has been chosen for the prestigious Centenarian of the Year Award. This Classic Boat award is shortlisted by an international panel of judges, based on authenticity, recent achievements or a wider story that deserves praise. Click the image below to vote for Lynher!
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Lynher and Her Team at Cotehele Quay
New Volunteers Join Us for The Structural Work
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Lynher started 2022 fully undercover at Cotehele Quay, under a purposed built shroud, to give protection from the elements, whilst most of the structural jobs were completed down below deck. However, as the colder, damp weather arrived, the cover was producing condensation, which was no good for the above deck work. The cover has now been removed and the decks were cleared and readied to be painted. We can report that Lynher's decks are now gleaming and painted a lovely shade of grey.
We were thrilled to have two new volunteers join us at Cotehele. Say hello to Mike and Charlie who have joined Lynher's Volunteering Team. Mike spent 40 years with the Navy as a Shipwright and he is currently underway making a plywood protective cover for Lynher's electric engine. Charlie has had the task of sanding down and painting the metalwork on the barrels on deck, which hold the fresh water for the heads and galley below. Our grateful thanks go to both Mike and Charlie and also to Brian and Kit, who are always there to lend a hand, every year without fail. In the pictures above, you can see some of the detailed work they have all been doing, under the direction of Captain Dom.
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It is wonderful to be able to work on Lynher's annual refit at Cotehele Quay and our thanks go to the National Trust Team at Cotehele for assisting us with this. Lynher has been much admired by the visitors to the quay. They have enjoyed seeing us working there, in such an original, natural setting. It must be like stepping back in time for them as they come across us there. The National Trust already had an Interpretation Panel for Shamrock, the only other exsisiting Tamar Barge, who is right next to us, under shrouds, at the quay. We thought that was a good idea for us to do the same for Lynher as we had so much interest from the passers by. You can see our panel board in the pictures above, telling the story of Lynher's history, how she was restored, and her present work.
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Lynher's Spars at Cremyll
Tales of New Leatherwork and Well-Oiled Rigging
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Lots of activity has been ongoing at The Gymnasium this winter period, led by Lynher's very dedicated Volunteering Team; Ben, Brian and Kit, together with Dom and Barbara. They have all split their time between Cotehele and Cremyll and now everything they have touched is gleaming. Just look at the varnished shine on the spars in the picture. This is very painstaking work, as after all the rubbing down and making good, they must have Stockholm tar and linseed oil fully applied before the final varnish coats. All the blocks have been sanded, serviced and varnished. The metalwork and ironwork for the spars and the sheaves for the mast which had previously been repainted matt black by Jewel and have now been reassembled.
The leatherwork has all been applied to the standing rigging. The new leather was very stiff and thick. To create the covers the leather was soaked up for days in water to soften and be malleable enough to wrap it around the looped ends of the shrouds. The leather covers are then stuffed with tar and linseed oil to help stop water ingress. In the pictures you can see the traditional sailmaking tools and the palm that protects the hand and fingers when sewing. The holes in the leather are drilled first and then two large needles must be pushed through either side simultaneously to sew and tight-fit the leather into shape with the aid of the palm and gloves. This is hard work indeed as the tension must be kept by pulling across the work to keep the stitches tight and neat. The outer edge of the leather work is then sewed again to gain maximum watertightness which is the purpose of this lengthy manual work.
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Our Brand New Website Is Live!
Smart, User-Friendly and with New Features
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Half Day River Cruises and Weekend Sailing Adventures
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Private Venue Hire and Glamping Experiences
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Workshops, RYA & Seamanship Courses
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"Support A Trip" - Enabling A Charity, Group or School With Needed Funding
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We are very pleased to announce that our website has had a total revamp for 2022 and has just been launched online. We are also proud to announce new programmes for this season that everyone can enjoy and get involved with. Our user friendly, freshly styled website will guide you through all the new options and you will easily be able to book your chosen event online. We are also open to your ideas and can tailor your experiences in a unique way that will best suit your group, family or school party, whether it be workshops, courses, adventure days or staying onboard.
There are even ways you can donate online to a very worthwhile cause "Support A Trip." This is designed to attract funding to allow Charities, Schools and Groups, that wouldn't otherwise have access to Lynher and her restorative powers. We have seen, in the past, just how much these workshops and day trips mean to those in need. Lynher unites people in a magical way.
New for 2022:
In 2022, Lynher will use the historic quay on the Cotehele estate as a base for her operations. The former country residence of the Edgcumbe Family is now managed by the National Trust.
Cotehele was once an active and busy quay where goods such as local produce, coal, timber and fertiliser were shipped to and from Plymouth. Barges were a large part of this operation.
Now we can also be based at Cotehele Quay as well as Cremyll the possibilities are almost endless and we can be flexible, accessible and inclusive for all. You don't need to have any sailing experience, in fact you may not wish to sail at all, as Lynher can be a static event platform moored in the unique, tranquil setting of National Trust's Cotehele Quay. Imagine your party or anniversary being catered for by us or you can stay onboard on a self-catering basis! With Lynher, you are able to explore the beautiful UNESCO World Mining Heritage Site and Area of Natural Outstanding Beauty, the Tamar Valley. Hire our rowing boat or SUP's for a peaceful paddle on the river, perfect for wildlife watching or go trail walking on the Bere Peninsula and discover wonderful villages and spectacular views with Lynher as your holiday base. See the pictures below for a flavour of what we have in mind and browse our new website and book your adventures with us today. We guarantee you a very special, magical, memorable time. Click here and starting planning your event: https://tamarbarge.org.uk
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Click here to take a look around our new website for holiday and event ideas
https://tamarbarge.org.uk
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Maritime History Series - The Garlandstone
What has happened to Lynher's Big Sister?
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Since we have been staying at The National Trust's Cotehele Quay, refitting Lynher, we have had many interested locals coming to chat with us and find out more about Lynher CIC's work. Some have grown up in the area and go back many generations, with links to the woking Tamar Barges and have great stories to share with us. Inevitably, within our conversations we are asked if we know what has happened to The Garlandstone.
A Brief History Of The Garlandstone:
The Garlandstone: a gaff-rigged sailing ketch, typical of the kind of craft that carried copper from Morwellham round to Wales for smelting. Built by James Goss, (as was Lynher in 1896), at his boat yard, about 2 miles downriver near Calstock. Her design was based on the boats carrying cargo up and down the Tamar in the mid 19th Century. Launched in 1909, she was the last cargo-carrying sailing vessel to have been built in the West Country. She was named ‘Garlandstone’ by her first Captain after a rock off the coast of Pembrokeshire, and is considered to be a masterpiece of subtle design; elegant, yet strong and serviceable.
At 76 feet long, 20 feet wide, she would draw 4 feet unladen and 9 feet when fully laden, with an unladen weight of 75 tons and a cargo capacity of 100 tons. There were eight sails in total: two on the mizzen, two on the main, a stay-sail and three on the bowsprit. She had a crew of just three men.
Garlandstone had a varied life mainly carrying cargo between Ireland and the Bristol Channel. She continued to work through two world wars and up until the 1960’s.
So where is she now?
Following our various conversations we went in search of her. Last known to us she was lying at Morwellham Quay, further up river. Lynher had also been laid up there prior to being moved to Mashfords Boatyard by her previous owner.
As you can see from the pictures above - we found her - The Garlandstone - but not in a great state. She is deteriorating very badly and is unable to float on her own any more. In order that she does not sink too quickly into the mud, the side planking had to be broken up to create a large hole so the tidal waters could flow inside and get back out again. Morwellham Village itself, was shut, and has been, since the first lockdown of March 2020 however they hope to reopen by Easter.
To save this great trading ketch, James Goss' famous Garlandstone, it would mean a rebuild of hundreds of thousands of pounds. This appears impossible and very doubtful to achieve. Therefore we are, very sadly, well on our way to losing a very important part of our local and national maritime heritage - a treasure - unless a miracle happens. The only part of her that will endure is the remarkable, original model of her that was created in perfect proportions by James Goss. James created perfect models, by hand, of all his craft, within the design process. The Garlandstone's wonderful model is proudly cared for by James' ancestors.
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Restored Firefly Needs A Home
Restored and Ready To Go
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This beautiful Firefly (pictured above) is currently in our Gymnasium Workshop at Cremyll. It has been restored during the first lockdown in 2020 by the students of the former Plymouth School Of Creative Arts.
Lynher CIC, have far too many boats on site and sadly, as we don't use this lovely Firefly, we have reluctantly agreed to part with it, as boats have to be used to continue to thrive.
This Firefly comes fully rigged and with its own launching trolley, ready to go to a loving new home. It is free to take home and enjoy today. A donation to Lynher CIC, would be gratefully received and would go towards the upkeep of Lynher and her ongoing community work.
A Brief History Of The Firefly:
The Firefly is a two-sail, one design, wooden or GRP sailing dinghy with no spinnaker, designed by Uffa Fox in 1946. The first four boats from the production line were named Fe, Fi, Fo and Fum. Number one, Fe, is now owned by the National Maritime Museum Cornwall.
Although designed as a double-hander, it was selected as the single handed class for the 1948 Olympics but was subsequently replaced by the Finn class. The class then became popular as a low cost, one design, double hander, as was originally intended, tolerating remarkably well combined weights of 16 to 25 stone (102 to 159 kg).
The Firefly class today has a thriving open events calendar in the UK. The national championships are always held at a sea venue and attracts a very high level of dinghy racing competitors in boats of all ages from all over the country and fleets of 60 entries plus. Away events are held at a number of the top end sailing clubs in the UK including Restonguet, Itchenor, West Kirby, Felixstowe Ferry, Southport, Budworth and Rickmansworth. It has become particularly successful as a team racing boat in the UK, thanks to its high manoeuvrability, easy handling, and low cost. Another benefit is the use of smaller mainsail which enables sailing in stronger winds. The Firefly appeals to all ages and is raced by both men and women.
To arrange collection of the Firefly or to find out more please email: barbara@tamarbarge.org.uk
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Captain Tazio Has The Last Word
My Portrait Is Causing Quite A Stir!
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Above: Is This My Best Side?
Captain Tazio cuts a fine figure with his portrait pose.
Below: A Captain's work is never done!
Here I am keeping the decks tidy and training the crew.
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This "fine art" painting is a particularly good likeness of me and I look particularly handsome in this study. I sat very patiently for this portrait (encouraged by various snacks) and I would like to thank my good friend and work neighbour in Cremyll, the renowned painter Heath Hearn, for his excellent work.
Heath owns and runs The Cremyll School Of Painters in the workshop next door to The Gymnasium. He holds workshops and instruction in Fine Art and if you would like to find out more about his work then you can email him: heathhearn@gmail.com
If you would like a copy of this excellent study of me then we can arrange this for you. I can be immortalised in either a canvas print or greeting cards. I am quite sure the orders will be flooding in as I am a popular chap so get in touch soon! All proceeds will go to Lynher CIC to keep me in a job and snacks!
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