Feb

NATIONAL HERITAGE LOTTERY FUNDING for Royal DiademII Restoration

The project has successfully managed to completely restore and conserve the Royal Diadem II Fishing Coble. This has been made possible by full funding from The National Heritage Lottery Fund and by thousands of hours of work from dedicated volunteers.

Extensive repairs necessitating vast amounts of timber replacement, incorporating all aspects of construction arrangements for which the Northumbrian Fishing Coble is unique. We are delighted with the standard of workmanship that has evolved throughout the whole learning process of the project. It has been possible to show and adopt the traditional skills, using the traditional tools, required to restore and maintain such vessels. The restoration has progressed in such a way that we can assure the vessel will be conserved for a maximum period of time. We have introduced a balance by using the very tradition materials and building methods, along with modern fastenings and adhesives which are now available to boat builders to ensure sustainability whilst maintaining the tradition of our Maritime Heritage. A continual and detailed photographic record of the project has been maintained along with the development of a soft back booklet made widely available to illustrate the restoration and history of such fishing boats and lifestyle.

“Click on thumbnails to enlarge”

We have had twelve volunteers who attended and worked on a regular basis, however, there have been in the region of 750 people visiting the project including groups from local Marine colleges and schools.Whilst it has not been possible (sometimes quite impractical around a comparatively small boat) for every one interested or visiting to don working gear and get practically involved, many have been closely involved by watching and listening to our guides and demonstrators. Even “smelling and feeling” the different timbers whilst soaking up the atmosphere within the workshop and along the stimulating river side location. Those whom have not been able to get “Hands on” have still provided enthusiasm and encouragement throughout the project and a great willingness to learn about the boat building skills, have left the workshops more knowledgeable and to pass on the word of the excellent work we have proudly done.

It is so rewarding to see the immense progress and confidence building of the volunteers as they learn the wide variety of skills and techniques required throughout the project. Old traditional boat building tools have been donated to the Trust over the years and it has been a golden opportunity to put these tools back into use and to teach the skills and techniques required by each one of them. Many open discussions have been held during the work to learn about the choice of materials and methods originally used; the various weaknesses of the vessel’s design and construction and why these elements were incorporated at the time along with availability of local timbers. As each anomaly was uncovered it has been a wonderful opportunity to analysis and promote new ideas as to over come the failings without detracting from the traditional method of construction.

Through out the restoration, breaks in work have been taken to allow time to demonstrate and to ensure full understanding of the particular technique required for a particular task.Photographs and drawings have been displayed nearby on the vessel and in the engine overhaul bay, to show the finished arrangement required and the records to be kept for future reference.