Look at the projects, meet the workforce and see the vessels on the water.

Heritage vessels are visiting the quayside from 2.00pm.

Shaft Inspection access

Dave Parker fitting new bracket

Norman Woolford (left) and George Richardson (right) making ‘Keel Bolts’ at the forge recently manufactured by Dave Parker

The finished keel bolts (22+ required)

Mick Dawson making wooden templates for stern section  framing/planking.

Formers are required to hold plank tops in place while both they and the rotten gunnels are renewed.

The BMC engine now has a new starter motor fitted (original was beyond repair). The fuel injection pump and injectors have now been tested and refitted to the engine. Gearbox and odd piping still to fit ready for a test run in the workshop.

We have also made a modification to the design of the Lifeboat by fitting a bow thruster.

Chris Morgan demonstrating the
new design.

That’s all for now folks!

The Sovereign takes to the seas

 Soundings – restoration progress since the last newsletter.

 Maritime Tales –river / marine related stories.

 Events – since last newsletter and in the future

 Members – new active members

 Waypoints – local interest

 The Resident Poet – Anon

 Soundings

Henry Frederick Swan (the Boat) – progress in steam HFS

 Henry Frederick Swan (the Man)

 The lifeboat is named after a very interesting man.

 One of eleven (11) children he was born 1842 to William Swan and Anne Sheriton at Prudhoe Hall.

 He started his career at 16 years of age at Mitchell Shipyard, Low Walker. He was a naval architect and eventually became Director of Sir WG Armstrong, Witworth & Co.

 Early in his career he was based in Russia and helped establish an iron shipbuilding yard for the Tsarist government and supervising the building of screw steamers built in kit form at the Mitchell Yard.

 He was a pioneer in oil tanker design, taking out several patents for tank steamers and became one of the world’s foremost authorities in the field. He is noted for the design of what became the prototype the Oil Tanker as we know it to-day.

 He had family relationships with what became Swan Hunters naval shipyard

He also found time to be married twice, have seven children and be involved with the Northumberland fusiliers holding the rank of Colonel.

 He died 25^th March 1908.

 With kind permission from John Swan (descendant of Henry Frederick Swan)

 For more detail please visit www.nemt.co.uk/hfs.

 Spring Tide

During the relatively dormant winter months we have managed to make some progress on the Spring Tide. Here she is with some new planking a new transom and a lick of primer paint.

The Wren

Because we did such a good job last time – the Wren is back for a touch-up of external paintwork. We are also going to do some internal work in the drop keel area this time

Approximately four weeks work.

The Workers (or some of them at least)

(From left to right)

 Dave Parker, Tim West, Arthur Hamilton, Jerry Dudman, Charlie Lowdon, Phil Smith, Mick Dawson, Alan Smith, Ron Clarke, Kevin Conn, Peter Waugh and Alex Thurkettle.

Maritime Tails

A Wife’s Tale
My merchant navy ‘career’ began at the ripe old age of twenty six when I accompanied my husband on one of Silver Line’s mighty grey hounds of the ocean ‘MV Silver Main’ – a bulk carrier.
I flew out with the Mate to join the ship in Kuwait, in those days the airport still had flocks of sheep passing through the transit lounge, and watch out if your underwear had a Marks and Spenser label because it would be confiscated.
After clearing Customs we eventually tracked down our luggage and managed to locate the agent’s driver, and then we set out for the ship. The mate advised me to sit up front with the driver because there was too much luggage in the back of the rather small car. I should have been suspicious then; the Arab driver kept confusing my knee with the gear stick, and when we approached a road junction he fired off a volley of pistol shots, no traffic lights in those days!. What an introduction to joining a ship!
A few years later I was flying out to Montréal, Canada, to join Arthur on yet another Silver Line bulk carrier. On route the ship’s crew decided to imbibe in a few beers. What a surprise!! When we all met up at the Canadian passport control the Immigration Officer was going to deny all of them entry because, to a man, they were
drunk! At this point I spoke up for the crew, some of whom I had sailed with in the past, and it was agreed that I would have to vouch for the behaviour of the crew or they would not be allowed into the country. I literally had to sign a document stating I would accept responsibility for five intoxicated crew members. So there I was stone cold sober with five tipsy crew members. Heaven!
The ships agent’s runner/driver was waiting to take us to our hotel. When we arrived I thought this hotel looks a bit cheap and nasty. Never the less I thought I would go along with it and have a good look before complaining. My suspicions were correct; it was a dubious establishment, more like a brothel than a hotel. Yes, I know what you’re thinking but that’s another tale. At this point I decided enough was enough. In those days wives had to pay for hotel accommodation (but not the flights) and I was not staying in this flea pit. Plus, I had responsibility for the crew (who were not yet sober). They would be coming with me to a more suitable establishment.
I thought I would have had an argument on my hands, but no we went to a very smart hotel that surprisingly had reservations for all of us. It seems the agent’s runner/driver was looking for an opportunity to increase his earnings at our expense! Now there’s a surprise!
As luck would have it the ship was delayed coming down the Saint Lawrence Sea –way, so the crew and I had a few enjoyable days exploring the city. Once we got on board I handed over the Immigration Department’s documentation regarding the crew and thus ended my career as a chaperone.
My career as chaperone may have ended but other opportunities were awaiting me; agony aunt; wardrobe mistress; deck hand; rat guard operative; steersman; finder of missing engineers; painter of lube oil purifiers to name but a few.

Contributed by Margaret Hamilton

Does anybody else have similar memories or river tales of a maritime nature to tell?
Contributions for future issues of the newsletter please to arthurhamilton158@btinternet.com

Events
Much needed Donations have been gratefully received from the following since the December Newsletter:
Lightfoot Charity Family Trust (quarterly) Peter Arnold (monthly)
Hedworth Freemasons Lodge Alec Renwick (monthly)
South Tyneside College Students Gordon Stridiron
Arbroath Platform Ian Montgomery
Richard Schofield
Being the winter season only one event has taken place since the December newsletter.
Friday 16th March – Successful “Sea Trials” for the ‘Sovereign’ after her restoration at Fred Crowell’s Yard.
Coming Soon:
Thursday 5th April – Pie & Peas, Raffle, Quiz night at the Westoe Rugby Club 7.30pm
Tickets (£5) available from Tim West – Mobile 07969908123.
Satuday 21st April – Open Day at NEMT Yard, Wapping Street. (1400 to 1800+Hrs)
Opportunity to see some of our boats in the water, ramble around the yard and meet like interested parties.
Other events in the planning:
Seahouses Weekend
Table Top Sale at the trust
Queen’s Jubilee
Seahouses Festival
Bar-B-Que/Bistro Night at the Trust
Tynemouth Lifeboat Day
Arbroath SeaFest
Cullercoats Lifeboat Day

Members

Benefits of Membership – Quarterly newsletter
- Visit the workshop at any time Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Opportunity to take part in events
We have five new members during the last period including four active members as below:
Anne Peterson
Philip Smith
Tom Howe
Ian Montgomery
Chris Morgan
Waypoints
Regional News
We are the North East maritime trust, so what is happening beyond South Shields? Can anyone contribute news of other things happening up and down our coast? What else is of interest that we are not covering? – Please let me know. Arthur – arthurhamilton158@btinternet.com

Here we present the NEMT Collection.

TO SEE THE REST OF THE COLLECTION CLICK “PREVIOUS ENTRIES” AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BOATS PAGE.

The vessels detailed are those belonging to the Trust and associated vessels. “Associated Vessels” are members’ boats, boats whose owners have pledged that they will do their best to manage the restoration and preservation of the vessel in accordance with the “Barcelona Charter” – these vessels are indicated by an asterisk after their name. The owners have declared that their interest in each vessel is not for personal gain, other than the satisfaction gained in pursuit of its preservation, display and related activities. Though they do receive moral support from NEMT, they are entirely financially independent.

To see the photos enlarged just click on them once.

Christina is a sailing coble of the smaller “salmon boat” type. Though typical of the nineteenth century, she was built by Harrison’s of Amble in the 1970s for an enthusiast in South Wales. She was brought to the north east in 2003 and sails off the Tyne in the summer months.

Christina has no engine, in traditional manner, but can take an outboard motor in a well when wind is not co-operative.

Some places on the hull only one layer, the outside in this case, needs replacing.

The canvas which is sandwiched in the middle can be seen.

In the way of some of the fittings both layers have to be replaced.  In fact it appears that  the planking has rotted where there have been any fittings attached to the skin.

Ron Clarke with the  port inspection box.  It could be the starboard one as there are inspection wells on either side of the propeller tunnel.

Dave de Hart with the starboard inspection box (or port – see above).

Technically they are the inspection well plugs which will keep the lining of the prop tunnel smooth.

Web editor’s Note : these are the details that I missed of December’s newsletter.

December Table Top Sale

Welcome to our Xmas newsletter which is again packed with NEMT’s latest information.
Soundings – restoration progress since the last newsletter.
Events – since last newsletter and in the future.
Members – new active members.
Waypoints – local interest.
Soundings.

Soundings – Henry Frederick Swan.

Tim cleaning up damaged skin.

In between other necessary activities – work progresses.  Tim West leads the programme of restoration.
The damaged areas of side planking have now been removed. This has necessitated both chevron layers being removed in some cases. (see pics).

Otherwise general clean-up has been constantly progressed by other members.

The BMC engine removed from the Lifeboat is almost fully overhauled, just awaiting the return of the fuel injection pump and injectors from specialists Auto Diesel.

< < After overhaul with fresh coat of paint

Lunchtime break at the stove manufactured by Dave Parker (on the right)

Contributions for future issues of the newsletter please to arthurhamilton158@btinternet.com
Events
Much needed Donations have been gratefully received from the following since the September Newsletter:

• Lightfoot Charity Family Trust (quarterly)
• Peter Arnold (monthly)
• Northumberland Fishing Heritage Trust
• Alec Renwick (monthly)
• MS Kington
• John Fogg

The trust has also held a number of events to help with raising funds:

• Friday 16th September – Gateshead Bridges 10 year celebration, sail past of a flotilla of local small boats. The trust was represented by the Rachel Douglas, Favourite and Sovereign (Seine Netter fishing boats).
• Monday 3rd October – Age UK promotion day at Temple Park Leisure Centre.
•  Tuesday 11th & Wednesday 19th October – Age UK open days at the workshop.
• Saturday 3rd December – “Table Top Sale” at the Trust. We eventually held our 2nd sale and this was once again very successful in raising much needed funds.

Members -  please see reminder for subs at page top.
Benefits of Membership – Quarterly newsletter
- Visit the workshop at any time Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Opportunity to take part in events

We have six new members during the last period including the four active members below:
John Fogg
Richard Schofield
George Richardson
Simon Ritchie
Additionally we have the ‘A’ Team of three enthusiastic teenagers, Luke, Leon and James, who manage to spend some time at the yard in between Sea Scouts activities.

Can you help?
Although the trust has gained a six members including four new active members this period we could do still do with some help.
An Electrician would be useful.

Waypoints  and Regional News
We are the North East maritime trust, so what is happening beyond South Shields? Can anyone contribute news of other things happening up and down our coast? What else is of interest that we are not covering? – Please let me know.

Arthur – arthurhamilton158@btinternet.com

Henry Frederick Swan
There is not a lot of visible change to the progress onboard the Lifeboat, but internal cleaning has virtually been completed by Charlie Lowden, Dave de Hart and Doug Miller, and the steel keel is now almost all cleaned-up and primer coated. This has been virtually a one man effort by Jerry Dudman. Thanks Jerry (with a little help from Ian Thomas and Dave de Hart).

New Bulkhead

Fitted bulkhead and stern bracket

Wonders of wonders we are now refitting some of the damaged woodwork inside the boat. A start has been made by making and fitting a new aft bulkhead for the engine room and the stern brackets in the shaft area have been painstakingly removed cleaned-up, primed and refitted.

The BMC engine removed from the Lifeboat is now currently undergoing overhaul. This was seized-up, but so far the only sign of problems has been a vast accumulation of gung and traces of water in the sump, which has generally gummed-up the engine bearings/shafting. The bearings have been cleaned-up and the engine is now turning freely. (note the technical engineering terms !)

Our newly established engineering department

However the reduction gearbox was found to also have evidence of water and the bearing is badly rusted and seized-up. The bearing and seals will have to be renewed.

Royal Diadem II

Checking shaft coupling alignment

The Royal Diadem II is now back in the water after a bit of touch-up of the anti-fouling and refurbishment of the reversing gearbox, which needed new bearings.
We have also fitted a more functional shaft coupling to provide flexibility.
Checking shaft coupling alignment
Arthur Hamilton with Dave Parker taking the boat for a short trip to check serviceability.
All now ready for Cullercoats Festival.

Foy Boat and Spring Tide

Daylight

A recent addition to the workload has been the repair of a Foy Boat with damaged hull planking.
Ralph Donnelly from the Foy Boat Association needed a repair to Foy Boat No.5
This was a rather wide beamed foy boat and needed some shifting of existing projects to provide space. Fortunately Peter, who is now becoming the expert in fitting new planks got to work and the boat was repaired and returned within the month, with four new sections of planking.
On Spring Tide the work progresses slowly – I think two more planks have been fitted by Peter Waugh in between repairing the foy boat and holidays.

Wreck Removed

Ex-Navel Pinnace and Rachel Douglas

For as long as the Maritime Trust has been established we have had the dubious pleasure of seeing the Hulk (complete with nesting seagulls) in the river alongside our own Royal Diadem II moorings. Well now it has gone!! Associate member Clive Taylor has taken part ownership of this pinnace with the intention of restoring it.

The Rachel Douglas (After its trip to Abroath) is seen here preparing to tow the Hulk to Tynedock.
Chains

Well this is the next part of the process of establishing moorings for the Trust’s boats. We have already put down marker buoys and now have the weights made-up ready for the first opportunity to get the moorings completed.

“Materialistics” Connection (Collection)
Continuing our association with the “Materialistics” (Ladies that knit and knatter) Dave Parker has built a ‘Hanzel and Gretal’ house for the ladies to cover with knitting for their latest project “Once Upon a Time” based on children’s literature. The full display will be in the gallery at the Customs House from 3rd Dec through to the end of January.

Events
Much needed Donations have been gratefully received from the following since the June Newsletter:
Tyne Foy Boats Association, Peter Arnold (monthly), Abroath Sea Fisheries Festival,  Alec Renwick (monthly), Dave Bell
The trust has also held a number of events to help with raising funds:
17 July – Tynemouth Lifeboat festival – unfortunately we didn’t find the time to get to this event. It is a pity considering the Henry Frederick Swan was a Tynemouth boat.
- Meeting with “Coble and Keel Boat Society” was a friendly convivial affair at a local hostelry, to talk about areas of common interest and the Trust is grateful to the Society for its welcome during the Cullercoats event.
Sat 6th August – The ‘Boatyard Bistro’ with various hot dishes (thanks to members of the Trust) and plenty of desserts (mainly supplied by the ladies of the Materialistics), proved to be a successful evening. (and the weather was kind) Thank you to all contributors.
Approx. 90 happy people enjoying the entertainment supplied by local vocalist / guitarist Jack Burness. There were many queries as to when we would do this again – so it looks like “a good time was had by all”.
Wed 10th to Wed 17th August
– Abroath, St Abbs, Eyemouth trip in Rachel Douglas and Favourite. I believe it was quite a successful trip received well by the different ports and with few hitches.
Satuday 17th August – Cullercoats day, with The Royal Diadem II. I believe this was quite successful
Saturday 3rd September – “Table Top Sale” at the Trust. This has been postponed until possible November / December due to commitments elsewhere.
Thurs 8th to Sunday 11th September – Heritage open days at the Trust. This was very successful and resulted in over 100 visitors and possible new members.
Friday 16th September – Gateshead Bridges 10 year celebration, where we took part with Rachel Douglas, Favourite and Sovereign.

Members
The trust now has membership totalling 93 with 17 actively participating in boat restoration.
Membership fees are due in October and membership could be boosted if all lapsed members (not included in above total) were to re-join and aid the trust. Tim West would love to hear from you all.
Benefits of Membership – Quarterly newsletter
- Visit the workshop at any time Tuesday, Wednesday and Saturday.
- Opportunity to take part in events
We welcome onboard new active members: Brian Teale and Alex Thurkettle

Regional News
We are the North East maritime trust, so what is happening beyond South Shields? Can anyone contribute news of other things happening up and down our coast? What else is of interest that we are not covering?

Please let me know at:  contact@nemaritimetrust.co.uk

Arthur

At 10.00am there was a parade of vessels under the bridge and NEMT  starred with Rachel Douglas, Favourite and Sovereign.