Kathleen and May of Bideford: June 2008

ABOUT THE SHIP

Built in Connahs Quay in 1900 and named "Lizzie May". Sold to Martyn Fleming of Youghal Ireland in 1908 and re named after his daughters Kathleen & May". Working the ports of western England , Wales and the south and east ports of Ireland. Crewed by skipper, boy and four seamen, operating under sail only. Bought by Tommy Jewell in 1931 the ship had an auxilary engine fitted, the top masts taken down and the bowsprit reduced. She continued trading in this manner with now only a crew of four up to 1960, bringing her last cargo from Cardiff to Bideford. Bringing to an end centuraries of transporting cargo under sail. Eleven years later the Kathleen & May was partly restored by the Maritime trust and put on show first in Plymouth then in London.

By 1995 the ship was in a seriously distressed state and required major restoration work. Lacking the essential funds the ship was closed to the public and after having the masts & spars removed was taken round to Gloucester docks to await an uncertain end. Saved in time by Bideford businessman Steve Clarke and bought back to her home port for a full restoration. For his part in the restoration and contribution to our maritime heritage Mr Clarke received the OBE.
The full story of the Kathleen & May is available at only £3.00 plus postage.

The ship is of historic importance, and, as the last of her type, is part of the Core Collection of the National Register of Historic Vessels (NRHV).

Saturday, 14 June 2008

Have You Been On The Kathleen And May??

This post is for you to share your stories of the Kathleen and May. Tell us where you saw her, if you sailed on her, who you met and what you thought.
please feel free to ask the crew any questions, we will do our best to answer them.
Look forward to hearing from you.

Best pictures! This section is for all the best pictures sent to us! Send your pictures to kathleenandmay@live.co.uk - click pitures to enlarge.

Watch this space

Preparing to sail!

Wednesday, 11 June 2008

Up the mast

This shot was taken way up the mizzen mast! Now that is what I call a Tall ship!

Sent to us by anonymous

Tuesday, 10 June 2008

France trip 2008

This site will cover the Kathleen and Mays voyage this summer. She will be going out into bideford bay for a day sail on Thursday the 3rd of July. On the 6th of July she will head out for France. Away for about a month she will also pay a visit to Ireland Pictures of her in France, Ireland, out to sea and anywhere else she may go. Will be uploaded as we go.