Kathleen and May of Bideford: Up the mast

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).

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

5 comments:

Anonymous said...: would be intresting to see what people think of the site; 6/14/2008 9:52 am
Anonymous said...: Looking forward to reading all about your trip.

Jane; 6/14/2008 9:52 am
Anonymous said...: Looks like a tight fit up ahead!!; 6/17/2008 7:57 pm
Crew of Kathleen and May said...: It was quite tight, but we made it up the canal through all 16ish swing-bridges without a scrape!; 6/17/2008 8:00 pm
Anonymous said...: seems like an age ago that we did that trip, i haven't experienced anything like it since!
Thankyou so much to all the crew that made me feel so welcome i had a fantastic time and lernt so much!

Lorraine M; 7/18/2008 5:32 pm