Kathleen and May of Bideford: Scaffolding the Stern

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).

Thursday, 12 February 2009

Scaffolding the Stern

This week saw the scaffolding go up on the stern of the Kathleen and May. Simon, and the lads from Sid Little Scaffolding, arrived on Thursday morning, and in no time had something resembling a deck house and bridge rigged in no time. This was to allow for a clever bit of cantilevered scaffold over the stern.

"It’s not every day that you get to put up scaffolding on board a ship!" said Simon Little, Director of Sid Little Scaffolding.

Work can now begin on minor timber repairs to the bulwarks round the stern before painting begins.

Work is also well underway on the main masts, and the first will be out of the shed next week. There is still a lot of work to do on the standing rigging.

If you have some spare time why not call down at Brunswick Wharf and lend a hand? There’s lots to do, and always something happening.