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.

Artists make a big impression onboard

Monday 2^nd February saw the first art class held on board. There was a good turnout for the class which was held by tutor Fiona Balfour, a local artist.

“The students found the setting for the class inspirational with so many different things on board to see and draw.  It really got the juices flowing” said Fiona.

Classes will be held every Monday throughout February, March and April, and are open to all whatever their level of experience.

For further information please contact Fiona on 01237 424494 or email fcb@f2s.com

Snow in Bideford

Snow is rare in North Devon, so here's a quick snap of the spars with a light dusting.

Much more snow is forecast tonight.

All hands to the masts

For those of you who have been through Bideford this week, it's just possible that you may have noticed something missing from the river.  That's right, we have taken the masts off the old girl. But don't feel sorry for her.  She's getting a good spruce up. They were taken down with help from Kas Crane Hire. We must have been doing something right because on Wednesday morning, as a soft mist rolled off the river,  somewhere up above the sun was warming up for a glorious day.

Shortly after 8 in the morning, the working gang rolled into the yard, one-by-one, all geared up for a busy day. The last last few days had seen Rob and Bill making ready for the lifting of the masts, clearing away the standing rigging,  slacking off the mast wedges, and generally making sure that there was as little delay as possible to the crane.

By 9 o'clock we were ready for our first lift.  With careful positioning of the strops, to allow for the angle of the bowsprit, it eased its way out, not unlike a cork leaving the neck of a fine vintage wine.

Once down on the quayside, and with the sun cutting through the January chill, our attention turned to the foremast.  We were all interested to see the state of the Queen Victoria Silver Sovereign (incidentally it is dated 1900 - the same age as the Ship), which Steve had placed under the foot of the mast some 7 years previously.

As the mast rose up through the deckhead, there, under the foot, lay the Sovereign shining as if it had only been placed there yesterday.

By now, John Crosby had pulled in with the North Devon College minibus and a group of young carpenter students.  They were here to see how things were going, and whether they could become involved.

Once Sacha had given them a potted history of the ship they were soon put to work under Richard's direction,  lifting of the shrouds and laying them out ready for inspection

The remaining mast followed quickly and by early afternoon all the spars were laid out for scraping, once a round of teas had been brewed.  A revitalised crew set about stripping the ironwork off the mast.   Meticulous effort was put into marking them up so as to ease their replacement later this Spring.

As the day drew to an end the gang looked at their day's toil from the deck of the topless old girl, and it didn't need stating that the task ahead is a huge one. But today has seen a large step taken forwards, and tomorrow will bring new problems to overcome.

Photos taken by the owner and local businessman, Cllr Stephen Clarke OBE, of S.E.L. Clarke Plant Hire, Bideford.

Feedback from meeting

Thanks to everyone for the great turn out to the meeting, on Saturday night.

It was great to see all the old faces and a lot of new ones.  A number of great ideas came out of the evening.

These ideas now need to be worked on.   We will hold another meeting in a couple of weeks for updates.

Things look like they could shape up to be a very productive year for the ship.

The Lady Varnishes

Work is well under way on the mast and rigging overhaul.  They are getting an 8 coat treatment from a Coelan product, giving a clear hard-wearing finish. 

"The task ahead of us is huge," said Richard Hall, whilst applying the fifth out of eight coats on one of the three gaffs,  "but the finish is looking very good so far.  But this is one of only 13 spars we have to do and the main masts are 17m long and 1.2 m in circumference.   This really brings home to us the scale of the job."

"Sacha has been working on some minor repairs that come from wear at areas on the rigging." 

"We are looking forward to seeing the ship in top notch condition for next year's sailing season" he continued. 

"Anyone wishing to join us to give us a hand can leave their details on line, or come to the meeting this Saturday evening."

Open Meeting Sat 10th Jan 2009

There will be an Open Meeting on board the Kathleen and May, at 7 p.m..

Anyone with anything to contribute to the ship in the coming year, whether it be as part of the sailing or maintenance crew is most welcome to attend this meeting.

We welcome volunteers of all abilities.  Please don't be shy - you never know what you can do until you try it!