Of Shipwrights and Bargemen
You may have seen a recent programme in the ‘Chronicle’ series on BBC2 entitled ‘Where There’s Muck ....’ The theme was the increasing interest in industrial archaeology throughout the country, and during the programme prizes were presented for the three most outstanding projects of the year.
The first prize went to a London group, but the second prize was awarded to a group at Sittingbourne, The Dolphin Sailing Barge Museum Trust, whose project is the restoration of a small shipyard, the opening of a maritime folk museum with particular reference to the Thames Sailing Barge, and the conservation of a waterside amenity area. However, the real purpose behind the group is to ensure that the old skills and crafts associated with the building of these 100-ton sailing barges — and sailing them double-handed — is not lost when the few old salts who have such skills and crafts unfortunately pass away.
The Dolphin Yard is situated on a small inlet off Milton Creek and was formerly Charles Burley’s old barge yard. It consists of a set of barge repair blocks, sail loft, carpenter’s shop, forge and a small area of saltings. The site was in a derelict condition, the buildings in urgent need of repair and the inlet required dredging. Much work has been done to date but volunteers for working parties are still very welcome. Mr. O’Shea, the curator, is living aboard his own barge the ‘Nellie Parker’, and it is hoped to obtain another barge for instructional purposes. Moorings will be provided for fully rigged spritsail barges and there will be full facilities for their maintenance at the Yard.
Photo: On The evening tide by J.R. Price
Visitors, as well as members, are welcome, and eventually it will be possible to watch or participate in such crafts as sailmaking, spar-making and ship repair work. Details can be obtained from The Curator, S/B ‘Nellie Parker’, Crown Quay Lane, Sittingbourne. Personally I find the ideas behind the Dolphin scheme very interesting, and, if like me you find the sight of those dark red sails beating up the Estuary a stirring one, or if you just like ‘the fun of seeing something handsome emerging from the rust of time’ to quote Magnus Magnusson, a visit to Milton Creek could be a rewarding experience.
By Ted Timberlake
From Action Forum, May 1971
(posted May 2021 so I have no idea if the barge is still present and if the address is still valid)
