Endeavour Trust

Welcome to the Summer 2020 Newsletter

This edition contains news on Endeavour's return to Leigh, memoriam notices to two of our key supporters and news about veteran status. We also have a couple of requests to make of our supporters.

As it has for many people, lockdown has been a very difficult period and will have serious implications for the Trust's ability to operate. If people are in a position to provide assistance, whether financial (see the Donate button in the left hand menu or going to the Donate menu link on mobile) or by volunteering their time, effort and expertise, it would be greatly appreciated.

Please drop us a line if you have any comments, or visit us on our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/EndeavourTrustLeigh/

Home at Last!

Endeavour arrived back in Leigh in the early hours of June 9th having been sailed from St Osyth. Tide times meant skipper Paul Gilson and Alan Barrtram, his crew, had extra hours at sea waiting for Leigh Creek to become navigable. They were finally able to tie up at Bell Wharf at around 2am.

Little Ships Deserve Veteran Status

The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships has asked Minister for Veterans' Affairs, Johnny Mercer to give the boats veteran status.

Ian Gilbert, the vice admiral of the ADLS has written to the Minister, “That it be considered that the Little Ships be recognised for their unique role in our heritage” by being designated as “veterans” under the Armed Forces Covenant.

When Mike King and Peter Wexham and John Porter discussed finding and restoring one of the Leigh Dunkirk boats they were considering Resolute which had been traced to Rochester, Kent. The group asked Michael Guy, editor of the Leigh Times to join them.

Come And Join Us!

Your historic boat needs you! We know there are younger and fitter members of the Trust out there.

We would rather they - you - took a more active part in running the boat and managing her future.

When Endeavour was rescued from Rochester in 2001 it was clear that expert help was needed to restore her. My first thought turned to John Milgate who spent 14 months re-decking my 86 year old boat, Hypatia.

May We Have Your Email Address?

Give us your e-mail addresses and help save us money!

In a bid to cut expenses and cut our print bill, Membership Secretary, Chris Burls would like to ask technology-savvy to let us know your e-mail addresses.

Facebook Quiz Alleviates Lockdown Blues

In the evening of Tuesday May 12th, followers of the Endeavour Trust Facebook page were able to take part in a Lockdown Quiz. 28 teams (mostly solo or duos due to lockdown rules) took part in the event which was delivered via Facebook Live.

We are delighted to announce that Endeavour is home again! We would like to thank Brian Kennell and Shaun White of Brian Kennell Boatbuilders for their excellent care and restoration of Endeavour over the last few months.

Following the completion of anti-fouling and painting at St Osyth, Paul Gilson and Allan Barttram brought her home on Monday 8th June.

Here are some photos by Paul of her return and resting against Bell Wharf (click to enlarge). It's lovely to have her back on her home mud again!

...Now the Antifouling!

Paul and Heather Gilson have been antifouling Endeavour today. This is an essential stage otherwise poor Endeavour would end up with barnacles on her bottom, and no one wants that!

Click for bigger versions of Paul's photos.