Dame Helen Mirren – Patron of Leigh-on-Sea Endeavour Trust

Dame Helen Mirren, Patron, Endeavour Trust. Photograph: Giles Keyte

It is well known that Dame Helen Mirren lived her early years with her family in Leigh-on-Sea where they were involved in the local community, and people remember them fondly.

In September, the Chair of the Leigh-on-Sea Endeavour Trust, Michael King, contacted Dame Helen with details of Endeavour and the role the boat played in Operation Dynamo in Dunkirk in 1940. He explained how Endeavour has been restored and is now central to many activities.

He invited Dame Helen to lend her name to our Trust, as Patron, and she enthusiastically agreed, so we are delighted to be able to announce Dame Helen Mirren becomes the first Patron of the Leigh-on-Sea Endeavour Trust!

Sir David Amess, RIP

Sir David, 2nd right, on board Endeavour with the Mayor of Southend, John Lamb

The Leigh-on-Sea Endeavour Trust is shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the murder of Sir David Amess MP during a constituency meeting on the 15th October at the hands of an apparent Islamist extremist. Whether or not one shared his political views, Sir David was personable and approachable to all and a good constituency MP.

Sir David was the President of the Trust for many years and was a good friend to Endeavour, always happy to support us in our efforts to restore and maintain her as a living memorial to the fishing industry of Leigh and the heroism and sacrifice of those Leigh men that went to Dunkirk in Britain's hour of need.

Sir David was happy to give of his time and knowledge to the Trust and it would be much poorer but for his assistance and support. He will be sorely missed by us all.

Endeavour is currently flying the Red Ensign at half mast in tribute to Sir David.

AGM 2021

The eighteenth Annual General Meeting of the Endeavour Trust will be held on Friday 1st October, 2021 at 7.30 pm in Room 7, Leigh Community Centre, 71-73 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea SS9 1SP.

All members are welcome to attend. The meeting should take no more than an hour.

The Agenda can be found here and the Financial Statement here.

Additionally, members were treated to a lovely PowerPoint presentation of Endeavour's Year, with narration from Rob.

Endeavour's Flag at Half Mast

Endeavour's flag has been set to half-mast today as a mark of respect to Andy Barthaud, owner of East Anglia Pub Company, whose funeral takes place today.

Andy Barthaud was been a great friend and sponsor to Endeavour and we receive a yearly donation for the sale of his famous Hilda-B beer - 10p a pint, from The Peter Boat, where you can buy yourself a pint of Hilda B. The pub also features Endeavour on its sign and menus.

Thank you Andy; your generosity has made a huge difference, and your friendship will be much missed.

Photos from St Kats

Rob Everitt dropped us a few shots to give us a flavour of the weekend at St Katherine Docks for the Classic Boat Festival. Endeavour and many of her fellow ADLS vessels will now make the journey up the Thames to Penton Hook for the Veteran's Cruise.

August/September Trips

Members of Old Leigh Kayak Tours joined Endeavour for a trip to the Pier

Please find below the latest info re: trips over the rest of August and into September.

With all of these trips, we've given dedicated links to register your interest (it'll pre-populate the email subject line when you click Chris and Rob's names). We really hope that members will take advantage of the opportunity to take a trip on Endeavour as it's a great time out and also gives you a proper sense of what she would have been like as a working boat or during the Dunkirk rescue.

When the folks from Old Leigh Kayak Tours joined Endeavour for trip from Bell Wharf out to the Pier and back, this is what they had to say about their day:

"What a fantastic experience. I’ve always wanted to take a trip on Endeavour. Such a beautiful little ship with a wonderful history. Rob, Chris and the boys treated us so well. We will definitely be back for another.

"If you’re not a member, join up and take a trip, it’s awesome!"

St Kats and the Veterans' Cruise

Well, we haven't had much luck in getting Endeavour off her mooring recently! Last week's Bank of England cruise had to be cancelled due to one key crew member hurting his back (not on Endeavour!) and yesterday's outing was cancelled because of the grotty weather.

Welcome to the Summer 2021 Newsletter

Endeavour is nearly ready to return to her mooring at the Peter Boat, from where we hope that we will be able to run a decent programme of trips for members; and there's a couple of events we'll tell you about so you can get them in the calendar. We give a rundown of all the hard work that was necessary to get her ready. Our new information board is up at the Peter Boat awaiting the boat's return, and you can read about all the hard work that entailed too.

With a bit of expert digging, we've located photos of two boats that played an important role in the Leigh boats' Dunkirk experience and print these with some history; it all helps to bring to life this important part of local history.

Then we've got news of one of our stalwarts retiring from the Trust and a request for volunteers to help the Trust continue its work.

Please drop us a line if you have any comments, or visit us on our Facebook page. 

Ship Shape and Bristol Fashion!

We are delighted to inform members that Endeavour has returned to her summer mooring outside the Peter Boat in Old Leigh where she can be admired once more. Skipper Andy Wood oversaw the short move back to the Old Town on a dull and grey day. Here’s hoping for some sun to show her off to her advantage.

New Information Board in Old Leigh

Our information board near the Peter Boat has been in place since 2010. Treasurer Rob Everitt noticed that while the frame was still solid, it was getting more than a little rusty and the Perspex panel had dulled with age, making it a little difficult to read.