John Milgate RIP - A True Craftsman

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.

John was the son of a longshoreman born in Smugglers Way, West Mersea in 1931. As a schoolboy he worked in the evenings at a local boatyard and eventually was apprenticed there. Much of his work was for the River police maintaining their launches. He designed a punt which could be sailed as he needed a cheap boat to reach a boat he was restoring. Plans for this punt are still on sale over the internet!

When Endeavour returned to Leigh the trust approached John do the restoration but it soon became clear that there is a total difference between building a new boat and restoring an old one. John turned us down because of health reasons but recommended Brian Kennel and Sean White as the ideal men for the job.

He also found the barn at Great Totham for the work to be done. Throughout the restoration John acted as advisor and was delighted with the result.

With his wife Pat, John was a regular at Endeavour events.

Sadly John died in March this year. The Trust cherished his advice and friendship over the years.

- by Mike King, Chair of Endeavour's Trustees.

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