Early
in 2001 there was some publicity in the local press about the formation of a
group to return one of the Dunkirk boats to be on permanent exhibition,
possibly on Strand Wharf.
This was to be the Resolute.
Some Leigh residents were not too enthusiastic about this, because a static boat ashore would not be too exciting, and we also understood that Resolute had not been viewed to assess her condition.
So, a group decided to go to the boatyard in Kent to view Resolute and to weigh up the potential. Four of us, comprising Mike Guy (editor of Leigh Times), John Porter (vintage boat owner and funder of the Leigh paddling pool), Peter Wexham and myself, arranged to meet with Alan Stayley for advice - he had worked on the Cutty Sark - and would provide an authoritative and independent opinion. As we drove into the yard Peter Wexham let out a shout, "There's Endeavour!" and indeed there she was adjacent to Resolute.
 |
| Peter & Endeavour reunited |
Peter was particularly interested because he used to part own Endeavour, but
had lost track of where she was.
Our expert Alan surveyed both boats and declared that Resolute had broken her back and was well out of shape. However Endeavour was in good shape albeit needing massive work done.
Our expert Alan surveyed both boats and declared that Resolute had broken her back and was well out of shape. However Endeavour was in good shape albeit needing massive work done.
We returned home enthusiastic about getting Endeavour
back to Leigh so she could be restored to sail again rather than be a
"static boat on display".
The public meeting in July 2001 was very well attended, culminating in the formation of the Leigh-on-Sea Endeavour Trust. (To be continued)
The public meeting in July 2001 was very well attended, culminating in the formation of the Leigh-on-Sea Endeavour Trust. (To be continued)
The peace was shattered by a panic phone call, a car had been stolen - one
of our members' cars. His wife was very upset. Concerned that he was not
there to sort it out the police were called and phones were getting hot from
the conversations between husband and wife! Then almost as quickly as the
problem had unfolded it was resolved. The car was parked further down the
road than normal!!!
We were soon moored and the boat was dressed and looked a picture. With our
friends moored around us people were soon visiting the small fleet. We were
joined by our wives and other members who had travelled by road. Time passed
and after checking in to our hotel Chris Bailey and I attended a Welcome
Reception with the Mayor-Elect of Ipswich in the Council Chamber in the very
grand Victorian Town Hall.
Endeavour joined with the modern cockle boat
Renown to illustrate modern cockling methods with those of yesteryears.
Renown skippered by Andrew Lawrence and crewed by Graham Osborne also
had on board Radio Essex's own Peter Holmes. Peter interviewed Andrew and
Graham and also Roy West and Trevor Osborne about their experiences
cockling. 
Andrew and Graham landed cockles using modern suction methods and a few were
boiled and sampled on board. "Delicious!" said Peter between mouthfuls. Both
boats anchored off Thorpe Bay and when the tide went out were joined by Roy
and Trevor who had 'walked off' and enthusiastically took to the task of
hand raking using rakes and lavnets. The cockles were loaded into baskets
which were hooked onto the yokes and carried to the boat. It was amusing to
see Peter try his hand, puffing and blowing under the weight. 