Mike King RIP

The Trust is deeply saddened to learn of the unexpected death of Trustee and former Chairman, Mike King, on Monday 14th March.

An experienced and well-known sailor in his beautiful 1896 ketch, Hypathia, Mike was a mainstay of the Trust since it formed in 2001 and we are extremely grateful for all his hard work and companionship over the years. He was there at the beginning when Endeavour was first found in a parlous condition in Rochester. He recalled "When Mike Guy from the Leigh Times, Peter Wexham, a previous owner, the late John Porter and I went to Kent and saw Endeavour, it was obvious that we couldn't just leave her to rot."

Mike was one of the key people in the early days of the Trust, instrumental - with others - for the fundraising efforts, accessing Heritage Lottery money and putting together the business plans for other major sponsors. He was heavily involved in the restoration project sourcing Brian Kennell and Shaun White of Brian Kennell Boatbuilders, whom we use to this day. Mike always provided wise counsel on the committee and for many years was responsible for Endeavour's; annual maintenance programme.

David Norman MBE, our current chairman, had this to say about Mike:

"I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Mike King, who was very much the prime mover of the Endeavour restoration from its inception. I have had the privilege of working with Mike for the last 20 years and greatly admired his immense knowledge from the time we worked together on the Lottery bid which was crucial in financing our project.

"I always looked to him for advice as Chairman - most recently as a week before he died. He was helpful and supportive and sharp as ever.

"I had hoped that we would have had him around for a long time to come. Mike is simply irreplaceable and will be sorely missed by the people of Leigh whom he served so well in so many different capacities over a long period of time.

"We mourn his passing."

A private funeral will be held for Mike, after which he will be laid to rest next to the plot of his wife, Pat. The Trust understands Mike left plans for a memorial to take place in the summer.

Thank you, Mike, for everything you did for Endeavour and for your constant friendship. We will miss you enormously.

Mike King at Endeavour’s re-launch ceremony in 2005

Endeavour on TV

 

Endeavour, vets and film crew at Penton Lock last summer

Channel 5 is currently airing a three-part series about Dunkirk on Saturdays at 21:30, and Endeavour will feature in the as-yet unbroadcast episodes.

Dunkirk: Mission Impossible is presented by former Marine JJ Chalmers with Raksha Dave. The filming took place last year at Penton Lock during the Association of Dunkirk Little Ship's annual veteran's cruise. We should point out that as the film crew were filming from Endeavour's deck, she may not feature as often as other boats at Penton, but she *will* appear in the second and third episodes.

 

Episode 1 is available until 05/12/22 from here: https://www.channel5.com/.../dunkirk.../season-1/episode-1

All Snuggled up for the Winter

Over the recent cold and foggy weekend, Endeavour was moved into her sheltered Leigh Marina mooring, alongside the wharf.     

A brilliant team effort led by Alan Barttram and Chris Burls with members Henry Diggines, Andy Lewis, Sam Rakusen and Phil Hewer erected  her framework and covers yesterday - thank you to them all for their time and effort!

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!

Welcome to the Autumn Newsletter

This newsletter contains news of the tragic murder of our president, David Amess, the death of Reta Cocks, whose support was instrumental in the restoration of Endeavour and the formation of the Trust, of Howard Robinson, the well-known Leigh artist who supported the Trust with a donated painting of Endeavour, and Andy Barthaud,who supported the Trust via donations from his East Anglia Pub Co.

More happily, we report back on Endeavour's participation in the Classic Boat Festival at St Kats, and the ADLS Veterans' Cruise, and the HMS Leigh event at Southend Pier.

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

Sir David Amess, RIP

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

All of us at the Leigh-on-Sea Endeavour Trust were 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 Islamist extremist.

Whether or not one shared his political views, Sir David was personable and approachable to all, and a good constituency MP.

A Trip Down the Thames

Endeavour hosts some youngsters at St Kats

September was a busy month for Endeavour!  Early in the month, we were once again asked by St Katherine's dock folk to attend the prestigious Classic Boat show along with the other boats of the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships. Sometimes this event clashes with Leigh Regatta, but as The Regatta had unfortunately been cancelled, we motored up to London.

Reta Cocks RIP

Reta Cocks with husband George, centre

The Trust was extremely sad to learn of the passing of Reta Cocks in August. Born in Leigh-on-Sea in 1928, Reta was well-known about the town, being a governor at Leigh School and instrumental in the setting up of Leigh Town Council for which she was the Chair. She was a vital force behind the restoration of Endeavour.

Howard Robinson RIP

We are saddened to learn of the death of Howard Robinson, a life-long resident of Leigh, painter of local landscapes and buildings, and supporter and contributor to the Leigh Art trail from its inception.

He opened and worked from Gallery 3 in Leigham Court Drive for many years and in later years worked from his garden studio on Marine Parade.

The Bravest Pier in the World

Endeavour does a drive-by at Southend Pier - Photo Rob Everitt

Endeavour participated in the HMS Leigh—The Bravest Pier in the World event on 25/26th September, taking trips out with members on the tide to the pier where she was warmly greeted by the people enjoying the event.