Friends

'A sort of blog'

A page for 'Friends' to contribute - anything and everything that the Purton Ships' Graveyard means to you.
All contributions welcome.

Emma Shipley - why its so important to her that Purton is preservrd in our memories

Purton Britain largest boat graveyard on the Gloucester and Sharpness canal holds significant personal importance to myself and my family. It is important to us that it is preserved and we wish to promote this for the link it has with our family history and Glocestershire maritime heritage for future generations. When visiting Purton last year to meet with Paul to discuss the link of the Purton site with my late Grandfather past I felt a great connection to my Grandfather, I was amazed by the size of the site and the vastness of the varied hulks on the shore sadly much was eroded and destroyed. Also I was amazed Just how many of the remaining Hulks outlined in the scrub grass my Grandfather had links with. Many of the stories Paul told me reminded me of the stories my Grandfather had told me thoughout my childhood.
    My step- grandfather Eric Hugh Aldridge helped along side many others over the years beached many redundant vessals along the banks of the river severn in order to stop the erosing banks and safe guard the canel. In light of this the canal and its vital links were saved. It also provided a convenient place to rid boat owners of the cost of maintaining timber vessels.
     Eric was born in 1919 and died aged 90 in 2009, living all his life in Arlingham. He first went to sea aged ten years old in the family owned wooden ketch Emily carrying coal with his father and eldest brother, gaining his apprenticehip on the Bristol channel he worked as a skipper, relief master and held 1st position in command on the river between 1929 to 1960. He then moved ashore to the canel aged 41 (1960-1984) as a deck hand on the Dredger no 4 retiring a dredger master in 1984. During his retirement he became a painter, most of his paintings were linked to the water and all had a relevant link to a story my Grandfather wanted to tell. 
     During his career on the canel he carried out dredging duties for many years deliberately running aground unwanted working boats on the half-mile foreshore between purton and sharpeness part of A.J Cullis plan/Solution to a massive landslip that happened in 1909 where a fierce storm all but destroyed the high ground seperating the river and the canal. Local traders who relied on the canal for transport were desperate to ensure such a disaster could never happen again. 
     My grandfather was offered and became a deck hand position as a skipper foreman on the dredger no 4 (now at gloucester docks). His job involved towing at speed vessels from the far bank of the river shortly before the onset of high tide and then releasing the vessels so that they crashed into the broken bank as buffers. 
     Then he left the water briefly to work in a factory ideally to earn more money which he did not like this.
     So he returned to the water and became a skipper/ beaching helmsman of the crane barge Iron Duke primarily used for dragging lock gates in the basin, However at this time he and the Iron duke were heavily involved in the beaching of some of the vessels left at their final resting place on the shore at Purton. 
    To my knowledge My grandfather has particually links and was involved in the beaching of the Severn Collier (motorised barge), Dursley (wooden lighter/barge), Britton Ferry (which he was a skipper on in 1935). He also had links with the Harriett as he was involved in her recovery aboard the crain barge Britton Ferry all laid at rest at Purton.
       
Thank you, hope of some help explaining why purton has meaning to myself and family.
 
Emma Shipway.

David Wheeler plaque spoonsor for Glenby and Newark talks of a special vessel

Speedwell was my favourite in the 1950s because she always seemed to be on her last legs. If one can say that for a ship. She had a chronic list and an enormous smoke stack. I used to watch her coming through Saul Junction swing bridge, wondering if her funnel would hit the bridge. She towed just one barge, a wooden one I think. She hissed and wheezed along, virtually silent. She had an aura of hot oil and steam surrounding her. A very elegant tug. The other tugs bustled about, sometimes with five or six barges, sometimes more I think. But Speedwell was special. I only ever saw her with just the one barge.

Friend of Purton Ron Mann pens an elegy to Jonadab

JONADAB

Here I lie heavy in bed of mud and sand
The work you know of the human hand
For once I was a stately sailing rig
And in my hold was coal and pig

To Ireland we hoisted sail
That is when the wind did prevail
. Then man decided sails were out
So they engined me up and turned me out

At Saul the dreadful deed was done
And the wind can no longer have its fun
For with the engine I defy the waves
That is if this noisy thing behaves

For from Lydney to Bideford with Forest Coal
This is the only thing they put in my hold
Alas my days were getting short
So they let me lie in Lydney Port.

As they wanted my presence there no more
They put me upon the nearby shore
I spoke to the tide and they washed me out
I lifted my head and I turned about.

In the Sharpness harbour I lay about
So they roped me up and towed me out
Here at Lydney I could not rest
So up the river in pants and vest.

Past through the bridge with almighty shudder,
I spied a friend and yet another
So I went ashore to join the gang
So here I am in the fray
So you can come and see me any day

Ron and Wendy Mann kind sponsors of the Jonadab plaque

Friend Liz Kemp explains why Purton became a special place for her

It was Easter in 2009 when I first heard of the ancient wrecks of ships all of which had been unceremoniously dumped in 1909 to strengthen a nearby eroding canal bank. I was curious enough to drive a couple of hours to visit the site and see for myself, taking my camera and a load of film. I parked the car easily and spoke to the lockkeeper who seemed little interested in my quest.
As I walked over the bank stretching before me there was a vast emptiness of mud and grass with the river behind flowing gently behind. It was difficult to make out any obvious remains until I approached closer. There they were; lying seemingly forgotten, neglected, half buried in the grass and mud. The first feeling was one of desolation and anger to see these once proud ships which had been handcrafted, polished and painted to keep men safe on the high seas for hundreds of voyages could be just dumped like garbage and forgotten by us so easily. But as I walked the mile or so along the bank, picking out the remains of each hulk, each picture became a treasure to record. The wonderful textures of the ancient wood and long rusty nails; the gracious sweep of the bows; the intricate planking construction, now no longer in use in today’s manufacturing.
Sadly, there was very little left of many of the hulks, perhaps a small piece if a prow sticking out of the grass with along side a plaque bearing its name. And it was these little plaques, which gave dignity to the ships bringing hope and optimism for this society. Amidst the graffiti and the obvious vandalism there are people who actually care and are prepared to preserve and respect our maritime heritage. As I stood there in solitude taking my pictures I could not but help but imagine these once shining new boats bearing many men in the decks relying on their powerful construction to keep them safe. The wild seas, the violent storms, howling winds, noise, men shouting, men laughing, orders and commands given; surly behaviour, quarrels; yet loyalty and comradeship as well. Men earning their living by mastering the elements and sailing the ships.
So the day was completed when the final picture of the monu ment with some of the names of the 81 vessels was taken and I packed away my camera with its valuable hoard of film, anticipating all the work ahead of me in printing the images and reliving the emotions
Visually the experiences were amazing. A little capsule of time captured. And the site is now at least being protected because of a group of dedicated and determined people who are devoting their time unstintingly and willingly in order to keep the Purton ships graveyard for all to enjoy. More of Liz

Roger Poole takes inspiration from the Purton Hulks

Some years ago I lived in Caldicot near Chepstow and brought my wife and children across the bridge to explore the quiet countryside between Gloucester and Sharpness. We often visited Slimbridge or just wandered along the tow path and a picnic was occasionally taken among the Purton Hulks. We never had a camp fire though. I moved around a bit working as a pharmacist until, just past my 60th birthday, I decided to cut down the workload and write a book. I tried an autobiography but quite frankly a pharmacist’s life isn’t full of adventure and excitement and probably only of interest to another pharmacist anyway so I tended to fall asleep while writing. Perhaps I’ll write a novel I thought - but then I needed a plot.
I was born in Worcestershire and have mainly lived and worked in the Severn and Wye valleys so I reckoned I knew the region quite well. I have cruised, canoed and sailed on, camped by, swum in and fallen into the rivers at one time or another while exploring the area and at the same time I discovered the story of the river traders and trows. Years ago I watched as 'SPRY' was lifted out of the Diglis canal basin and later saw her at Gloucester while she was on her way back from the Festival of the Sea in Bristol. A couple of years ago I stood on the steps by her hull in that horrible rusty old barn in Ironbridge and gazed wistfully down into her dusty hold. I wished I could sail in her. An idea stirred. Perhaps I could write a novel about trows and the river life.
The story took shape. It became a “Who do you think you are” quest where my main character researches his family tree. He finds a connection with the trows and their trading across the Severn Sea. Later he builds a replica trow and attempts to follow their course. One of the problems with researching your ancestors is that while you can find names and dates quite easily, knowing the people and learning about their actual lives is much more difficult. However in a novel you can have a flashback or several. So I did. There is even a soppy old-fashioned romance along the way!
One of the scenes was to be among the Purton Hulks so about 18 months ago I visited the site. It was raining so after taking a few photos and 'getting the vibes' for a while I retreated to my car. As I passed the cottages I spotted one of the 'Friends of Purton' posters and noted Paul’s walks-n-talks. I came back a few weeks later and thoroughly enjoyed the day. It was perishing cold and drizzled throughout but Janet gave an excellent talk (her first I discovered later). I found the website earlier this year and joined the Friends of Purton little thinking that a few months later I would be handed a spade and told to get digging around one of the treasures. That was a grand weekend with Harriett last September.
This is (you already guessed) not only a bit of reminiscing but also a blatant advert. My book, 'RIVERSPRITE ~ a trow’s story', is available to order from book shops and the usual internet book sellers or direct from me - contact e-mail, rogerfpoole@mac.com. The ISBN is 978-1-4092-9957-8 and the price £9.99. Thank you for your time. Roger Poole
Review by Paur Barnett

Captain Laurie and crew brave the waves to aid RNLI

Mister Jingle (1965 South Coast One Design) sailed in the Eddystone Pursuit on 11 July 2009, skippered by Laurent Coleman assisted by Cliff Bateman, David Johnson and Adam Stoten. Course was from the Royal Western Yacht Club, Plymouth to Hand Deeps buoy (a couple of miles west of Eddystone) and return, 26 miles in total.
Poor forecast (winds south-westerly force 6-7, 8 later) resulted in a large number of the entrants (89 in total) not starting or retiring. The forecast was correct with strong southwesterly winds, rain and fog for the duration of the day. Only 55 boats completed the course with Mister Jingle placed 43rd. We therefore received £60 prize money for our charity, the RNLI.
With the money raised through sponsorship (including £52.50 generously donated by The Friends of Purton) the total amount donated was therefore £224.50. Caption: Laurent Coleman, Skipper of Mister Jingle and Friend of Purton, receiving prize and cheque for £60 for the RNLI.
http://www.eddystonepursuit.org/

Carol Fowler explains why Purton is in her 'blood'

I was vaguely aware that my dad, Don Fowler (formerly Canal Superintendent), was corresponding with and had met Paul Barnett. It was something to do with the Sharpness - Gloucester Canal and those old ships that had been buried at Purton. It was interesting that in the last few years of his life my dad became involved in the history of the Canal and the identification and preservation of these remarkable vessels.
He wanted to show me where they were and explain why they were used to act as a barrage between the River Severn and the Gloucester -Sharpness Canal at Purton, the place where the two water ways were closest together. It would be catastrophic, he explained, if a combination of heavy rain and a high tide resulted in the canal and Severn overflowing into each other. He was very concerned when there was a possibility that one or more of those vessels might be removed and placed in a museum! I never discovered if his fears were real or whether he dreamed them up. Anyway, we planned to go and see them and one fantastic summer evening in 2004 we did. 'I was responsible for putting some of those vessels there,' he said. He didn't mention the Severn Falcon but I later found out that dad did indeed decide on the positioning of this particular ship which now has a plaque in his memory.
I do treasure that evening partly because it invoked childhood memories and partly because it is one good memory I have of my dad (we never got on). It seems he was a very good canal superintendent and was respected by the men who worked with him. It was in the end something he could be very proud of and it gives me a positive connection with him. Aside from all that, Purton and the Hulks, the river bank and view across, is one of the most stunningly beautiful and unique places to visit. It should be preserved as a heritage site and place of peace for ever. Carol Fowler

Friend of Purton Liz Kemp

Writes "I am working on my bromoil* photos of the boats which I took at Easter. Would you like me to download a couple?" - The answer was a resounding yes ....

*The Bromoil Process was an early photographic process that was very popular during the first half of the twentieth century. Wikipedia

Stunning ..... more please Liz

FCB51 Plaque Sponsor David Wheeler recalls a very sad day at Purton

"We were just passers by. We had travelled up to Saul from Devon for the weekend as we did once every month in my father's pre-war Rolls Bentley. I cannot now remember how we heard of the disaster which had occurred a couple of days before - it was probably from one of the bridge keepers. The shock came when we saw that part of the bridge, that beautiful bridge had collapsed into the water - and there upstream, the burned remains of the two vessels. There was as I remember it smoke and an acrid smell. We did stop against the towpath but then went on down to the Vindicatrix, turned and went back to Saul. We were severely shaken by what we saw because we knew these vessels. For three years I had watched them through the swingbridge at Saul Junction. Whenever any vessel passed up or down the Ship Canal we knew of it, because our old wooden narrowboat moved against its mooring ropes in the Stroudwater Canal. I would run down the towpath to the junction and watch the vessels through. Even now I have one of my logs of passages in April 1959. The Harker tankbarges were among the larger estuary vessels - the Shell-BP were slighter larger still I think - and our real favourites and helpers were the smaller Regent tankers. But we knew these vessels. The Arkendale H and Wastdale H tragedy brought home to us who used this canal just for pleasure. just how dangerous was the trade beyond Sharpness Dock.I remember the loss of the Widdale H, The BP Explorer and the Shell Driver all I think within a few years of the Severn Bridge disaster. Yet this skilled but perilous work was known to very few, really. But as I say, we were just on the periphery. It is I think fitting that someone should remember this incident and I applaud and support your decision to erect a memorial. I hope there will be some crew members who can be traced to take part. Even now, I can hear that sound of the tankers' sirens echoing away over the waters. When one had rolled away to silence, then another klaxon would sound, to bounce off the Lydney shore and back and forth fading away to nothing. It was an immensely powerful and mournful sound, full of pathos. Unbearably so. It was why we returned to Saul Junction. We were intruders, albeit unwitting, in the mourning of ships and crews for their fellows. We were not part of them. The most respectful thing we could do was to leave them. Even so, I still feel the shock. One is impressionable, at fifteen".