News 2009

December 2009

Credit where credit is due - an open letter to British Waterways

David
Having visited the site during Sunday 20th December 2009 to conduct a tour and install several new plaque, I am moved to put pen to paper and commend the fine work of your appointed contractors, who have been engaged in the recent uncovering and consolidation of the waste weir at Purton.
This comes in the light that I had cause on several previous occasions to attend the site at which time I found the entire work party to be polite, professional and keen to leave a feature that compliments rather than detract from the overall aesthetics of the region. More importantly this task was conducted during some of the worst weather that site has experienced thus resulting in the formation of a large muddy swamp, that left me wondering however would it be effectively reinstated.
My recent visit has completely exonerated the team and I remain amazed at how well the site has been recovered and I duly look forward to the new spring growth at which time I am confident all traces of man's presence will be removed.
To this end would you be so kind as to pass my thanks on to all concerned for a job well done.
In line with this, please be advised that I have today sent you a disk of images as requested and look forward to taking possession of the BW commissioned site signs for installation. Would you kindly advise as able.
Until then the Friends would like to wish all at BW, a wonderful Christmas and a peaceful & prosperous New Year.
Paul Barnett Chairman Friends of Purton

Nation televised debate on the hulks ... 'Friends' praised in Parliament

November 2009

Friends become custodians of historic collection

The Friends of Purton are pleased to announce that they have now catalogued its 2007 acquisition of the Graham Farr photographic collection. Started c.1930s the collection consists of several thousand black and white images of schooners, trows, lighters coasters, paddle steamers and much much more. Thanks are duly made to the late Robin Craig' widow, Yvonne, Michael Farr and Llanelli Photographer Derek Newton Goverd for their generosity, foresight and continued support. Contact the Friends for more information or search.

Search the Graham Farr index of images

More media attentions for the 'ladies' of Purton

For those of you who missed the recent BBC Points West 'Inside Out' feature on the ships graveyard here it is ...

'Friends' take runners up spot

As many of you will know, we recently attended the NAS conference in Portsmouth during Saturday 7th November 2009 and it is our great privilege to announce that the Friends of Purton have for the 3rd time running been awarded accolade through the NAS Adopt a Wreck Award as worthy runners up for 2009. Can we take this opportunity to congratulate the winners Southsea Sub Aqua Club on their D-Day tank mystery project.

Purton to appear on BBC 'Inside Out'

The Friends are pleased to announce that the sites complex legal question is programmed to be debated via the BBC investigative flagship Inside Out West during the regions prime time slot of 730pm on Monday 23rd November 2009. Furthermore Kath Farnaby the programmes producer, today advised that the programme which is ordinarily limited to the BBC's Western region, will be shown locally in the Midlands region at the later date of Monday 7th December 2009 at 730pm.

October 2009

Front Cover Story results in tentative English Heritage response

Our very good affiliated friends at the NAS were this month actively supporting the plight of the Purton Hulks following the release of the the Societies respected quarterly magazine Nautical Archaeology. This come in the wake of valuedsupport the Portsmouth based Charity issued the Friends during the recent much heralded excavation of the Harriett.In lineNAS Chairman George Lambrick, via his column praised the efforts of the now flourishing Friends of Purton and stated that despite continued frustrations it was hoped the Archeological world would get behind this campaign to protect this vital link to our maritime past. Read... .
This plea was further reiterated by Friends Chairman Paul Barnett in his own open letter in which he called for greater protection and a halt to inactivity by English Heritage. Following on and despite initial positive dialogue in an email from EH' Mark Dunkley, the Friends remain to receive a formal response to the piece.

What's in a hole

Busy month this month as the Hulks were once again catapulted into the media spotlight via the Western Daily Press pull out weekend colour supplement of the 17th October 2009 by respected reporter John Hudson. The piece, made up of light chat, photos and flowing humour, utilised a light hearted look at the work of the the Friends of Purton and centred on the recent excavation of the Kennet built Harriett. A big thank you to all who made it happen.

Purton mini-series aired

Regular listeners to BBC Radio Gloucestershire were recently treated to a three part series of interviews with Friends Chairman Paul Barnett during the David Smith show of 19th, 20th and 21st October 2009. During these prestigious mid-day slots, the issues of legal protection, continued destruction and the recent visit by the current Culture Minister Margaret Hodge MP were comprehensively explored and debated with Paul outlining the hopes of the Friends of Purton for the Future. A BBC spokes person stated that the series generated a great interest and congratulated the Friends on their sterling efforts to date.

September 2009

Recent Events on Site at Purton
Janet Presley writes about the limited excavation of Harriett and an important visitor to Purton:

In order for readers to be aware that there are contributors to the News Page other than himself, Paul has suggested that, as the Vice Chairman, I should take a turn to mention two exciting, recent occurrences, which I am pleased to be able to do.

The first was the archaeological investigation of the Kennet barge Harriett during the weekend of 19th and 20th September, when a trench was cut across the mast-step to reveal the remains of the keelson. The Project Manager was Laurent Coleman, who expertly led a team comprising other members of the Friends of Purton, the NAS and the Curator of the Kennet and Avon Museum. The weather was ideal and all went well until the second day following a 4 star rated Autumnal Equinox bore, when the flood water reached Harriett and constant bailing was needed to enable the recording of measurements and photographs to be taken.
The following day Stratascan explored an area in the reed beds, towards Sharpness, using ground penetrating radar equipment, looking for possible remains, and two members of Birmingham University (Marine Remote Sensing and Laser Scanning Department) carried out 3D scanning on Harriett, while our Web Master, Dave, manned the recalcitrant pump to clear the trench and I looked on, taking the odd photograph.
It should be mentioned that Paul and I spent Sunday 13th strimming and clearing grass around Harriett in preparation for the event and five of us filled in the trench, in the growing darkness, on 24th September. Thanks to everyone for all their help in ensuring the success of the whole project.
Other activities took place during the weekend, including investigations by the Slimbridge Dowsing Group, aerial pole photography by Hamish Fenton, surveying by Paul Willson of On-line Construction Management and a survey of the vessel Voltaic was undertaken by two members of the NAS.
Information is currently being collated and will be available on the web-site in due course.

The next piece of important news is that on Thursday 8th October we had the honour of an impromptu visit to Purton by the Rt. Hon. Margaret Hodge MBE MP, Minister of State for Culture and Tourism. May I draw your attention to the Press Release, linked below? In doing so I should point out that the Minister was not provided with roller boots and that the car brought her from a previous engagement and she was later driven to the station by David Drew MP. We owe our thanks to Mr Drew who has offered support and encouragement to the cause of the vessel remains at Purton and it was he who facilitated the opportunity for Lady Hodge to gain first hand knowledge of the site and appreciate all it has to offer. .Gazette 13-10-2009

It is my belief that if the authorities cannot see their way to supporting the historic, scientific, archaeological and aesthetic value of this site in the eyes of the public, after a meeting with such eminent professionals, then we will need to expect straight answers to questions such as “How exactly are the remains protected from wanton damage just by being on a Site of Special Scientific Interest?” All signatories to the petition during Paul's talks and tours will be gratified to know their names are now really in a position to support the cause.
Thursday 15th October

Purton welcomes generous donation from our friends at EnergySolutions

Friends of Purton treasurer Elaine Emerton is today immensely pleased to announce that the Purton Hulks have secured a much needed donation from Magnox South Ltd and its parent body organisation, EnergySolutions Inc.
Steven Payne, Public Relations Officer of the Berkeley Power Station, recently handed over a cheque for £500 which is destined to be put to good use in the ongoing programme of site interpretation. Elaine further wished to thank both Mr Payne for making this possible and all our friends past and present at the Berkeley Site, especially David Chalk.

Purton Pounds The Ground

The Purton Hulks were recently once again in the news as our Chairman Paul Barnett was called upon to take part in the historic unveiling of the new regional currency the Stroud Pound. When asked Paul stated that he was both humbled and honoured to be invited to take part in this wonderful event and wished to thank fellow Friend of Purton and Stroud Pound Co-Op Ltd event organiser John Rhodes (Capt John of the good ship Resolute fame) for the opportunity to strengthen ties with the home of the sites now famous Stroudwater barge fleet. see http://stroudpound.org.uk/ for more information.

August 2009

Hearts re-ignited as the Purton Hulks find love

Following on from a recent article featuring the work of Paul Barnett and the Friends of Purton in the Readers Digest, we have recently been inundated with requests for information, tour dates and more enchantingly this wonderful email:
Dear Mr Barnett,
It was a great thrill to read about the old ships in the September 2009 Readers Digest. I did not know that the site was now being cared for. In October 1981 my girlfriend and I were walking along the bank from Purton and came across all the old wrecks. And a log too. On which we sat, and I proposed to her! So, Beth is now my wife! And today is actually the 30th anniversary of our first meeting. So the RD article about you and the work there couldn't be more timely!
Perhaps next year we can plan a holiday over in Gloucestershire and visit the site and join one of your guided walks.
Thanks for all your work in preserving these relics.
Stanley Weighill

July 2009

Feedback from eminent Friends

As an avid Friend of Purton and campaigner, Professor Horton has openly criticised lack of protection in a recently published article within the archaeology journal Rescue News for what he sees as a distinct lack of the Agencies legal powers. "It does seem extraordinary that this nationally important collection of over 80 ships and barges should simply be allowed to be vandalised at will, and there is nothing that can be done at present to stop it.  Our heritage is becoming firewood!'

This position has now been further strengthened in a statement made earlier today by David Drew MP for Stroud who stated  “I am pleased that under the Marine Bill we now have some protection for marine shoreline artefacts – but we will have to see how this works in practice.  I have been talking to both English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund on how we can use the legislation to fully protect the Purton Hulks and to find some funding to get this really exciting project the support it now needs.”

Purton' forgotten Hulks lead way to a proud maritime nation

Following its national exposure on the BBC' flagship geographical programme Coast, to be shown Tuesday July 28th BBC2 8 pm, The Purton Hulks are destined to make a welcome return to our T.V screens later in the autumn.

The Purton foreshore and its now famous hulks are set to be catapulted into the public eye following the recent filming by the BBC for its popular investigative reporting series Inside Out to be screened in September 2009.

September’s program, hosted by the eminent Maritime Archa eologist and veteran presenter Professor Mark Horton, seeks to unravel this complex and long running legal battle to have this unique collection of remains protected for the nation.  Filming which took place during a packed weekend schedule of ar chaeology and surveying led by the Friends of Purton proved to be ever popular and was attended by the Nautical Archaeology Society, Cotswold Archaeology and the MP for Stroud David Drew.

Purton hits the headlines twice in one day.

The Friends of Purton are reeling under the recent huge boost as a result of national press coverage not once but twice in one day.  As a result Tuesday 28th July 2009 will for ever be remembered as one of the busiest days in the sites long and chequered history as it featured heavily in the days headlines of the BBC Radio Gloucestershire' slot of between 07:00 - 09:00 and again to the entire nation when Neil Oliver of the Beebs flagship geography Coast wandered amongst the regions now famous Purton Hulks.

June 09

Purton pounds the doors of Westminster.

The Purton Hulks have once again been discussed in the House of Commons via the right honourable MP for Stroud David Drew. The Friends would like to issue a heart felt thanks for his support and look forward to the responce from the Secretary of State.
Questions to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport
63 Mr David Drew (Stroud): To ask the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, what progress his Department has made in designating intertidal wreck sites as ancient monuments; what recent discussions he has had with English Heritage on that matter; what plans he has to bring forward legislative proposals for the designation of wreck sites; and what assessment he has made of the merits of designating the Purton Hulks site, Gloucestershire, as an ancient monument. Parliament publications

Purton to featured on BBC Radio Gloucestershire

Interview with Paul Barnett by Pete Wilson

Purton Hulks called to action stations

The conference season is upon us once again and as such the Friends are cordially invited to attend the NAS 2009 Annual Conference which takes place on Saturday the 7th November 2009. Set in Portsmouth's historic dock, within feet of Nelson's flagship,Victory,this year's conference promises to be marine archaeology's premiere event, with a varied programme of events, including an exhibition by the 'Friends of Purton' within the conference's packed exhibition hall. As a veteran of the conference, Paul Barnett issues the following plea to fellow members to free their diaries and join him, either on the Friends' stand, or to relax and soak up the atmosphere amongst the great and the good of this nation's finest seafaring community. Places are limited so book early to avoid disappointment.

May 09

Eric Hugh Aldridge

It is my sad task to advise the Society that a further link to our rich South West maritime heritage has been lost, upon the peaceful passing of Eric Hugh Aldridge, aged 90, on 14th May 2009. Not only was Eric a fine mariner in his own right, but he was the grandson of Arlingham based Captain Hugh Shaw, whose legendary vessel, the Camborne, was detailed in the classic literary publication Schooner Captain. Both a real maritime stalwart and personal friend, the region is greatly bereft as a result of his passing. Paul

A big thank you to our friends at BW Great news!

The Purton Hulks' site has recently experienced a much needed spring-clean, care of our friends at British Waterways, who recently provided a working party to cut grass and improve access to the area. To this end, the Friends of Purton would like to issue sincere thanks to all at BW for their hard and proactive work in improving this unique Gloucestershire time capsule. During a recent visit, our site guide, Paul Barnett, commented, "I am overjoyed with the sterling efforts of BW who, by their actions, have both improved disabled access in the removal of a defunct stile and have added to the overall aesthetics of the site by removing the accumulation of rubbish within its adjacent compound. I very much look forward to building upon this partnership and moving forward as joint guardians of this wonderful site".

Purton selected for magazine Photo Shot

Following the recent round of selection in which Tammy Lynne submitted a number of images from a number of places around the area for the possible Landscape Photography Challenge organised by the monthly publication DSLR User Magazine, The Friends are pleased to announce that Tammy persistence has paid off as the site has been chosen for the features location. Clearly pleased and in response Tammy stated "YaY!! I was hoping he would" The photo shot is therefore programmed for Tuesday 26th May at which time the magazines production team will issue an assembled team of photographers with landscape challenges to form part of a photographic tutorial in the August Issue of the magazine to hit the shelves on the first Thursday of July 2009. In response our very own site photographer Derek 'Pistol Grip' Newton Goverd is very much looking forward to seeing the piece and stated that the site continues to draw photographers from far and wide due to its atmospheric charm and stunning backdrop.

Here we go again! - Purton to feature on BBC Radio Gloucestershire

Recordings are now 'in the can', as they say, for the forthcoming in-depth interview with Paul Barnett by Pete Wilson, for his very popular Sunday Show in which Pete wanders the county, discovering some truly fascinating stories along the way. The one hour interview, to be aired on Sunday 31st of May 2009, is a mixture of music and chat, that takes a light hearted look at some of the fascinating vessels, the many characters and the Friends of Purton's future hopes for this wonderful site.

British Waterways agree to erect signs at 'graveyard'

After much negotiations about wording etc. British Waterway have volunteered to sponsor signs - one at both ends of the approaches to the site. They will read as below.

April 09

Past to aid the future

The Concrete lighter F.C.B. 75, which currently lies partly buried in the banks of the Severn at Purton Ships Graveyard, Gloucestershire, may help structural engineers learn more about what is commonly known as 'concrete cancer'. Older reinforced concrete structures such as road bridges, harbour wharves and other infrastructure often show cracking and rust staining resulting from the corrosion of the reinforcing bars within the concrete. This is unsightly but can also be a serious structural problem, necessitating costly repairs or even more costly replacement. But not all older concrete structures are affected, and that includes the wreck of the Purtons F.C.B. 75 which despite her great age, shows only very limited rust staining or damage.

To this end, the remains have recently came to the attention of Pro Rob Melchers of The University of Newcastle, Australia and Prof Chun Li of the University of Greenwich who have been actively collaborating in concrete deterioration research for many years. Some of the concrete structures they have examined are more than 65 years old and still surviving well,despite long-term exposure to hostile coastal and harbour seawater conditions. As a result  and at 68 years old, the remains of  F.C.B. 75, are believed to be of considerable research interest and for that reason Paul Barnett has arranged for Prof. Melchers to visit in early April 2009 in order to look for evidence of reinforcement rust in the hull and to take some simple measurements.

Prof Rob Melchers further stated "These findings will be vitally important in unravelling the scientific and engineering reasons for long-term reinforcement corrosion developing in some structures and not in others. It will be some time yet before all the research findings are completed but when they are they may help the development of measures to protect or extend the life of critical infrastructure".

Purton to be enjoyed by all

The Friends are immensely pleased to report that the Purton Ships' Graveyard continues to be enjoyed the county over.  This comes in the wake of a recent interview with Paul Barnett, by Mike Lyons of the Cotswold Vale Talking Newspaper, for inclusion in its quarterly magazine CD Kaleidoscope. 
Upon completion Mr Lyons stated, "As a regular to Purton, I am thrilled to have been able to document this wonderful site and in doing so, verbally record  the region's outstanding beauty and marine tranquility, for those who are unable to experience it for themselves". Further, he stated that the weekly recordings of the Gazette newspaper is a FREE service to blind and partially sighted people within the Berkeley, Cam, Dursley and Wotton-under-Edge area and would welcome both applicants and potential volunteers alike. More  information can be obtained on 01453 543565 or http://www.cvtn.org.uk/pages/index.html

Good News from English Heritage

Our Chairman Brian Humphreys has recently received notification from Mr. Mark Dunkley, Marine Biologist and Maritime Designation Adviser of the Heritage Protection Reform Team that an English Heritage team are about to start a review of the Purton Hulks Site.
The review will be undertaken under the banners of three main projects defined as follows:-

· Identify how deliberate damage and vandalism can be reduced and controlled
· Examine alternative measures to promote the site’s local interest
· Review the site in its national context

Mr. Dunkley will be carrying out the review of the site concerning its significance against the national context. He will be assisted by Mr. Gareth Wilson a Local Engagement Project Officer who will examine other more local aspects. Mr. Humphreys said, "We are absolutely delighted that English Heritage have seen fit to carry out this review. It follows a great deal of lobbying by Founder Member, Paul Barnett and some recent negotiations including a visit to the site by the Head of Designation, Dr. Roger Bowdler. We will do all we can to assist their efforts and only hope that their work will see some positive moves towards designation or other similar protection."

March 09

Country File comes to Purton

....

Purton is programmed to join in the forthcoming birthday celebrations of Sir Peter Scott via the BBC's Country File which is to be screened on BBC1 at 11:00 on Sunday 8th of March 2009. During the recent filming of the show, our very own Founder Member, Paul Barnett shared a passion for the site with veteran presenter John Craven. In doing so he outlined the plight of this Gloucestershire 'time capsule' and the vital work members of Friends of Purton are engaged in. ...See link

Purton Poster Pushes Plight

Further collaborative work with the Portsmouth based, Nautical Archaeology Society (NAS) continues to pay dividends as the Purton site has once again been recognised and is to feature, after being selected to take part in a forthcoming poster campaign. The campaign is being organised by the NAS and is funded by the National Lottery. As a result Brian Humphreys the Chairman of the Friends of Purton stated "this symbiotic partner which shares our concerns continues to push back the boundaries and in turn acts to ensure our vital work gains the credence it rightfully deserves". Furthermore Brian went on to state that the NAS is a valued and respected partner who share our concern regarding the protection issues surrounding the Purton site. He said that he would like to thank personally the NAS staff concerned including George Limbrick, Mark Betty-Edwards and especially the expertise of Dave Johnston for his kind help in compiling the final article.

February 09

Friends of Purton awarded grant

The second meeting of 'The Friends' took place February 15th 2009 at the Lammastide Inn Berkeley. As well as discussing society business Members were informed of a grant received from Stroud District Council.The 'Friends' thank S.D.C for their support.

Purton visits the Five Valleys

'Friends' hit the Headlines again! This time 'Stroud, News & Journal' with a glowing report by Ian Peters from the Stroud Camera Club ...see article

Sharpness Hulks Archaeology Survey Project launched -

"This project aims to survey and identify the remains of four hulks located in the half pound of the Sharpness old dock on the Gloucester and Sharpness canal. The results of this project will be used as part fulfilment for the Nautical Archaeological Society's part 2 Certificate in Foreshore and Underwater Archaeology." ... more

January 09

Purton leads the Way

Plans are a foot to circulate the campaign to protect the Purton Hulks to the far flung corners of Gloucestershire in the first of the recently commissioned county wide newsletters, the brain child of the Gloucester based publishing house Severnprint in collaboration with the Fleet Street Journalist, Adam Edwards and the Friends of Purton press team.  In a quote our very own Derek Newton Goverd, Site Photographer, stated "that the finished product would continue to inspire photographers the county wide" and he hoped that they would join him at the programmed "Peoples Academy" to help capture and record this wonderful site for prosperity.

For further details or to book a place kindly contact Derek on 01554775943

Purton Sets Sail on the County's Air Wave

The protection of the Purton Hulks received a major boost recently after Paul Barnett took part in a live phone-in interview on the Anna King - Drive Time slot of the county's BBC Radio Gloucestershire.  During this time a brief synopsis of the site was given, with the presenter firstly advising that despite her twenty years in the county, she was amazed at the existence and beauty of this unique Gloucestershire time capsule and as such she intended to join a guided tour in the very near future.

Listen to Paul's interview

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