Thousands of pounds earmarked to restore old Harwich ship (From Harwich and Manningtree Standard)

Thousands of pounds earmarked to restore old Harwich ship

5:00pm Thursday 3rd January 2013 in News

HUNDREDS of thousands of pounds have been earmarked to restore a historic Harwich based ship to its former glory.

The Pioneering Sailing Trust will receive £790,500 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to restore the oyster dredging smack Priscilla, built in 1893, and the Trinity House Launch 393, built in the 1950s.

The Trinity House vessel was based in Harwich during its working life.

It is hoped the project, which will last three years, will tell the story of oyster fishing off the Essex coast and see 15 apprentices work towards marine engineering qualifications as they restore the ships.

Rupert Marks, chairman of the Pioneer Sailing Trust, said: “Maritime heritage is not just about the big famous vessels.

“It is also about simple, working craft that played a vital role in keeping the nation fed and the shipping safe at sea.

“We are excited about restoring two simple but significant vessels that help to tell this story."

Trinity House Launch 393, built in North Tyneside, was used to maintain local navigational marks and supply isolated lightships and lighthouses with food, fuel and crew in the Thames estuary and North Sea.