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CAMBRIA
TRUST
Restoration of the famous Thames Sailing Barge 'CAMBRIA' What has been done to save CAMBRIA? Progress - 1996/2000 |
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CAMBRIA was transferred from the Maritime Trust to the care of
the Cambria Trust towards the end of 1996. The barge was in need of urgent
care and attention and the voluntary Friends of CAMBRIA have done
their best to look after her with limited funds. Sinking: In 1996, a number of chine doubling planks came away and CAMBRIA began to sink at her half tide moorings at Dolphin Yard. The barge repair blocks were already occupied by a barge which couldn't be moved, so volunteers installed cement boxes from inside the barge to try and stem the flow of water. This could only ever be temporary and more permanent arrangements needed to be made. Cleanaway lighter: In 1997 it was decided that the barge could best be saved by being put into a floating dry dock. A study of possible craft and methods of conversion was carried out and Cleanaway Ltd. agreed to donate one of their redundant lighters. The Company arranged for the craft to be towed from Rainham on the Thames to Sittingbourne. Very soon, the hull of the lighter was cut down, four water control valves installed and six timber barge blocks bolted to supporting trestles. In August 1997, the lighter was anchored in the centre of Milton Creek, and the valves opened so she would sink. On the following tide, CAMBRIA was floated by the combined effect of additional cement boxes and two motor pumps. A volunteer team, aided by a tug, put the barge over the lighter and she was left to settle on the blocks set in the hold of the lighter. The following day at low water, the valves in the lighter were shut and as the next tide flowed, everyone waited with baited breath - and the operation worked, proving a great success. Cleaning out the hold: 1998: As a result of sinking at the top of the tide for almost a year, the hull of CAMBRIA was filled with mud and silt to a depth of between 6 and 8 inches. Before work could commence, this silt had to be removed, and this was carried out by enthusiastic voluntary working parties, and a remarkable series of buckets and block and tackle. This work was finished off, using a high pressure water jet. Presenting the barge 1998/2000: Over the past year, monthly working parties (of between 6 and 8 members) have been engaged in cleaning up the barge, painting her ironwork, hull, wheelhouse, etc., with the aim of creating the impression that the barge isn't totally derelict and beyond redemption. The deck has alos been given a coat of paint, courtesy of Jotun, who donated 60 litres of their marine products. The way ahead The barge has now reached that crucial phase where her condition can either be stabilised, and work on long-term restoration proceed - or the inexorable process of decay will go on apace. If the latter is allowed to happen, it is unlikely that CAMBRIA will be with us beyond 2006, the centenary of her original launch at Greenhithe. |
Pages maintained by David Renouf, email: bargemaster@thamesbarge.org.uk