Seasons Greetings
January 2020
The Raybel Story so far After a very successful open day on the 30th November (about 140 guests) we followed up with an information evening for Swale Councillors on the 18th December. Thirteen councillors and Officers attended and we were very impressed with their passion and support for the Museum and the success of the Raybel Project. One councillor committed to providing safety belt stanchions and rings on the Wharf which is a most welcome development.
At 7pm we held an Open Evening to engage the Sittingbourne community in the historical research and struck gold! Two visitors were the daughters of the Wills side of Wills and Packham who built Raybel and had travelled across England to re visit Sittingbourne. This is exactly the sort of connections we need to keep Raybel’s history alive. They are scouring the family albums for us.
Our new year priorities are getting the dry dock to Sittingbourne. This is an interesting logistical problem as it is currently at Lower Halstow. It requires daylight, pumps, big engines, insurance, welding, towage certificates, strong ropes, high tides and low winds. Plenty of challenges! The dock, kindly donated by the Westmoreland trust, sadly contains the remains of Sailing Barge Westmoreland which will have to be removed before we can put Raybel in. We will record what is left of the original hull and if possible save some timbers.
Meanwhile back in Sittingbourne, Raybel sits serenely floating on the tides. Two shipping containers have been delivered to site – well above the flood tide mark and much of Raybel’s gear and contents have been moved into them. We will shortly have a roof structure between them to create a dry workshop space and then work can start on servicing all her rigging. We have quotes from specialist lifting firms to take off her rudder, leeboards, and masts - in all amounting to quite a few tons.
On the history front, we did an interview with the fabulous June Nethersell, daughter of legendary skipper George Eastland. George skippered for three major barge owners before working for Sully’s, Raybel’s owners. As a child June lived aboard S.B. Oceanic and as a young mum lived on the row of houses known as The Wall. The video interview with June will be available in the new year.
Finally, we have made a list of stuff that we will need to restore Raybel – our Raybel Wishlist. In the spirit of being green and recycling we are asking all our friends if they can help us acquire any of the gear listed. Donations, loans, discounts, or contacts of friendly suppliers all gratefully received.
It’s going to be a great year for Raybel and the Heritage of Sittingbourne. Please keep on board!
Mark
The Raybel Wishlist
Please help us get the stuff Raybel needs
Stick, MIG or TIG Welding kit
Oxy acetylene cutting kit
An AnvilA blacksmiths vice
A sturdy workbench
Signage to the site
Interpretive graphics for the wharf
A deskA VDU compliant office chair
Sheets of exterior or marine grade plywood
110v transformer and extension lead x 2
Replacement piling on the wharf side
15 hp outboard motor for workboat/ships boat
Professional quality chainsaw and spare chains
Shiplap timber cladding for the container workshop
A hosepipe
Electrical distribution and installation in the container workshop
Lighting in the container workshop
Replacement mooring bollards on the wharf
Safety glasses x 100
Welfare block (tables /chairs, kitchen area, heater)
Replacement maritime handrail bollards and chains on the wharf
A 7lb and 14 lb sledgehammer
Polytunnel style roof covering for the containers
Large Circular saw (110V)
High level stadium light for wharfside
A covering roof for the dry dock
A portaloo and hand wash facility
Large Electric planer (110v)
Electric power and water stanchions on the wharfside
Pressure washer
Pillar drill and drill bits
Permanent fencing around the site
Security lights and CCTV on the museum covering the museum and wharf
Planning fees
A larger style fork lift truck, stillage loader, or small mobile crane (historic crane would be nice)
Angle grinder (110v) and Grinderette x 2 (110v)
Hydraulic bottle jacks
Battery work lights
Cuddly toy (only joking)
Seasoned oak timber in any dimensions
Filing cabinet – 4 drawer and locking
Disability access audit
Waste bins and rubbish collection service
Mooring ropes (8 x 100 foot 40mm polysteel or traditional look synthetic)
A small van with roof rack and tow bar
Travel costs to Bristol to review Underfall Shipyard operation
24 folding chairs and 6 folding tables
Main winch assembly and barrel
Lee board winches x 2
Disposal of SB Westmoreland
Oak framed open sided building for events and displays
2 replacement Crab Winches
Disposable work gloves neoprene x 5000
Rubber/textile work gloves x 500
A laser printer and cartridges
Scaffolding or aluminium stair case to allow access to dry dock
Rubble sacks x 1000
Yacht Enamel white x 10 gallons
Boiled linseed oil x 10 gallons
White spirit x 10 gallons
Paint brushes – various sizes commercial quality x 100
Skarsten long handled paint scrapers
Hardwood with any dimensions above 4 feet
Marine AIS Transponder
Tins of Stockholm Tar
Cash, money, old £1 coins