Newsletter

27th August, 2004

BOILER FAILURE

In April, when the boiler failed its annual survey for insurance purposes it was felt that it was not worth repairing. We thought the expense and hard work of doing it wasn't going to achieve value for money as one would end up with a repaired 60 year old boiler which could fail again.

FUND RAISING

Since then we have been actively fundraising for a new boiler. We are appealing for £120,000 which is divided into three portions. £40,000 for a new boiler, £40,000 for towing the vessel to Corpach boatyard, removing the old boiler, fitting the new one, replacing the funnel and engine room fiddley and £40,000 for replacing the hull plating in that area whilst the opportunity allows.

ART SALE

We have raised, to date, £16,000 by public appeal through the Friends of the Vic 32 newsletter (the Calliope) and articles in newspapers. We have opened the boat to the public on occasions and sold our tea towels, mugs and T-shirts, etc. We are selling raffle tickets (more..) and on September 17th we have an Art Show and Sale in the Crinan Hotel from 6.00 pm to 8.30 pm (more..). If you would like to be invited to this please let me know.

RAFFLE TICKETS

We were very kindly offered a day, free of charge, in the geodesic dome at Ardfern. A great day was had by all. We made over £500 in side shows; dig in the sand for treasure, bottle stall and stick a pin with a raffle ticket on it in a chart to find out where Para Handy dropped his pipe overboard. Rachel and I were ably helped by Robert Walker, Martin MacLellan, Margaret Knight (Rachel's Mum), Clive and Jan Brown and Sarah and Katharine Walker. Thanks must also go to Ardfern Boatyard who provided a free mooring for the 'Duke of Normandy II' which was used as a base camp. The Boat Band entertained us in the evening with their Cajun music.

FUTURE FUNDING

We have been promised £10,000 by the Manifold Trust, the Tay Trust have given us £1,000 and we are hoping for assistance from other bodies, including the National Heritage Lottery Fund.

WANT TO HELP?

If you would like to assist, please consider donating some money online or by post (more..).

GRATITUDE

Thank you to our new Director, Mike Smith and to Jan Brown, our Fundraiser, who is working tirelessly on our behalf.

Thank you to all the generous artists who have given their works to the Trust for the Sale on September 17th. Thanks also to Jolomo, alias John Morrison, for his and Maureen's generous support and to Iain and Wilma at the Archway Gallery, Lochgilphead.

Thanks for your interest and we look forward to meeting you when the Puffer is up and running again.

Nick Walker

Read the other Newsletters:

14th March, 2005
17th February, 2005