Newsletter Update

4th June, 2007

After installation of the new boiler at Corpach Boat Yard, the Vic 32, in company with the Duke of Normandy 11, left for Crinan on Fri 21st July 2006. Arriving at approx 1900hrs to a champagne reception!

Further work was carried out at Crinan, such as boiler insulation and generally getting the vessel ready for four weeks cruising on the Calendonian Canal... which went well... both from the passengers point of view and the performance of the boiler/engine.

After steaming back to Crinan she was prepared for the winter and the arrival of the new engineer in the New Year. During this period planning on the new galley was carried out, and when Lyall the engineer arrived Mid Feb major alterations began.

The old galley was stripped and where necessary steel work was replaced. Nicks cabin was reduced by some 50% in area (he'll need to be super slim to get in now!). As a result the galley is now T shaped and the cooks can now see out of both the port and starboard sides.

Starting from a bare space the opportunity was taken to update the galley to meet the latest hygene standards. The galley now boasts two new fridges, a new cooker, a new oven, new hygenic solid surface worktops, dedicated hand washing facilities, white laminate bulkhead lining and a new flooring.

Work parties arrived mid April and work commenced on the painting, cleaning and general preparation for the coming season. Much was completed and many thanks to all those on the work parties whose efforts are much appreciated. Modifications to the holding tanks were also carried out to improve the functioning of the system.

Finally new fire bars were fitted, they were obtained from a new source recommended by the North York Moors Railway, and if they perform as good as they looked then we should get many hours steaming from them.

This year will see a cruise to Glasgow to participate in the Festival of the River and while this particular trip is fully booked there are still vacancies on other cruises. A new brochure has been produced and copies can be obtained by writing to The Change House, Crinan Ferry, Lochgilphead, Argyll, PA31 8QH.

Maintainence and refurbishment are ongoing. This year the work on the galley has consumed all our funds, and while all profits from the cruises are all spent on the upkeep more will always be required.

To this end we hope to organise another raffle and would also like to remind you of the items we have in the shop, these include new designs on the mugs,and a new new design of T shirt. Hopefully we can put these on the web site soon.

Finally can we stress that if all gifts and subscriptions were ''Gift Aided'' we can claim 28p in the pound back from the taxman, so if you haven't signed your Gift Aid form can we ask that you please do... it all helps.''

Mike Smith

Read the previous Newsletters:

4th November, 2005
9th June, 2005
14th March, 2005
17th February, 2005
27th August, 2004