4th November , 2005

Boiler Update VIC 32 is now in the shed at Corpach Boatyard and work is underway to replace the hull plating in the boiler area,Nick is filming this for the DVD which should be available at the end of the work. While at Corpach the condenser has been removed and refurbished. The new boiler is on schedule and should be at Corpach by the end of the year, thanks to the efforts of R.K.Pridhams Engineering. For more details click here...

FUND RAISING Since the last newsletter fund raising has continued apace with appearances at craft fairs and the arrival of the ''Souvenir Shop'' leaflet with many new items,not least of which is THE MUST HAVE FOR EVERYONE.... The 2006 VIC 32 Calendar

For your copy of the calendar or the leaflet contact, The Puffer Preservation Trust, Mike Smith, 10 Finkin Lane, Stanley,Wakefield, WF3 4NJ

Festival of the Sea We also took part in The Festival of The Sea at Portsmouth at the end of June. The 'Shieldhall'' very kindly let us to set up a stand on board to sell souvenirs. We travelled to Portsmouth on board Scott and Hilary Periera's 1916 gentlemans yacht the ''Lilian''. Our route was down the Thames, round Kent, down the Channel to Portsmouth,arriving off Ryde on the Isle of Wight in the very early hours of the morning. Once the Royal Review and Fireworks were complete we entered Portsmouth harbour where it did not take Nick long to locate the bacon roll and pork and pork crackling baguette purveyor from which he rarely strayed!!!! Maybe he needed to build up his energy levels for when he helped row the replica Thames wherry up and down the harbour (photo's are available.....but only for very generous donations!!!!). Many old and some new friends were met, amongst whom must be noted, Bob Adams, Capt. Toot Toot from the Shieldhall, Peter Hollins and Campbell MacMurray. From Portsmouth we travelled by road to Pridhams to get an update on work so far (see boiler update).

GRATITUDE Many thanks are due to the Trusts, Companies and Organisations who have supported the appeal, but especially to the ''Friends'' who have been magnificent in their support in so many ways and we hope that you will continue to support VIC 32.

FINALLY... Work parties are provisionally planed for weeks commencing 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th May, contact Nick for more information.

Look forward to seeing you there.

Mike Smith

Read the previous Newsletters:

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