Bob's away from his computer at the moment, I think he's taking up permanent residence in Brooks Street., so an update from me.

Excellent progress has been made in the last week, with working parties on Wednesday/Thursday/Friday/Saturday and Sunday, with varying attendance from Dave Stott, Bob Crompton, Dave Powell, Richard Prince, Tony Tibbins, Richard Burke and Nick Haynes, we now have a boat ready for launching. with the following work complete:

Exterior Blacked with two coats of Bitumen. Interior Bottom and Footings and some of the ballast given two coats of Black Epoxy. Interior sides given two coats of Red Oxide. Side Cloths and Cratch Cloth fitted, with strings and tie back strings. Back Cabin Door replaced. Cross Planks, top Planks, Mast and Back Cabin End all painted Oxford Blue. Fitting of the floor started.

Bob's back again Monday to help Ian Kemp get ready for one of the key events.

Tuesday 18th July 2006 11:00 a sideways launch of Kildare back into the water.

This is a very impressive sight and if you can make it everyone if welcome to view and take photographs. For those who are unable to attend, I will be attempting to video the event and will pass to Malcolm Nixon for loading onto the website.

We are then planning to return Kildare back to the museum on Thursday 20th. The availability of the tug is still to be confirmed.

Is you can make it to help the outline plan is as follows.

09:00 - Meet at BCLM Travel to Dadford's with the minimum number of cars. Bowhaul Kildare up to the top of the Stourbridge flight. Meet tug and be towed up to Delph flight. Bowhaul Kildare up to the top of Delph flight. Kildare towed to Factory Work through Factory Locks 14:00 approx - Kildare towed back to BCLM. Go back for car(s)

Once back at the Museum the big push starts to get Kildare ready for the trip to the National, now planning to leave on Monday 14th August. We only have three weeks, so even this date will need to be under continually review.

So your assistance is needed on Saturday 22nd.

The requirement for this working party is bodies. There is lots of cleaning to be done, Water Tanks ,Fridge, Cooker, Bunks Beds and everything else removed from Kildare back in March. For those with DIY skills the work will be starting on fitting the floors panels, water pipes, gas pipes and electrical connections, kitchen units, bathroom units, the list goes on.