Following hot on the heels of the last issue of "Steaming up" is another issue! I will do my best to make these newsletters as regular as possible during this fascinating phase of the restoration project. Before we get down to what’s happening I am afraid that I need to climb onto my soapbox. You will see elsewhere in this issue that responses to both work parties and crewing dates have been disappointing. We in FoP are in danger of letting the few do all the work. In particular, the two Dave’s, Ron Spencer and his small band of helpers. Let there be no mistake, this is a huge project that we are undertaking. The rest of us cannot simply turn up with our cameras in hand ready to marvel at the boat, it is time to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty.

Simon Nuttall

Work Party dates – President needs YOU!

Two work parties have taken place since the last issue. Ron Spencer has asked me to request more help. It is vital that we complete the work allocated to us as soon as possible to ensure that we do not delay progress. The next work parties are as follows: - 16th March, 6th April, 20th April, 4th May.

Other weekday work parties can be arranged subject to availability. If you can spare a day then please give Ron a call 0161 980 3539. In any case please call Ron to let him know which work parties you are able to attend. The tasks to be completed are as follows: - Second or may be third coat of red oxide gloss Paint knees blue (two coats) Primer, followed by gloss in fore hatch. Re-ink cloths and stencil (both boats) Assemble all running gear Prepare Kildare for painting

Wither or not Crick?

After much thought and scheduling of the work yet to be carried out we have reluctantly decided that we will not be going to Crick. Whilst deadlines are a necessary evil it is felt that we should not rush the final fitting out. It is all too easy to make mistakes when rushing to complete a project. If you volunteered for this trip then please considered whether you can help on any other trips and let Richard Thomas know on 01992 466180.

Detailed boating programme is here

Big news on the funding front

With all the work going on to complete the boat it is easy to forget that we still urgently require funds. To refresh your memory the project is inching towards£45,000. At present we still require just under half of this. While Dave Stott has been busy on the boat side David Powell and Nigel Wood have been active on the funding front. In particular he has been developing our existing link with the DeVere Village Hotel & Leisure complexes. The details have not yet been finalised but we will be holding a grand raffle. The first prize is a week’s holiday hire for spring 2003, generously donated by Middlewich Narrowboats. We are actively investigating methods of selling large numbers of tickets, as this is a major opportunity to raise considerable funds. You can all help by selling tickets on trips, events and of course to everyone you know. Full details will be available in the next issue.

David Powell

More on the Jam ‘ole run

Potentially the most interesting trip of the year is the Jam ‘ole run. This takes place from 20th to 27th October 2002. This recreates what is generally regarded as the last of the long distance carrying contracts. Originally operated by the Samuel Barlow Coal Co, it was taken over by Michael Streat’s Blue Line Company. The contract was for the supply of coal from the midlands to Kearly and Tongue’s jam factory on the Paddington Arm in London. President and Kildare have been asked by our long term supporter and sponsor Tim Coglan – Braunston Marina join the other working boats on this trip. I for one am really looking forward to taking part. It will be unlike our normal runs in that it takes place in the autumn on the Grand Union. I am hoping for some wonderful misty autumn mornings. I am sure that there will be some excellent photographic opportunities with both our own and the other working boats.

Simon Nuttall

Work Party report

We have held two work parties since the last issue. The first was largely rained off due to very inclement weather. However on Saturday 2nd March 7 members attended: Dave Stott, Dave Goodman, Ron and Judy Spencer, John Logie, Bob Jervis and Brian Empsall. I have included a picture report on the next page, but painting was very much the order of the day. Dave Stott and Dave Goodman were based at the museum preparing the boiler room ancillaries. Whilst the other painted the inside of the hull.

Further information

Restoration Progress report by David Stott