Trustee Colin Chapman gives us an update:
“Re-opening the HMS Ganges Museum for the 2023 season on Easter Weekend proved to be very successful. albeit a trifle wet, however, the footfall so far this month has been excellent. The AGM on the 15th April went well although as always attendance could have been better. Even so we had 39 attendees. Elections took place and five Trustees were re-elected, however we are still seeking a Treasurer.”
“Works on the mast commenced in April 2022, removing the mast at the bequest of Wavensmere Homes who wished to retain the mast as the iconic landmark for the Barrelmans Point development.”
“It can be seen that prior to works commencing, the mast was in a pretty poor state, the years of neglect resulting in the spars rotting and breaking free.”
“On 6th June 2022 the final sections of the mast were removed during a de-masting ceremony leaving only the steel section which is set in concrete with 16 feet embedded below ground.”
“T.S. Rigging of Maldon who have been tasked with the refurbishment have been working diligently within Nelson Hall crafting and shaping the wooden sections using traditional methods with most of the work being completed by hand.”
“The aim is to replace the mast which was first erected in 1907 with an exact replacement crafted to the original dimensions that will stand in place for future years. The work on the mast uprights and spars has now completed and works will move on to the next stage of installing the rigging, guys and stays most of which have been retained from the old mast but, where necessary new will be manufactured. The final task will be to preserve the steel stump which was originally the foremast from the sloop HMS Cordelia.”
“Once the mast rebuild has been completed it will be replaced back in its original location to once again regain its iconic position as a landmark on the Shotley Peninsular.”
“We look forwards to the completion of these works to re-establish HMS Ganges Mast as the Shotley Peninsular iconic landmark that it has been since 1907 and which we expect will draw in even more visitors to the Museum.”
To find out more, please visit the HMS Ganges Museum website.