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September Newsletter
Twenty six members enjoyed a beautiful Estuary Cruise on the Lady Mary last Thursday evening. The weather was perfect, there was enough room for us to be Covid secure and the ‘new’ ferry is a perfect boat for our waters. Thanks to Linda Lee for the organisation and to the ferry skipper for a comprehensive cruise of the harbour, Frogmore and South Pool creeks.
Your committee met by Zoom on the preceding Wednesday evening. Again we had little to discuss as Covid is still restricting our activities. We agreed to book Christmas Dinner at the Cottage Hotel for December 9th., put that in your diary and we will circulate details nearer the date, Covid permitting.
Membership numbers are slowly rising, thanks to all you new and loyal members for sticking with us in these awkward times. Boatwatch continues and plans to hold a get together for existing and new participants are on hold until we reach a time when such events are made possible again. On the water there have been a few alcohol related rowdy problems. SHA have reported that, in conjunction with the Police and Coastguard, particular craft and helms have been stopped, reported, logged by the police and interviewed. The results of which have led to particular persons not having access to their craft, other boats being removed from the water and particular situations being run past SHA’s legal team. Salcombe Harbour office have thanked us for our vigilance around the harbour including pontoon checks and reports.
Nigel Mortimer, AONB Officer has given us this link https://youtu.be/oucYgTDSaHM which takes you to a report on an electric boating workshop. The whole thing is about 3 hours long but there is some interesting information there. He also reports on the red tides (algal blooms) that we are experiencing at the moment. They are not dangerous to humans. This time.
Our Treasurer, Alan Purchase, has given up boating and his membership of the Club with it. Consequently we are looking for a new Treasurer to take over at the end of this year. It is not an onerous job and the auditor has agreed to continue in his post. Any potential volunteers please get in touch with me and we can talk about it. The Committee thanks Alan for his years of unfailing service, we are sorry to lose you.
The committee will meet again in early November. We are unable to hold any of our usual autumn events indoors at the moment and we can only hope for an early conquering of the virus. In the meantime please look after yoursleves and we will meet again. Sometime.
Tony Watson
August Newsletter
Good morning members. Your committee last met on July 15th. and, with things being as they are, very little of importance was discussed. Our next meeting will be at the beginning of September. We have decided to reduce our committee meetings to around 7 per year, including the AGM, calling extra meetings should situations arise that require our collective decision. Salient points will be reported in these newsletters.
Obviously we are still unable to organise any social events but we are hoping that our evening cruise around the estuary will be able to take place in September. This will be in the new Kingsbridge/Salcombe ferry that has replaced River Maid, the Lady Mary. She is smaller with, I believe, a capacity in normal times of 50 passengers. We may look at cruises on two evenings to satisfy the usual high demand. Lady Mary has commenced running daily services between Kingsbridge and Salcombe if you fancy a trip.
The South Hams Estuaries Officer, Nigel Mortimer has again been in touch, his message follows:
Our Boatwatch members have been reporting this white discharge from alongside the town slipway for some time. Its source remains a mystery. The Environment Agency hotline is 0800 807060 should any of you see another ocurrence. Sorry, couldn’t attach Nigel’s flyer.
I am pleased to be able to report that membership numbers are still holding up, in fact numbers are slowly increasing, thanks for your loyalty in this strange time. Our financial situation remains sound.
On our web site members’ advertisements are working well with articles selling. It is easy to use for buyer or seller, do keep an eye on it.
Having nothing else to report I will conclude with hopes that we will all be able to get together in the not too distant future.
Tony Watson.
June Update Newsletter
Good morning members. As you will all probably know, the way we are allowed to use our boats looks like being extended to, almost, normal conditions this weekend. Salcombe Harbour Authority will be publishing its new guidelines this week, look out for them. Your committee is due to meet via Zoom again on July 15th., by which time things might have moved on enough for us to consider social events. We will let you know.
In the meantime our Boatwatch teams have been out and about, working to strict Covid regulations. The guidance notes on the web site have been updated to reflect the present conditions. In spite of our efforts it appears that criminal activity has stepped up with a number of outboards having been stolen from around the estuary recently, please ensure that your defences are sufficient to dissuade the opportunist.
The members’ adverts slot on the web site is up and running with a few very interesting items for sale already posted. Post your own ads now or buy from those already advertised.
The Estuary Conservation Officer is concerned about Pacific oysters in the eel grass beds within the estuary and is appealing for help, see the following:-
Dear Kingsbridge Boat Club
I am writing to ask if any of you might have any light-weight 2m poles, pipes or shafts that we could use for a local estuary conservation project please – any unused, broken or unloved windsurfing masts, oars or the like. Further details below.
We have found a very concerning population of Pacific oysters within the nationally rare but locally extensive meadows of dwarf seagrass over the Blanksmill – Rowden – Collapit mudflats.
We are very concerned, that left unchecked, these oysters will continue to expand in number and density – displacing the seagrass meadows. It is usual for these Pacific oysters (aka ‘rock oysters’) to thrive on mudflats but they have a bad track record. With no overstatement, on some of the Yealm Estuary shores, they have become such a hazard for anyone trying to land or just walk there, that the amenity of a beach has been lost.
We believe that we have successfully found a method of managing these oysters by pushing the them down into the mud with poles. They do not have the necessary biology to survive – it may appear wasteful but we cannot think of a more sustainable method.
In our trial we used a 2m length of plastic pipe – it worked but it would not be robust enough to stand the test of pushing down the number we found. I am really after any 2m of pole, pipe or shaft that I could adapt to make a tool for myself and any willing volunteers. They just need to be comfortable to handle and robust enough to push the oysters down and light enough to pull back up for a couple of hours or so. I wondered about old windsurfing masts, longer oars or the like – they needn’t be hollow, I’m sure that I can fabricate a suitable end. I am happy to collect locally at a 2m distance.
Can you possibly help us out please? We have three sets of mudflat safety equipment, so three 2m lengths would be the ideal. 2m or longer has the advantage of being able to reach oysters within the seagrass with minimal trampling.
If you would like to know any further details, please do let me know.
Further information about local biosecurity can be found within our Salcombe-Kingsbridge Estuary BioSecurity Plan
– https://www.southdevonaonb.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Salcombe_Biosecurity_Plan.pdf
Many thanks and best wishes
Nigel
Nigel Mortimer
Estuaries Officer – South Devon AONB Unit
Nigel.Mortimer@SouthDevonAONB.org.uk
Follaton House, Plymouth Rd, Totnes, Devon, TQ9 5NE
‘ 01803 229335 ß Please note my new number
È 07971 544010 (NB not 24/7 & sorry, no signal in the office!)
¿ www.SouthDevonAONB.org.uk
Following Covid-19 safeguarding guidelines I am working from home
See you on the water soon I hope.
Tony Watson
June Newsletter
CORONAVIRUS MEANS NO MEETINGS
It is not possible to predict when we will be able to resume normal service. We will keep you informed.
Unfortunately the above statement still applies to us. Gatherings of people in the open air are still restricted to 6 or less, so we continue to be unable to organise social events. We will do so as soon as circumstances permit.
In the meantime Boatwatch activities have resumed in full with strict rules about anti virus measures. The guidance notes for Boatwatch teams will appear on the relevant website page, probably as soon as you receive this newsletter. The Police have asked members to be particularly vigilant, adding a new dimenstion to our activities.
Normally at this time of year we entertain the Chernobyl children but this has also become a victim of the virus. To add to their woes we understand that wild fires in their home area are spreading radio active dust and the virus has just arrived. Their health systems will struggle. The Committee decided that the Club’s usual donation of £250 to their charity will be made this year.
On a brighter note, Kingsbridge in Bloom has won a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. Many of our members are very active gardeners making our town so attractive. Congratulations to all members of the Kingsbridge in Bloom team. Go to their web site for more information.
Your committee continues to meet regularly by Zoom, if you have any subjects that you would like us to discuss, please let a committee member know.
Stay safe,enjoy the sunshine and yesterday’s very welcome rain.
Tony Watson.
May Newsletter
Good afternoon members, at last a little good news. Most of you will have received the email from Salcombe Harbour Authority about changes to their Covid 19 restrictions. If you haven’t received it, go to https://www.salcombeharbour.co.uk/covid19 where all is revealed. Basically you can go afloat but only if you can satisfy the standards laid out in the SHA document.
You might have noticed that the Salcombe Harbour web site has undergone a face lift. It is worth having a look at the new site.
Boatwatch coordinator Richard Benton has emailed the Police and Harbour Office for an opinion as to the wisdom of restarting normal Boatwatch activities. He will be in touch with the teams as soon as he has a response.
Your committee continues to meet by Zoom monthly. At our last meeting we talked briefly about events that might become possible if Coronavirus restrictions are lifted further. Obviously we could come to no conclusions but be assured we are thinking of you and the Club, and will resume club activities once it becomes safe to do so.
In the meantime stay safe in what some commentators believe may be the most dangerous phase yet of the pandemic in England.
Tony Watson.
April Newsletter
As the Coronavirus pandemic continues and grows, the Club’s activities remain on hold. Boatwatch members are not functioning in their normal manner but, as they take their permitted exercise, they do keep an eye on the water and the craft on it.
As many of you will be aware, Salcombe Harbour Authority has banned all craft from the water except those on Harbour duties, the fishermen and the RNLI. Additionally local authorities, the police, tourist agencies and the local population are asking people who are not permanently resident in the area to stay away and remain in their own main residencies. People who ignore this are being fined and turned back by the Constabulary The biggest problem is that our Health Service can only just cope with the resident population, additional patients will result in all of us receiving sub standard services with unpleasant results. The SHDC leader’s letter can be viewed here >
Consequently, if you are not a Devon resident restrain the urge to come down for Easter, stay at home and let others in your area know they will not be welcomed in the West Country.
Sorry to be a bit negative, but at least the weather has improved which makes life more bearable. Never has so much gardening, house painting and decorating been done. There might be light at the end of the tunnel, let’s hope so and look forward to some late summer’s boating and some KEBC social events.
Above all, stay safe.
Tony Watson.
March Newsletter
CORONAVIRUS MEANS NO MEETINGS
It is not possible to predict when we will be able to resume normal service. We will keep you informed.
In the meantime various organisations in Kingsbridge are developing support systems for residents.
The Town Council have rolled out their Guardian Angels programme – see their web site for details. Kingsbridge Food Bank are extending their services to cover homes facing difficulties in addition to their normal service.
Age Concern are offering a ‘Meals on Wheels’ service within Kingsbridge.
We were approached by the Food Bank for financial assistance and your committee voted to donate £200 from KEBC funds. If individual members would also like to contribute please see the Food Bank flyer at the end of this message. They are also looking for more volunteers to deliver food. There would be no personal contact. Call Gerrie or Paula on the numbers below.
We are aware that Google is still not finding the new web site. We are working on this but, in the meantime, other search engines are having no trouble and, if you simply enter www.kebc.co.uk/ or click on the link at the top of this newsletter, you will reach our web site and you can always save it to your favourites for future use. Google will catch up. Eventually. In its own time.
Southampton Boat Show has not yet been cancelled, so our request for responses to the possible outing is repeated here.
So for now, stay safe and keep an eye on your neighbours. Try phoning a couple of friends each day. Preparing the boat for launching at the end of the month is a form of self isolating, so you have plenty of things to get on with.
Tony Watson, Chairman.
POSSIBLE CLUB OUTING TO SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW!
Several members have requested that we look at doing a Club Trip to the Southampton Boat Show in September 2020; the Committee would like to know if there is a sufficient level of support to make it viable.
Monday 14th September leaving Kingsbridge Quay at 7.30am arriving 11.30am on
Tally Ho Coach 32 Seater.
Pickup time from The Boat Show approx 4.00 pm arriving Kingsbridge 8.00pm.
Estimated Cost including entrance to the Boat Show in the region of £50 per person.
To make it happen we would need a commitment of about 30 people and the money would have to be paid as soon as the Coach is booked and the Group Tickets purchased. (32 people would bring the cost down to about £45)
If you are interested please contact events@kebc.co.uk
Kingsbridge Food Bank flyer.
Gerrie 07759 683567 OR Paula 07746 937514
Citizens of the Kingsbridge Parish Cluster + Kingston, Ringmore, Modbury, Blackawton & Strete
Community Appeal to
Keep Us All Safe
Copy of Mail Just Sent to Kingsbridge Gazette
Check out Gerrie’s plea below, and read the Emergency Plan.
Churches, Parish Councils, the Food Bank Christians, the Food Bank Non Christians and other providers need to hold hands so we can deliver food & pastoral care to the those in our care that are in need of our help over the next few weeks, and beyond.
Gordon Roberts is coordinating with Grandad Roger for the churches as Graham F is away.
Parish Councils are signing up:
Jean Turrell at East Allington did when I called her last night, as Clerk, but she’s even older than me (sorry Jean) so she’s looking for a younger version of herself to take it on.
In second place will come East Portlemouth I have £5 on it.
Thank you to Kingsbridge Town Council see their website for supporting us with their Guardian Angels scheme join with us by contacting Gerrie or Paula.
If you would like to donate now or regularly:
Kingsbridge Area Food Bank at
Lloyds Bank
77 09 24
17928860
Thank you
February Newsletter
MEETING WEDNESDAY MARCH 18th. 2020
This will be a double Bill
Ali Jones from Sea ‘N Shore will give a presentation on Safety and Lifejackets Please bring along your lifejackets and she will check them over and advise on their condition for your safety.
Debbie and Norman have devised a Quizwith a nautical theme
This is designed to be fun and not too challenging so come and share. You don’t need a team we can sort that out on the night!
Meeting as usual at The Seven Stars, Kingsbridge 7.30pm
There will be a small Raffle for our Club Charities
Wednesday 18th March : Club Meeting 7.30pm at The Seven Stars
Ali Jones – Lifejackets/Norman Hore – Nautical Quiz
Wednesday 8th April : Committee Meeting 7.30pm at The Seven Stars
Wednesday 22nd April : Club Meeting 7.30pm at The Seven Stars
(not the 15th to avoid Easter holidays)
Mike Austin – The Voyages of the Liberdade 188 and 2000
This talk covers the events that led to the building of the Liberdade in southern Brazil when Joshua Slocum, America’s most famous sailing captain, was shipwrecked in a storm whilst at anchor. He then sailed it back to America with his wife and two young sons.
Wednesday 13th May : Committee Meeting 7.30pm at The Seven Stars
Wednesday 20th May : Club Meeting 7.30 pm at The Seven Stars
Nigel Whitemore – First Aid at Sea
POSSIBLE CLUB OUTING TO SOUTHAMPTON BOAT SHOW!
Several members have requested that we look at doing a Club Trip to the Southampton Boat Show in September 2020; the Committee would like to know if there is a sufficient level of support to make it viable.
Monday 14th September leaving Kingsbridge Quay at 7.30am arriving 11.30am on
Tally Ho Coach 32 Seater.
Pickup time from The Boat Show approx 4.00 pm arriving Kingsbridge 8.00pm.
Estimated Cost including entrance to the Boat Show in the region of £50 per person.
To make it happen we would need a commitment of about 30 people and the money would have to be paid as soon as the Coach is booked and the Group Tickets purchased. (32 people would bring the cost down to about £45)
If you are interested please contact events@kebc.co.uk
RNLI’S 150TH Anniversary Celebration
The RNLI in Salcombe and Kingsbridge is celebrating their 150th year, saving local lives at sea.
In September 1869, the first Salcombe Lifeboat, The Rescue, was launched at Dodbrooke Quay, Kingsbridge and rowed to her new home at South Sands.
Since then, the brave volunteers and their lifeboats have launched on service over 1,600 times, saved nearly 500 lives and brought a further 1,350 people to safety.
The culmination of the Salcombe 150th anniversary celebrations took place across the weekend of 20¬22 September with a Lifeboat Festival and the unveilng of two fantastic statues one in Kingsbridge and the other in Salcombe.
The RNLI will show the new celebration film at our club meeting on the 13th November.
Report by Norman Dilley
KEBC Visit to BRNC 18th September 2019
Some twenty KEBC members were warned by our Chair that we were in for a fairly hard walk. In practice this seemed less arduous than keeping up with and absorbing the huge knowledge imparted by our guide Mike Pearce, whose enthusiasm and experience kept us going for nearly two and a half hours!
We started at the college entrance overlooking the parade ground and the Captain’s garden where a certain Elizabeth met a certain Philip (now the Lord High Admiral) for the first time in 1939.
The college arrived in Dartmouth from the Solent aboard two old wooden ships in the 1863, following two rejected mooring sites along the way. Life would have been quite tough for the youngsters, some only just into their teens. Shore based activities, parades and sports were on land at Sand Quay. This was made available by the Raleigh family (of Walter fame).
The College employs approximately 200 people and is the largest single employer in Dartmouth. Standing high on the hill overlooking the town and harbour, the college building was completed in 1905 on land compulsorily purchased from the Raleigh family for around £25,000. The whole site extends to well over 100 acres.
To this day college entrants bound for the UK Navy must pass Admiralty Board mental and physical tests. Even well into the 20th Century, fees would be paid by the entrants’ families.
The BRNC produces officers, not just for HM Naval forces but also, some Middle Eastern countries. France, and Germany (the only nationality who do NOT wear swords at the Lord High Admirals Divisions, the passing out parades).
Our tour continued into the Chapel with its magnificent roof beams, did you know that on 21st October (The anniversary of Trafalgar) at approximately 1615 in the afternoon a shaft of sunlight falls onto the right hand of the statue of Christ behind the altar, from a window high on the west wall of the Chapel.
The time being around the Death of Nelson and the realisation of Victory during the battle? This was discovered by accident and maybe a little puzzle left by the architect. There are many magnificent displays, pictures and paintings of naval history throughout the college, one example being HMS Hood, sunk in the Battle of Denmark Strait by the Bismark with enormous loss of life. More was to be found in the college museum, worth a visit on its own.
With thanks to Mike Pearce, we returned home, an afternoon well spent.
Report by Steve Arblaster