2024 has been a very active year for Whitstable Maritime, not just regarding restoration of the Gamecock, but also the continued popularity of the 5km Coastal Trail and the growing partnership with the Marine Conservation Society and Kent Wildlife Trust. Such partnerships are critical as this enables the Charity to drive towards our objectives.
A full run-down of the year will be shared at the AGM, plus a forward look into 2025 priorities. As always, details will be shared via social media, however you are also welcome to join in person. In order that we can cater effectively, please let Susannah ([email protected]) know if you plan to come along on Nov 12th (approx. 6-8pm)
The Charity’s AGM will be held at The Continental Hotel from 6pm on Tuesday 12 November.
Trustees Report 2023-24:
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Aims and objectives
By working in partnership with other bodies, we aim to:
- engage them in the exploration of all aspects of our coastal environment;
- encourage visitors and residents to access our maritime heritage and understand the importance of protecting the local environment;
- stimulate sustainable economic growth along our coast; and
- Improve people’s well-being through active participation.
Activities and public benefit
Whitstable Maritime exists to help residents, visitors, schoolchildren and students enjoy learning about the town’s connections with the sea, past, present and future.
The first craft being restored is the last surviving oyster yawl built in Whitstable (1906) which is still in its original form. Known as the Gamecock, it has been registered as a National Historic Ship, is recognized as having historical significance and has strong connections with the local community.
The 5K Coastal Trail opened in 2020 provides a platform for related activities along the coast. The 5K Coastal Trail is incredibly popular with locals and visitors alike and is increasing used as an option within social prescribing.
Whitstable Maritime is closely connected with the Kent Wildlife Trust, the Kent Ornithological Society and the Marine Conservation Society. Promoting the importance of protecting the importance and fragile local environment.
Achievements and performance
Whitstable Maritime is starting its next Phase of development. An interactive version of the popular Coastal Trail, completing the restoration of the town’s iconic Oyster Yawl, creating a Maritime Curriculum, and developing more sustainable revenue streams to ensure longevity of the Charity.
The Coastal Trail has something of interest for everyone. Produced during the pandemic, it features eight places of interest for walkers, cyclists and push-chair users. The Trail extends from Long Rock (Swalecliffe) in the East, to the World War 2 Tank Traps (Seasalter) in the West, with some sections having full accessibility. It was created by local Volunteers with a knowledge of geology, flora and fauna, history and archaeology. And it is free. 11,000 printed copies of The Trail are being distributed through a number of retailers in the town and an on-line version is available on the Charity’s website: http://whitstablemaritime.org.uk
Regarding the restoration of the Gamecock, the oak frame forming the hull of the local Oyster Yawl has had extensive work. Work has been focused on the port side internal framing. 26 of 38 frames have been re-fitted after seasoning. The strength testing of trunnels was completed generating some excellent results and data. The fixtures used by Shipwrights are usually metal nails or bolts, trunnels are wooden pegs carved out of the waste oak and banged into holes along with a modern glue. When set they have proven to be extremely strong and, of course, will not corrode from sea-water. Progress with the restoration of the Gamecock can now be followed on the Charity’s website.
Regarding the Maritime Curriculum, the focus is to grow pride in the local area through sharing information on local marine historic environment, man’s impact and what can be done to save and protect. Maritime Curriculum includes:
- Protecting heritage skills
- Heritage vessel: Gamecock
- Marine environment (eg sustainability, flora and fauna, ecology, wildlife)
- Man’s impact on the area
- Sail training plan so groups can benefit from sail training
The Charity’s website, http://whitstablemaritime.org.uk, has been expanded to include focus on these areas: ‘Heritage Centre’ and ‘Environment’. These are designed to be of interest to residents and visitors, and over time they will come to be a resource bank for teachers and researchers. Readers and Partners in the community are encouraged to engage by sharing their knowledge and experience. The Heritage Centre has been praised by National Historic Ships as an ‘interesting innovation’.
Reserves Policy & Ongoing Concern:
Whitstable Maritime has successfully secured a number of grants to ensure restoration work could continue on the Gamecock for at least 12 months. These grants cover both the labour costs relating to the Shipwright and the raw material (timber) for planned work.
The Coastal Trail remains self-funding with the cost of design and print being adequately covered by local sponsorship and advertisements.
Additional income to cover general running costs are derived from associated activities that Add Value, for example, the sale of branded merchandise and local fund raising activities.
The Whitstable Oyster Yawl, Gamecock, has been professionally valued at £85,000 when fully restored and the quality of the work has led to projections of a second ‘working life’ of 60/80 years. A Marine Surveyor has also judged that she will merit a licence for 10 persons, 2 of whom will need to be crew. Should sailing be possible for 8 months each year with only 6 persons paying and 40% of places reserved for Community use at half-price, the annual income could be in excess of £115,000.
An underlying weakness is the Charity’s reliance on Volunteers. This secures a close association with the Community and helps with fund-raising. Whilst the number of volunteers has been increased, it remains challenging to find competent Volunteers who retain their support over several years.
Concerns, such as the shortage of timber and other materials are more difficult to manage.
Plans for the Future:
The work of Whitstable Maritime remains well supported both locally and regionally. The financial feasibility of the project is more obvious.
From a financial perspective, the main cost remains the Gamecock restoration. 2024 sees a dedicated fund-raising campaign which is focused on securing multi-year funding in order to complete all restoration work. Restoration will be tackled in key stages: (i) hull & spas, (ii) topside & engine, (iii) internal refit and (iv) other (eg professional fees), each with a dedicated project plan, timeline and resource schedule.
Significant focus starting 2024 will be to gather evidence of community participation in order to help secure a National Lottery Heritage Grant to complete Gamecock’s restoration. For example the Charity will make a substantial contribution to the revival in 2025 of an annual Maritime Show that celebrates the town’s connections with the sea, past, present and future.
The coastal trail remains extremely popular with an update and larger print-run planned for 2024. Work continues to develop an interactive version and the Coastal trail remains self-funding.
The environmental focus will be expanded, given support and partnership with the Marine Conservation Society, Kent Wildlife Trust and Kent Ornithological Society.
A comprehensive Whitstable Maritine Social Media campaign will be developed to enable a broader range of the community to engage and be aware of the charity’s activities.