S.S.B.R.
The Society for Sailing Barge Research
| Founded in 1963 as the Society for Spritsail Barge Research
by a band of of enthusiasts concerned that the rapid decline and possible
extinction of these splendid and historically significant craft would pass
largely unrecorded. From the thousands of Thames sailing barges once plying the
rivers and estuaries of the south east and beyond, today just a handful survive
in active commission with charter parties and business guests replacing the
grain, cement, brick and coal cargoes of yesteryear.
Now renamed The Society for Sailing Barge Research, reflecting a broadening interest in other allied craft, the ports from which they sailed and the men who built, owned and sailed them. The Society organises walks, talks and exhibitions and publishes various books and journals on sailing barge related subjects. Amongst these is "Topsail", a regular treasure chest of sailing barge history, profusely illustrated with fascinating photographs of long lost craft and the ports they once served. Members also receive a twice yearly Newsletter which details the activities of the Society and highlights the fortunes of the barges that survive, as well as providing further snippets of our maritime heritage as ongoing research yields yet more of the barge trade that ceased in 1970 when the Cambria carried her last freight under sail alone. A few ex sailormen continued as motor barges into the 1980's. |
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OFFICERS |
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| Chairman: | Tony Farnham |
| Vice Chairpersons: | Elizabeth Wood (Exhibitions)
Richard Smith |
| Hon. Secretary: | John White |
| Hon. Treasurer: | Graham Dent |
| Membership Secretary: | Margaret Blackburn |
| Minutes Secretary: | Tricia Gurnett |
| Publications Sub Committee member: | Hugh Perks |
| Chairman of Publications Sub Committee & Publications Co-ordinator: | Richard Walsh |
| Editor - Newsletter and Publications Sub Committee member: | Charles Traill |
| Archive Curator | Don Wright |
| Sales & Artefacts: | Roger Newlyn |
| Committee Members: |
David
Wood (Exhibitions)
Peter Ferguson |
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For Membership Information see "Membership" page or Contact :- Mrs Margaret Blackburn on 01553 617418 For any other information that is not available on this website please contact:- The Hon Sec., John White, 5 Cox Road, Alresford, Colchester, Essex CO7 8EJ. Tel: 01206-825317 or Email: john.white6@talk21.com |