Fact File [2 of 2] -- Acknowledgements
When I bought
Rose Rambler in 1983, John Winterbotham of M.G.Duff & Partners Ltd, who carried out a condition survey
for me, ended his report by saying:
"Originally constructed to a good standard both in material and workmanship ... (she) ...
now requires substantial overhaul". The necessary work was done over a period of years, mainly between 1983 and 1988, by many
different people whose expertise and craftsmanship it is a pleasure to acknowledge. One or two have now passed on, others have retired,
some have changed their employment; all helped to give
Rose Rambler a new lease of life. They are:
- John Winterbotham, of M.G. Duff & Partners Ltd, Naval Architects, Marine Surveyors and Consultant Corrosion Engineers, Chichester Yacht Harbour, Birdham, Sussex, who carried out the original condition survey and advised on anti-corrosion measures (1983).
- James Case, Shipwright & Boatbuilder, Hayhow Barn, Wells-next-the Sea, Norfolk, who undertook the essential structural repairs, including replacing degraded timbers and stripping out and refastening the galvanised steel strap floors (1983-4).
- The workshop staff at J.F. Duffield & Partners Ltd., Norwich, who rebuilt the engine and gearbox (1983).
- Gordon Bowers and staff at Bowerscraft, Wayford Bridge, Stalham, Norfolk: in particular Gordon himself, who took personal charge of splitting and regluing the mast; shipwright Stephen Darke; and "Old Billy" who came out of retirement to re-install the engine and ended up sorting out everything mechanical (1984-5).
- Vic Scott and his workshop staff at Woolverstone Marina, Nr Ipswich, Suffolk, who re-covered the deck and bridgedeck (1984/5) and coachroof (1987/8).
- M.H. Dobson, better known as "Mitch", formerly of Oban Yachts & Marine Services Ltd and prior to that Oban Yachts Ltd, Ardentraive, Kerrera, by Oban, Argyll, shipwright extraordinary, whose experience, skill and resourcefulness were a match for any problem (1990-96).
- My good friends Fred and Linda Holmwood, lately of Anglia Marine Services, Yaxley, Peterborough, who rewired Rose Rambler from truck to transom and upgraded the electrics throughout (1997).
- Paul Sheader of Lowestoft Yacht Services Ltd, Ronald Garriock, shipwright Mark Welch, and Henry Patrick, maker of covers, whose services, advice and encouragement have been invaluable over the last eight years.
Peter Bell
