Dear SBA Members and steam boating friends

Many of you will have heard of the unprecedented rainfall that hit Cumbria this November. As part of that event the level of Windermere rose to a higher level than has been recorded since records began. Naturally there has been extensive damage to property and boats including some steam boats (See the News on this site).

One of those casualties was Shamrock, the vessel that has effectively been the icon of the SBA on its website for the last ten years. As many of you know, no insurance company will pay out to fully restore things to exactly their former state, and the same is true for Shamrock. Unfortunately, being in private ownership Shamrock is not eligible for grants from the more usual sources. Thus a group of us are rallying together to raise money to fully restore the vessel.

The good news is that Shamrock did not sink and Roger Mallinson and the team are busy already. They have worked out what needs to be done, have acquired a load of teak and sourced various other necessary items. In addition we have received a few kind donations towards the work. However, we still need more funds so I am asking you to join us in making a donation to help save this piece of Windermere history.

Please make your cheques payable to Roger Mallinson, but mark them “Shamrock” so that their intended purpose is clear !

Thank you for your help and we will post some photos as soon as there is anything worth showing.

Regards

Pete

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Hi Everyone,

For those who don't know what a wonderful and beautiful boat Shamrock is, 'Great British Railway Journeys', BBC2 at 6:30pm, is onboard during the summer just gone, the host Michael Portillo acting as captain, with Roger Mallinson the engineer.

By all accounts a very good piece of film in this popular and well produced series.

Well worth a watch.

BBC2, 6:30pm on wednesday 13th january 2010.

Greg

[REPLY]

The Heritage Steamboat Trust has taken over the appeal and is providing the facility for you to pay online,

see: http://www.steamboattrust.org.uk/Shamrock_appeal.htm

If you are a UK tax payer, please see the "Gift Aid" page.

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