Nicci

Thank you, everyone, so much for all the information and suggestions to my request. I’ve been quite overwhelmed by it all – in a very happy way! Of particular interest is the period film about the Queen’s Coronation. I hadn’t thought that SNAIL might have been filmed in anything other than my grandfather’s own personal footage. If anyone has more details of this I would be really grateful. I’m glad that other people, with far more knowledge and experience than I, got confused about the UMBRIEL. I did a little tentative research a few years ago and found I kept on going round and round in circles. I can see how some plans/photos would help the search for information to progress (and also be of interest to other members). I’m currently travelling away from home for several weeks, so I will ask my husband if he can choose some items to scan and post in the interim. Unfortunately it may take a little time as yesterday our main topic of conversation was that the computer at home was about to make a sharp exit out of the attic window! Many thanks again for all of your help. Nicci

Hi Roger Thanks for checking for me and for your very quick reply - every little helps! I'm sure if I check through some more of my grandfather's records that I will be able to find out information about type/class of boat which might help with my search. Nicci

My grandfather, Arnold Lehmann, bought the Duke of York in the early 1950's (1951 I think) and converted her into a pleasure craft. The vessel was found with the help of T.S. Element. After her purchase she was re-named "Snail". I have a large amount of information about the restoration/conversion including plans, photographs, slides and newspaper/magazine articles. I also have a large number of personal letters and log books about “snailing” in The Cut. With Snail, the Mate and Cabin Boy (grandmother and mother) my grandfather won a number of annual "challenge" cups, so I presume both were fairly well known within the narrow boat "fraternity. What is missing is information about what happened to Snail after my grandfather sold her. Any information, or advice on where/how to research, would be greatly appreciated. Finding out this information holds particular significance at the moment as Snail joined a flotilla of barges which convened in Little Venice/Paddington Basin so celebrate the Queen's coronation. 60 years on I love to know Snail's fate. Many thanks in advance for any help/advice. Nicci