Python Gets Another Grant

[cheshire~rose]

I am really thrilled to be able to report that National Historic Ships has awarded Python £1000 towards the restoration work she requires.

 

http://www.chesterfield-canal-trust.org.uk/index.php/latest-news/press-releases/624-python-gets-another-grant

 

Some of you with long memories will know that she was offered a grant from them last year but the rules stipulate the work has to be completed within 9 months. At that time we had been encouraged to try and het Heritage Lottery Funding for our project. Anyone who knows about these things will be aware that putting together a bid for HLF funding can take a great deal of time. Once the bid was in we discovered that HLF were running behind schedule too and so by the time we were told our bid was unsuccessful we stood no chance of complying with the 9 month ruling for Historic Ships.

 

Thankfully when we contacted Historic Ships they were happy to withdraw our application from the earlier bid and suggested we apply again. They asked us to update the details but in fact no updates were required because Paul Barber Boat Bulders, who had supplied the original quote for the work agreed to stand by his quoted cost even though more than a year had passed since he quoted!

 

Full marks to National Historic Ships for not allowing bureaucracy to stand in the way of giving grants to vessels that really need it and full marks to Paul Barber for his generous offer to stand by his original quote.

 

This means that in the last few weeks Python has been awarded a total of £21,000 in grants. This will allow us to replace her bottom and footings and refurbish her engine.

 

The crew will be getting stuck in to start stripping her out inside in the next few days. The refit is likely to be a little costly, we are going to try and carefully dissassemble it all so we can use as much of what we take out when we refit but so much has been in place since the early 80's we are going to have to replace a lot of fixtures and fittings and the next thing on my personal "wish list" would be to get her completely rewired while she is stripped out.

 

I will endeavor to keep you all updated with the progress and as many photos as is practical.

 

Of course if any of you who have been fitting out a boat have odds and sods left over that you may like to donate to Python then please get in touch.

[Laurence Hogg]

 

"This means that in the last few weeks Python has been awarded a total of £21,000 in grants. This will allow us to replace her bottom and footings and refurbish her engine."

 

I think with care and £21k you could do a lot more than just an engine, bottoms and footings.

 

[madcat]

Great news , Good Luck Python and well done Paul Barber too.

[cheshire~rose]

 

 

"This means that in the last few weeks Python has been awarded a total of £21,000 in grants. This will allow us to replace her bottom and footings and refurbish her engine."

 

I think with care and £21k you could do a lot more than just an engine, bottoms and footings.

 

 

I think most people will understand exactly how much work is involved in doing those things to a suitably high standard to ensure her heritage is preserved. There is likely to be a number of other things included - like shifting location of water tanks and gas locker for example. We are meeting with Paul Barber to discuss what things it would be prudent to tackle while she is having the bottom done.

 

I am not prepared to go into what individuals have quoted for the work we are having done on an internet forum but we did get three quotes from reputable boat builders who specialise in historic vessels and there was not a great deal of difference between them on price. Add and engine rebuild and it does not leave very much for contingency. It is a good job we have some very competent volunteers who will work for free!

 

I am not too sure what you consider "a lot more" Laurence but after we have done this work I do not think there will be "a lot more" that she will need doing. Of course then next big cost on my wish list would be a repaint. That may have to wait.

[bigray]

Brilliant news! Can't wait to see Python back on the water where she belongs!

[luctor et emergo]

A big shout out to the National Historic Ships Register. ..

 

putting their money where their mouth is. Looking after boats. Just looking after boats. No agenda, no politics. Just keeping old boats afloat..

[FadeToScarlet]

A big shout out to the National Historic Ships Register. ..

putting their money where their mouth is. Looking after boats. Just looking after boats. No agenda, no politics. Just keeping old boats afloat..

And a damn good free calendar too!

[cheshire~rose]

Yes, their calendars are a thing of beauty!

[Admiral]

Maybe you should lengthen it back to 70ft! :-)