Many thanks to John Parr for sending me two photos of the old Hilbre Island lifeboat called Chapman. John says:
“the sepia picture (above) shows her launching into the sea on Hilbre and is probably her final launch on 23rd July 1937. The colour picture (below) is as she looks now after I restored her from virtual dereliction.”
Don’t forget that John has organised the public meeting for next Tuesday to discuss the future of the old lifeboat station on North Parade.
Does anyone know if the ‘Chapman’ was left on a mooring at Porthmadog for a time last year. A very similar ex-lifeboat was and I was drawn across in my dinghy for a closer look, she was in beautiful condition with spectacular bright-work.
If it was the same vessel I am surprised I didn’t recognise the name as most of my family were regular crew on the boat.
I would also be interested as to why the restoration appears to have omitted the heavier gunwales that we see in the launch image at the top of this page?
Hi Julian –
She now has the heavier gunwhales, the deeper rubbing strakes, as I am sure you have seen!
Best wishes – John