Save the last Hastings lugger!

 

Urgent appeal! - Save the last Hastings lugger!

Originally named 'Our Pam & Peter' and later 'Felicity'. Built in 1980 by H J Phillips Boatbuilders of Rock Channel, Rye and registered as RX58.

There is a video about her construction from the BBC "About Britain" series : here

She was the last wooden fishing boat to work off Hastings beach until she was deregistered two years ago. The end of an era in so many ways.

The brothers who own her and worked her for so many years owners have been offered a tidy sum by a gentleman who wishes to have her cut in half to make an ornamental building for his garden - a replica of the half sovereign cottage that sits outside the fishermen's museum.

I'm certain that many people would consider that a very sad end for such a fine and historically important boat.

There is just a very slim hope that she could be saved for the museum and put on public display in the space formerly occupied by RX134 Stacey Marie opposite the Dolphin pub.

Buying her, preparatory work for display, and setting up a program for long term maintenance, would cost £5,000 in round terms.

Can it be done? This is not a call for cash right now but please pledge what you might be able to contribute either in the comments or a private message or email to hastingswoodenboats [at] outlook.com.

It is a long shot, but fingers crossed!

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