I was the mate on Lady Daphne 1979-81 when she was owned by Taylor Woodrow. She looks great these days and I can see where money has been spent. Never the fastest barge as she was one of the largest still afloat. I remember Donovan playing his guitar whilst sitting on the main hatch as we sailed down the Thames on a day charter, Dame Anna Neagle also among the many celebrities enjoying pleasure of a Lady Daphne sailing trip. Ahh memories.
You are correct. She was converted back to sail in 1973 when Taylor Woodrow bought her. Derek Ling of Ipswich ( Spearo) was her skipper for many years as you probably recall. There was a wooden plaque in the main hold area commemorating the conversion work and many companies and individuals were named. I remember Fred and Reuben Webb, Roy Wood, Dave Copsey and many others being among the list.
I was heavily involved with Walter Cook & Son (being a part owner of the company at the time) and as well as the Lady Daphne I was also doing work on the S.T.Challenege, in St.Katherines Dock, for Taylor Woodrow. Good to know that they are both still about.
I was the mate on Lady Daphne 1979-81 when she was owned by Taylor Woodrow. She looks great these days and I can see where money has been spent. Never the fastest barge as she was one of the largest still afloat. I remember Donovan playing his guitar whilst sitting on the main hatch as we sailed down the Thames on a day charter, Dame Anna Neagle also among the many celebrities enjoying pleasure of a Lady Daphne sailing trip. Ahh memories.
mbermondsey 3 years ago
I can remember working at Maldon to convert Lady Daphne back to sail after her time as a motor barge, must have been sometime in the early 70's
pugwashsecond 3 years ago
You are correct. She was converted back to sail in 1973 when Taylor Woodrow bought her. Derek Ling of Ipswich ( Spearo) was her skipper for many years as you probably recall. There was a wooden plaque in the main hold area commemorating the conversion work and many companies and individuals were named. I remember Fred and Reuben Webb, Roy Wood, Dave Copsey and many others being among the list.
mbermondsey 3 years ago
I was heavily involved with Walter Cook & Son (being a part owner of the company at the time) and as well as the Lady Daphne I was also doing work on the S.T.Challenege, in St.Katherines Dock, for Taylor Woodrow. Good to know that they are both still about.
pugwashsecond 3 years ago
very good indeed
KeepTurningLeft 3 years ago
excellent video thanks
zeboczulu 3 years ago