Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the Lynher River Barge Community Interest Company has received £48,100 from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for an exciting project, The Lynher Barge Conservation Project based at Mashfords Boatyard in Cremyll.
Led by maritime conservationists and sail trainers, Dominic and Barbara Bridgman, the project focuses on saving the original Tamar Sailing Barge “Lynher”. The barge will be used for sail training and educational activities along the River Tamar and Lynher.
The project will enable local communities on the shores of the Rivers Tamar and Lynher to access the Plymouth Waterways and learn new skills. It will also provide education on the local heritage and wildlife features whilst promoting outdoor wellbeing.
The Lynher Barge is a heritage asset which belongs to the Plymouth Waterways. She was built in 1896 by J.Goss of Calstock, an ingenious boatbuilder who built many Tamar Barges but also South West trading ships such as the “Garlandstone”. The “Lynher” used to transport cargo from Devonport to Tideford. The cargo was made out of fresh produce or stones from the local quarries on the River Lynher. After a series of ownerships, the barge was abandoned at Mashfords Boatyard for several years.
The Lynher River Barge CIC is a community interest company formed by Dominic and Barbara Bridgman in order to save and operate this historic asset on the Plymouth Waterways. The operators’ vision is to deliver educational activities and access to the waterways to the local communities. Thanks to National Lottery players the Lynher Barge will now be saved and become a local feature for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Commenting on the award, Barbara Bridgman said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players we are confident now that we shall complete the project, save a local maritime heritage asset and put it to good use for the benefit of the local communities”.
Barbara Bridgman aboard Lyner, a barge that used to trade on the river surrounding Plymouth. Photos by Emily Harris
Nerys Watts, Head of HLF South West, said: “A survivor of the area’s industrial heyday, the Lynher Barge will now be saved thanks to National Lottery players. As well as reviving an important part of the river’s heritage, this project will equip a new generation of people in Cornwall with the skills and knowledge of the traditional shipbuilding industry.”