The rebuilt Thames Sailing Barge Cambria features heavily in this film, which is all about the so-called TSBs – their role in trade which has now developed into charter mainly around the waters of the Thames Estuary. And this is not surprising, since director Michael Maloney lives in Faversham, where Cambria was restored.
The film covers the vessel from when Bob Roberts famously captained her as the last vessel of her type trading under sail in the UK. Roberts is somewhat unkindly referred to as a misanthrope – when he clearly wasn’t – but no-one belittles his sailing ability, or carrying on an age old tradition when the rest of the world had installed an engine.
The film also features the famous sailmaker Jim Lawrence talking about his first job on the Gladys and other barges and Steve Hall, another sailmaker, as well as other craftsmen associated with keeping these workhorses of the Thames going. A good DVD and an enjoyable watch for anyone interested in these craft or Thames history in general. DH
Red Sails, DVD, 49 mins. For more info tel Michael on: +44 (0)1795 539448 or email: michaeltmaloney19@gmail.com