ONE of Britain?s most important historic ships has been given some vital pieces of new equipment, thanks to a competition held in West Devon earlier this year. The Kathleen and May, a 100-year-old schooner currently moored at Bideford, now has a brand new set of ?belaying pins? which were made during the log to leg competition at the South West Forest Woodfair, held at Roadford Lake this summer. The competition, involving professional and amateur pole-lathe turners, consisted of a race to be the quickest to create the special pins, which are used to wind and secure ropes on the historic vessel. Jim Skelton, director of South West Forest, said: ?We are delighted the woodworking skills showcased at the Woodfair are helping keep alive Devon?s maritime heritage, maintaining the traditional link between the South West?s forests and Britain?s seafaring history.? Steve Clarke, owner of the Kathleen and May, said: ?It was good the Woodfair helped to raise the profile of this historic vessel. We hope that with adequate ongoing local support, the Kathleen and May will continue to be a significant landmark and draw for tourists and visitors in the Bideford area.? The Kathleen and May was recently voted onto the core collection of the National Historic Ships Committee?s designated list. It now appears alongside the Cutty Sark and Nelson?s HMS Victory in the list of 50 nationally important maritime treasures. Plans are already underway for the South West Woodfair 2006 ? an event which showcases the wide range of skills and wood-based industries associated with this region.
