|
About the Charles Henry Ashley...
The Life Sequence of the Charles Henry Ashley
Cemaes Lifeboat 1907 - 1932
| 1907 |
|
Built by Thames Ironworks
|
| 1907 - 1932 |
|
In service at Cemaes
|
| 1932 |
|
Retired from service because it was non self
righting.
|
| 1932 - 1960s |
|
In storage at Cemlyn, the property of Captain
Hewitt
|
| |
|
Sold by auction for the sum of £600.00 to Alec
Roberton
|
| 1970s |
|
Took to water after some renovation and
motorisation by Alec Robertson and a group of enthusiasts.
|
| Late 1990s |
|
Taken ashore at Dulas Bay, suffered slight hull
damage, recovered and taken to a caravan park at Lligwy on display.
|
| |
|
Owing to a change of circumstances the Caravan park
was sold and there was the prospect of burning the Charles Henry
Ashley! Determined action by the Amlwch Heritage Trust secured the
future of the Charles Henry Ashley when it was given to them by Alec
Robertson F.O.C.
|
| 2000 |
|
Transported to Amlwch
|
| |
|
Due to the lack of progress and with the
co-operation of Peter Williams and Bryan Hope, after much
persuasion, it was released into custody of David Williams at Cemaes
with a view of forming a committee to investigate ways to raise
funds, form a "trust" to restore the boat for static display, or to
a seagoing condition.
|
| 2001 |
|
Two public meetings were called to "test the
waters".
|
| |
|
Professional advice was sought by Mike Fox
(surveyor) to make a detailed survey of the boat.
|
| |
|
The survey reflected some optimism, but a major
task lay ahead whatever the resolve.
|
| 2002 |
|
The Charles Henry Ashley was moved from Amlwch to
Cemaes, permission granted by Jim Paton, officer in charge at
Holyhead Coastguard to store the boat behind C.R.E.
|
| |
|
Several avenues were investigated to "raise
funds"... little progress was achieved despite much effort.
|
| 2006 |
|
The recruitment of a "new" team, the introduction
of the Wales Co-Op, financial grant assistance from Medrwn Mon
(£2,500) fired the impetus!
|
| |
|
- Constitution was set in place
- Officers elected
- Grant sources clearly identified
- Founder donor certificates established
- Support from the public sought and donations recorded
- New bank account established
|
| |
|
Professional advice re-sought from surveyor - Mike
Fox - and specialist boat builders at Classic Sailboats, Bethel.
|
| |
|
Advices:
Urgent action to remove the C.H.A. to a place of shelter. Much
rotten wood identified within the hull rapidly affecting "good
timbers", failure to take immediate action could seriously affect
the eventual renovation of the boat providing that funding becomes
available. The joint advices from Mike Fox and Classic Sailboats - imperative
to take action in order to save the integrity of the
Charles Henry Ashley in the long term.
|
| September 2006 |
|
The boat was moved from Cemaes to be stored under
cover at Bethel in order to control the precarious condition of the
hull timbers and stabilising its condition thus reducing the risk of
further deterioration.
|
| January - March 2007 |
|
We have now accomplished this stage in the
protection of the boat before any renovation can take place. The
result of a few months under cover has had the desired effect to
control the drying out of the hull. Integrity maintained and the
shape of the boat stable.
|
| End of March 2007 |
|
Funds raised from donations total £13,000. The
target figure is £50,000. Several grant applications are in place in
the hope that the balance defect is accomplished.
|
| |
|
In total, 20 firms have pledged support
contributing "in kind" support when the renovation proper of the
Charles Henry Ashley begins later this year. Materials and equipment
range from resins, glues, paints, varnish, sails, rigging, metal
fabrications, liftrafts and lifejackets, professional marine
surveyor guidance, accountancy etc etc.
|
| |
|
We are much indebtedness already for the huge
support we have received for assistance in transportation, lifts by
crane, individuals and local business services.
|
Back to Top
Why Are We Here?
Francis Williams - 1797 - 1858.
Llanfairynghornwy
At this time, the early formation of the R.N.L.I.
Francis Williams became aware of this organisation. She persuaded her
husband, James Williams Rector of Llanfairynghornwy, and Cannon and
Chamchellor of Bangor Cathedral, to write to Colonel Palmer of Nazing
Park, Essex explaining to him the dangerous coastline around Anglesey, in particular
the Northern Coast of the island. Colonel Palmer became the
principal designer of lifeboats. Soon James Williams's letter achieved
the desired effect and soon. the R.N.L.I. presented a "Palmer" designed
lifeboat which was stationed at Cemlyn.
The original coxswain was James Williams himself. The
original station started in 1828 and adapted by the R.N.L.I. in 1882.
Back to Top
Lifeboats and Stations:
Brief History - Cemaes Lifeboats
| Lifeboat |
On Station |
Launched |
Lives Saved |
Cost |
Sofia
Ashtonian
Ashtonian (2)
George Evans
Charles Henry Ashley |
1872 - 1876
1876 - 1881
1881 - 1887
1887 - 1907
1907 - 1932 |
5
8
9
31
7 |
0
36
6
3
0 |
£133.00
£275.00
£286.00
£445.00
£1,090.00 |
Lifeboat Stations - 1828 to the Present Day
| Holyhead |
1828 |
| Moelfre |
1830 |
| Beaumaris |
1891 |
| Treaddur Bay |
1967 |
| Cemlyn |
1828 (R.N.L.I. adopted 1882) |
| Rhoscolyn |
1830 (R.N.L.I. adopted 1855) |
| Penmon |
1831 |
| Llanddwyn |
1840 |
| Bull Bay |
1868 |
| Cemaes Bay |
1872 - 1932 |
| Rhosneigr |
1872 |
| Porth Rhuffydd |
1891 |
Cemlyn Lifeboat Station:
This was the first lifeboat station established on
Anglesey by the "Anglesey Association for preservation of life from
shipwreck"
1834 - Silver Medal - Cox. Owen Williams, S.S. Leeds
31st October 1843
1835 - 2 Gold Medals respectively Rev. James Williams 7th March "active"
and "Sarah" - saved 5 and 14, ropes from the shore.
Back to Top
About the Boat:
Q. What type of boat is it?
A. Watson Type 38ft. 12 oarsmen, Cox., Bowman (non self
righting).
Q. When was it built and who built it?
A. It was built in 1907 by Thames Ironworks.
Q. Who was Charles Henry Ashley?
A. Join the Mailing List to be notified
when we have an answer to this question.
Back to Top
The Future for the Charles Henry Ashley
The project is being managed by Cwch Ashley Boat Cemaes
Ltd - a not for profit company.
We still need funds to complete the project and future
management of the boat.
The boat will be returned to Cemaes in 2008 and will be
moored in Cemaes harbour.
It will be used to train youth in the art of sailing and
oarsmanship.
Bull Bay Rowing Club have agreed to assist in this.
The next stage is to provide a permanent home for the
boat and discussions have commenced with interested partners to find to
find a site for a boat house / interpretation centre / cafe etc.
If you have any questions
then please get in touch.
[click here]
Back to Top
|
