The last known Tenby Lugger fishing boat is soon to be restored here in Pembrokeshire and the team leading the project are seeking help from our readers for any photographs, drawings, memories, etc of this type of boat and their use.
Any photographs or documents offered will be returned and copies made only with the consent of the owner.
The boat which has been offered to the Tenby Lugger Group of the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society is known to the National Museum of Wales as the 'Margaret' and she is 25'4" in length and 8'4" in beam.
The photograph accompanying this article shows a typical Tenby Lugger, the 'Florence, which belonged to Ivor Crockford. The boat next to it is believed to be 'La Mascotte' and it is thought that this may be the boat now known as 'Margaret'.
The Tenby Lugger type of inshore fishing boat ranged in length from about 15 feet to about 30 feet and some were referred to as 'Pembrokeshire Luggers', but the type were used outside Pembrokeshire, a number being recorded along the Ceredigion coastline.
The Tenby Lugger Group is sourcing funds for the restoration and is looking for a suitable base for the project, where the public will be able to watch the progress of the work.
The object of collecting as much information as possible about the Tenby Luggers is so that a comprehensive archive can be created and an interesting display of the type and its various uses put on show whilst the restoration proceeds.
Once completed and sailing, the intention is for 'Margaret' to give the opportunity for young and old alike to experience how their great-great-grandfathers went about earning their living from our coastal waters.
Anyone who is able to help build-up a picture of these boats and their use, and of 'Margaret' in particular, please contact one of the following: David Rees (01646) 663819; Richard James (01646) 696375; David James (01646) 683764; Peter Davison (01646) 682465.