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barge is completed |
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THIS
STORY LAST UPDATED:
30 November 2004 1754 GMT
A
Bristol blacksmith, working at Underfall Yard in the city docks,
has just built a 'mini' Dutch barge from scratch.
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Audacious took 18 months to complete. |
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This is the second metal boat to be built at the historic Underfall
boatyard.
Tom Williams, who has worked in and around the docks for more
years than he cares to remember, has named his new barge 'Audacious'
and has spent the last 18 months constructing her.
He managed to fit in work on the barge between other jobs that
keep his thriving blacksmith business going.
"It is quite heavy work and is a lot harder in many respects
than building a traditional wooden boat." says Tom.
Tom used traditional boat building skills and metal working
methods, which he has also displayed at many boat festivals
both in England and France.
'Audacious' is now ready to be launched into the harbour, although
Tom's next task will be to fit her out internally so that she
can be used for residential cruising.
Tom thinks she is ideal for travelling the inland canal networks
and well placed to do so from Bristol.
"I am waiting for the Harbourmaster to allocate me a mooring
and then I may put her up for sale, although I haven't yet worked
out an asking price," says Tom.
Underfall Yard has recently been refurbished thanks to Lottery
money, European funding and financial support from Bristol City
Council.
Over the last six years £500,000 has been spent on regenerating
the slip and restoring buildings around the boatyard.
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"I
may put her up for sale although I haven't yet worked
out an asking price." |
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