The Founding of the Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust
In early 1993, the Dunkirk Little Ships Restoration Trust (DLSRT), a registered charity, was set up with the object of conservation, restoration and display of Little Ships, linked with the preservation of the boat building skills necessary to achieve this by:
Acquiring Little Ships in danger of destruction and removing them to a place of safety.
Advancing the education of the public in boat building and conservation skills by all means within our power.
In May 1993 Charitable status was granted and work began.
Membership of the Trust is open to any person or organisation with an interest in the objectives and in addition many volunteers have come forward to assist in both the restoration work and training. A considerable number of young people including Scouts, students, Court Probation subjects and Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme entrants have been involved on the various restorations.
The Little Ships. The Trust has acquired, to date, eleven Little Ships. Currently four are being restored and the others are in safe storage awaiting the funds sufficient for work to commence. Our grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund has enabled us to restore Challenge. We are urgently seeking funds for the others.
CHALLENGE LUCY LAVERS RANIA IRMA NYDIA RESOLUTE
In May 1965, to mark the 25th Anniversary of Operation Dynamo, some 43 Little Ships returned in company to the scene of their epic voyage. It was decided that such a unique assembly should not be allowed to disperse into obscurity, and the Association of Dunkirk Little Ships (ADLS) was formed. Every 5 years the ADLS now make a return in convoy from Dover to Dunkirk where they take part in a moving wreath laying ceremony at sea and are hosted by the mayor and townsfolk of Dunkirk. On their return across the Channel to Ramsgate there is always a tumultuous welcome from the people of Ramsgate lining the quaysides followed by a cocktail party hosted by the mayor.
Sponsored by: 'Classic Projects' of Kingsbridge Devon.
