Lydia Eva
Before: 2000
After: 2010
Image by Gary Horner of East Coast Images
News 2012
20 years struggling, fundraising and believing finally fulfilled: One Mans Dream
A rare insight from an old drifterman on his life A Drifterman's Tale
Closing Winter 2011
Lydia Eva - The last Steam Drifter, which is moored on South Quay Gt. Yarmouth is returning from Gt Yarmouth to Lowestoft for the winter, Departure time from South Quay is 8.15 am tomorrow - 1st October 2011, Gt Yarmouth Harbour mouth ( Gorleston Pier ) 8.35 am and arriving in Lowestoft about 10.30 am (approx ) We would love all to come and wave us off, we will be returning to Gt Yarmouth in the spring.
Dona Watson
Trustee Lydia Eva & Mincarlo Charitable Trust. Mob. 07901915390
Opening Hours 2011
- Tuesday
- Wednesday
- Thursday
- Friday
- Saturday
- Sunday
Open 10am - 4pm
We close on Mondays for maintenance. The ship is moored on South Quay Gt Yarmouth opposite The Town Hall.
A Small Commercial Vessel again
With heartfelt thanks to all those who have worked so hard, I can tell you that Lydia Eva has finally been recommended to be issued with a full term Small Commercial Vessel certificate. Basically, this allows us to take paying passengers up to 60 miles from a safe haven. Now, this wonderful old vessel is not only a unique floating museum but a working boat as well. An astonishing tribute to all those past and present who have had the vision, perseverance and dedication to bring this about.
We could probably all name those we thought were particularly instrumental in this, but we must never forget the late Laurence Monkhouse and his original team without whom Lydia Eva would almost certainly no longer exist.
Tony Furlong-Osborne
30th July 2011 - Raising Steam
Lydia Eva YH 89, The last steam Drifter, which is moored on South Quay, Gt Yarmouth is 'getting up steam' this weekend. We are preparing to steam to Lowestoft for The Air Show in August where she will hopefully make a guest appearance. This is properly the only chance this year that Steam Enthusiast will have of seeing her 1930 Crabtree triple expansion steam engine working.
The Lydia Eva will be open to every one on Saturday 30th from 10am to 4 pm.
Entrance is free, donation gratefully accepted, especially as coal for the engine is £280.00 a ton !
for more details contact:-
Dona Watson 07901915390
Lydia Eva & Mincarlo Charitable Trust
3rd May 2011 - Lydia Eva opens in Great Yarmouth
The Lydia Eva & Mincarlo Charitable Trust are very pleased to announce that the Lydia Eva will be open to the public from Tuesday 3rd May 2011.
She steamed back to Gt Yarmouth on April 10th to take part in the BBC recording in Gt Yarmouth for 'The Reel Film History of Great Britain's which showcased the local Herring fishing Industry in the 1920/30's, of which the Fishing Drifters, Lydia Eva being the last one, were an important part.
The winter months have been busy for the voluntary crew who, assisted by Smalls Ltd of Lowestoft have carried out all the maintenance and so the ship is looking really smart.
The time of openings are as follows 10am - 4pm on Tuesday - Sunday, we close on Mondays for maintenance. The ship is moored on South Quay Gt Yarmouth opposite The Town Hall.
Entrance is free although we do appreciate donation which keep the ship going, This year we will gladly welcome school visits and any private groups which can visit any evening by special appointment.
Anyone wanting to voyage on Lydia Eva this year should contact us via our enquiries email address. We will be seeking donations towards expenses.
10th April 2011 - Moored in Great Yarmouth
Lydia Eva has returned safely to Great Yarmouth ready for another season representing the best view of Great Yarmouth maritime history.
10th April 2011 - Return to Great Yarmouth
Coal and water are on board, the boiler is topped up, compass adjustment is arranged, skipper is booked, the Engine Telegraph works(!), much painting (but by no means all) has been done, life jackets, radios, charts are on there way and timings have been arranged.
Sunday 10th April
1200: Crew muster
1230h: Leave quay
1300h: Leave Lowestoft Pier Headings
1500h: Arrive Gt Yarmouth Pier Headings
1630-1700h: Moored alongside
I must give a huge thanks to the volunteers for the great efforts they have/are still making to get her ready.
Tony Furlong-Osborne Lydia Eva Ships Husband
Spring 2011 - Certificate of Registry
Lydia Eva has received her new Certificate of Registry from the UK Ships Register.
December 2010 - Winter Maintenance in Lowestoft
Lydia Eva sailed safely back to Lowestoft yesterday under as good conditions as
we can probably expect at this time of year. Cold, yes. A bit of a swell, yes.
But all heroically borne, particularly by the engine room crew to whom special thanks are due.
Also, particular thanks to the crew of the tug who helped us so professionally to negotiate the choppy waters at Lowestoft harbour entrance.
Every journey on the Lydia Eva increases ones respect for the vessel's capabilities, for the skill of the designers and builders, and for the courage of those fishermen who sailed in her.
Tony Furlong-Osborne. Lydia Eva Ships Husband
Steaming 14th December - subject to weather
Lydia Eva is now closed to enable winter maintenance.
The Lydia Eva has had a most enjoyable and successful season in Great Yarmouth this year. Open from May to October, in her 80th year which was duly celebrated on 27th June with her engines steaming, her restoration program completed and a Civic Reception at The Town Hall.
Thousands of people, local folk and visitors alike have visited the ship and donated generously which all goes towards her up keep.
We would particularly like to thank Essex and Suffolk Water for their generous donation towards water for her boilers and to Westcotec Traffic Systems of Dereham who are paying for the coal she will be burning when she returns to her winter moorings in Lowestoft.
We will be returning to her berth on South Quay in May 2011 and any group who would like to book an daytime or evening visit should contact Dona Watson 07901 915390.
