For
the first time, the organizers included TID 164 in the official
festival. We were allowed an area to display information boards
and set up a fundraising stall.
The
railway flatbed carriages which had been blocking the tug
were moved away, giving visitors easy access to the dock wall.
The
Friends had worked hard over the previous weekends to complete
a repaint and generally tidy up. With all the bunting in place,
we think she was one of the stars of the show.
Unfortunately,
the port air vent to the engine room had tilted over a week
previously, it was rusted through at the base and had to be
removed, but that didn't detract from the overall look of
the tug. Another project to be added to the list!
The
display boards attracted a lot of interest, and there was
a steady number of visitors who took a tour of the boat, especially
the engine room. Six people expressing an interest in joining
the Friends.
volunteers
and their families manned the stall over the two days, and
raised over £100 towards the restoration and repairs
fund.
Photos
by Mike Toms and Keith Hatt