Ten years after the launch of the original appeal for funds to purchase and preserve Arthur Ransome’s boat Nancy Blackett, the Nancy Blackett Trust is opening a new fund designed to secure the future of the historic vessel.

The aim is to create a reserve fund ready to meet any unforeseen emergency repairs, or more predictable (but large and infrequent) expenses such as a new engine or new spars and rigging.

“Unlike the original appeal, this isn’t a dramatic race-against-time,” explained Trust Chairman Peter Willis. “It’s more a matter of good housekeeping. We have managed for nine years to keep abreast of running costs and routine maintenance, but we’ve never been able to build up the sort of rainy-day reserve which is considered prudent for an operation such as ours to have.

“So we are looking to raise £10,000, and are appealing to supporters – our ever-generous members and others – to make the bit of extra effort to create this buffer fund.”

Prosaically entitled the Replacement and Reserves Appeal, it was launched on May 1st, ten years almost to the day after the original proposal to purchase the Nancy Blackett for £25,000. Appropriately, it also marks Nancy Blackett’s 75th birthday.

If you would like to contribute to the Appeal, please send a donation by cheque to:
The Nancy Blackett Trust, Sylvan Cottage, White House Walk, Farnham, Surrey, United Kingdom GU9 9AN.

If you are a UK Taxpayer, please copy and paste the following statement – and sign it:
“I am a UK taxpayer and wish this and any subsequent donations to be treated as Gift Aid.”
Don’t forget to add your full name and address.