TARS – The Arthur Ransome Society – has taken ownership of the two iconic dinghies featured in the 1974 film of Swallows and Amazons, with the aim of restoring them in time for the film’s 50th anniversary next year.

Swallow was bought for £1 from the ‘SailRansome’ group which had managed her since the collective efforts of Ransome fans raised funds to buy her in the auction of Turks Boatyard’s film props in 2010.

Amazon has been in private ownership for the last 35 years, but last year the families that owned her contacted TARS to say they wanted to let her go, and ask if it would be interested in buying her.

Both boats are in need of some restoration – Swallow in particular – and an appeal for funds has been launched. Once they are back in the water, which could be as soon as this summer for Amazon, they will be made available for the public to row or sail.

The restoration work is being undertaken by Hunter’s boatyard on the Norfolk Broads, which specialises in traditional boats, and supplied the craft for the 1984 BBC TV adaptations of Coot Club and The Big Six.

The current estimate of the combined restoration cost is around £25,000 and an appeal for donations has been launched. Interestingly Swallow was recently valued at £25-29,000 on the Antiques Roadshow.

To donate to the appeal, go to the Sail Swallow and Amazon donation page and follow the instructions.

The Nancy Blackett Trust has promised to match-fund individual donations made this year, to a maximum total of £5,000.

Photo credits: Hunter’s Yard