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THE GOOD HOPE

PostPosted: Mon May 13, 2019 4:18 pm
by northeast
This was a Mission to Seamen vessel built around 1903 and based on the Tees, not found in MNL or elsewhere, can anyone trace her origins?
THE_GOOD_HOPE.jpg

Re: THE GOOD HOPE

PostPosted: Mon Sep 02, 2019 1:15 pm
by CLYDEBRAE
For many years the model of the Missions to Seamen Tees launch "The Good Hope" was on display at what became the Mission to Seafarers South Tees Station. It was recently donated by them to the Zetland Lifeboat and Redcar Heritage Centre, where this photograph was taken.

She was built for the Tees branch of the Missions to Seamen's Society in 1903. Built at a cost of around £2,000 she was funded by the sisters, Misses March, from Leeds who made various philanthropic donations in support of the work of the Anglican Church. The vessel was christened and launched by the wife of the Bishop of Durham, Mrs. Handley Moule, on 15th April 1903. Built by the Hedley Boatbuilding Company, West Hartlepool, she was described as having an overall length of 60ft, and beam 12ft 3inches. She was described as being strongly constructed, the hull having an outer skin of oak and an inner one of teak. Her saloon included a Communion table which could be enclosed when not in use. A service conducted by the Rev. G.H.Cobham preceded the naming ceremony which was reported to have been witnessed by thousands of spectators.

The plaque displayed with the model reads: "Presented to Mr. Ellis Pickworth by the Misses March in recognition of his valuable services freely rendered as Designer and Superintendent of the Missions to Seamen's launch The Good Hope. Tees Station April 14th 1903".

I have no knowledge of the subsequent history of the launch, or of the Hedley Boatbuilding Company.

The Good Hope 1.JPG