Association of Dunkirk Little Ships

A glorious weekend of varnished wood and gleaming brass. 16 Little Ships are expected to attend the Rally held at Fawley Meadows, Henley-on-Thames. See http://www.tradboatrally.com for more information on the Rally.

Every 5 years the Association organises a cross-channel return to Dunkirk. 2010 is the 70th anniversary of Operation Dynamo and so far over 50 Little Ships have indicated that they will make the crossing from Ramsgate to Dunkirk. Subject to urgent operational commitments, the Royal Navy has confirmed that it will provide HMS Monmouth, a Type 23 Duke Class Frigate to act as escort ship for this anniversary crossing and ceremonies in Dunkirk. HMS Raider, a P2000 University Royal Naval Unit Vessel will also be present to provide close support if required.

The Thames Traditional Boat Rally is, simply put, a huge 2-day display of the very finest-looking traditional boats one can see. It was the dream, back in 1977, of a few keen boaters. Most of these were members of the River Thames Society, others were members of the Inland Waterways Association or Thames boat clubs. Their idea was to encourage owners of traditional craft to cherish and restore them to all their former glory, as well as to continue to use them upon the river.

When she served at Dunkirk, the 60ft. Dartmouth excursion boat Dartmothian was called Seymour Castle. She was taken on her 200-mile journey to Ramsgate by Cyril Roper, one of the River Dart Steamboat Company's skippers. It was a company with a long tradition in a popular holiday area. Formed in 1834 to operate steam tugs and the local barges, they began a river passenger service to Totnes, Devon, in 1856 at the suggestion of the Duke of Clarence.