WHILST passing time browsing some very dusty sailing magazines from the 1930s I came across this most interesting letter as written by one J N Campbell of Cheltenham, and I though it might evoke memories of our fine, historic dock.

Incidentally readers may be interested to learn that the vessel Dispatch remains to this day on the banks of the Severn at the Purton Ships Graveyard.

As I am particularly interested in coasting vessels, I always jot down the their names when I see them.  On the 30th July 1935 there was quite a collection of this type of craft in Gloucester.  I saw the Brooklands of Cork, a fine three masted topsail schooner of 138 tons, I believe she once belonged to that famous fleet of Brixham fruit schooners, trading to the Western Isles, before that trade was killed by steamer competition. 

The schooners Garlandstone of Milford, Ade for Bideford and Hetty of Falmouth were also ranged along the wharf.

During previous visits I have seen Camborne, aux three masted schooner, of Swansea, Hannah, aux two masted schooner of Gloucester, Dispatch, two masted Schooner of Inverness, Welcome aux three masted for and aft schooner of Gloucester, M. A. James aux three masted topsail schooner of Bideford, Traly aux ketch of Barnstaple, Democrat ketch and J.H. Barrow three mast­ed  schooner of Lancaster.  It is not so often now one sees sailing craft, but I hope tall mast and spars will be seen above the roof of Gloucester for many more years to come."

– Paul Barnett, chairman, Friends of Purton.