February 2019

The observant amongst our readers will have noted that the website has had a makeover. This is more out of necessity than design, as we were experiencing a number of problems with the existing site which resisted all attempts to sort it out. We therefore decided to design a new site and ditch the old, the opportunity also being taken to update some of the information.

As regards work aboard the Kerne, this has been a continuum of work previously reported on - the Boiler and Wheelhouse. As regards the former, dogged persistence is an apt description for progress, as work has been slow but steady. We are still in the ‘thread-clearing’ stage, which is something that has to be carried out very carefully to exacting standards, but we are almost at the half-way point. What we cannot risk is a poorly cut thread not mating precisely with the thread that will be cut in the replacement tubes which are now on order. These items are expensive, any mistakes could render a tube to scrap, so care is the watchword.

On the Wheelhouse front, our friends at Moorside Joinery have now completed the construction of the structure in sectional form, and a great job it is too, as is the Forward Cabin bulkhead. We are now in the process of arranging transport and preparation of the area aboard prior to assembly.

Elsewhere, a splash back has been made and installed around our new Aft Cabin sink, and greasing of the chain locker beneath the Foredeck has been completed.

Away from the vessel, as part of the ‘First World War Then and Now’ Award, First Mate Paul has once again been digging into Kerne’s naval history, as H M Tug Terrier, and with the information now to hand we are in the process of having exhibition banners manufactured dealing with the vessels history and that of the dockyard and crews during the hostilities and thereafter. Mountfield Models (from whom commercial models of Kerne are available) have presented us with an excellent completed model of H M Tug Terrier for display.

Sadly, events during February have been completely overshadowed by the death of our great friend and Kerne crewmember Phil Magin, who passed away on 21^st February.

Phil was a founder member of our Group, joining up with 6 friends in 1971 and pulling the money together to purchase Kerne from under the scrapman’s nose. A telecom engineer by trade, Phil became our resident electrician, although starting his Kerne career as an Engineer/Stoker, he was renowned for being the blackest of us all, ensuring that he was always the last to get cleaned up for the compulsory visit to the pub in the days of our collective youth before marriage, responsibility and kids came along.

Phil, a very laid-back, generous, funny and sociable guy, also played his part as one of the Kerne crew who in 1976 assisted Nick and Rachel Walker with their newly-purchased vessel VIC 32, sailing her down the East Coast from Whitby to St Katherine’s Dock in London prior to her conversion to the passenger craft she is today.

He will be very sorely missed by us all.