November 2021

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What a difference a month makes - from the disappointment of not having the vessel ready for the Leigh Arms Steam Party, to the triumphant return to steam and receipt of two most prestigious awards. The signs were good towards the end of October that the completed boiler repairs were more than satisfactory and it was with a great feeling of confidence that the Boiler Inspector was booked for the 4th November. Fires were lit several days previous so on that Thursday afternoon there were two raging furnaces to force maximum steam generation as requested by the Boiler Inspector. The pressure rose quickly, and bang on 180psi the safety valves lifted with a deafening roar, and despite the massive fires, the lifted valves allowed the pressure to drop steadily to 165psi when they slammed shut with a loud ‘pop’. ‘Excellent’ was the response of the Inspector, and after a visual examination of the boiler, valves and associated pipework, a ‘Pass’ was recorded, with broad smiles from all the assembled. Over the next couple of hours our majestic WVV Lidgerwood Triple Expansion Engine was gently coaxed back into action from its four year slumber together with the auxiliary pumps, steam generator and injector. So it was that in the late afternoon after successful trials whilst tied alongside the quay, moorings were slipped, the telegraph rang ‘Half Ahead’ and Kerne slid gracefully off the berth for a proving trip around the dock complex before returning to her position on Sandon Quay. After shutting down the furnaces, closing the myriad of steam and water valves, and securing the vessel, it was off to the Lion Tavern for a few celebratory pints and compulsory pork pies, before the very happy crew wondered off to their respective railway stations to make their various ways home. Certainly an emotional day to remember. Whilst we were more than happy with events, we decided that we would not steam Kerne again in 2021 but concentrate on the lesser jobs and ‘winterisation’ of the vessel so we are up and ready for the 2022 season. As if getting her back in steam in our Golden Jubilee Year was not enough, on 23rd November it was announced that we had been awarded the 2021 National Historic Ships UK Shipshape Network Project Marsh Volunteer Award for our engineers efforts in restoring to operational condition our Admiralty built Twin Furnace Scotch Boiler by using traditional methods, thereby maintaining the authenticity of its construction. Not only that, but our Chief Engineer who led our engineering team received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his 50 years work on the vessel. We may be an organisation who operate somewhat ‘under the radar’ but it is extremely gratifying that the many hours (and indeed years) that our established volunteer force has worked in maintaining this unique item of maritime and social history, has trained and encouraged younger volunteers as well as advising and assisting other similar organisations has been recognised in this way. So, as 2021 draws to a close, we continue the work needed to get Kerne back to her best for the forthcoming season. In the meantime we wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year.

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