17 Aug PHC HOLDS SUCCESSFUL FIRST WORK BOAT OPEN DAY
Poole Harbour Commissioners welcomed hundreds of members of the public to its first Work Boat Open Day, giving visitors the opportunity to step aboard a range of local working vessels, meet their crews and discover more about the vital roles they play in Poole Harbour and beyond.
The event, held at our workboat pontoon, welcomed 286 visitors during the afternoon where guests were able to tour the vessels and chat with the people who operate them. Among the vessels taking part were the RNLI Tamar All Weather Lifeboat and crew, a PHC tug and pilot boat, Jenkins Marine’s multi-category vessel Stour, and a vessel from Dorset Police.
Visitors were also able to enjoy free tours aboard the SS Shieldhall, the largest working steamship in Britain, which was open to the public at Poole Town Quay.
The event was supported by volunteers from the Maritime Volunteer Service (MVS) Poole, who played an important role in helping run the afternoon. MVS Poole is the local branch of the national charity dedicated to training members of the public in nautical and boating skills.
PHC’s Harbour Master Harry Gregory said:
“I am very proud of my outstanding team and our friends in the working boat community for coming together to put on Poole’s first Work Boat Open Day. It was wonderful to see so many families and individuals coming aboard, asking questions and talking directly to the crews. Thank you very much to everyone who turned out.”
PHC Chief Executive Officer Brian Murphy said:
“Events like this are a fantastic opportunity to demystify the working vessels that people see around Poole Harbour every day and to help our local community understand the people, skills and expertise behind them.
The future of our maritime sector depends on inspiring the next generation to see the opportunities available within it. By opening up these vessels and sharing the knowledge and enthusiasm of the people who work on them, we can help young people and the wider community understand that there is a rewarding and exciting future in maritime. We are incredibly grateful to all the crews, organisations and volunteers who helped make the day such a success.”