CHRISTOPHER Barlow from Pembroke Dock-based West Wales Maritime Heritage Society is the winner of a National Historic Ships UK Marsh Volunteer Award.
Marsh Volunteer Awards recognise outstanding volunteers in the conservation or operation of historic vessels in the UK. Winner of the Individual category Christopher Barlow has made a huge contribution to the West Wales Maritime Heritage Society.
He has been instrumental in conserving the historic Charterhouse lifeboat, whilst also undertaking the role of Chair of Trustees and directing the work of other volunteers.
Charterhouse is a self-righting lifeboat built by Thames Ironworks of Blackwall, London. She served the RNLI station at Fishguard from 1909 to 1930 and was one of the first three Motor Lifeboats designed and built to have a motor from the drawing board stage. After retiring from service, she was converted into a motor yacht and later a houseboat. In February 2023, Charterhouse was officially donated by the Charterhouse Returns Trust to the West Wales Maritime Heritage Museum.
With restoration now complete, there is a shelter over the lifeboat for protection which also allows all-weather viewing and conservation.
National Historic Ships UK’s annual awards encourage people of all ages and backgrounds to engage with historic vessels through photography, volunteering, conservation, online activities, and skills-based training.
The other Welsh winner announced today is from Carmarthenshire: Julie Fletcher from Llandeilo won the People’s Choice Award in the annual Photography Competition.
