An organisation that seeks to preserve and promote traditional and historic vessels as well as celebrate Wales’ maritime past has been launched at Cardiff Castle.
The Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Keith Hyde, hosted the official launch of Heritage Afloat Wales following the council’s collaboration with Heritage Afloat and maritime organisations from across Wales to establish the new body.
Heritage Afloat Wales will support the UK Heritage Afloat organisation which is committed to representing and promoting the interests of owners and operators of traditional and historic vessels and to raising awareness and support of the country’s maritime heritage.
Heritage Afloat’s agenda includes not only maritime vessels and structures but also inland waterways and canal boats.
Tom Cunliffe, author and presenter of the BBC TV programme `Boats that Built Britain’, spoke at the launch focusing on the pilot cutters that guided ships into Cardiff in days gone by. Tom and his wife Ros previously owned the pilot cutter ‘Cornubia’ which was commissioned in 1911 by Pilot Morrice, from Barry, and subsequently owned by the Marquis of Bute. Tom’s message to all those who attended was that technology must not be allowed to remove the human spirit of adventure to accept and overcome life’s challenges.
Over 200 guests attended Tom’s lecture last month and also enjoyed an open top bus tour of the city, a guided tour of Cardiff Castle, and the unveiling of a lump of Lewis Merthyr coal presented by the Rhondda Heritage Park.
Executive Member for Sport, Culture and Leisure, Cllr Nigel Howells, said: “Cardiff’s history has been heavily shaped by maritime developments. The establishment of the docks in the early 1900s helped Cardiff prosper and created a city to be proud of. Today the bay and the docks area play a crucial role in the continued growth of the city.
“I am pleased that the Council has been able to assist maritime organisations from across Wales in establishing Heritage Afloat Wales and securing the longevity of traditional vessels. The organisation will help to restore beautiful boats from the past and ensure that future generations can continue to learn about our maritime past.”
