During the first few months of 2016 most of the crews time was spent refitting
Nancy Belle with new, lockers, seats and deck boards as well as using lots of paint. One of the year’s main highlights was in April when the National Maritime Museum handed over their shares in
Shamrock to the National Trust who then became
Shamrock's sole owner. This was celebrated on the 30th April with a
handover day. Nancy Belle had a successful year of river trips, between April and September, with none cancelled due to the weather, although there were a couple of wet trips. July saw the arrival of a new
fire/dock washing pump that can be carried by two persons, a definite bonus over the old one. In October a marine diesel engine was ordered for
Shamrock and is due to be fitted in time for any 2017 trips. This should enable
Shamrock to undertake more trips and be less vulnerable to the weather. Due to unforeseen circumstances 2016 was the first year since 2009 that
Shamrock hasn't manage any trips away from Cotehele Quay.
Finally members of Shamrock's volunteer crew ('Summer Wine Crew') who sadly passed away during 2016
Jack McMurren
Jack was one of the original volunteer crew members who had to retire from
Shamrock's crew due to ill health. Jack an old sailor, used to enjoy his trips on Shamrock saying he felt more alive when he was afloat.
Dave Hill
Dave one of the “Meet and Greet” crew who also liked to do a bit of painting was known for his random test of a lifejacket while
Shamrock was in
Royal William Yard. He also had a habit of persuading visitors to hand over their cameras enabling him to take family or group photos.
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