22.04.2014

Historic Cambria Arrives at Gillingham for Summer Charity Trips

(A Cambria Trust news release)

The historic Thames sailing barge, the Cambria sailed from Faversham to her summer berth at Gillingham today (Maundy Thursday, April 17).

Lovingly restored and converted by a group of enthusiasts with a £990,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant, Cambria can sleep 12 and the main hold is now an Education and Interpretation Centre which can accommodate 36 children.

The Cambria secured her place in British maritime history by being the last vessel to trade cargo under sail alone, making her final commercial voyage in 1970.

She will shortly be running a programme of charters which mostly involve sail-training for young people.

The Cambria Trust is working with Rotary in the south east to provide, 'young carers' with a stimulating break from their responsibilities.

The children develop confidence, character and self-esteem by working in a team, often in challenging circumstances. They learn self-reliance, build friendships and for some, it can be a life-changing experience

The Trust is looking for reliable volunteer adults to get involved and who would, in the first instance, be able to help prepare the vessel on Fridays and be on hand on Sundays when she returns her berth, normally at Gillingham.

Duties would include loading stores, making up bunks, ensuring Cambria is kept to high standard of cleanliness.

To find out more about the Cambria and her history visit her website http://www.cambriatrust.org.uk/

If you would like to get involved with this rewarding project which often gives children a life-changing experience the Cambria Trust would like to hear from you. Please contact [email protected]

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