The Beverley Barge Preservation Society is celebrating the 75th anniversary of Syntan, the first barge acquired by the society. To mark this milestone, the society is offering visitors the unique opportunity to travel on former working barges in East Yorkshire as part of heritage open days.
Syntan, Sun, and Mermaid have each been lovingly restored by the society’s volunteers over the years. These historic vessels now serve as a floating museum, where visitors can learn about the rich history of the barges and the Beckside area of Beverley. The society’s trustees, including 68-year-old Iain Campbell, are excited to share this piece of local history with the public.
Syntan, in particular, will be open as an interactive museum for visitors to explore. Displaying donated artifacts and old photos, the barge offers a fascinating glimpse into the past. Campbell emphasized the importance of preserving this history, as many people in the town may not be aware of the Beck’s significance.
Sun, the second vessel acquired by the society, will also be available for exploration. Initially facing challenges in raising funds for repairs, the group eventually succeeded in restoring the boat as a trip boat. Sun’s chairs from East Yorkshire Motor Services and tables from Northern Rail add to the authenticity of the experience.
Mermaid, the third boat in the society’s collection, offers „taster“ trips for groups of up to 10 on the Beck. These trips have proven to be very popular, with visitors returning from the experience buzzing with excitement. Campbell noted the magical feeling of traveling on a boat and encouraged visitors to try out the different vessels.
The open days, scheduled for September 6th and 8th, will provide a unique opportunity for the public to experience the beauty and history of Beverley Beck. Whether exploring the interactive museum on Syntan, taking a trip on Sun, or enjoying a taster trip on Mermaid, visitors are sure to have a memorable experience. Don’t miss this chance to step back in time and discover the charm of East Yorkshire’s working barges.
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