Press Release
27 January 2008
A
full-sized replica, forged by Chris Stokes as an accurate reproduction of the
original bow knife of the Duchess Countess itself,
caused great interest when it was unveiled by Mick Bates AM during the concert
in aid of the Duchess Countess Trust held on Saturday, 26th January
in Llanymynech Village Hall.
The
Porthywaen Silver Band started their new season with this concert which is
becoming a tradition on the last Saturday in January. They played a
well-designed programme of varied pace and type under their new conductor,
Stephen Gittins. The evening was
sponsored by Tanat Valley Coaches.
The
Trust is about to embark on fundraising to achieve its goal of re-creating the
Duchess Countess which was a fast passenger boat called a “Packet Boat”.
This knife was preserved with a name plate when the old Duchess Countess had
detailed drawings made prior to her destruction.
To
commemorate Geoff Gilman, the first Trust treasurer, it was decided to raise
funds to recreate this as the first step in re-building the whole boat. It is an
exact replica except that in deference to modern Health and Safety regulations,
it is not as sharp as the original which could still cut skin after 150 years.
The original was designed to cut through any obstructing ropes as she sped along
the canal, drawn by up to two horses. When the Trust succeed in their aims and
the full replica boat takes to the water, it should be quite a sight!
Mick
Bates AM (right) beside the Duchess Countess bow knife after he unveiled it.
Chris Stokes (left) who cast the
replica at his forge in Whitchurch.
Packet-boat-‘Duchess
Countess’ Project
12
Cae Haidd
LLANYMYNECH
Powys
SY22 6FA
01691
830506