The Trust offers financial assistance to individuals or groups to carry through restoration or improvement projects to completion. The Trust also invites enquiries about sponsoring one or more Awards.
Jacob Needham
works as an apprentice at one of our remaining traditional sailmakers, applying his skills and dexterity to Thames barges and similar sail-powered vessels.
Jacob is 18 years old and joined the long established firm of sailmakers James Lawrence of Brightlingsea, Essex, immediately after leaving school. This came about after he himself had put an advertisement in the local paper seeking employment.
James Lawrence is a company that makes sails for both traditional and modern boats, and its work covers Tall Ships, Thames barges, wherries and smacks, as well as classic yachts. Jacob has been with them now for 18 months and is showing
considerable aptitude in learning a craft which takes many years to master. Sail making is a skilled and demanding work, mentally and physically, requiring both accuracy and manual dexterity. Most recently he has been involved in making fresh sails for a River Wye TROW at present being restored in Gloucester Docks and for a 100 year old pilot cutter “Mascot”.
The National Transport Trust makes loans to groups, associations and individuals at advantageous rates for the restoration of artefacts - whether mobile or part of the infrastructure. Applications must be supported by a simple business plan which demonstrates the financial viability of the project. A sample business plan is available on request from the Treasurer.
The Trust does occasionaly make Awards for schemes which further the preservation movement. Again if you wish further information please contact the Treasurer.