In 2003 Terror was being stored in a greenhouse in Southbourne, Hampshire.
She was in a state of decay and the owner was thinking about having her
scrapped. Chichester Harbour Conservancy heard the story and was able to
step in with plans to restore this unique vessel.
Terror is the only remaining boat from the once magnificent fleet of
oyster boats working out of Emsworth. She is a vital link to the history
of this fishing village. By restoring Terror we have been able to keep
alive an important part of local history and preserve her for future
generations.
Mr Brown, the owner, contacted the local newspaper, who ran a story
searching for a new owner. John Davis, the Harbour Master, read the
story and went to see the boat. Realising it was a unique vessel, he
contacted the Heritage Lottery Fund to seek money for her restoration.
Once the funds were in place ownership of Terror was handed over to
Chichester Harbour Conservancy. They placed the contract for her
restoration with Dolphin Quay Boatyard. The yard specialises in work on
wooden boats and is only a few metres away from where Terror was
originally built.
Over a period of two years, staff worked
on repairing and replacing many of the worn timbers. So she could
continue to be used in Chichester Harbour it was decided to add a diesel
engine. A set of sails were made by copying details from old
photographs.
Open days at the yard, allowed local people to see the boat at various
stages of her restoration.
Once restored the Terror will form the centrepiece of a heritage
experience aimed at retelling the Story of the Emsworth Oyster Fleet.
Much of the information for these guided trips will be drawn from the
Emsworth Maritime and Historical project archives and from David
Rudkin’s excellent book – The Emsworth Oyster Fleet. The Terror will be
able to carry up to 8 people for a sail past the relics of the oyster
ponds, layings and boatyards of Emsworth.
