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Anyway, back to Woodbridge; it was capably organised as ever by Moray McPhail of Classic Marine and again held in the temporarily disused boatbuilding sheds of what was Whisstock’s yard. All the detritus which accumulates in neglected buildings was cleaned out, temporary electric power laid on from generators and, on Friday afternoon, boats began to arrive and stands appear. Building on the success of last year, the EC OGA had a well organised stand under its new marquee, complete with appropriate logo, and containing display stands with big photos of well-known gaffers and classic boats. There were also leaflets to hand out explaining the nature and aspirations of the OGA, welcome packs to give to callers who showed serious interest, and always OGA members on hand to provide information and encouragement, resulting in several new members enrolling during the show. But what made the OGA exhibit stand out and attract the crowds was the continuous still and video show of the year’s on the water events, masterminded by Mike Robertson, using a Powerpoint projector. And there were good crowds on both days, tempted out by the good weather of course, but also by the desire to see classic boats and examples of local industry and organisations. These ranges from second-hand books to delicate jewellery, from coracle making, through traditional clinker planked dinghy to a state-of-the art carbon fibre National 12, from volunteer coastguards to the Nancy Blackett Trust and many more. Outside there was a chance for the kids to try their skill at paddling a coracle and an impressive line-up of bowsprits against the quay, examples of east coast working smacks and bawlies, and showing to the locals that the OGA and others, are working hard to maintain the area’s maritime heritage. |