Steam Tug 'Brent' Trust
Trust Aims & Objectives:
"To restore, preserve and display the historic 'TID' Steam Tug 'Brent' built in 1945, as a working example of London's dockland maritime heritage."
Brent is the last surviving steam vessel of the Port of London Authority's fleet and one of only three surviving steam vessels left, of the many which were once in use on the River Thames and in the London docks' system.
She is one of only three steam TID class tugs left in Britain, of the 182 built for the Admiralty, as part of the War Effort.
Brent is a good example of a smaller 'Lighterage' or 'Craft' sized steam tug, of which there were once hundreds working in the dockyards, rivers and tributaries around Britain, she is now one of only four left.
"In addition we hope to maintain the steam engineering and seafaring skills of the past by restoring, operating and preserving the boat and displaying her for the public benefit and education of all, by sailing in Thames, U.K and European waters wherever and whenever possible.
We aim eventually to bring Brent back to the London Docklands or Thames area and establish a permanent berth(s) for her so that she can be displayed in context for generations to come and be opened up for public view as a small floating museum of London's steam tugs and Dockland history.
The Brent will be maintained, cared for and operated by a team of enthusiastic volunteers. "
STOP PRESS:
WE WERE LOOKING TO SEE IF WE COULD GET THE BRENT BACK UP AND RUNNING IN TIME FOR THE QUEEN'S DIAMOND JUBILEE PAGEANT CELEBRATIONS, WHICH WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE RIVER THAMES ON SUNDAY 3RD JUNE 2012.
Organisers hope that this will be the biggest gathering of small vessels on the River for many years and full details of this exciting event can be found by clicking on this link here:
http://www.thamesdiamondjubileepageant.org/
Brent is now the only steam vessel surviving which attended the Queen's Coronation Thames celebrations in 1953 and Silver Jubilee Thames celebrations in 1977.
She requires essential repairs to her boiler and funnel and also needs to be drydocked so that the hull, propellor, tail shaft, rudder and sea valves can be inspected and overhauled. We want to restore her fully to a high standard, so that she can survive working for future generations and we have sent in a pre application to the Heritage Lottery Fund in the hope that they will help us raise some of the funds needed.
Sadly as a result of further investigation it is clear that the boiler will have to be lifted of the boat and sent away for specialist repairs. As a result it is unlikely now that the Brent can be restored in time to attend the Pageant.
Can you help us get the Brent back onto the Thames in steam one day?
Please visit our donations page. Thank you.
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