Leigh on Sea Endeavour Trust
Education & Skills
We need to carry out winter maintenance of our wooden boat including painting and anti-fouling as well as replacing worn rigging.
About this cause
The charity has restored and maintains the historic fishing boat, "Endeavour", which was built locally at Leigh on Sea in 1924 and spent her career fishing for shellfish in the Thames Estuary. She was one of six Leigh fishing boats which rescued Allied soldiers in the evacuation of Dunkirk in 1940. She is also a monument to the people who earned their living in the Estuary fishing industry. She has been restored to the way she was in 1940 and is maintained in a seaworthy, sailing condition. Her sailing programme includes taking service veterans and community groups such as the cubs for river and estuary cruises. She also participates in local festivals such as the Leigh Heritage Day, the Leigh Regatta and the Leigh Maritime Festival. We also give talks to schools and community groups.
How this cause brings people in the community together
"Endeavour" reminds local people and visitors of Leigh's historical heritage as a fishing town as well as the courageous contribution made by Leigh fishermen to the Dunkirk evacuation. In particular our talks to schools teaches children about this episode of the Second World War and the part local people played in it.