Successful launch of floating museum!
Lydia Eva reached the grand old age of 80 this year, and whilst most octogenarians might go out for a meal with the family, The Lydia Eva held a Grand Launch on Sunday 27th June 2010, where she threw open her hatches to all. The completion of the £1.2million restoration project was celebrated at a Civic Reception at the Town Hall by invited dignitaries and many funders.
Previously open to the public from 1994-2002 as the world's last surviving steam-powered herring drifter, she had to be withdrawn from public benefit due to the very unsafe nature of her hull. Funding from the Heritage Lottery was secured, so that the restoration project could commence and her steam engine rebuilt.
Other funding was necessary to be sourced for the restoration of the decking, plus equipping the museum with up-to-date interpretation, so that the public would be able to see and feel her history. WREN provided £45,000 towards the interpretation, and the Lydia Eva is now an excellent museum, and the only ship left from Great Yarmouth's illustrious fishing past.
The Lydia Eva and Mincarlo Charitable Trust Ltd also look after the Mincarlo, which is the last complete example of a Lowestoft Sidewinder trawler. The two floating museums will be exchanging their summer moorings at Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth each year, so that visitors will be able to see both splendid examples of East Anglia's fishing heritage.