Endeavour’s Centenary Summer

THE Endeavour, Leigh’s beloved “Dunkirk Little Ship”, celebrates its 100th anniversary this year.
To mark the milestone, The Endeavour Trust is hosting a range of special events for members, friends and visitors.
The famous vessel recently delighted crowds at Old Leigh Shanty Festival, making a colourful appearance at Victoria Wharf on the high tide.
Chris Burls, the trust’s membership secretary, commented: “It is great to be part of these events and to welcome people, while keeping everyone up to date with her news.”
Although the trust faced a few setbacks after the Endeavour’s mast snapped during a sailing expedition and the vessel lost its original mooring, repairs are now complete and preparations are underway for a busy centenary year.
Chris added: “Osbornes are helping us secure a new mooring so people can see her from the shore throughout the summer season.”
Next on the calendar is the trust’s Summer Reception and Social at Osborne’s Seafood on Friday, June 26.
Guests will enjoy a menu featuring fish and seafood dishes alongside other options, offering a sunny moment to enjoy and reflect with friends of the Trust, to which new friends are very welcome.
100 years
In summer 1940, the Endeavour joined five other Leigh bawleys — Defender, Letitia, Reliance, Renown and Resolute — in travelling to Dunkirk as part of Operation Dynamo.
The eye-catching green boat is now a piece of continuity with that national history, lovingly restored and maintained by The Endeavour Trust since 2001.
Built in 1926 for Harry Robinson, the Endeavour spent more than 14 years fishing for cockles in the shallow waters of the Essex coast before being called upon for the evacuation between May 26 and June 4, 1940.
This year marks both the 100th anniversary of the Endeavour and the 86th anniversary of Operation Dynamo.
To officially celebrate the important centenary, a special dinner will be held at the Boatyard Restaurant in the Old Town on November 6. The event will honour the Endeavour’s history and remember the crew of the Renown, who sadly never returned home from the operation.
The future
The trust is also producing a special centenary book documenting the Endeavour’s history.
Chris said the trust hopes the anniversary year will help attract new members and volunteers interested in local history and maritime heritage.
“There are still a few of us left from the old brigade who rescued the boat, but we would love to welcome new people who are enthusiastic about the vessel, its history and learning the ropes,” he said.
The trust is particularly keen to hear from people with boating experience or nautical leanings, although training can be provided for anyone willing to get involved.
Members also have opportunities to take part in trips, including visits to Dunkirk once every five years, organised by The Association of Dunkirk Little Ships.
Chris adds: “This was one of the founding reasons behind the Endeavour’s original restoration.”
And apart from the Covid year, Endeavour has been back every time since 1965, a continuity with living history that makes ‘The Return’ so important.
For more information, membership details and news, visit https://endeavourtrust.blogspot.com/
Picture: The Hoy Shanty Crew aboard the Endeavour at the Old Leigh Shanty weekend
REPORT BY SOPHIE SLEIGH-JOHNSON
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