I can remember the Easter holiday quite clearly that is when I planted my potatoes. Elated by the thought that spring had arrived and the whole English summer stretched out before me.
Next thing I know it is October and our British winter is beckoning.
There is nothing wrong with winter for it brings - fantastic brittle light - sunlight on frost covered trees and winter visitors on the wing. This is all very well but what of my missing summer. For the most part my time was devoted to the North Walsham and Dilham canal and "Hathor's" restoration programme. Both these major projects kept me occupied for three or four days most weeks.
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| Springtime on the canal - Brrrr. |
Hathor's restoration took precedence over all the other current film projects as the June deadline loomed. The closing stages, the work became so intense there were occasions when I put the camera down and helped out with some of the more unskilled tasks. There are small parts of "Hathor's" varnished interior that allows me to puff out my little chest and proudly say "I did that bit."
Hathor was on the slipway for eight months while her hull was restored then a further ten months in the wet shed for interior renovation.
All things considered the double DVD set covers the wherry's restoration fairly comprehensively.
From "Hauling out", steaming planks, constructing the new rudder and restoring her interior cabins.
The production opens with a brief history of the vessel's design and
ends with the re-launch and blessing at How Hill, "Hathor's" spiritual
home.
Although I am reasonably satisfied with the final result I was quite relieved when the project was completed. Although probably not as relieved as the staff at Wherry Yacht Charter who had spent two years with my camera in their faces.
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| Repairing "Hathor's" Hull |
