Felicity needs your help!

Success!

The Old Hastings Preservation Society, The Hastings Fishermen’s Museum, and volunteer group Hastings Wooden Boats have raised more than £5,000 to save retired fishing boat RX58 Felicity  — the last wooden fishing boat to work from Hastings beach.

Sincere thanks to everyone who contributed to reaching our target.

Clinker built in 1980 by H J Phillips Boatbuilders in Rye and originally named Our Pam & Peter, her construction was the subject of a TV documentary. She is called a 'lugger' somewhat poetically as while her hull was built in the tradition of the sailing luggers of old although she has always been engine powered. For many years she was worked by the brothers who own her, carrying forward Hastings’ proud beach-fishing tradition. When she ceased work and was deregistered two years ago, it was the end of an era stretching back centuries. She is the last of her line in so many ways.

Felicity's future is now far more certain. Putting her on display in Hastings' iconic maritime quarter will keep her heritage afloat for all time - a proud reminder of the town’s ancient working maritime tradition.

Of course the work carries on! Fundraising remains active for donations which will help fund the display and restoration of Felicity and her sisters at the Hastings Fishermen's Museum.

Your donation will help cover the preparations necessary for her display, and build a long-term programme to keep her in good shape for generations to come, which will additionally benefit the museum's outdoor exhibits, provide opportunities for volunteers, and contribute to the regeneration of the locality.

How to donate:

1. Paypal Giving Fund. https://www.paypal.com/uk/fundraiser/charity/3245872 100% of donations collected are passed to the OHPS and the donor is sent a link for adding a Gift Aid declaration which, for taxpayers, increases the value of the donation by 25%.

2. Transfer money directly: Account name: Old Hastings Preservation Society, Nat West bank, Sort code 60-02-07, Account number 59664460. Please use reference "RX58 Felicity" to ensure it is credited to the dedicated fund

3. Crowdfunder: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/felicity-hastings The site requests an optional tip which you can set to zero or a custom amount and it charges us 2.9% + 30p (per pledge) when the money is paid out.

4. Cash or card in Person at the Hastings History House. Address: 21 Courthouse St, Hastings TN34 3AU

Please email us on:  hastingswoodenboats @outlook.com to let us know you have donated or if you have any questions or messages.  This is particularly useful for keeping track of the direct to bank account payments. Thanks!