Heybridge Basin (Cannibal Island)

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Ship, Sailing Barge & Working Craft Skipper's

Dickie 'doddler' Springett

(above) Dickie 'Doddler' Springett

Notes from an interview with Dickie 'Doddler' in 1977. (spellings may be wrong)

Off Bradwell the R.A.F.shot at him while aboard the 'Kitty', mistaking him for the 'Molliette' target. Also had 'Beaumont Belle'. When anyone lost a Frances & Gilders boat they always gave you a new one. Took 'Ethel Maud' for a few trips. Had 'Emma', went to Newport I.O.W and Portland to load stone back to London sometimes 4 trips a month. Used to go Bridport for trees for Sadds. Always reckoned 'Emma' was the fastest barge built, went as far as Hartlepools with her. With the 'Record Reign' I did Hartlepools and back in one week, trees up coal back. Was aboard 'Emma' when Thames Haven was bombed and barge affected by lead flying everywhere. When Capt Sim Stane came out of Texel and came across North Sea to Yarmouth, he blew out all his sails and blew all the way back to Texel and laid there on the sands for about 6 months. 'Record Reign' lies near Exmouth with a load of cement, hit a rock there, Topsham. Raced 'Vicunia' for Gordon Swift. raced 'Memory' also. 'Oak's' counter was built on so that 'Sadds' could go for trips and sit round behind out of the way. Sadd's boats were 'seekers' as they were after their own cargoes. 'Emma' has been as far as Truro. 'Record Reign' as far as Swansea. Been to Ghent and up to Kingston with coal for Jos Francis.

(above & below) Dickie 'Doddler' Springett at the helm of the sb 'Edith May', in 1977.