The Ship No One Wanted

[@PeterSurrall]

FreshSpring is currently moored in Bideford under restoration by volunteers. I went round her, great experience! They have created a 3d VR programme of what life was like on board.

[@ChrisWitts]

That 3d VR sounds interesting, must make the effort to go and see it.

[@ChrisWitts]

I was hoping to get to Bideford this year to see that, maybe next year.

[@vchiu9560]

French guy here. Thank to all involved people for their commitment and efforts towards the preservation of the SS Freshspring. Take care.

[@ChrisWitts]

Yes, good work going on at Bideford in restoring her.

[@Dave5843-d9m]

There’s a smaller older ship in Weston Super Mare. Hopefully she will be restored.

[@ChrisWitts]

Yes, they are doing great work at Bideford.

[@MichaelBradley-j6z]

It's great to hear it was saved, especially as it was built in Lytham on the fylde coast where I was born and my mum was born never knew that Lytham had a,ship yard till I watch this video thank you .

[@ChrisWitts]

Thanks Michael, fond memories.

[@thekingsilverado3266]

That darn tug boat sounds just like my cats snoring. I probably don't sound much better either.

[@ChrisWitts]

Many thanks for your comment.

[@_PJW_]

"The Ship No One Wanted"? I fell in love with it the moment I saw it.

[@ChrisWitts]

Certainly Gloucester's loss. It almost happened to the Kathleen & May, the last remaining topsail schooner, but she is currently being worked on at Gloucester Shipyard.

[@robleary3353]

Love seeing old bits of kit being given another go! Good on you!.

[@ChrisWitts]

Wish I could do more.

[@RobinFryer-k3n]

I met her in Bristol, the same year Don Bullock and Roger Russell, a good friend were killed in the Douglas A26 at Biggin Hill. Triple Expansion engines are magic, and the ships they power are the quietest, pleasantest and easiest to run and maintain.

[@ChrisWitts]

Look forward to when they get her steaming again.

[@CullenRick]

Such a tidy little ship. So glad that we still have her around today.

[@ChrisWitts]

Agreed, however it costs a lot of money these days to preserve a ship!

[@jameskemp6439]

So glad she is to be preserved . A beautiful ship. Love her rounded classical stern.

[@ChrisWitts]

Hi James, yes, I agree

[@daszieher]

OMG, how could have no one wanted this perfect-looking ship?

[@ChrisWitts]

Red tape

[@davebuts1921]

What a lovely ship, she would make a lovely liveaboard that would sail most places, It's a shame we build new ones that would never last this long, she has so much to give.

[@zeusapollo8688]

Full of asbestos

[@ChrisWitts]

You never know, may happen one day.

[@charlestorruella8591]

We build new ones because old ships are old and break down and sink easily so please don't be sad it's better to build a new ship then miss the crew at the bottom don't you think beside small ships mean small cargo less money amd this little ship is steam which cost way more to operate then a new ship

[@davidhobman399]

What a beautiful ship it must be saved, if one as a museum.

[@ChrisWitts]

Hopefully Bideford will have her restored to how she was when built.

[@johnh539]

OMG ,she's beyond words ; historical significance ,in sheer tonnage, in the amount of effort and funds shell need. So glad to hear that funds and work are in hand.

[@ChrisWitts]

Yes, restoration well under way at Bideford.

[@ChrisWitts]

Hi John, agreed, hopefully they will have the funds to complete their task.

[@thegregdavieschannel]

This video is brilliant. The choice of music really makes it work.

[@markpickering5507]

Love the video, and also would love to know where the music is from.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@markpickering5507 It's listed in the Description ......at the top.....

[@henryv3943]

Just watched the video about this beautiful old ship and more importantly a piece of our maritime history. My late father trained aboard the old Merchant Navy training ship Vindecatrix in Gloucestershire as did I who followed his foot steps but trained in Gravesend. I enjoyed every minute of the film, well done and pleased Fresh Spring has now been refurbished to the standard she deserves.

[@ChrisWitts]

I remember the Vindi well at Sharpness

[@208d]

Pure history i hope its saved! , the youth of today would have no Appreciation for this , rather instagram and fake rubbish 🤦 sad really. The hard work that went into making that back in the day .

[@retirednavychief6983]

It's not the youth of today who don't appreciate. It's the youth of generations past who weren't taught to appreciate who are now the city leaders. Don't blame it on today's youth.

[@patagualianmostly7437]

@@retirednavychief6983 Fair comment. Check out the canal from Portland Basin in Ashton-U-Lyne.....East towards Stalybridge...... wanton vandalism by the councils of the day. Stalybridge revived their section in the Town centre ....at great cost....of course.

[@MrCrabbing]

Great bit film with feeling and atmosphere helped out with the music too

[@ChrisWitts]

Thank you

[@zeehond1960]

In 2017 I was very lucky to join the crew of the VIc 96 ( looks very similar) from Holland to Chatham . Very good memories about this. Crossing the channel on a steamship it was something never to forget.

[@ChrisWitts]

I can imagine how exciting that trip was.

[@cjsb22lr]

I remember her and her sister Freshpool running water from Greenock to the American base at the Holy loch 1968/9 helped move her ---never sailed in her

[@ChrisWitts]

That is very interesting

[@fredscratchet1355]

Such a shame, our heritage is just disappearing. If it hasn't got an app or WiFi no one is interested 😢. Hopefully she stands a chance of rescue now💖

[@ChrisWitts]

She is safe at Bideford in good hands

[@julianmorris9951]

You can’t run what you don’t build.

[@russthebus1]

Thanks

[@ChrisWitts]

No problem

[@Multheman02]

Beautiful little ship!

[@ChrisWitts]

Be great if and when they get her steaming again,

[@johnking6252]

Looks like a wonderful piece of history, we could use more of that . Thx. 👍

[@ChrisWitts]

More to come over the next few months

[@maribelfarnsworth4565]

So good to know this lovely old girl will be preserved!

[@ChrisWitts]

I agree

[@The_Irish_Volunteer]

Some of the buildings councils throw up aren't conducive to towns either but they never listen. They demolish nice properties and throw up monstrocities.

[@ChrisWitts]

I agree

[@raymondleggs5508]

Minority report style Glass and steel and concrete sculpture buildings at that

[@RobinFryer-k3n]

Anything like a small ship or a railway locomotive depends on more than just one or two individuals to cherish and care for it, as, it requires and deserves

[@ChrisWitts]

Yes, I agree.

[@kawasaki1763]

You can tell this ship has a soul Freshspring forever

[@ChrisWitts]

I agree.

[@peterstevenson5418]

We have an old mine sweeper in birkenhead docks shitting on the bottom now such a shame im glad too see this one in getting a second chance and will be great once its finished well ďone to all involved in the restoration

[@LanceIngram-cg3ej]

I think it is a beautiful old steamer never mind the negative comments people always have their views that's great. As long as we look to the future and appreciate the past.

[@ThamesShips]

Interesting video. One can only imagine the number of Royal Navy ships that she may have supplied during her time in Malta.

[@ChrisWitts]

I agree

[@davidcoudriet8439]

Fare thee well little steamer! May we see many passengers enjoy being aboard soon!

[@Roy-gi5ul]

How could Gloucester docks not want her? She is full of charisma and has significance as a victualler with the RN. REEKS OF SNOBBERY TO ME! Just because she flies no canvas doesn't make her undesirable.

[@ChrisWitts]

Politics at its worst

[@miapdx503]

Their loss! 🌹⚓

[@snowflakemelter1172]

It's not a gift its a giant financial burden.

[@charlestorruella8591]

ITS CALLED MONEY YOJ HAVE O HAVE IT TO KEEP IT AFLOAT AND WITH THE COST OF LIVING THESE DAYS DO YPU REALLY THINK ITS WORTH IT JUST SONA FEW POEPLE CAN SEE IT OR WOULD YPU RATHER FEED POEPLE FOOD AMD CLOTH THEM

[@daverickards7647]

Chris I was retained fireman at station 5 Eastern Avenue . At the time I worked at ryger Wharf Bristol Road . I can remember Her being towd .

[@ChrisWitts]

Hi Dave, I was on White Watch at Stn 12 when I filmed her towed to Gloucester, sneaked a few hours off!!

[@Lex5576]

Lytham Shipbuilding also built one of the two famed African Queen boats from the movie. The boat used on the Congo segment of the movie is the Lytham boat, and is now on display in Florida.

[@JazzFunkNobby1964]

Thoroughly enjoyed the music.

[@thekingsilverado3266]

Every bath tub and pool play toy boat I ever had looked just like that thing. I will have to consult with my big Yellow Rubber Ducky after this video.

[@UQRXD]

The ship I served on was use for target practice and sunk. Great video thanks.

[@ChrisWitts]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@lucbaudewijn4127]

❤ what a Nice ship 😊

[@ChrisWitts]

I think so too!

[@lookson624]

Best video I’ve seen in a long time. Thank you 👍👍👍

[@ChrisWitts]

Very kind of you to say, many thanks

[@paulhughes3814]

Love old steam ships good luck for the future worth saving Australia

[@Centurion101B3C]

In the 1940s through 1970s, Maarten Toonder made a newspaper cartoon called 'Kappie'. This ship looks like it could have modelled for the ship in the cartoon. It has charm en character in the eyes of those who want to see it.

[@ronsavege8349]

If you’re not a lover of ships why watch? Why make negative ignorant comments ? Why not save your time?

[@nicknewton7189]

I liked that thankyou very much ✌️

[@nickjung7394]

Brilliant. Thanks for this!

[@ChrisWitts]

Thanks Nick

[@peterhalton3972]

So relaxing brilliant!!

[@ChrisWitts]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@CoakleyPatrick]

Very interesting...Thanks for sharing....⚓️⚓️

[@delinquentinparadise]

Sharpness was the home for thousands of youngsters over the years when the ex sailing ship Vindicatrix was moored there, they trained to be British Merchant seamen and were well trained young men who became first class seamen.

[@cody481]

It's really not popular to have things that remind us of when we were more than we are now.

[@sammysouth8372]

Say what😂😂😂😂

[@gillesguillaumin6603]

A lot of souvenirs, a life in one word. 😮😢

[@Meshedupatx]

We weren’t better before, and we’re still pretty bad.

[@voornaam3191]

We? My philosophy teacher told the class, watch out when people say all. The universal quantor. We is the same trouble. Why do you include everybody in your tiny personal tboughts? Why do you tell us, that we are small, worth less than the suckers living back then? Why do you do that? Are you okay? Sure?

[@randymagnum143]

​@@Meshedupatxsubtle gaslighting. Pay no attention to what you see going on around you. It was always this bad.🤡

[@robh266]

Great film thank you, good to meet you at Sharpness on Saturday.

[@ChrisWitts]

Many thanks Robin, good to meet you too

[@robinwhitebeam4386]

The ship that appeared in an Ealing comedy film , looks great.

[@davemed1870]

Great film Chris. I remember the Gloucester tug Speedwell.

[@janeannchristensen3808]

What a handsome little steamer ❤

[@skitownstreetcred]

Nice work mister. I really love the cinematics and the rawness of the video clips. The music keeps you on the edge of your seat! Keep it up please. Long Live the Freshspring!

[@ChrisWitts]

Thank you

[@mikewinkelman7015]

She's a beauty, she deserves to be saved.😊

[@ChrisWitts]

They are doing a grand job at Bideford in restoring her.

[@terrywilkins5266]

How about an update on how she's doing now please.

[@bobbyrayofthefamilysmith24]

Bristol is big on heretige and preserving the historic docks now. The docks along with SS Great Britain are seen as a major gem and attraction for the city. Bristol docks are also home to several historic tugs and service ships like John King, pyronaught, the Mathew and MV Balmoral. Perhaps one day this boat come back to Bristol?

[@steveblanchard712]

Beutiful old ship..when i was young i was a greaser on old steam tugs built on the clyde in the 1930 s...old triple expansion engines...her old boilers probably let her down..probably never get certification at that age...poor ol girl

[@kennethhough3251]

Interesting enjoyed watching your videos so I subscribe. I love drawing old ships. Hopefully your ship won't be scrapped it looks decent. From the outside. Can Imagine how she looks inside. Take care and thank you.

[@robertwilson54]

I believe this ship is now moared in Bideford North Devon I think she as been restored and is open to the public

[@stepheneurosailor1623]

I enjoyed that.

[@ChrisWitts]

Thank you

[@nicholasbell9017]

Lovely ship. Where is she now? Here in Southampton, we often see the steamship "Shieldhall" out on the water.

[@SpitBangGT6]

She's in Bideford, North Devon, and open every Sunday during the summer

[@ChrisWitts]

She is at Bideford being restored

[@geemc3592]

the shieldhall was a sewerage dumping ship on the clyde -her name is after the area of the sewerage works in Glasgow. , She did carry passengers and was equipped with suitable facilities on her trips to the area where she dumped her cargo.

[@stephenfarthing3819]

I remember the Freshspring - I actually went aboard her in 1977. She wasn't in good condition at all. Often wondered what happened to her! I guess she was scrapped. I have seen that she's still about.

[@gmpgmp0]

Spent many the hour on speedwell. At that bridge at 6:36 is very famous

[@ChrisWitts]

Nice tug

[@waverider6214]

I would like to say that it's a very nice tug! I've owned it for 12 years now and amongst my other tugs it's like my right arm. It's my go to tug for so many jobs and done a lot of them too, more than I can count or remember! Rivers and coastal as she is mca cat 2 coded. Great video and I found myself standing next to the fresh spring in Bideford last year looking pretty good they are doing well, that's a lot of steel to keep on top of.

[@lioncurlew]

Sure I have seen her at Plymouth?

[@CorineRodenburg]

Looks amzing

[@skateyorktown]

I couldn’t find any details on the type and size diesel powered the lead tug, Stanegarth. I think it sounded great. Anyone know? Looks like it became fish habitat and a dive site.

[@asd36f]

28:35 - I read that the Arco Tamar was broken up in the late 1990s or early 2000s.

[@ChrisWitts]

Yes, I believe you are correct. I don't have the precise date with me.

[@thekingsilverado3266]

If you see the keel and the rudder on that thing you will know why it should be saved. That is the designs world class designs.

[@johnfisher7143]

That ship graveyard would be a wonderful place to explore

[@ChrisWitts]

Agreed

[@bazra19]

What engine has the leading tug got. Please. I believe she was the freshwater tanker that gave us water back in the early 60's

[@gadgetfellow]

Lovely video

[@johnmartelette8159]

She's restored and mored on the West Quay in Bideford North Devon

[@MrErik038]

In a day and age society is breaking down culture like stateus & bouildings, this ship is cultural inherrentiche.. 🇳🇱👍 Nice ship! Well done !

[@maakamakana7007]

glad she was saved ..I would have tried to buy her and get her sea worthy again...

[@davidlangley1725]

Saw your thumbnail and thought "|My God Mikhail Gorbachev is posting!!! Lol.

[@joostderidder]

nice that's being preserved ... but I can't understand why it has been powered by steam ... in 1946!

[@haroldmartin4547]

I would take her in a heartbeat.

[@henrytimpson8880]

What kind of work did she do when active?

[@johankarlsson3236]

Hello! Name of song in 16:16? Awesome video😊 cheers from🇸🇪

[@GerardSaintBlancat]

Un vieux bateau a une âme...

[@chezsnailez]

Bonnie wee beastie...

[@maakamakana7007]

now I would have wanted that ship....

[@biposto749]

Reminds me of a program called the vital Spark Rab C Nesbit

[@donatellasignorini4827]

what engines are in the tugs, rustons, widdops, nationals ?

[@zeusapollo8688]

What moto is in the skinny tug in front?

[@jimpeers4852]

They don't be there like that anymore. I would love have a boat like that as my home. Fire it up once a month or so, and move on to another bay.

[@oldowl33]

Who would want a bullseye painted on their back by government simply by owning this vessel?

[@sapper82]

I think those tugs themselves are worthy of preservation.

[@Mercmad]

The orther ships tied up there weren't so lucky,such as the ARCO Tamar which was scrapped in 1990.

[@Bob-bm3pd]

I don't get it? What's not to love about that that little beauty of a classic ship? Hope she falls into good hands.

[@robertwilson93]

This looks very much like a ships grave yard rust in peace.

[@ChrisWitts]

Agreed

[@DavidWoods-of2ct]

Does it have a steam engine?

[@ralphaverill2001]

Is it known what Freshspring's original purpose was? Why was she built?

[@BenjaminRowe-hc7uo]

She carried fresh water for resupplying Malta during the war or just after the war.

[@ralphaverill2001]

@@BenjaminRowe-hc7uo Ah, that explains the name “Freshspring”. Thank you for that information.

[@johngrier2407]

Cody seems like such a young name

[@normanedwards7220]

Check out a ship called the " River andoni ""

[@michelmondoloni6926]

LE bateau echappé d une aventure de Tintin Celui du capitane Haddock ?

[@michelmondoloni6926]

IL faut le sauver!!!

[@AlexLindley-u5f]

what does she weigh ?

[@ronaldfazekas6492]

what was the Freshspring bult for?--How long is it?

[@JefferyTheriault]

Fresh water carrier - fleet auxiliary.

[@paulkravitz4306]

It sucks being treated like an outcast

[@miapdx503]

I think she's lovely 🌹⚓

[@bhowaneybalkissoon914]

The old ships you can't see any more if they destroy them so one must cherish the old ships My Name is Jay Bhowaney Balkissoon from Ozone Park Queens N Y.

[@charlesbard2331]

It looks like the kind of ship they would use in the movies....