Nancy Blackett, one of the boats once owned by Arthur Ransome, author of the 'Swallows and Amazons' books, is 75 years old this year. Constructed by Hillyards of Littlehampton in 1931, she featured in as Goblin in his books 'We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea' and 'Secret Water', and was named after his favourite character in 'Swallows and Amazons'.

The Nancy Blackett was rescued from a watery end in 1988 by Michael Rines, and, now restored, is in the care of the Nancy Blackett Trust, a registered charity. Based on the River Orwell in Suffolk, she regularly visits ports along the East and South Coasts, as well as occasionally recreating the famous voyage of 'We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea' across the North Sea to Holland.

To celebrate her 75th anniversary, specially-commissioned souvenir gifts designed by marine artist Claudia Myatt are available by mail-order from a new online shop at the Trust’s website www.nancyblackett.org.

The designs feature images and quotations associated with 'We Didn't Mean to Go to Sea', and include Pin Mill and the Goblin's route to Flushing. They are available as quality cotton teatowels, in burgundy or navy blue, and notelets (in navy only).

A special fund has also been launched to help provide for emergencies and also a replacement engine in the near future. The target is £10,000 and the fund has already reached £4,000.

More information:
Nancy Blackett Trust: www.nancyblackett.org
Nancy Blackett Online Shop: www.nancyblackett.org/shop/
Claudia Myatt: www.claudiamyatt.co.uk
Hillyards: www.hillyards.co.uk
Arthur Ransome: www.arthur-ransome.org/ar/

Or phone 01252 328187 / 07979 721901 to speak to the Trust’s chairman Peter Willis.