A housebuilder is supporting the restoration of a historic ferry based in South Wales.
Barratt South Wales, which is currently building at Chestnut Park, in Glan Llyn, and Cot Hill Rise, in Llanwern, has donated £1,500 to the Severn Princess Preservation Trust who are committed to restoring the Severn Princess.
Built in 1959, the Severn Princess is the last surviving member of the Severn fleet trio – the Severn King, Queen and Princess – that used to carry passengers across the River Severn before the Severn Bridge was opened.
Playing host to some famous faces over the years, including the Beatles, Bob Dylan and members of the Royal family, the Severn Princess was decommissioned and sold to new owners in 1966. In the early 2000s the Severn Princess was brought back to Wales to be restored to her former glory by the Severn Princess Preservation Trust.
Tim Ryan, Co-Trustee from the Severn Princess Preservation Trust, said:
“This most kind generosity towards our local historical community project gives us the opportunity to move the project on considerably by replacing the spray guards which had become damaged beyond repair when the ferry was in Ireland.
“The Severn Princess Preservation Trust feels that we, and Barratt South Wales, are both making very positive changes to this part of the world and long may that continue. Thank you for this donation.”
Sian Smith, Sales Director for Barratt David Wilson Redrow South Wales, said:
“We are delighted to offer this donation to such a fantastic local charity. As one of the few Welsh vessels recognised by the UK Historic Ship Register the Severn Princess is an important historical and cultural relic.
“Through charitable donations we are committed to supporting charities within the local community and across South Wales to create thriving communities within our developments and recognise the unsung heroes of the local community.
“We hope that our contributions enable brilliant organisations such as the Severn Princess Restoration Trust to keep up the good work – we look forward to visiting very soon.”
