Maldon's Thames Sailing Barge Trust presented with award by Princess Anne for Pudge restoration

By The Editor 22nd Sep 2023

The Thames Sailing Barge Trust has won a Restoration Award at this year's National Transport Trust ceremony, presented by Princess Anne, Princess Royal.

Following the restoration of Pudge, a 1922 Thames Sailing Barge, the Trust received one of eighteen awards given at a ceremony held in the Railway Museum at Fawley Hill, last Monday (September 18).

Steve De la Salle accepted the award on behalf of the Barge Trust, which was presented by HRH Princess Anne. She is Royal Patron of The National Transport Trust (NTT).

The NTT is the only national body which promotes and encourages the preservation and restoration of Britain's transport heritage in all its forms - road, rail, wings and water.

NTT Awards Director Paul Brook said: "Thames barges have been a backdrop of the Thames for hundreds of years, and have inspired artists, writers, and photographers, through the ages.

"With so much fine work done already, the Trust is keen to see Pudge become part of the vista once more. For our part, we are delighted to be able to provide support to this worthwhile and worthy project by way of a National Transport Trust Restoration award."

The Thames Sailing Barge Trust (TSBT) thanked the National Transport Trust for the "prestigious award".