Rowing Boats
Kittiwake
Kittiwake was a rowing boat built by Crossfields for John Barnes, the headteacher of Earnseat Prep School, Arnside in 1945.
Boat statistics
- Built
- 1945
Introduction
Kittiwake was used by the Barnes family and pupils at Earnseat Prep School for rowing on the estuary at Arnside. She was one of the last boats if not the last to be built by Fred Crossfield, the last surviving Crossfield Boatbuilder in 1945.
History by Year
-
1945
Launched
Built by Fred Crossfield
Full History
History
Kittiwake was ordered by John Barnes, headteacher of Earnseat Prep School from Fred Crossfield, the last of the Crrossfield Boatbuilders in 1945. His daughter Helen then aged 6 recalls the boat being built visiting the Boatyard regularly to see progress.
Earnseat Prep School was situated on the seafront at Arnside in Ashmeadow House.
The boat was used by the family and school pupils. Helen regarded it as hers, whereas it was owned by the family and school. The Barnes children spent many a happy hour rowing Kittiwake between Ashmeadow and the Viaduct. They were not allowed to go under the viaduct unsupervised. They developed a healthy respect for the tides and took no risks.
Occasionally John Barnes took them for trips further afield exploring the estuary above the viaduct or landing on the other side of the estuary.
In the below photo, Kittiwake is the boat in front with Coch-y-bonndhu behind.
c Arnside Arnside, Denis Bradbury collection
The main photo shows a suited John Barnes boarding Kittiwake perhaps with his three children on the shore
Photo by Joseph Hardman (1893 – 1973) c Lakelands Arts Trust, Lakeland Museum, Kendal