ON Friday, April 11 a comprehensive talk about the Purton Hulks, or Purton Ships’ graveyards, was given by Paul Barnett.

A great enthusiast and supporter working to protect the many abandoned boats and ships at the village of Purton on the river Severn, Paul brought this graveyard to life for us.

Between 1909 and 1963 at least eighty vessels were beached there. Paul first came across the Purton Hulks in 1976 when they were much more intact. Although they are the largest boat graveyard in maritime Britain, his concern is that they have no legal protection and as a result, the vessels have been plundered over time.

Paul described how the vessels came to be beached in what is a stretch of a mile and a half by the river Severn.

John Dixon gave the vote of thanks. He felt that the site would become increasingly important for its heritage. It is open to visitors on the third Sunday of the month.

On Civic Society business, Clive Hooper said that there were still a few tickets left for the Stratford Theatre visit on November 11 to see Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost. He also mentioned that the Malvern Hills Conservators are developing a new Land Management Plan and are encouraging the public to submit ideas via a Freepost postcard, now available in the Tourist Information Centre.

For further information on Civic Society events, please see http://www.malverncivicsociety.org.uk.

The next talk, entitled In Search of the Father of Hi-Fi will be given by David Briggs on Friday, May 9 at 7.30pm at Christ Church in Avenue Road. Admission £1 for all.

DENISE PRESTON