Iconic boat of classic Ransome books sails again at Coniston (From The Westmorland Gazette)
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Iconic boat of classic Ransome books sails again at Coniston
12:58pm Monday 3rd October 2011 in News
STAR: Rob Boden and Dave Thewlis with Swallow in the harbour on Peel island
AN ICONIC boat returned to its Lake District home at the weekend for the first time in 38 years.
One of the sailing dinghies which featured in the 1973 film Swallows and Amazons, based on Arthur Ransome’s classic books, returned to ‘Wild Cat’ island thanks to a local enthusiast.
On Saturday, The Swallow was sailed into the harbour of Peel Island by Kendal district councillor Rob Boden and fellow American fan Dave Thewlis.
The boat ‘disappeared’ after the making of the film - which starred Virginia McKenna and Ronald Fraser - but was found years later in a Thames boatyard.
A group of 83 Ransome buffs raised £5,500 to buy the boat at auctionand had it restored by Pattersons of Hawkshead.
Last month trips in the boat were held on Ullswater but Mr Boden said it was a monumental moment sailing the boat from Brown Howe on the shores of Coniston to the island.
“It was a very special moment,” said Mr Boden. “So many people on the lake, of all generations, recognised the Swallow and were thrilled to see her on the water.
"It’s evidence that the Ransome stories are as popular as ever.”
The crew hopes that the boat will star in the re-make of the film which is being planned for next year.
