Jane Gifford restoration secures youth funding

Jane Gifford Restoration Trust members are smiling from ear to ear after hearing that they will be getting major funding from two sources.

Trustee Hugh Gladwell says $57,700 will come from the NZ Lotteries Grants Board (from the Lotteries environment and heritage committee funds) and Rotary Club of Warkworth president Arnold Nicholls reports a major portion of funds received by the club after the recent Tunnel Dinner, will also go to the scow project.

“We get one-third of the $80,000 raised at the dinner,” Mr Nicholls says. “The club will decide where that goes but we have expressed an intention to support the Jane Gifford youth sailing programme.”

Mr Nicholls says the club was captivated by plans to use the Jane for youth sailing experiences in Kawau Bay, probably taking young people from Camp Benson on Kawau Island for sailing experiences.

“It’s a superb opportunity for youth,” he says.

Mr Gladwell says the trust has raised about $600,000 so far but a further $50,000 will be needed on top of the latest grants announcement. The rebuild of the hull and structural parts is completed and half the painting also done. What remains is the electrical and engineering fit out. He hopes to have the scow ready to go into the water in April this year.

The trust says taking children out on the Jane is central to its purpose in restoring the scow. Up to 60 children can be accommodated, which could include campers and school parties. The boat would operate mainly around Kawau Bay and in the Mahurangi Harbour.

“We may also do short excursions up and down the Mahurangi River at high tide,” he says.

Painter Facundo Rutherford applies some finishing touches to the Jane Gifford’s hull.