I thought this image worthy of inclusion even although I've used it before in volume four. The Ely Tidal Harbour played its part in the supply of coals in both world wars.

A fine photo of the 'Sneyd' belonging to Osborn & Wallis Ltd. of Bristol for the coal service to Portishead power stations. Built in 1910 as the 'Glanoventa' then renamed 'Horsham', then 'Crestville' she was an ageing lady by the time this picture was taken. Note the open bridge arrangement, the vertical bow, the tall straight smoke stack and the shapely stern so typical of the working ships of her vintage. She was finally sent to Cashmore's yard at Newport in 1957 and broken up. This photo was taken at the number 3 tip of the Ely Tidal Harbour during April 1938. The Penarth Docks were closed to shipping by this time but activity continued at the harbour. [161]

A vintage view (plus a colourised version) of the Ely Tidal Harbour coal tips (number 4 nearest) taken in the mid-1920's. Nearest is the vessel 'Champion' and laden under tip number 3, downstream of her, is the ketch 'Fanny Jane'. Two tugs appear to taking on bunkers at number 2 tip. Note also the work boat at the bow of the 'Champion' which was necessary to assist the crew when turning, mooring or relocating the vessel. It was also required, when necessary, to lift the anchor and swing it from side to side in order to free the hull of the vessel when stuck in the mud on a rising tide, etc. [000] [002]

'Champion' had the official number 10814 being built at Bristol in 1853 and of 68 NRT. She was originally owned by D. Nurse and later by J. C. Hunt both of Bridgewater also being her port of registry. Her dimensions were 82.7 x 19.2 x 7.9 feet and she remained in service until 1939 when she was broken up. Thanks to Gordon Mote's fine book 'The Westcountrymen - Ketches and Trows of the Bristol Channel' for the information about her. [612]

'Fanny Jane' official number 10941 was built at the yard of Mr. Gough of Bridgewater in 1858. Her signal letters were K.Q.N.H., was a vessel of some 61 Net. Registered Tons and also had the port of registry of Bridgewater. Gordon Mote informs us that in her early days she was in the Irish brick trade and became a lighter in 1958. She was apparently the last vessel from Bridgewater under sail alone and was still afloat in 1960. [612]