It's been an exciting week at Underfall Yard! With the walkway reopened, and the Visitor Centre and Cafe busier than ever, it's wonderful to see so much support as the work continues on the Recovery and Reinstatement Project. This Friday, we were visited by BBC Bristol's social media team. They met with Sarah Murray, one of the Directors of Underfall Yard Trust, for a live [...]
We have now publicly announced the re-opening of our walkway and we are delighted to have received such support from local residents, visitors, volunteers and businesses. Following almost a year of closure, our gates are now open. Visitors are welcome to drop by to this working boatyard and the café is open for food and drink. Last week, we experienced our busiest week in the [...]
Many of the workshops at Underfall Yard, with their striking red brick walls and green doorways, were installed during John Ward Girdlestone's tenure as Docks Engineer 1882-1890. But who was Girdlestone? Here's an intriguing profile of him, by volunteer writer Elaine. John Ward Girdlestone became Bristol Docks Engineer in 1882. He was 42 years old, energetic, and impatient to make improvements. He soon turned his [...]
The Recovery & Reinstatement Project, following last year’s devastating fire, is underway. Work to reinstate the yard is split into two phases… Phase 1 focuses on site cleanup, roof repairs to the Shipwrights building and developing detailed design plans for full reinstatement. Phase 2 involves rebuilding damaged and destroyed structures. This is, of course, subject to planning approval and funding. We are actively working with [...]
Applications are now open for new volunteers at Underfall Yard! Volunteering is a wonderful way to build or showcase your skills and interests, as well as joining a passionate local community. Your support this year could make an enormous difference as Underfall Yard Trust continues its important work. Click the titles below to read full role descriptions for the latest voluntary opportunities: Volunteer Writer - [...]
A Profile of the Bristol Crocodile If you have visited Underfall Yard to explore or enjoy the cafe, you may have wondered why a giant woolen crocodile resides in the Visitor Centre. Luckily, volunteer writer Isaac Barrett has been investigating that same question. Here are his findings... Bristol has its fair share of mysteries. Whether it be a strange humming on the Downs, or the [...]
On 17th September 2022, Underfall Yard will serve as one of the hosts for the second annual Bristol Shanty Festival. Join us, free of charge, at the Visitor Centre to welcome some of the most talented local sea shanty groups around! Performances will be from 12pm until 6pm, with our café serving food and drinks. Find out more about our guest performers in their own [...]
Underfall Yard volunteer Andrew Radford has been finding out about the latest success for Star Yachts. Win Cnoops, owner of Underfall Yard-based Star Yachts has had his Bristol 6 motor launch shortlisted for one of the categories in Classic Boat Magazine’s prestigious 15th annual Classic Boat awards. These awards celebrate the best in the world of classic and traditional boatbuilding and restoration. There are various [...]
Underfall Yard Volunteer writer Andrew Radford has been keeping abreast of the latest developments... I visited the yard in February to see how the Slipway Restoration Project was progressing. The sun was out, the aroma of bacon rolls was emanating from the Underfall Café and the sound of power tools was resonating around the yard. At first sight the Slip looked much as it did [...]
The Patent Slipway at the yard is undergoing a major restoration for the first time in nearly 30 years. Underfall Yard Volunteer Writer Andrew Radford decided to investigate. Underfall Yard at the Western end of Bristol’s floating harbour is a treasure trove of historic machinery and equipment related to the nautical world, much of which is still in working order, making the Yard not a [...]