THIS IS FINDON VILLAGE — These Chronicles are created by Valerie Martin and contain scene from her home village of Findon, West Sussex, U.K.
The Findon Nomad
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Text copyright Valerie Martin 1999
Findon Village is situated in a dry valley and is four miles from the sea as the crow flies. The nearest rivers are the River Adur, some four miles to the east, and the River Arun that is the same distance to the west.
In the autumn of 1997, I found a narrow boat made an attractive scene as it lay high and dry in a field in nearby Ashington. This location was the last place on earth one would expect to find a barge with the intriguing name of FINDON NOMAD.
The wanderer was found anchored and awaiting a re-fit — plus artistic decorative sign by Ian Pelling — son of the late John Pelling, who lived for many years in Findon Village, as did previous generations of his family.
In October 2008 I was delighted to hear from
Hazel Boswell........."Hi
Valerie.....We have recently bought a narrowboat which in its "former
life" was called Findon Nomad.
Thought I'd "google" the name to see what came up and low and behold
found your site with its picture!!
This has made my day.. we thought it was a bit of a character when we
bought it.
Well, you will be pleased to know that it's very much still up and
running (or floating) on the River Soar in Leicestershire and is
currently undergoing yet another refit and paint.
Kind regards, Hazel."
I asked Hazel if she would like to take a photograph of the FINDON NOMAD for me to see.....
"Hi Valerie.....A couple of pics to be going on with..
click on Hazel's photographs if you would like to enlargeHad been painted black when we got it, 1st pic, and the 2nd is undercoat stage.
Has since had extra windows put in and a coat of dark blue on the sides. Hopefully if the weather stays dry over the weekend we'll be able to finish off.
Having great fun, it's a lovely little boat.
Hope Mr Pelling isn't too disappointed
that his lovely artwork was obliterated! Pity we're so far away
otherwise we could have asked him to decorate for us!
Will keep in touch. Hazel."
I was surprised that that "artwork" had disappeared over the years but I
suppose it was hardly surprising. A little bit of history
gone.
I emailed Ian and told him that the FINDON NOMAD has surfaced and
hopefully I may hear from him. I will let you know if I do.
I can't quite remember but Ian may not even have started going out to
work when he undertook this commission on the FINDON NOMAD......and now
is married with a couple of little children and was living about four
miles away in Worthing when I last heard from him.
All part of the village's rich pattern of history.
FROM IAN PELLING IN WORTHING... "Hi
Valerie, I have just looked at the photos on your website regarding the
Findon Nomad. It was certainly along time ago since I did that artistic
work.
Nice to see that the narrow boat is still a float. Be nice to see how
the new paint job looks once completed.
Kind Regards, Ian".
This is Findon Village —
www.findonvillage.com is a continually growing record created exclusively for documenting life in Findon.|
Do let me know of anything you hear about Findon - not too controversial. Please note that opinions expressed in the Findon Chronicles are not necessarily reflective of my own thoughts.... but sometimes they are! |