£5,000 plea launched to save Ironbridge coracle workshop
It is a unique piece of Shropshire's heritage – and today an appeal was launched to raise the money to save it for future generations.
The modest wooden shed was used to build coracles that plied their trade on the River Severn.
Now a total of £5,000 is needed if the shed in Ironbridge is to be saved before time takes its toll and it deteriorates beyond repair.
Members of the Coracle Society say they have until the end of the month to raise the funds.
The workshop previously belonged to Eustace Rogers, who died in 2003, the last in the family line of local coracle makers.
Jude Walker, committee member of the Coracle Society, said: "We want to save these huts from dereliction because of their historical importance to members as their story plays such a significant part in our island's rich cultural heritage."
The society, which was formed in 1990, originally launched its appeal a year ago to allow it to apply for further funding to be able to carefully restore the hut and fit it out as closely as possible to its original use.
The enthusiasts want to create information boards to let visitors know about the hut's original use, and the part its owner played in the coracle tradition.
The appeal will close on September 30, when they will see what can be done with the funds that have been raised to date.
Their current total is £2,391, still less than half the target sum.
As well as collecting funds, the group is also trying to bring together memories and items linked to Eustace Roberts, which can be used if the hut is purchased and restored.
