By Isle of Wight Observer
Island Roads has helped the Classic Boat Museum in Cowes by clearing stubborn bird mess from a boatshed that had been overrun by pigeons.
The newly cleaned space can now be used to store more of the museum’s collection of classic boats.
Operatives, Lee Jones and Kev Conway, supported by a mechanical sweeper, spent a full day removing the accumulated waste, much to the relief of museum volunteers.
Trustee, Michael Loftus, said: “With a team of volunteers in their seventies, it was an impossible task to clean the floor of an 11,000 sq ft shed that had been infested with pigeons for a number of years ourselves.
“We heard from another local charity that Island Roads operates a volunteer programme to help out good causes so we approached them and they kindly agreed to help. We cannot thank Lee and Kev enough for doing such an excellent job.
“The original markings from the engineering works in the shed can now be seen for the first time in many years.”
An Island Roads spokesman added: “It was a pretty messy job and we had to make sure Lee and Kev had the correct PPE but they worked hard all day and we are delighted to have made such a positive impact.”
With the shed now shipshape, it can house additional maritime exhibits not normally on display, supporting the museum’s aim of preserving boats linked to the Solent.
The museum, founded in 1996 by restorer Maurice Wilmot, now holds around 100 boats – 60 of which are on display – along with a large collection of artefacts, archives and books. It hopes to establish a permanent home at Medina Yard.
Volunteers with wood and metalworking skills, or those willing to help around the yard, are invited to get involved. More information is available at iw.observer/classic-boats.
Mal Butler