The Kingsbridge Gazette Nov 28th 1980

A NEW LIFE ?


A former famous Kingsbridge landmark may be given a new lease of life - thanks to an episode of BBC TV's private eye series Shoestring.
The paddle steamer Compton Castle,which was moored for years in the estuary, was spotted in Looe by Mr David Worlledge, aged 32, after he watched the programme which featured the floating pub.
Mr Worlledge's idea is to liven up Town Quay in Truro by converting the disused craft into a pub for that area. He said he linked the ship idea with Truro after he saw the episode on television.
At present the Compton Castle is moored on the riverside at West Looe, Cornwall, and is owned by Mr Arthur Clayton, who bought the vessel two years ago with the intention of getting her back to work at Dartmouth.
Mr Worlledge, a company director in Truro, told the Gazette: "It is going to take a lot of love and hard work to restore the old girl to her former glory."
He expects the project to cost him and his backers more than £100,000, but he says he has the full support of Carrick District Council.
"She will have to be in commission by June at the latest, which is quite a reasonable time, so that she can start earning money for the season," he added.
To bring the vessel up to scratch she needs new plates on the hull and countless other restoration jobs, but Mr Worlledge stresses she is not in bad condition for her age - she is 70 years old - for the treatment she has received over, the years.
"We plan to site Compton Castle in the middle of Truro on a river with gardens alongside where people can sit and eat throughout the day," he said.
The vessel will have to work hard for her keep. Coffees in the morning, snacks and meals at lunchtime, cream teas in the afternoon and a return to meals in the evening.
During winter when trade "comes down to a low ebb" the Compton will still be open for the people of Truro
Mr Worlledge said: "In this day and age this is probably the only way to save a vessel of this type by commercial viability rather than as a museum piece.
"All things being equal, I think it is going to-be a winner, so thanks to Mr Shoestring- and the BBC," he added.
The project needs approval from the licensing justices and the next step will be to make her seaworthy, after the sale is completed, before she is towed along the coast to Truro.