Jute Jack and Journeying

Tue, Jun 27th 2017 at 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Guest speaker was Derek Larkman

President Dave Riddell thanked Derek for his very interesting talk

Ex Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Derek Larkman gave an interesting and insightful talk to the Club, with an alternative take on the 3 J's of Dundee. Not the Jute, jam & journalism that we all know it for, but Jute, Jack & Journeying. 

Ex Royal Navy Lieutenant Commander Derek Larkman gave an interesting and insightful talk to the Club, with an alternative take on the 3 J's of Dundee. Not the Jute, jam & journalism that we all know it for, but Jute, Jack & Journeying. The main character in his tale was the barque sailing boat the 'Lawhill' which was launched almost 125 years ago. It was initially used for the transporting of Jute which was effectively only found in East India. The owners worked a deal that allowed the port of Dundee to be declared a free port, thus allowing the Jute to land in Dundee rather that in London. The varied use of Jute was fascinating to hear, and the proliferation of Jute mills in the late 1800's made it one of the biggest and most profitable industries in the area.

The Lawhill (Jack in our story) had a long and arduous life covering all four corners of the globe carrying a multitude of cargoes. The 'journeying' detailed the difficult life and times of her crew. It was pointed out, that all the members in attendance would have constituted the full crew, who were often at sea for up to 5 months, and paid a pittance ranging between (in new money) 50p and £2.50 a month, and they had to supply their own clothes  and tools!

Derek's in depth knowledge and delivery not only of the history of the trade and the main character in his story, but also the routes that this boat & crew followed, made this a thoroughly enjoyable talk.

The main character in his tale was the barque sailing boat the 'Lawhill' which was launched almost 125 years ago. It was initially used for the transporting of Jute which was effectively only found in East India. 

The owners worked a deal that allowed the port of Dundee to be declared a free port, thus allowing the Jute to land in Dundee rather that in London. The varied use of Jute was fascinating to hear, and the proliferation of Jute mills in the late 1800's made it one of the biggest and most profitable industries in the area.

The Lawhill (Jack in our story) had a long and arduous life covering all four corners of the globe carrying a multitude of cargoes. 

The 'journeying' detailed the difficult life and times of her crew. It was pointed out, that all the members in attendance would have constituted the full crew, who were often at sea for up to 5 months, and paid a pittance ranging between (in new money) 50p and £2.50 a month, and they had to supply their own clothes  and tools!

Derek's in depth knowledge and delivery not only of the history of the trade and the main character in his story, but also the routes that this boat & crew followed, made this a thoroughly enjoyable talk.

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Rotary in our Community

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Primary Schools linked to Rotary Club of West Fife:- Blairhall, Cairneyhill, Carnock, Crossford, Camdean, Culross, Inzievar, Holy Name, Limekilns, Milesmark, St Serfs, Saline, Torryburn, Tulliallan. Secondary Schools:- Queen Anne and Woodmill

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A Rotaract and Rotary GB&I Collaboration in District 1010

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