Bures Coracle Regatta
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
Not a lot is known or exists about the Spey currach or the wider use of coracles, and possibly other types of coracle, in Scotland. There is some evidence that the Spey currach was used for fishing salmon and transportation of timber - the latter by floating cut logs in the Spey and guiding/towing them by coracle, with assistance from another person or persons on the river bank.
The Spey currach is a large, oval/bowl shaped craft, constructed with a wicker basket - ribs of which in a star pattern from the centre of the boat (under the seat) - covered in animal hide, thought to be ox or horse. There is one remaining original currach in existence, at Elgin Museum near Inverness. This currach was measured for Sir Peter Badge when he was researching the type - diameter is 1450mm (approx 57"), with the seat measuring 1140mm long (approx 45") by 280mm wide (approx 11").
The Spey paddle has a large, wide blade with a simple shaft and T shaped handle. The length of the paddle at Elgin Museum was measured at 1150mm (approx 45").
As mentioned above, there is one remaining example of an original Spey currach at Elgin Museum. In 1989, Sir Peter Badge built two replicas for and with the support of The Worshipful Company of Basketmakers (a third was requested which was built mostly by Olivia Elton Barratt, the then President of The Worshipful Company, with some input from Sir Peter Badge). One of these replicas is at the National Coracle Centre in Cenarth.
Some content provided from "Coracles of the World" by kind permission of Sir Peter Badge.
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24 July 2024
If you've been following our news, you will know that a new project has started this year with the aim of preserving the craft of coracles and coraclemaking, rated as endangered on the Heritage Crafts Association's Red List, for future generations to enjoy.
24 July 2024
We're looking for volunteers to help with the Five Miles From Home challenge. This may be familiar to you if you read the item in the 2023 Journal from member Gary Fruland, who took part in this international event last summer.
24 July 2024
The Society is sad to share the news of the passing of former committee member, Brian Pearce, aged 92.
24 July 2024
Ironbridge style coracle for sale. Well used but in good condition and watertight. Originally built in 1996, has been re-covered many times. Can be put straight on to the water as is, but may benefit from some light repair/restoration. Offers in region of £200 considered, buyer collects from Cheshire
Please contact Euan Raffel for further information
Our event is all about meeting up with like minded people and paddling around a bit. Everyone is welcome to join us from beginners to experts. We are all about getting people on the water and enjoying these historic craft.
The Carmarthen River Festival is back on Saturday 17th August from 3pm. (Rescheduled from July due to river conditions)
There'll be the ever popular Raft Race, Coracle Races, Rowing Race, Duck Race and FREE Canoe, Kayak & Coracle Taster Sessions.
River demonstrations with plenty of dryside entertainment, cookery demos, FREE funfair rides, children's coracle pool, climbing wall and plenty of stalls selling food, refreshments and ice cream.
Annual coracle regatta and races, plus raft race. Licensed bar and BBQ. Part of Cilgerran Festive Week
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