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.
Sir Peter founded The Coracle Society in June 1990, following proposals in the late 80s to double coracle net licence fees. It was noted in the Times newspaper in December 1987 that the Towy coracle netsmen were ready to abandon net fishing if this act was successful, but thanks in part to the vocal and public concern over the matter, this did not happen.
In the first Society Journal in 1990, Sir Peter wrote the following about this threat to the netsmen: "It did, however, alert people to how close they had come to losing a precious and irreplaceable part of our national heritage because, of course, coracles have an unbroken line of descent from pre-Roman times to the present day. It was this principally which led to the formation of the Coracle Society in June of this year."
Sir Peter's love of coracles started in the 1940s when as young schoolboy, he saw a coracler fishing from his upper Dee coracle in the Llangollen area. His interest in coracles was revived in 1981 when his wife Mary bought him his first coracle - a Teifi coracle made by the late Bernard Thomas - for his 50th birthday. The rest, as they say, is history.
Sir Peter's knowledge and passion for coracles knew no bounds. Sir Peter travelled and researched extensively, and spent many hours in conversation with coraclemakers. He was always hugely supportive of the Welsh coracle netsmen, campaigning against changes to net bylaws that are detrimental to their ways. It was always a delight to chat with Sir Peter and those who had the honour will certainly treasure those times with him. In the foreword to Sir Peter's 2009 publication "Coracles of the World" - a must have resource for anyone with an interest in coracles - John Williams Davies sums up Sir Peter's contribution to the coracling world quite perfectly:
"This book is the product of a lifetime's fascination with coracles and the culmination of three decades of scholarly and original research on the part of the author. No-one is better qualified to write on the subject than Peter Badge. Not only has he an unsurpassed knowledge of coracles and related craft throughout the world, but he is also an experienced and highly skilled coracle-maker and handler. As the founder and driving force behind the Coracle Society he has also done more than anyone to popularise coracling as a leisure activity. His own fine collection of coracles, which includes examples of virtually every known type, is on public display at various venues around the UK. He has also been a tireless campaigner on behalf of the rights of the few remaining Welsh coracle-fishermen to continue to practice their ancient craft."
Martin Fowler, one of the Society's vice presidents and owner of The National Coracle Centre in Cenarth, said this morning, "Without Sir Peter Badge there would not have been a Coracle Society and [he] was fundamental in setting up The National Coracle Centre here in Cenarth, which I have had the pleasure to run for the past thirty years. His passion and dedication to the Society will always be remembered and he will never be forgotten."
The Society will be forever grateful to Sir Peter and we will miss him dearly. Our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Lady Mary Badge, and his family.
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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