My Grandfather, Robert Stevenson, lived in Exmouth with his wife, Jean, until three years ago, when he moved to Gloucestershire to be closer to his daughter s family.
My Grandfather, Robert Stevenson, lived in Exmouth with his wife, Jean, until three years ago, when he moved to Gloucestershire to be closer to his daughter's family.
A keen sailor ever since he was a boy, Robert spent his early career in the Merchant Navy, only leaving the service to marry Jean.
During the 1960s, Robert built a Mirror Dinghy in the living room of his home from raw materials and the instructions published in the Daily Mirror newspaper. He named it the Dorothy May after Jean's mother, and enjoyed sailing it with his family around the Devon coast for 30 years.
Around five years ago, he decided to sell the boat as he was no longer fit enough to use it. We believe the boat was sold to a gentleman in Exmouth, who may have bought it for his sons to use.
Although Robert now lives away from the sea, his boat is very much missed, and, as his family, we would like nothing better than to purchase back the little white dinghy our grandfather built.
It seems a long shot, but if any of your readers could help us make contact with the owner of this well-loved little boat, we would be exceptionally grateful.
Each Mirror Dinghy has a unique sail number - the Dorothy May bears the number 42936.
I have attached a photograph of my grandfather with his Mirror Dinghy, which you are very welcome to print if you should wish.
Peter Martin
(via email).
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