Andy - you could try the Guildhall Museum at Rochester. A longshot, but you never know. I'll happily extend a lunchbreak and have a look for you next week. As for fitting out, well I have no idea, but I'd suggest no more than 3 - 4 weeks. I hope (!) somebody can put me right...Regards,  Paul 

Andycoward@... wrote:

In a message dated 26/01/2006 19:07:29 GMT Standard Time,
pavee@... writes:
Andy - any joy on Hydrogen? Have you seen on ebay the key ring of a
barge? I think you may find that it is the Hydrogen sporting Bells
whisky in her mainsail (probably more advertising of her voyage
around the British Isles). Can anyone else confirm?
I've copied Michael's write up for Hydrogen, in case you haven't
seen it.

Thanks Paul.

As I see it I can only play a long shot by examining the local papers for the
early months of 1906 given that she was registered in May in the hope there
may be some mention of a launch. I don't rate the chances very high but you
never know unless you look.
If you can give any other idea of a source this will be greatly received.
Unfortunately my grandmother disposed of a pile of paperwork years
ago........................


Has anyone any idea of the period that 'fitting-out' would usually take?

I have acquired a couple of postcards dating back to her 'Bells' days with
the mainsail clearly marked which I understand was a common form of
advertising.Thanks for the tipoff,

Andrew