Portland bill's Red crane, busy. 
Portland Bill has a few cranes, though sadly not working as often as they once did, I can remember seeing it fairly busy back in the 70′s and 80′s, this picture (again from Andre, as the last post was) was taken back in one of those decades from the looks of it.
It’s a shame that our fishing industry collapsed as much as it did, almost completely sadly, there are very few left fishing around here compared to what it was.
A couple of pictures of the cranes out at Portland Bill …
Red crane is above and is the nearest one to the lighthouse, probably the most used one out at Portland Bill.
Red crane is a bit of a haunt for those who tombstone, rather dangerous if you are not careful but fairly safe at high tide. Not that I condone you doing it, I used to one time so I can’t say much.
Below is another crane much further along the cliff edge. This is Bob’s crane.
Portland Bill - Bob's crane
I have only ever seen one boat being lowered by this crane, and only that once, that was way back in the mid 80′s too. (good times!)
A friend tells me that the one which is even further back from Bob’s crane towards Southwell is called “Sandholes” … thanks for that.
I do hope these cranes will be kept up to condition as it would be a shame to lose them to neglect.
As a part of Portland bill’s history, they are important, they played a role in many lives of Portlanders who worked at Portland Bill.
It would be very odd seeing Portland Bill without these cranes, hopefully that won’t happen.
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Twitter: pete01
says:
Used to go off the crane with Richy (mousse)Male to work crab pots so not only have seen it but experienced it as well of all the launches ie from chesil beach both Weymouth and Portland Harbour and the Ham this one is the most andrenalin rushing especially in slopy waters I can tell you its a long way down on low water
Twitter: robsellen
says:
Hey Pete,
I remember when you were fishing, I remember Danny used to go with you an all, he used to stink of fish at times.
I bet it was a rush, knowing what the Bill’s water can be like.
Rob recently posted..Portland Screensaver- unique!
Think the pic could possibly be my brothers Pete, or dad, need to make it bigger. those were the days Pete.
Twitter: robsellen
says:
I zoomed in on it, not that clear really, think you could click the image, zoom in some and check.
Rob recently posted..Portland get’s a Red Arrow flyby
My landlady owns one of the cranes out there and has all the records of any boats launched from it.
Even though it’s no longer in use she still has to pay the Crown ground rent!
Twitter: robsellen
says:
Really? Wow. That’s tight.
Do the crown really need it?
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The Bill would not be the same without the cranes. Visitors still flock to take a look at them – they draw you in. I know my lads used to jump off there, probably with you Rob. They always used to come home and tell me what they had been up to, but never said anything to me before going out. Wonder why? Of course, the dangers of tombstoning were never mentioned then – happy memories x
Twitter: robsellen
says:
Yeah, that’s why they never said nowt, nor did we to our parents, just off and out there.
Good times though, as long as we are sensible.
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It may be interesting to note…the Whims (Mechanical gear) were cast by a company called “Galpin” Although that name is is associated with Portland, it is just co-incedence that the whims were made by that company.
Andy Straw recently posted..Old Craggy Face
Twitter: robsellen
says:
Galpin twins.. lol still see them in wyke now…
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Who took a saw to the old wooden Red Crane and why and when ?
Twitter: robsellen
says:
I hadn’t noticed Malcolm, but that sounds bad… whoever it was should be ashamed.
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