A FAMILY’S multi-generational boatbuilding career on the River Gannel in the 19th century will be the topic of a forthcoming history talk.

Local historian Dr Ben Dobson will present the Gannel Schooners as part of a Crantock Story Café, which will be held at St Carantoc Church on Friday, November 21 at 6.30pm.

Hannah Eustice from the Memory Café said: “Around 20 schooners were built on the River Gannel between 1839 and 1881 by three generations of the Clemens family.

“These ships joined many other similar vessels that carried cargo during the boom years of Cornish mining. With the unacceptable loss of ships and cargo during the early part of the 19th century, Acts of Parliament were passed to improve safety and the living conditions for the crew.

“Design and construction processes were introduced, such as Lloyd’s Rules, that became essential for all cargo ships, including those built on the Gannel.

“This talk will describe the evolution of legislation and its impact on the construction of the Gannel schooners. It will also illustrate the typical life of a schooner, its voyages, cargo, crew and eventual withdrawal from service.”

Tickets are on sale at Crantock Village Stores at £5, which includes a middling pasty and a hot cuppa.