A historic vessel based in Cornwall is celebrating after winning a national award.

The Friends of Lady Daphne, based at Cornwall’s historic Charlestown Harbour, scooped the Group Volunteer of the Year title at the Marsh Volunteer Awards, which are incorporated into the National Historic Ships UK Awards 2023.

The Marsh Volunteer Awards recognise outstanding volunteers in the conservation or operation of historic vessels in the UK.  

Volunteers are the lifeblood of the sector with many vessels depending on them to keep going.  

The awards, run in partnership with the Marsh Charitable Trust, celebrate the hard work and achievement of the many diverse individuals and groups who volunteer in support of maritime heritage.  

A spokesperson for the awards said: “Friends of Lady Daphne’s application really stood out to the judges with volunteers who had contributed to every aspect of the organisation’s work – from visitor services, promotional activities, events and music, children’s activities, overall management, and hands-on maintenance.”

Built by Short Brothers of Rochester, Kent, in 1923, Lady Daphne was one of the very few wooden barges built after the First World War. 

During half a century of trading as a coasting barge she carried cargoes such as china clay, Portland Stone, cement and grain between ports around the east and south coasts of England.

Her current owners relocated the vessel from Kent back to Cornwall where she once operated in summer 2022, and she is now based at the historic Charlestown Harbour where she is available for static event hire while restoration work continues. Lady Daphne celebrates her centenary this year.