North Sea Sails

Steve at work


I had the privilege of meeting a man today who is content with his lot; in fact, more than content. His name is Stephen Hall, known as Steve by his friends. He owns and runs a sail loft at Tollesbury, trading under the name of North Sea Sails. Surfing the Internet will reveal that he makes sails for traditional craft such as Thames Barges and East Coast Smacks. His loft is not large, but it is suitably equipped with tools of his trade, not high-tech laser cutting machines, but robust simple sewing machines that in his own words, he can mend if they go wrong.


From our conversation it was obvious Steve is a man who values traditions and skills from the past – a man who delights in the old-fashioned way of doing things, fishing under sail and transporting cargo on Thames barges. Even the mention of ‘thatch’ which is used on a few local buildings brought a sparkle to his eye. None of these things threaten the environment; unlike modern technology that ultimately damages our world by pollution and pillages nature’s resources.

Beautiful Time Warp


You won’t find a website for North Sea Sails, and if you have the pleasure of meeting him at his loft, you’ll not see a digital phone, just the older type that will work if there’s a power cut. Self-sufficient, he is at home there, listening to classical music on his tape player, busy with his hands that are his fortune – not in terms of making money, although I’m sure he has more than ample business, but a fortune through satisfaction and contentment because he can use his skills to good effect.

The Loft


North Sea Sails,
Ibex Sail Loft,
Woodrolfe Road,
Tollesbury,
Maldon,
Essex.
CM9 8SE.
Telephone: 01621 869367.



Text for the Day

1 Timothy 6:6 and 7 ‘Now godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into the world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out.’



Links


North Sea Sails
http://www.misterwhat.co.uk/company/986944-north-sea-sails-maldon


Leigh Cockle Bawley ‘Endeavour’– Sails made by Stephen Hall
http://www.essexheritagetrust.co.uk/Details.asp?GrantID=237


Colin Archer Gaff Yawl – Sails made by Stephen Hall
http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1936/Colin-Archer-Gaff-yawl-2158351/Scotland/United-Kingdom


‘Constance’ – Albert Strange Wenda Design with sails by Steve Hall
http://www.canoeyawl.org/?p=233


Tollesbury
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tollesbury


For Sale – ‘Talitha’, my Sharpy Class Roof Rack Keelboat
http://bills-log.blogspot.co.uk/2012/03/talitha-is-for-sale.html