The Picarooner vessel is unique to Clovelly but there remain just two, until we bought a replica, built by Falmouth Marine College students in 2008. ‘Picarooner’ was once a Spanish insult, meaning ‘a rogue or rascal stealing a march’, because the vessel, with its shallow draft, rounded bilges and high transom, could get out to sea faster and return earlier on the tide and thus steal a march on the bigger boats in the pursuit of sweet Clovelly herrings.  




The replica of Clovelly Picarooner, Little Mary, was launched in July 2008.  It was named Little Lily after the baby daughter of one of the students on the course (pictured left). 

She has been entrusted to the care of Clovelly Harbour Master, Stephen Perham, who will use her to fish for herring both under sail and power.





Rag Rugging demonstration by Deborah Hastings at Fisherman’s Cottage. 

The craft is an old one.  It developed out of the need to make cottagers’ homes more comfortable, as the floors were frequently beaten earth and warm insulation was needed. 

The current need to recycle and re-use resources is not new, as rag rugging utilised potato sacks and old clothing to make serviceable rugs for the home.

                            

                   "Yellow Sunflowers and Turquoise Skies".       
                                  Dimensions 8ft x 8ft.

Deborah Hasting’s interest in textiles originated from an early age with her parents and grandparents all participating in the craft.  Her inspiration for many designs comes from the Devon landscape and skies.  As a garden designer, Deborah draws on her understanding of shape, colour and texture to guide her designs.

Easter