Old Dock Cottages, One Street #1

I have chosen my 'street.' It runs round the south perimeter of the Bristol Floating Harbour. So much goes on there - lots that is hidden away and some things like the SS Great Britain which are known internationally.

These Old Dock Cottages, at the western end of my street were built in 1831 for the use of dock workers. They are now home to local maritime organisations. No 2. still has a rose flowering above the porch! Starting on the left is:

No. 1. The Merchant Navy Association (local branch of a national charity)
The founder members wanted to raise public awareness of the commitment and sacrifice of merchant seafarers during war and conflict, to acknowledge our maritime heritage and the contribution merchant seafarers and fishermen have made in achieving the freedoms this country enjoys.
The Merchant Navy Association was "launched" in 1989 as a charity and provides a unique opportunity for seafarers to get together. The Constitution complies with the additional areas of responsibility required by the Charity Commission for a much broader brief for both welfare and advice as the maritime sector employs over 350,000 people with about 32,000 still working at sea.

No. 2. Clubhouse for the Port of Bristol Authority Sailing ClubI can find little about this club except there are a few yachts that moor below

No. 3. The Pride of Bristol (Charity)
When the Royal Naval Auxiliary Service was disbanded because of defense cuts in 1994 Officers and Crew in Bristol decided that their years of experience in the main branches of the service could be put to some use in the local community. They formed the Pride of Bristol Trust and an ex-RN Training Vessel was purchased which is moored on the Hotwells side of the Docks. Many members had served in similar vessels and were therefore experienced in all aspects of taking her to sea and the organisation increased in size with new members from the Royal Navy, Royal Navy Reserves and Merchant Navy plus local Yacht masters and Instructors adding their skills.
In 1997 the Trust started to take Trainees to sea. These are divided into watch groups and work alongside the volunteer crew members. Groups from such organisations as the Prince of Wales Trust, St Johns Cadets and Scouts spend weekends or weeks learning all the basic skills of seamanship, coastal pilotage, ship handling, helmsmanship and safety at sea, plus the more important skills of cooperation with others and pride in personal achievement, self confidence and leadership. The lessons learned by 'those who go to sea in ships' stay with them for the rest of their lives and many return to help with ship maintenance or to help raise funds to send others to sea.

No.4. Maritime Volunteer Service (National Charity) Bristol Unit
The MVS was formed in 1994 by a small friendly group of boat and seafaring enthusiasts who undertake training and service in the arts of seamanship, including navigation, marine engineering, meteorology, tides, radio procedure, boat-handling, ropes and knots. They work towards recognized national qualifications. New members who have no previous experience join a maritime foundation course followed by comprehensive training both afloat and ashore, leading to a progressive series of nationally recognised qualifications.
They have a 7.5m boat called the Starling in Bristol Floating Harbour and also use other craft to regularly patrol up and down the Avon Gorge on behalf of Bristol Port Company.