A SHIPWRIGHT will be giving an illustrated talk and display of his tools at a series of heritage talks.

Maldon Riverside Association will be inviting retired shipwright David Patient to Maldon Little Ship Club on Saturday, along with architect Julian Harrap on Sunday.

Mr Patient will lead people through his role as a shipwright, the tools he used on a day to day basis, with Mr Harrap taking audiences through a crash course in landscape, architecture and detail.

These events form part of the Maldon Riverside Association’s (MRA) support for the annual Heritage Weekend in Maldon, with admission being free.

David Patient has worked as a shipwright for 43 years and is a well-respected member of the small group of craftsmen who build and maintain the many traditional and contempary sailing vessels so characteristic of Maldon and the Blackwater, its riverside and beyond.

Mr patient’s training began at the barge yard of Walter Cook and Son on the Hythe at Maldon and went on to run a boat yard at Fullbridge specialising in barge repairs, traditional boatbuilding and spar making.

Ship and boatbuilding in Maldon, like almost every river and inlet around our coasts, has evolved from the mists of time to produce vessels serving communities and working under sail and by the end of the 19th century many of these vessels were both efficient and elegant. Maldon housesthe Thames Sailing Barge.

Mr Harrap’s talk will consider aspects of the townscape defining the riverside, some individual buildings of note, together with traditional construction and colours.

He is a practising architect specialising in restoration and extensions to historic buildings. His practice has won many awards for their design work which will inform his views on Maldon’s riverside buildings.

Both talks will begin at 2pm. Call 01621 843259.