Activities
The Pier
The pier is the responsibility of Yarmouth Harbour Commissioners and is a Grade II listed structure. It was built in 1876 to allow not only ferries from Lymington to dock, but also to be a landing stage for ferries from other ports and piers on both the Isle of Wight and the mainland. These days we have a few vessels using the pier, notably the steamship Waverley in September, but also the Balmoral, as well as ferries from Poole. The pier is also used for promenading and fishing. It has changed slightly in length and shape over the years but still looks largely the same as when it was first constructed.
It is reputedly the longest wooden pier in the UK. This year, 2007, we plan to replace 50 or so piles which have been eaten away by the gribble worm. The cost of replacing these 'Greenheart' piles is likely to be about £350,000. We are awaiting the outcome of our application for funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund but, whether we are successful with the grant or not, the pile replacement is planned to start in October 2007.
So, please make sure that if you walk up the pier you do put your 30p in the honesty box. If you'd like to make a donation to help further with the work to restore the pier, please make your cheque payable to Yarmouth (Isle of Wight) Harbour Commissioners - Pier Fund and leave it at the Harbour Office Reception.
