RX53 Dorothy Melinda is a retired fishing boat which sits on a traffic island at Hastings railway station. She is a unique heritage asset made even more valuable by the recent destruction of her sister RX134 Stacey Marie. Much of her upper structure is in need of replacement yet the part that matters most, the hull, looks remarkably good. She could certainly be restored by volunteers as other vessels have been. She has been offered a temporary home by the East Hastings Angling Association (EHAA). Long term the vacant site opposite the Dolphin pub would be most appropriate.

The traditional clinker-built wooden fishing boat, with the wheelhouse at the stern, is an unmistakable symbol of Hastings. Only seven now remain. We mustn't lose another.

The current situation is that, unless the council change their mind, Dorothy Melinda will be broken up and disposed of overnight on the 29th of January - less than two weeks from now.

Contracts have been signed with the demolition contractors. Method plans and risk assessments have been written and approved. Stagecoach bus and Network rail have agreed the date for site access. All this has been planned over many months and many meetings.

There is now simply no time for a change of plan unless she is granted a stay of execution.

There is still a chance that the council will have a change of heart and act decisively. One of the purposes of this this fundraiser is to show them the level of support for that change. If it happens then the monies raised will be used to fund her removal from the station and to begin restoration. If things don't pan out as hoped then all funds received will be refunded.