'Wyre Lady' painting to raise funds for historic Doncaster party boat struck in arson attack

A Doncaster artist is hoping to raise at least £500 towards the restoration of the Wyre Lady by raffling off her painting inspired by the historic vessel.
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It is hoped the funds will aid any restoration of the party boat, which was a much-loved fixture on the River Don for years before it was badly damaged in a ‘heartbreaking’ arson attack in Spotbrough lock in June.

Vicky Harrington, a local creative who can be found helping out at her daughter Sophie’s art and crafts shop Picture This, was devastated to hear of the attack and set about re-capturing the Wyre Lady in its former glory on canvas.

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The watercolour painting sits proudly outside the shop in The Woolmarket and could be yours for the price of a £5 raffle ticket.

Sophie (left) and Vicky Harrington with the Lady Wyre painting.Sophie (left) and Vicky Harrington with the Lady Wyre painting.
Sophie (left) and Vicky Harrington with the Lady Wyre painting.

Vicky said: “We’ve had some great times on that boat and I was planning my 50th birthday party on board, so I was shocked to hear that it had caught fire.

"We knew we had to help in any way we could. Raffle ticket sales have been a little slow so we’re hoping to get the word out and reach our target of £500.”

Picture This has been running in The Woolmarket for nearly a year and was launched by Sophie when she was just 22.

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The shop currently offers quirky ‘string art’ and pebble pictures for £20 or two for £35.

Sophie added: “We're happy to create any other ideas people have and also do drawings for commission.”

The business has been in contact with the Wyre Lady hire team and been praised for its ‘lovely gesture’.

The future of the boat is currently uncertain after its Wheelhouse was completely destroyed, along with its original wheel from 1938.

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A spokesperson for the team said: "We owe it to our community, our customers and those who have so many fond memories to ensure our fabulous vessel lives to sail again and will keep everyone up to date with our progress.”

Raffle tickets are £5 per number and the raffle will be drawn in around a month’s time.

You can purchase tickets by visiting Picture This, contacting them via Facebook or calling 07832136223.

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