SEA shanties and rope making provided the perfect backdrop for an August extravaganza of events at the Watchet Boat Museum. Organisers described the two days and evenings of activities as an "absolute triumph" and immediately pledged to stage a repeat performance next year. "It really was a huge success," said museum spokesman John Nash. "The weather was very kind to us and we estimate that at least 500 people came into the museum to watch or take part in some or all of the activities. "It was tremendous and we will certainly be looking at making it an annual event." The weekend was free to all and featured the talents of rope makers Des and Liz Pawson, coracle builder Ted Pitman and two of the South West's leading model boat builders, Julian Palmer and West Somerset-based Tony James. Emmet, a Somerset flatner built near Wells from the Watchet museum's own plans, proved a particular attraction, while local boat enthusiast Graham Coggins demonstrated the delights of his 'norsler' - a contraption used for making short length of fishing lines. The evening sessions proved just as popular as the daytime activities, with the museum hosting its maximum 50-strong audience to hear a range of singers and musicians, including local talent David Milton and Tad Mandziej. The weekend was underwritten by ARTlife in partnership with West Somerset District Council. "The great thing about it was that people met old friends and made new friends. "Everyone had a great deal of fun." The Somerset flatner Emmet drew the crowds, with 11-year-old Shuka O'Tani and Taro O'Tani, aged 13, among the admirers. Photo: Steve Guscott