Watson Memorial and Calliope Sea Scout Hall

**Watson Memorial and Calliope Sea Scout Hall (‘The Ship’)
** by Celia Walker

Perched out over the water beside the Devonport Yacht Club is the home of the Calliope Sea Scouts, the building known affectionately as ‘The Ship’. A charming little hall, it was originally built for the North Shore Rowing Club in 1903. It is the longest-running Sea Scout group in the country, and still promotes nautical training skills for children – their clinker-built cutter can sometimes be spotted out on training exercises or tucked in beside the bigger yacht club boats.

Locals often pop down to the tiny Duders Beach (next to the Sea Scouts) for a quick dip in any season; here also is the Watson Memorial, an art deco clock commemorating the generosity of local citizen Alexander Watson, whose bequest funded the building of the seawall along the foreshore. Another plaque is the only reminder of the Devonport Wharf, which once extended out from this point opposite the start of Church Street.

Image Credits: Celia Walker