Career
The Trust has been running now for over 40 years, during which time many thousands of young people from all over Britain and indeed around the world, have benefited from the unique experience that is provided. A mark of the impact she made is the institution of an annual memorial lecture in her honour, which continues today. The Trust owned and operated two sailing barges (known in the Trust as schoolships) the 150 burthen ton Thalatta and the 200 ton Sir Alan Herbert, both coasting spritsail barges, rigged with ketch mizzens.
The latter vessel was procured through an appeal made in memory of the famous humourist, novelist, playwright and one-time Member of Parliament, A.P. Herbert.
The Trust continues to operate today, based at Maldon, Essex and the sailing barge Thalatta is undergoing a major overhaul and rebuild at the barge yard at Street Osyth, largely supported by lottery funding. The name Thalatta originates from the Greek word meaning the sea (see Thalatta! Thalatta!).
The Sir Alan Herbert is no longer in the hands of the Trust, and has reverted to her original name, Lady Jean. She was a strong and generous supporter of several charities, as well as a number of individuals whose hardship came to her notice.
Jane Benham was the daughter of Hervey Benham, former editor of the successful Essex County Standard newspaper and prolific author of books, in particular about sailing and shipping on the east coast.
She was brought up in Fingringhoe and West Mersea, Essex. And educated at Street Mary"s School, Colchester and Street Felix School, Southwold. When not at sea she lived during most of her life at Maldon, Essex.
Jane Benham died from cancer, aged 49, in 1992.
