- It feels very funny. It is a little special, you can probably boast a little, maybe, she laughs.
She shows off the yarn stand where there are rolls of tarred hemp. With the help of a large crank called condition, the yarn is twisted together, slowly but surely into a strong and secure rope. She works with rope beating in the old way, they have no machines in the rope beating track.
"There is no future"Britt-Marie Samuelsson is not only the only female rope reporter in the country, but also one of the few remaining. She is worried about the future of the profession and thinks there is probably no one. Unfortunately, when it is not filled with new ropes from the younger generation, she believes that the profession is soon forgotten.
- You know that you are one of the few who remain.
Why rope strikers?Britt-Marie Samuelsson previously worked in the elderly care sector where she was a nurse. But after doing a knee operation, she could no longer work there, as it could be heavy and tiring to help the elderly.
- Then I was told that people were looking out here and then I thought 'why not?', She says.
Since 2010, Britt-Marie Samuelsson has been employed by the Shipyard History Association and works as a rope reporter and guide on the Replagarbanan in the shipyard area in Karlskrona.
The first time she stepped over the threshold into the ropes track, she felt overwhelmed. The smell of tar and the raw cold hit her directly at the small door.
- It's probably what many others know, such a "wow factor". You are probably very taken from the beginning because it is so impressive, says Britt-Marie Samuelsson.
The course is largely intact as nothing has been moved since it was built in 1692. The only thing that has been done is the installation of windows and electricity.
- I hope so clearly that it will stay this way. That you can have an exhibition and show for guests and tourists. It is unique in its kind and is part of our world heritage. It is Sweden's longest and one of Europe's longest wooden buildings.