Issue 78, Summer 2013 - Russell Newbery Register

Issue 78
Summer 2013
The journal of the Russell Newbery Engine Owners & Enthusiasts Club
Rally
Rally Report
Report and
and Pictures
Pictures
Thames
Thames Convoy
Convoy
Helpful
Helpful Hints
Hints
Braunston
Braunston Historic
Historic Gathering
Gathering
Stratford
Stratford River
River Festival
Festival
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous Musings
Musings
www.rnregister.org.uk
WHO’S WHO
CONTENTS
Front cover:
Tower Bridge, River Thames
Back cover:
Rally Mooring at Stoke Bruerne
Limehouse basin mooring
[Kevin McNiff]
[Rob Davies]
RUSSELL NEWBERY REGISTER LTD
President: Dr Ian McKim Thompson
Vice Presidents: Lady Carol Stamp, Mrs Susan Gibbs,
David Thirlby, David Kay Phillips, Allister Denyer, Graham
Pearson
Web site: www.rnregister.org.uk
The Russell Newbery Register is a non profit distributing
company limited by guarantee.
Founded: 1994 Registered in England No: 346943
Officers:
Chairman: Norman C Mitchell
t: 01452 415420 chairman@rnregister.org.uk
Secretary: Kevin McNiff
m: 07866 424988 secretary@rnregister.org.uk
Administration (membership, finance): Rob Davies
55 Noddington Lane, Whittington, Lichfield, Staffs. WS14
9PA
t/f: 01543 432079 m: 07801 842337
administration@rnregister.org.uk
Newsletter Editor: Kevin McNiff editor@rnregister.org.uk
Newsletter Production: Andrew Laycock m: 07870 294580
Administration (merchandise): Neil Mason
Hillcrest, Chapel Lane, Westhumble, Surrey. RH5 6AH
t: 01306 889073 sales@rnregister.org.uk
Rally Organiser: Kevin McNiff rally@rnregister.org.uk
Webmaster: Andrew Laycock webmaster@rnregister.org.uk
3 CHAIRMAN’S CHAT
FROM THE EDITOR
4 MEMBERSHIP
RN Blog from Dave Bixter
5 STRATFORD RIVER FESTIVAL
Andrew Laycock reports
6 BRAUNSTON HISTORIC GATHERING
Norman Mitchell
8 RALLY PHOTO CALL
10 2013 RALLY REPORT
11 AUTUMN GATHERING
RNR Property update
12 THAMES CONVOY 2013
14 BOATS FOR SALE
RUSSELL NEWBERY REGISTER PROPERTY LTD
A non profit distributing company limited by guarantee
Founded 2004 Registered in England No: 5316384
Directors: Bob Ainsworth, Rob Davies, Dave Martin,
Bob Scott.
15 MORE FROM NORMAN WOOLLEY
Unless otherwise noted, Copyright © Russell Newbery Register, 2013
Stop Press
RN DIESEL ENGINE COMPANY
Proprietors: Dave Bixter (m:07812 039110)
Deborah Bixter (m: 07966 403132)
Showroom: RN House, The Locks, Hillmorton, Rugby,
Warwickshire, CV21 4PP t:01788 578661
Engineering workshop: 4 Oak House, Royal Oak Way North,
Royal Oak Industrial Estate, Daventry NN11 8PQ t: 01327
700023
Email: russellnewbery@aol.com
Web site: www.russellnewbery.com
Field Engineers: Ian Crompton m: 07831 841108
Richard Milligan m:07973 826260
Autumn Gathering
at the
Samuel Barlow, Alvecote
September 14th.
Next edition
All contributions for the Summer 2013
edition will be gratefully received. Do
not worry about format — in true RN
fashion the editorial team can cope with
[almost] anything!
Please supply photographs as separate JPEG or
GIF files.
Corporate Member
2
Copy deadline is 15th October 2013
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
Chairman’s Chat
Stoke Bruerne; what a pleasant and friendly
village.
The Rally was enjoyed by both RNR members
and one or two others, a couple of Listers
associated with our workshops and of course the
Cheese Boat.
RNR received much praise for the assistance
given by our members to set up the Friends of the
Canal Museum Gala being run the following
weekend. A number of RNR boats stayed for the
event and we became specialists at tent erection
in a wind and other similar tasks. It was a shame
one of the FoCM announcers fell ill, but RNR to
the rescue, I was able to apply my experience of
commentating at the Braunston “Historic” (more
later in this newsletter) to the passage of craft,
especially working boats, during the two days. It
was nice to be able to inject a boating flavour to
the event as they had boating knowledge with the
P.A. before.
Even Pauline worked out which way we were
going, after we reached Tower Bridge!!
Well done everyone involved and a big thank you
to Andrew Phasey and crew and Richard Nosek
and crew our pilot and sweeper up from St.
Pancras Cruising Club.
Then WOW, the Barrier!
Well I must get on; the Swan Uppers have just
5am normally passes me daily without notice but passed Wargrave where we are tied so now I can
Limehouse Basin was awake and chugging! To try to sleep off the sun.
the Barrier and back, arriving in Teddington
(above the Lock) at 2pm was just magic. Just
pick your weather as Kevin did for the seven of Regards and happy boating to all!
us and go!
From The Editor
Welcome to the Summer Edition, and about will help to restore faith in
we have at last been blessed with the getting a grip of the
issues most
weather to match!
complained about – clogged up visitor
moorings,
unlicensed
boats,
Once again we are in full colour vegetation out of control and poor
which gives the opportunity to cover maintenance. No pressure then!
the Annual Rally, Thames Convoy,
Braunston Historical Gathering and We hope to run a new feature in the
Stratford River Festival in pictures.
Autumn newsletter under the title
“Tell us about your Engine”. In the
Canal and River Trust are a year old meantime, please enjoy the summer
and have a new Chief Executive, weather as much as you can! Hope to
Richard Parry, who our Chairman see you at Alvecote in September.
had the opportunity to meet at
Braunston. Let us hope that his early
direct approach to getting out and
3
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
Membership Matters
In the last Issue we only had one new member to welcome, Louise Lancaster, Smethwick NB Lapwing
this time we have two!
Colin Ives & Maria Matthews, Wigan
Lune
Lune is a Leeds & Liverpool short boat built by Yarwoods
in 1933 – 80 this year! It has a DM3, believed to be circa
1955 which Colin is currently re-furbishing.
RN Blog - Blah Blah Blah
It was really good to see everyone at the rally and to see We have also just secured another DM2 which is in a
so many RN boats again and what wonderful weather! boat at the yard and is to be replaced with something
unspeakably modern! But at least we have been able to
The first of the castings are now fully machined and we buy it and will be able to "recycle" it back into another
have started a new build. This engine will go into the boat. It runs very well and the boat has just motored the
new boat so long as no one buys it in the mean time! (I two weeks from the K&A to get to us.
hope).
Boatyard
The two older engines we bought have both been The weather has continued to disrupt the work at the
stripped down and professionally cleaned, they yard although this time it's the heat that is plaguing the
absolutely look like new castings the cleaning process work in the yard. Blacking and other outdoor work has
we have used is not cheap but it certainly delivers a been unbearably hot and the air temperature has meant
spotless result. The DM2 is already being built up with that painting has been done either very late at at night
all new bearings, pistons, liners and so on. It has found or very early, or both! We have completed a couple of
a home with a new owner who is having a new boat built Beta engine installs and some interior woodworking and
to house the engine and we are carrying out the remodelling hopefully we will be making a start on the
installation into the boat. The 3 cylinder has also found RN boat shortly.
a home and is being restored by it's new owner for a
!
planned install in October.
Handy Hints
I managed to spill some diesel onto my shorts and
Dave Martin suggested applying Swarfega. Leave it to
soak and wash as normal – gone, no problem.
Many thanks Dave!
How do you keep the boat cool in this current (July)
searing sunshine? Helen bought a couple of car
windscreen heat deflectors – about £3 in car spares
shops – and placed them in the windows between the
blinds/curtains. Simple but effective in at least reducing
the temperature.
Tell Us About your Engine
Philip Ogden
Do you have a story to relate about your engine?
Although we may take “Russell” for granted [so long
as he’s behaving!], you may want to share its life
history with members.
Dave Martin reminded me that Philip turned 100 in
June! He was recently repaid his loan to RNR Property to, in his words, “put the money towards my party”.
Depending on your feedback, we can run this as a
feature in the coming editions. You can send pictures
as well as text so I look forward to hearing from you.
4
Together with his card from The Queen, it must have
been a good one!
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
Stratford River Festival ~ numbers up and down
Now in it’s fifth year, the Stratford River Festival is The superb weekend weather encouraged many of the
becoming one of the most visited waterways events of visitors to view the boats from the water, either from the
a rowing boat or a trip boat. The river between Bancroft
the year.
Basin and Stratford New lock was busy with boats all the
This year the organisers claimed 45,000 visitors - not weekend.
even Andy Murray’s triumph at Wimbledon kept the
crowds away on Sunday afternoon. Indeed on both As is now traditional, on Saturday evening an illuminated
afternoons the crowds in the main arena took up every boat parade took place (just how many fairy lights can
you get onto a 16foot cruiser?). This was followed by a
inch of space.
spectacular fireworks display.
Whilst the visitor numbers were up, the number of RN
powered boats was slightly down. However Antares, Numbers going down is usually bad news. But not for
Kyle, and Revilo formed an RN enclave below the ferry, navigation errors or crew falling into the river! Both
whilst Brasso was moored in one of the end on rafts scored zero this year.
opposite the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
A trademark of the Stratford River Festival is the colourful spectacle of decorated boats moored end on.
Further down river opposite Holy Trinity Church Kyle’s cabin and the bunting flown by Antares provide the
colour in the summer sunshine.
[Andrew Laycock]
The very best Quality
Narrowboat Painting &
Sign Writing Services
Call for a Quotation for
Painting your Boat
Our covered dry dock
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
Cabin panels & sign writing
BBS–
G
–
Hillmorton Locks
Dry Dock
Tel 07812 039110
Over 60 boats painted
One proud owner!
5
The Braunston Historic Boat Gathering June 29th-30th 2013
Our Chairman Norman is the official commentator at the event and has provided this account of the proceedings
Every year now since about 2003 Braunston Marina
has hosted the “Historic” boat gathering on the last
weekend in June. The Marina is well suited to
parades of boats leaving their moorings along the
towpath or in the old Oxford arm down past the Stop
House, under the A45 road bridge (OX91) to
“Braunston Turn”. The triangular island with the pair of
beautiful Horsley Iron Works iron bridges (OX93/94)
was where the working motors and pairs turned.
Returning past the “Boathouse” pub through the A45
bridge they have to negotiate another Horsley Iron
Works iron bridge at the entrance to the Marina. For
those new to the parade this can be a might scary,
especially with “Gongoozlers Rest” the little cafe boat
obscuring the entrance, but only one, I recall, touched
the bridge this year. The channel through the
pontoons and moored boats in the Marina is rather
tortuous but the ends of the critical walkways are
marked with direction arrows! At the top end of the
Marina the boats have to negotiate the “Ladder
Bridge” which carries the towpath over the far marina
exit. Here the boats have a 180 degree turn to get
back to their moorings which start immediately
outside. Most years working boats are moored two or
three deep from there to “Butcher’s Bridge” (GU1)
and anything up to six deep to the marina entrance.
The moorings extend to the “Turn” if there is a good
turnout.
Entertainment started on Thursday evening with
Daystar Theatre Group and the real ale bar. Friday
evening there was music in the beer tent and the
serious fun started on Saturday morning with the
grand opening.
detail of their craft and this enables yours truly to
This year the steamer President, present by courtesy
of the Black Country Living Museum at Dudley,
transported a motley crew of celebrities and important
people to the entrance where Timothy West declared
the event open and President cruised through the
Marina with Prunella Scales steering the butty Kildare
behind. Tony Hales, chair of CRT, various
Counsellors, Mayors and MPs were also along for the
ride. All this is accompanied by the sound of
Braunston Church (the “boater’s cathedral”) bells
ringing out peal after peal. The first parade of the day
then followed sometime after 11 o’clock Braunston
time. Ashore there were many stalls and stands
mainly from Canal Societies, waterway restoration
groups and other related organisations, HNBC, IWA, Above: Timothy West and Prunella Scales with Graham
H&GCS, CCT RNLI etc. were also craft and local Nurser following the unveiling of plaque on the side of the
Braunston covered dock, which is dedicated to the Nurser
businesses such as Wharf House Chandlery
family. They owned the Braunston dockyard from 1876 to
Parades happen twice a day and are generally led by 1952, and built many of the famous working narrowboats,
the featured carrier’s craft first. This year we featured some surviving examples of which attend the Braunston
Rallies. Thirty five descendants of the original William Nurser
Fellows Morton and Clayton (FMC) and all those who
attended the unveiling by Timothy West, including his great
wish to partake follow on. Each boat provides some
grandson Graham, who organised the plaque.
6
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
Actor Timothy West on the last surviving steam narrowboat
President, following the formal opening of the 2013 Rally by
himself and his actress wife Prunella Scales. President is
steered by the Chairman of the Friends of President Nick
Haines.
stand on the entrance bridge and give a description of
the boat as it passes through. A great opportunity for
some banter as well as the serious stuff and hopefully
it’s enjoyed by all.
This year, sadly, we had no Russell Newbery powered
craft. Mark on Callisto has changed his engine and
Camel, a regular attendee, could not be there due to
family commitments. David Lowe was off elsewhere
with Swallow but David Daines had his National 2DM
powered Cyprus there as usual. Steamers, tugs,
icebreakers with Listers, Bolinders, Gardiners and lots
of craft originally fitted with RNs in working days now
sadly fitted with a competitor’s (or what was a
competitor’s) engine. We have outlasted them all!
Sunday started with a church service on the triangle
near the marina entrance, well attended by boaters,
local residents and visitors.
In 2011 we had about 117 historic boats; 2012 saw
this drop to some 64, with expected water problems in
the South and a big event at Northwich on the River
Weaver. This year the count was around 87 attending
and with good weather too, thank goodness not too
hot as it can be debilitating standing on that bridge for
about 7 hours in hot sun each day. All the proceeds
are donated to charities, waterway related, canal
societies and local organisations so it is well worth
supporting.
Former FMC working boatman Ron Withy steering in the
parade of boats. A number of former working boatmen still
attend the Rally, adding to its character.
before the Stop House and takes you through the
Marina and out under the Ladder Bridge turning right
for the locks. This is known as the “Braunston Bypass”
and prevents that sinking feeling felt when
approaching Butcher’s Bridge against the flow of the
parade and being met by the bow of a Town Class or
Royalty Class motor filling the bridge hole coming
towards you! Whilst thinking of the locks I can highly
recommend the Admiral Nelson by lock three for food
and beer, an excellent family run pub now. Do book
very early if attending the Historic as they are very
popular.
Well that’s it till next year, though there is a similar
event over the August Bank Holiday at Alvecote which
Pauline and I will attend. You may already be coming
to the RNR Gathering there in September so why not
arrive early! Don’t forget Paul is out to break the Mutts
Lunch record again for the most dogs lunching in the
Samuel Barlow garden at our gathering on Saturday
September 14th.
Car parking, caravanning and camping are all on site
and moorings are restricted from the “Turn” to the See you there.
Ladder Bridge but there is plenty of space on the
North Oxford and on the Puddle Banks. Don’t be put
off by all these working boats, the Marina operate a
All photographs courtesy of Tim Coghlan
“pilot” scheme using Marina staff to pilot boats seeking
passage to Braunston Locks. The pilot hops aboard
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
7
The Sixteenth Annual Russell Newbery Reg
8
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
gister Rally at Stoke Bruerne June 6th - 9th
Emergency First Aid
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
9
Stoke Bruerne Rally 6th – 9th June 2013
A total of 47 boats, 4 of which were “First Timers” were
duly assembled on the top pound between the museum
and Blisworth tunnel under the keen eye of
harbourmaster Neil Mason and his team. They provided
a good backdrop for the general public visiting the
museum. In addition, 4 members stayed in one of the
canalside cottages, a campervan and 6 day visitors
made up the numbers.
Workshops were well supported and included Ocean
Platting run by Bob Myall assisted by Ken Nelson; 3D gift
cards by Jeanne Wardle[Hewitt]; Cylinder Heads and
Injectors with Jamie Mason along with the Technical
Forum. Willow Wren Training gave 3 sessions on
Emergency First Aid course tailored specifically to RNR
which was well received with participation as required!
As well as thanking all the presenters and Rally Team,
special mention must be made to Lynda Payton, David
Blagrove, Mike Partridge of FoCM, Louise Stockwin and
David Henderson at the museum and Chris Stanley for
CRT who liaised with the regional area to facilitate our
exclusive use of the top pound moorings. We were made
to feel very welcome in the village and will certainly
return, as other southern venues are not easy to find or
financially viable.
I hope to see some of you at the Autumn Gathering in
September and my thoughts are already on where to
stage the 2014 Rally. That said, I would like to step down
as Rally Organiser by 2015. It is always good to share
this responsibility and maybe new ideas come out. If
anyone wants to “have a go”, please get in touch and
you can shadow me through the process for 2014 with a
On Friday evening, Mike Constable, Hon. Curator of the view to taking over from 2015 with me as your mentor.
museum gave a presentation called “Not so Idle Women”
followed by David Blagrove with “Canal Carrying in
1970”. Entertainment on Saturday was provided by
“Meet on the Ledge” followed by Jamie Mason on the
harp, another fine performance! The RN Ensemble used
Sunday evening to good effect to enjoy the usual jam
session. The raffle raised sufficient funds for us to make
donations to the Parochial Council and Greyhound
Rescue of £200 each. The latter were identified by
FoCM as they worked hard to provide parking facilities
for events organised by FoCM [the Gala was the
following weekend].
Andrew Laycock and his bar team worked well to provide
libations both in the village hall and previously at the
Noggin ‘n Natter on Thursday, which has now become
the established way of opening the Rally. AGMs were
held for RNR Property and Register on Sunday.
We were fortunate with the weather and had the use of
the museum education centre, a large marquee courtesy
of the Friends of the Canal Museum [FoCM] and the
village hall. The Boat Inn was well patronised for
breakfast and other meals and this all combined to make
a very successful weekend.
10
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
Autumn Gathering
Our annual Autumn Gathering will take place on
Saturday 14 September. By popular demand we are
returning to the Samuel Barlow Pub at Alvecote, where,
no doubt, Mine Host, Paul, will look after us again in his
inimitable style.
The aim is to simply to relax and enjoy RNR friendship
and fellowship with a Buffet Social on Saturday evening.
Paul will again provide breakfast on Saturday and
Sunday mornings and Sunday Roast will also be
available. Breakfast and Sunday Roast must be prebooked with Trish McNiff.
This is the weekend when Paul stages his second
attempt at the world record for feeding doggies - 135 at
the last attempt! They will be fed outside the Pub so the
serious 'Bar' business will not be interrupted too much.
The timetable is to arrive Friday, if possible, and leave on
Sunday/Monday as you please. Neil will arrange the
moorings so report to him on arrival.
In order to help with the arrangements please advise
Rob - administration@rnregister.org.uk - if you are going
to join us. Please let him know if you are coming by boat
or car and, very important, how many people.
If you can join us we will be delighted to see you.
Join us in the RNR Property Company
The AGM of the Property Company (RNRP) was held in
June at Stoke Bruerne, during the RNR annual rally. It
was heartening to see around 35 RNRP members
attending the AGM, which is about 65% of the total.
Now to the happenings at the AGM: if truth be known,
there was only one “happening”. This was the handing
over of the cheque by Dave Bixter (on behalf of RN
Diesel Engine Company) as their initial loan to RNRP, as
agreed in the new tenancy agreement for the factory. In
terms of expressing confidence in the RN future, this is
a great example of “putting your money where your
mouth is”.
whole weekend due to a diary malfunction, so earned
himself a yellow card!). Formal matters were dealt with
and several queries answered. The chairman (that is
me) was also ticked-off for referring to the members’
loans as “investments”!
Over the last six months there has been quite a
significant amount of new loan money put into RNRP by
virtue of new members offering loans, or existing
members increasing their loans. This, added to the RN
Diesels money referred to above, has allowed us to
redeem loans for some members who wished to have
their money back.
The meeting itself lasted 40 minutes, under the auspices By the way, should any RNRP member wish to directly
of the new Board (although Bob Scott was absent for the take on the loan of another member, this is perfectly OK
under the rules of the Company, but you must let Rob
know so he can keep all the official paperwork straight.
There are still a few members who would now like to
have their loan to RNRP redeemed, so if there are any
folks out there who would like to own a piece of RN
history (and a factory), Rob Davies would love to hear
from you. Who knows, but if industrial property values in
Daventry rise, your loan to support RN might turn into an
investment!
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
11
Did you really say 0500hrs! An early start for the 2013 Thames Convoy
Way back in the 80’s, my friends would say “book holidays when
Kevin & Trish do as it’s always good weather!” Although not a
sure bet any more, I did seem to get in right on the button for
Saturday July 6th with a little help from Mother Nature.
The Three Mills Rally, in 2001, saw RN members cruise the Bow
Back river and travel from Limehouse to Teddington, so when I
asked for interest in making the trip again, it was no surprise to
have enough responses to follow up. Steve Burt recommended
Andrew Phasey to assist in planning the trip who agreed at the
outset to provide us with his expertise on the tideway. Andrew
had previously given us a BSS presentation at our Stourbridge
Rally and is a member of the St. Pancras Cruising Club [SPCC],
who frequently undertake trips on the Thames and its tributaries
around London.
1. Time for the off
Now “The Boss” has never been keen on water that you can’t
touch the bank on both sides from, so it was with trepidation that
she agreed to the venture especially as Ebony is our home.
Planning got underway and Andrew had suggested that as part
of the journey, we could go down to the Thames Barrier on the
ebb tide and then travel up to Teddington when it turned. The
date and time were both key in the plan as it allowed us to make
the journey up through London when most of the river traffic was
still tied up.
The Port of London Authority [PLA] control the river up to
Teddington and the rules stipulate that all vessels over 45ft must
carry a VHF radio to listen and communicate with the London
Vessel Traffic Service [VTS]. At least one member of each crew
must have a Short Range Certificate [SRC] denoting
competence to use the radio. Again, Andrew is a qualified RYA
instructor on VHF radio so a course was organised for the day
after the Rally ended for those needing this. [I think all
narrowboats and cruisers should have VHF as a general safety
aid between Brentford and Limehouse].
As we individually made our way to Limehouse for our briefing at
the Cruising Association [CA] on 5th July, the trip was spoilt
somewhat by the large number of overstaying boats on the
Grand Union in general, especially on designated visitor
moorings and at locks. The new CRT CEO has a challenge on
his hands and must, I feel, grasp the nettle as soon as possible.
[At Batchworth Tesco mooring, a wide beam had taken up more
than shopping residence]. As the tideway cruise was under the
auspices of the SPCC, we duly filled in their registration forms to
be handed in at the briefing, which was followed by a very good
supper in the CA. The briefing covered all aspects of the trip and
we were given laminated cards with important information to
hand. The final bit depended on the continuing good weather; if
conditions were not suitable, we were to go to plan B – visit the
pub and discuss the next move! As boaters we are used to being
flexible but Andrew asked for “fluid”.
Now the 0500 bit. To enable us to visit the Barrier, locking out of
Limehouse had to be smart to ensure enough water over the cill.
The RN contingent was 7 boats plus Andrew’s boat as pilot and
Richard Nosek acting as “tail end Charlie” so 3 lockings in 45
minutes was the order. Those of us with dogs were up at 0400
walking the park to ensure said mutts were empty before the 8
hour confinement. They weren’t too amused either! The lock has
12
2. Penned in and secure
3. Don’t touch the side!
4. Back through the barrier
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
no sluices; we had to be very secure as the gates are opened bit
by bit to let out the water, a very strange phenomenon indeed.
5. No hope of a bridge lift!
6. The Old and New at Westminster
Once out on the river we proceeded downstream on the ebb at
little more than tick over. The sun was rising and it was a
gloriously calm day on the water. Round the Isle of Dogs, Cutty
Sark, the O2 arena and past the Woolwich ferry [just starting its
day service] and onward to the Barrier. A call to London VTS to
gain permission to transit and we were cleared to proceed
through “Charlie” span. Onward towards Margaret Ness and
Barking Creek where we turned and “stood to” while the tide
finally ebbed away. The moment the tide turned was measured
exactly by the dangling of a float in the water from Andrew’s
stern[!] and we were off back towards Limehouse and beyond.
With the sun now well established and behind us, the views were
more striking and made for good photography. VTS cleared us
back through the barrier via “Golf” span and we were back at
Limehouse 3 hours after first leaving.
London waterbus traffic was getting under way by now and we
experienced how turbulent the water can be as they pass at
some 15-20 knots. No dramas however. We had been warned
that the police at Wapping may want to board and inspect any of
us but we got through without this event. The iconic Tower Bridge
soon came into sight and we all passed under the central span,
ahead of a large floating office or house under tow, watched by
many tourists. HMS Belfast looks very large from the counter of
a narrowboat. The leaders went under Westminster Bridge just
as Big Ben struck 1000 – very fitting! Taking in all the landmarks
was not so easy when on the tiller though as in this stretch the
water becomes quite choppy for a mile or so.
All too soon we left the hustle of the pool behind, row boats, sculls,
“yogurt pots” and Gin Palaces replacing larger craft. At Kew
Gardens we passed Brentford and soon arrived at Richmond
where we all penned into the half tide lock, being some 90
minutes ahead of the tide and thus the weirs were still up. With
dogs waiting for “bank relief”, we paid our £5 each to go through
the lock and the we were actually off the tide and heading to
Teddington and relative calm of the EA waters. Once through the
lock we all moored up for the day and went to register for the
necessary Thames licence [Rosina had a Gold Licence so was
exempt!]
7. Six knots and only just over tick-over
The trip was hailed as a total success by all and no technical
issues reported. On behalf of the Register, I would like to thank
Andrew Phasey for facilitating it along with Richard Nosek. Their
combined expertise made it a very relaxed time and I’m sure it
will be attempted by others. Since neither Andrew or Richard
wanted reimbursement for fuel or time, we have made a donation
of £50 to The SPCC.
The boats in the convoy were:
Arthur, Ansty Rose, Ebony, Ebony No.9, Galliard, Rosina, Kassell, [with
Doris Katia and Indigo Dream from SPCC]
Ebony and Galliard also completed a full navigation to the Roundhouse
at Inglesham and Arthur reached Lechlade!
SPCC publish a Thames Guide which includes all the trips they undertake and can be downloaded from www.stpancrascc.co.uk
8. At Teddington Lock
Photo Credits: 1,4,5,6,7 Steve Whetnall; 2,8 Jean Henry; 3 Kevin McNiff
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
13
RNs for sale — with boats attached!
Wendy Woo
Sixty two foot steel narrowboat build by Dennis Brain in
1979. 1947 DM3, rebuilt in 2004, only 301 hours run
since then.
Hull blacked 2011; 301 Engine hours since rebuild in
2004; Engine serviced in 2012
Vetus Bowthruster
2 Engine Start, 6 Domestic & 2 Bowthruster Batteries
3.5 kva Generator
Boat Safety Certificate valid until 2015
Microwave
Dishwasher
Changeover control which enables the waste heat from
the engine to be circulated through the radiators when
cruising. On a murky day in spring or autumn, this
makes quite a difference to life on board.
The hot water tanks are under the bed so that the bed is
well aired (in summer this is by-passed).
Tanks Fresh Water Tanks: 1 (250), Fuel Tanks: 1 (50)
Accommodation: Number of double berths: 2, Number of
cabins: 3, Number of heads: 1, Number of bathrooms: 1
Inside Equipment: Battery charger, Microwave oven,
Refrigerator, Chemical head, Oven, Heating, Bow
thruster, Electric bilge pump, Dishwasher, Hot water
Electrical Equipment: Shore power inlet, Inverter,
Generator, Electrical Circuit: 12V
Please contact Pyrford Marina, Lock lane, Pyrford,
Surrey GU22 8XL. 01932 343275. £48,950
Damselfly
Sixty foot Traditional Stern Narrow Boat
1990 Colecraft Narrow Boat Fitted out by Rugby Boat
Builders
Russell Newbery DM2 engine
New Curtains all round, New Carpet Tiles all and New
Cratch Covers
£49, 500 ONO
For more details contact Ken Yerby, 07831 381944
… and an engine without a boat
Contact Dave Bixter, RN Diesel Engine Company,
07812 039110 or 01788 578661
russellnewbery@aol.com
1952 DM2 complete with Parsons gearbox.
Runs beautifully available as is or all options available
regards refurbishment, or rebuild.
Two photographs of the
Swiss parade. See
Norman’s
Miscellaneous Musings,
right.
[Norman Woolley]
14
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
Miscellaneous Musing from Norman Woolley
My last contribution ended with the prospect of some
more of my scuba diving experiences would be
forthcoming at a later date, so I will save those for
another time and regale you with some more
Miscellaneous Musings.
My wife and I enjoy organ music, in particular by a
well-known organist, Nigel Ogden, who has an evening
programme on BBC Radio 2. One year whilst cruising
the Trent and Mersey canal, and stopping overnight at
Stone, we decided to book an evening meal. It turned
out to be enjoyable although not over memorable, but
after we had booked up we noticed that Nigel Ogden
was giving an organ recital at the local church, which
meant that we may well miss this recital. As luck would
have it we finished our meal just in time to arrive at the
church during the interlude, so were lucky enough to
enjoy the second half of his concert. Not only that, but
we enjoyed the refreshments provided during the
interlude as well as getting in at half price. There were
no spare seats in the box pews, so we were given chairs
at the top end of the isle, getting a ringside view of Nigel
Ogden at the front of the pews playing the magnificent
organ on one side and a piano on the other side. We had
a much better view than those occupying the box pews.
What a talented player we were privileged to witness and
enjoy. He required no music, just what seemed a sticky
note by his side with the relevant titles of the melodies
written thereon.
Talking of music, one incident we very much enjoyed
was on our marathon trip from our mooring on the River
Wey in Surrey up to Ripon in Yorkshire. This was before
the canal section into the old canal basin was restored.
Whilst watching certain members of the band playing
their instruments on the bandstand in the town one
afternoon, our attention became focused on a wind
instrument player. Due to the angle at which were were
viewing the performance, we became absolutely
fascinated by his ample cheeks expanding and
contracting as he blew into his instrument. It’s funny how
such memories stick in the mind. It was imperative whilst
visiting Ripon to witness the daily ceremony of the
‘Ripon
Horn
Blower’
sounding the curfew at
9pm, a ceremony which
has taken place without a
break for the last 1,100
years.
My musings appear to have taken over a certain drift
towards musical experiences, of which one stands out
beyond all others, namely when I was responsible for
bringing over nearly 1,000 Swiss from the Guilds of
Zürich to take part in the November 2003 Lord Mayor’s
Show in the City of London. I put this down to a lapse of
sanity on my part in suggesting the idea to the incoming
Lord Mayor in the first place, as the logistics and number
of arrangements involved were beyond belief. Finding
an hotel to accommodate nearly 1,000 persons under
one roof, flights from Switzerland to London, coaches to
move everyone around London, finding a location for a
banquet they wished to hold on the Friday evening
before the Show on Saturday, just to mention a few of
the main details. Fortunately my colleague in Zürich with
whom I organised this momentous event, like myself
had an excellent team to assist.
An important part of their contingent was the three
marching bands taking part in their procession. They all
played some very rousing music whilst marching in the
Show as well as at their two functions held in The
Guildhall in the City of London. My greatest memory was
in the evening, after watching the Fireworks from two
boats on the Thames after the Show, when we were all
returning to Guildhall for an evening meal processing
from Tower Pier, where we disembarked, to Guildhall
being led by one of the marching bands down Lombard
Street, where the office in which I used to work many
years before was located, I asked the band to strike up
some music, a rousing piece of music called “The
Sechseläuten March”. By now the traffic, which had
been stopped coming through the Bank Station junction
by the Mansion House during the Show, had resumed
running.
Quite undeterred members of our party, all dressed in
their finery, as were the Swiss, just marched out into to
traffic to stop it for our procession, which led by the band
marched merrily through the now stationary traffic.
Surprisingly not one motorist tooted their horns; they
were all completely overcome by this sudden band led
procession stopping all the traffic as we marched
determinedly to Guildhall.
Now, back to the cut! I have achieved the age when a
siesta after lunch is always most welcome, when on one
occasion, moored not far from Napton Junction, I was
rudely awakened from my slumbers by the noise of a
chainsaw. Most inconsiderate, I thought to myself, that
Perhaps our epic voyage someone was carrying out some tree surgery nearby,
to Ripon could feature in but looking out I saw to my astonishment that it was
a later article, it was another boater moored a short distance away
certainly the longest trip manufacturing toad stools from logs with the aid of his
we have ever undertaken, chainsaw, the object of his work being to sell such toad
some 1,000 miles and stools, a number of which decorated the roof of his boat.
taking some six months
to complete way back in
1991.
RNR Newsletter : Summer 2013
15