Consuta
returns to the Thames
The
relauncing and steaming down to Putney for the Boat race on 28th
March
Web
Link for details of the Boat
Race
Consuta
will follow the 150th anniversary re-enactment boat race with
specially built replica craft. This race will take place at 5:00pm,
preceding the Isis/Goldie and Oxford/Cambridge races. TV will
be covering the race from 5:00pm to 6:30 - see BBC1.
Consuta
was brought back by road from Ely on March, relaunched and then
moored at the Thames and Kennet Marina. We were waiting for an
opportunity to steam Consuta to Putney, where Tony Cundick was
to take charge of Consuta for race day. Shiplake Lock however
were behind their maintenance schedule, but we were given an opportunity
to go through on Thurday 18th March, so we steamed Consuta to
Bushnells at Wargrave, ready for the repositional cruise down
river planned for 20/21st March.
The
Kintbury volunteers set off on a windy Saturday 20th at 7:00am.
Steam raising crew were dropped off at Wargrave then a car shuffle
involving Alan Douglas took place with our river destination as
Bell Weir Lock. 12 locks and 31 miles from Wargrave. Tony Cundick's
crew took over the second part of the trip to Brentford on the
Sunday (sorry no picture of this).
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Thames
and Kennet Marina
When Consuta went
by road to Ely, we also took the opportunity to carry our coal
supplies for the Ely event on the lorry.
Paul Smith is helping
to unload the returned unused coal in the EA yard at the Thames
and Kennet Marina.
Consuta is already
in the water |
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|
Shiplake Lock
The Winter work on
Shiplake Lock was due to finish on 19th March, but caused us
some concern because the works were overunning schedule.
However we were granted
special passage on Thursday 18th, so repositioned Consuta to
Bushnell's yard at Wargrave
Consuta shares Shiplake
Lock with Bosporos |
|
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Rough
Waters
Saturday 20th March. Consuta was taken from Wargrave
to Bell Weir Lock.
Weather:- blustery
winds, but fortunately no rain.
This reach from Bourne
End to Cookham road bridge was quite rough. White horses and
plenty of wind blown spray from our bow wave. |
|
A
Lock shared
When
we reached Hambledon lock we were told that Bosporos was ahead,
and we would probably catch them up at Cookham lock because it
was self operated.
We
did, and here we are in the lock sharing with Bosporos. Bosporos
was heading down to Putney from Henley all in one day, phew a
very long day! |
|
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Bell
Weir lock mooring
We reached Bell Weir
lock shortly after 2:15. Bosporos continued on her journey down
river.
We moored up behind
the lock island in the weir stream, covers being put on for the
night.
The road bridge is
the M25 river crossing. |
Sorry no pictures of
the second stage of the down river journey to Brentford on the
Sunday
If you would like to be involved with
our historic project please contact Brian Smith
brianws@ukonline.co.uk Volunteers are
always needed to help maintain and run Consuta. Why not give me
a call on 01488 658795
