Brentford Cruising Club - Reports from our 2005 Events

Winter Cruise, 30 December - Events Report

by Clive Evans

A veritable flotilla left Brentford Dock on Friday: five boats and 17 crew set out for lunch at Teddington despite the steady rain. It did appear that Hebe 3 was low in the water, and it transpired that she was indeed shipping water through a hole in the hull, which had ejected its bung. (To put it more directly, she was sinking!). High speed bailing ensured safe arrival with the rest of us, and a beer or two settled the captain's nerves while a bottle of wine yielded a suitable cork.

The Anglers was not unduly crowded, and both drinks and lunch appeared swiftly. We were joined by one or two latecomers who piled onto the boats for the return journey, which was once again conducted through pouring rain.

Assembling for the usual post-outing drink, all agreed that the challenging weather had only added to the spirits of the captains and crew, and that those who wimped out had missed a good day.

Photos from the winter cruise.

Christmas Dinner - Saturday 10 December

The first batch of photos from the Party!

We have just added a few more photos taken by Neil O'Dwyer to the above collection.

Limehouse Cruise 12 - 13 November - Events Report

The crews of Lazy II, Meanwhile, and Lady Gay enjoyed a bright yet challenging cruise downstream, skillfully avoiding the massed flotillas of rowing boats assembling for the Head of the River Race for Fours.

A relaxed afternoon was spent walking, eating, and drinking, and contemplating a serene sunset from the calm of The Grapes - a special moment of profound philosophical rumination enhanced by Adnams bitter.

After an excellent breakfast at the "Verde" deli on Sunday morning, a calm cruise upriver took us back to Brentford Dock just in time for lunchtime drinks at the Brewery Tap.

All in all, a splendid way to spend the weekend!

by Victoria Bourne

Photos from the Limehouse cruise!

Thank you to Peter Dignam who supplied the photos this time.

Limehouse Cruise - October 29 to 30

Another triumphant outing to Limehouse led by Vice-Commodore Scott and Victoria began in beautiful weather on Saturday morning, where no less than five boats were made ready by their loving skippers. By 12.30 all five crews were boarded and everything was ready for a long lockout process, which proved entirely unnecessary as freeflow had been arranged by a combination of the Almighty and the Harbourmaster.

We fought our way through the tide to Hammersmith, at which point it gave up and turned round to help us. As we passed Big Ben it seemed that time had warped - its hands stood at noon. We entered some very choppy waters churned up by the wind, the tide, and a great deal of passenger boats making the most of good weather, and bounced our way under Tower Bridge. The entry into Limehouse Dock was tricky but negotiated with skills finely honed in the Boathandling competition, and by 3.30 we were all safely moored up in the Marina.

Debriefing took place in the CA bar, and then we adjourned to the local curry house, predictably enough. A certain amount of drink was partaken as we waited for the food to appear, but by the close of play we were all well sated, and slept well in our bunks.

Next morning, we coped splendidly with the change to the clocks and appeared for breakfast at the appointed hour. At precisely 10.30 we locked out into the Thames, still a little choppy but only enough to be amusing. Lazy II had already set off in the wrong direction ostensibly in order to test her engines, but in reality to give the rest of us a head-start, and she almost caught us by the time we had returned to Brentford, past Big Ben which was still showing midday.

More debriefing in the Waterside Cafe led to the correct conclusion that it had been an excellent weekend, helped by unseasonably good weather. Thanks to John and Victoria for their meticulous oraganisation.

Written by Clive Evans

A few photos from the Cruise Weekend.

Boat Handling Competition - Saturday October 1

Three trusty teams of mariners rose to the challenge of the BCC Boat Handling competition on a blustery Saturday 1 October.

The competition started with a some whipping and splicing in the bar, which all executed to a fine standard.

The practical section comprised taking the judge Anthony Warren (Boucanier) on board at the boat mooring and proceeding to the pontoon by the bar to take aboard the man overboard, who bore an uncanny resemblance to a bag of washing. This was to be followed by reversing into the lock, disembarking the judge at Boucanier and finally recovering the man overboard, and laying the anchor.

Clive Evans (Commodore/Club Claret) and his daughter Pippa were first to take to the water. Clive unfortunately misread the specified anchoring spot, and opted for the quaywall beside Lady Eskarina instead of the open area in the middle of the marina. Pippa greatly enjoyed raising the anchor and experiencing the hands on experience of the marina sludge. Eyebrows were raised in the Competition Grandstand (aka the marina bar) when Clive was caught off guard by a squall in the lock and found himself in a double diagonal pincer situation.

Derek Jones and his crew John Yates were next to take the challenge, exercising some nifty manouvering on Hebe 3. They decided to don lifejackets which scored extra points with the judge. Derek handled his new engine with poise, and executed the course cleanly and without mishap. in the heat of the moment however, they unfortunately omitted to sound the horn when reversing into the lock.

John Scott (Lazy II) and Mark Blake were the final team to take their places, and it was noted that not only were lifejackets worn, but one was also offered to the judge. Lazy II is a relatively powerful entrant, but the team managed to handle her delicately around the course. Pointing to the man overboard scored extra points. The anchor laying was executed neatly, but in common with the other two entrants, no anchor ball was raised.

At the prize giving, Anthony stressed that he was hard pressed to choose an overall winner, and that all teams had performed to the credit of BCC, but that if there was a slight edge it was in favour John and Mark. Accordingly the shield was presented, and their names will be engraved for future generations to admire.

Well done to all participants and to Anthony for compiling and judging a most enjoyable afternoon for everyone involved.

Written by Steven Trembath

Shepperton Cruise - Sunday September 11

Club Claret and Hebe3 departed Brentford at 0830 on a grey and drizzly day, equipped with barbeques, charcoal and fine rump steaks (not to mention corn & butter wrapped in foil). The two captains and six crew were in fine fettle, which grew finer as the day wore on.

On our way through Kingston, we received a call from our hostess - Elkie Holland - offering to brew up some Chilli con carne since the weather was a bit damp, which the Commodore accepted after an appropriate display of reluctance.

Arriving in Molesey lock, we found ourselves overwhelmed by a flotilla of large boats carrying a number of elderly gentlemen in blazers and berets. It soon transpired that we were in the company of Dunkirk boats, and some of their original crew, on their way upriver for a celebration. We were literally surrounded by history, and we were soon toasting each others' success, while fending each other off.

In a way perhaps more broadly relevant, all this history was slowing us down, and we set off smartly out of the lock in order to get to Sunbury ahead of the flotilla, which we achieved by clever use of alternate routes around islands, as identified by the Vice-Commodore

First into Sunbury lock, we awaited the Dunkirk boats, and toasted them all once again, before setting off on the final leg to Shepperton where we arrived at 1230 to meet our smiling hostess. We were welcomed into the family home, and settled around the table for Sangrilla, salads and the promised chilli. More dramatically, a fearsome machine was produced as part of the sweet course, and was soon dispensing a steady flow of hot chocolate, into which we dipped all manner of fruit and other delicacies.

It was perhaps as well that we could not dwell too long, otherwise some of us might have put on several pounds, but the Brentford tides were calling and we had to take our leave. The journey home was less eventful, and much swifter - we locked back in at 1815 after a three hour journey.

All in all, a very pleasant trip, with a dose of history, and a lunch that will not soon be forgotten. Many thanks to Elkie and her family for their generous hospitality - we'll be back!

Written by Clive Evans

Trip around the London Ring - June 3 - 5

How to summarise the adventure that was our trip round the London Ring? Overall, I think its fair to say, it was a great success with all who came – at the core were four boats (Club Claret, Meanwhile, Hebe 3 and newcomer Porgy and Bess) and their skippers. Some 16 additional crew arrived and departed, more or less on schedule, and together we covered some 35 miles between 1100 on Friday and 1400 on Sunday.

Such bald statistics, however, only go to indicate why the canal system declined as a form of commercial transport. As Miles, our visitor from New Zealand, put it ‘This was a unique experience’.

We arrived at the foot of the Hanwell flight of locks in time for lunch at The Fox, where a few crew members and chums were waiting to join us. We set about the locks with enthusiasm but not much organisation – but by the end we were already a well-oiled machine (in more ways than one). And so on to Southall, where on arrival we were caught in a terrific storm, thunder, lightning and torrential rain. We managed to tie up the boats, despite the high wind, and sat it out for an hour before setting off to dine at the Seehar Restaurant.

We tried an exciting new technique this time – we ordered the meal in advance, which is much easier for everyone, including the restaurant. The food was varied and excellent, and even the curry specialists among us declared themselves satisfied. And so back to the boats for the skippers, and into the taxis for the crews with strict orders to report at 0800 on the morrow.

Which they mostly did – MacDonald's was jumping at 0801, not only with BCC members, but also a large selection of the local populace many of whom seemed to be there for the toilet facilities! And so at 0915 we set off on a long and lock-free morning, which was quite delightful, the canal passing through a rich mixture of countryside, graveyards, old industrial premises, the London Zoo, Little Venice (where we collected another crew-member) and finally Camden Locks, where we lunched.

The afternoon was harder work, and less stimulating – with the exception of the long dark tunnels. The canal drops slowly back to Thames level in a series of locks which seems never-ending. We dropped off various members along the way, and finally arrived to moor up in Limehouse Basin.

As you might expect, we assembled smartly in the CA bar to compare notes on the day, a process which went on all through dinner at the Tai Pan Chinese Restaurant, where we had again pre-ordered a meal, and which was as delicious as it was generous. Back out into the taxis for some, and back to Limehouse for the rest of us.

We assembled slowly next morning in the delicatessen in Limehouse for breakfast – they are beginning to recognise us there – and prepared ourselves and our craft for the last leg up the Thames to Brentford. We locked out at 11.45 into somewhat gusty weather, which caused one of the boats to leave the lock backwards – something the Lockkeeper had never seen before.

The water was adequately rough to make it interesting, without being scarey, and the waterline was as fascinating as ever: it’s a great way to do the London sights in an hour. Proceeding in an orderly manner and at a statesmanlike pace, we arrived slightly too early for comfort, as the tide was still running in, which makes entry to the Dock a challenge. Not all of us rose to it with our customary elegance.

In to the Waterside Café for a celebratory drink, and a late lunch, both of which were very welcome. Much debate and discussion about the trip, but unanimous agreement that it’s a brilliant outing.

Many thanks to all who helped to organise it – I guess you are going to have to do it again next year.

Written by Clive Evans

Pontoon Party - Sunday May 15

Lots of people turned up on a hot sunny day for this fun Event. Some spent their time on decorated boats, some on pontoons, as barbeques sizzled, drinks flowed along with the laughter, and a very happy day was enjoyed by all.

Big thanks to Anna and Dilys for their hard work preparing the Party, and to those who contributed extra salads. Useful items were sold at the Boat Jumble, and money raised for the RNLI, along with that collected by Anne, who made a collection around the dock. Many thanks to to Per and Elly for organising our Annual Boat Jumble.

Written by Victoria Bourne

Chelsea Cruise Overnight- Saturday May 7

Lora May left Brentford on freeflow on her maiden voyage with the Club, followed by Lazy II & Hebe III. Carte Blanche joined us and we swept down the Thames uneventfully to Chelsea. Mooring was made a little tricky by the gusty wind, but eventually we were all safely tied up.

After conducted tours around Lora May, with lavish hospitality, some adjourned for a little light shopping followed by drinks at the Chelsea Ram, which was heaving with Chelsea supporters, as happy a band of drunks as you could wish to meet.

We sauntered down the road to one of the V-C's favourite curry houses - the Chelsea Ram, who had set aside their back room. It was barely big enough to contain our 22 members, but we squeezed and shuffled and wedged ourselves in for a fine meal.

Next morning, the boats set off rather too early and found themselves in contact with the bed of the river: its to be hoped that the damage to propellers is not too serious.

Despite this setback, most of the fleet made it to Teddington, where lunch was obtained and Club Claret arrived in time for a post-prandial pint. Just before high tide, we left for Brentford and the safety of home.

Thanks to John Scott for leading the way, and to Victoria for making the bookings.

Written by Clive Evans

Derek's Photography Class - Tuesday May 3

11 enthusiastic amateurs attended an instructive talk by Derek 'Red-Eye' Jones. His audience ranged from elderly users of Box Brownies, through the more sophisticated owners of SLR technology to the bright young things with their digital cameras, and their telephones.

Derek discussed the composition of pictures, from the pastoral to the pornographic and the importance of strong diagonals. We discussed the digital with its astonishing ability to handle tricky light conditions, but not to produce the 'depth of focus' effect. We contrasted it with the chemical, and the problems of fading colours. We absorbed the importance of getting up early and the importance of standing still. We also learned - largely from 'Two-Clicks' Styrnell - some of the capabilities of editing software, such as PhotoShop.

We emerged wiser and thirstier, and we fully expect an astonishing improvement in the quality of cruise photos on display at the end of the year.

Many thanks to Derek for a stimulating workshop.

Written by Clive "slowhand" Evans

CEVNI testing - Tuesday April 5

A good turnout for Jim Hodder's CEVNI class, but a few disappointed faces when it was understood that to get your CEVNI you have to have your ICC! Seven skippers did qualify, however, and can now sail into the European canals with confidence. What with the CEVNI test and the COlRegs morning, the BCC levels of competence are soaring.

Many thanks to Jim Hodder for running the test, and for joining us at the Social evening afterwards.

Written by Clive Evans

Collision Regulations - Sunday April 3

Some seven or eight horny handed captains of the BCC assembled on Sunday morning to refresh their navigational skills with Anthony Warren. He took us through the standard Rules of the Road, and associated sound signals. Then he teased us with more difficult situations, such as overtaking a supertanker in a fjord. We are all agog to test out our skills on the river during the coming season, so expect to hear lots of sound signals, especially as we approach rowing eights on the Thames.

Many thanks to Anthony and his laptop for an entertaining and informative session, and for leading us to the bar for refreshments afterwards.

Written by Clive Evans

Spring Launch Party - Saturday February 26

On Saturday 26th February, the Waterside Cafe was transported to the Costa del Sleet, serving tapas to 28 members of the Cruising Club as we launched the new boating season. Melanie and Shaun - who run the Cafe and produced the tapas and served the drinks - have joined the Club: welcome! We hope you'll find time for an outing or two. Another new member is Bruce, who recently brought his boat - Demelza - into the marina. Bruce is no stranger to Brentford: welcome back!

The evening flowed cheerfully by on well-oiled wheels - everyone is looking forward to the packed schedule of events in 2005 - roll on the longer days and the balmy weather!

Written by Clive Evans and Victoria Bourne

Kew Steam Museum - Sunday February 13

Cruise Club members, with family and friends, enjoyed this interesting and instructive tour of Kew Steam Museum, ably led by our Commodore, Clive. We viewed, and learned about, plenty of powerful steam engines, and visited the Water for Life and History of Brentford exhibitions as well.

Clive, Charlie and Benjy Evans, Veronika, Neil, Mona and Ian

Sea Dog:

John Yates, Derek, Hans, Anna, Sheila, Anthony, Mark, Angie

Lazy II:

John Scott, Victoria, Mel, Veronica, Isabella, Mark, Peter, Bill, Andrew

We have Reports and Photos dating back to early 2003.

Photos

If you want to look at photos only you can find a list and links to all photos taken during these years here: Photo Galleries