It’s at this time of year that the season tends to blur into a continuous round of trips, pump outs, refuelling, and cups of tea!

The highlight of the season so far would probably be the weather – but having had such a dry summer, river levels are down meaning we have to be conscious of low water levels. The Port of London Authority recently carried out a survey down stream of Teddington only to discover some unusual shallow spots. Investigation discovered what appears to be a pontoon structure which had grounded just upstream of Eel Pie Island – presumably washed down in the floods last year!

A lack of summer traffic has not gone unnoticed by the lock keepers who frequently remark how quiet the river is, but for us it smooths the way.  In the busiest time of year our volunteers continue to make sacrifices to make cruises special and indeed possible.  Special mention must go to the five ‘roast chicken crew’ – it’s a long story…  [Editor’s note – apparently a full Sunday roast lunch was prepared for 22 people on a residential trip – impressive!]  and to several regular crew who have had to temporarily stand down for health reasons (nothing to do with crewing on the Venturer!): we wish speedy recoveries.

Peter Oldham, Skipper

Reproduced from the Friends’ Summer 2015 Newsletter