The Victoria Shadow Association

 

The second Shadow rally of 2009 was organised by Kate and Peter Hunt and took place over the weekend of the 19th September. Kate had chosen a rally site on the River Kennet close to the point where the Kennet flows into the River Thames on the outskirts of Reading. Since their Shadow 26, 'Jolly Olly', is moored close at hand in the Thames and Kennet Marina, they were kind enough to invite some of us "yachties" for a day out on the river beforehand. Our South Coast Regional Organiser, John Tyer and his wife Lynda and your Website Editor and his wife, Jenny, attempted to rendezvous at the 'Bel and Dragon' restaurant by the River Kennet in their respective cars. We soon discovered that knowing exactly where you want to go and actually being able to get there are two quite different matters when it comes to driving in Reading! Eventually we succeeded and left one car in their car park before setting off in the other to find the Thames and Kennet Marina, which was rather easier to do. Kate and Peter welcomed us aboard 'Jolly Olly' and we were soon able to exchange the busyness of the roads for the peace and quiet of the river on this bright and sunny day.

Boats preparing to lock upstream in Caversham Lock

 

As we were leaving the marina, John spotted a kingfisher on our starboard side and Peter was able to point out the splendid rowing facility on the port hand, devoid of any rowers but much used by swans for take-offs and landings! A turn to the right meant we should be heading upstream and through the centre of Reading and it was not long before we joined other boats in Caversham Lock. This turned out to be not quite so peaceful as a group of open canoes had entered the lock and moved forward rather too close to the inrush of water when the sluice paddles were operated. Some shouting followed furious attempts at bailing alerted us to their predicament. The consensus was that they appeared to be inexperienced in the use of locks and possibly should have portaged their canoes in any case! As we left the lock we saw they had grounded their craft on the river bank to tip out the unwanted water. Our gentle pace enabled us to view many fine properties with their gardens sweeping down to the river's edge. It was clear that serious money would be needed to acquire even the smallest of them. Then, as we left the built up areas behind, there was the equally serious business of finding just the right spot for lunch. Other boats there before us, no good it's in the shade, the anglers probably wouldn't give up their stretch of bank readily and so we sailed on until reaching Mapledurham Lock a decision was required. Should we lock through or retrace our steps? We locked through and then found a nice spot just above the lock.

 

Website Editor, Peter, takes a line around a tree
We are served with a fine lunch		Kate, our rally organiser and hostess

 

Dave Probert brings 'White Rose of York' alongside		The girls of Kingston Grammar School race past

 

As we were finishing lunch, 'White Rose of York' came alongside briefly on her way downstream. We would see her again later at the rally with her crew. We shared the two locks on our way back downstream with boats from the Kingston Grammar School.  They were covering most of the length of the upper Thames in just two days and seemed to be enjoying themselves despite the hard work involved. We were soon back near the Caversham lakes where our journey had started but now we sought out the entrance to the River Kennet and our rally venue about half a mile upstream from the River Thames. We had one more lock to pass through, which was clearly marked 'Self Service'!

 

Junction of the Kennet and Thames is not so pretty		'Jolly Olly' waits for the lock

 

Guess who operates this lock		Peter helps lock a narrow boat down

 

John operates the sluice		'Jolly Olly' enters the lock

 

'White Rose of York'  turns towards the mooring		... and approaches the pontoon

 

'Heavenly Daze' makes her approach		... and is met by Peter

 

	Three Shadow 26 boats were able to attend with their crews but numbers at the rally and evening meal were boosted by other members including Brian and Dawn Smith and Paul and Patsy Townsend.
'White Rose of York', 'Jolly Olly' and 'Heavenly Daze'

 

'Jolly Olly' appears to be a little down at the stern as we all gather aboard her prior to our evening meal at 'Bel and The Dragon'. Later we enjoyed a fine evening meal in good company. We thank everyone who came along to make the rally such a success but, in particular, we thank Peter and Kate for organising the event. Thank you very much.
	Shadows visit Bel and The Dragon