Another year to marvel and spectate at the Thames Traditional Boat Festival, Henley-on-Thames. It was such a great turn-out there’s no wonder it has been running for over 50 years. It not only contains one of the best selections of traditionally built classic wooden boats but you will find great music and food, a second hand boat-jumble, amusements, vintage bicycles, cars, steam engines and military memorabilia.
This year 3 ramparts attended.
David and Suzie with Kalbarri,
Luke and Richard with Sea Dawn,
and there was a fleeting visit from Lady Lou.
It was a very busy weekend, and the public occupied the river banks. Wanderers were invited aboard, them wishing to know more about Rampart boats. We spoke about the structure and honoured the builder by talking history. It brought much joy to peoples face to have such a personal experience of the classic vessel and Sea Dawn even had a mention over the tannoy for serving cream teas on the deck.
Luke was the trophy winner of the Freebody award for the best amateur restoration, being it that much of the skills in the restoration of the vessel he learned last year, so the Thames and Kennet Marina office is now adored with a year-long silver plate and seem very proud.
I was told there used to be more Ramparts represented at the festival, sometimes as much as six or seven, but that in the recent years there had been a decline. Unfortunately this was reflected in berthing. We (Sea Dawn and Kalbarri) were unfortunately not positioned next to each other so full representation of the club was impossible. Im sure in years gone by the ‘Star of Killarney’ would have attended, often seen making the voyage to Henley to charter, in the weeks prior.
This was such a great voyage and festival, maybe other Ramparts will be able to make the passage down in 20
Food preparation
Food and Drink – Menu
Loose leaf, Earl Grey or English Breakfast tea
with
Home baked scones, clotted cream and Blackberry jam
or
Home baked biscuits, Rosemary + lemon or vanilla
Guests of Honour
