Peter Freebody in his workshop

I said I’d post again about Channel 4′s Classic Ships series when I had a moment to do so, and so I will. This programme is another exellent half hour including film of Alaska on the River Thames, legendary Thames boatbuilder and restorer Peter Freebody talking about the boats he works on and about developing a rowing craft somewhere between the Thames skiff and the Thames dinghy, and some splendid footage of the silent steam craft on Lake Windermere - including a demonstration of the Windermere steam kettle, which can boil a gallon in seconds.

There’s also just a glimpse of a waterman manoeuvering a Thames lighter using nothing more than a couple of sweeps. Impressive stuff.

I don’t know what restrictions may apply to watching Channel 4 On Demand programmes, but if you can see this, it’s a must! Click here.