A Thames lock keeper’s punt

Lock keeper's punt

This Thames lock-keeper’s punt was a featured of Chris Partridge’s childhood and having come down to him through his family, he’s sorting it out ready to put back on the water.

I must say I’m intrigued, as it’s a boat type I haven’t been aware of up to now. Read about it here – and no doubt in later Rowing  for Pleasure weblog posts as Chris’s project makes progress.

 

Thames skiff rowers journey the length of the Mississippi

Mississippi Millions

The Mississippi Million rowers led by John  Pritchard arrived at New Orleans on the 25th October after rowing two Thames skiffs for 2,320 miles down the mighty river. It has been a huge achievement and I hope they get the recognition they deserve – and that John  raises a good sum for the charity Right to Play, which promotes the right of all children to be able to play.

The rowers describe it as a mix of toil, pain, laughter, wonderment, hospitality, friendship, kindness, headwinds, rain, thunder, lightning, tornados, blood, sores and Sam Adams beer, though no doubt Chris Partridge would call it pleasure. Read John’s weblog account here, and Patrick Broughton’s here.

I particularly like his last entry, which simply reads: ‘Begining of the day End of the day. Job done. And yes there were tears.’

Knockout photos from the Carmarthen Coracle & Netsmen’s Association

Some great shots from the Carmarthen Coracle & Netsmen’s Association Facebook page.

I suppose I’ve just a sucker for a coracle…