Finesse 24 Whimbrel and an interview with skipper Nick Ardley on YouTube

Nick Ardley speaks!

Barges on the telly: Jimmy Lawrence and Nick Ardley on BBC2 TV 29th and 30th September

Jimmy Lawrence talking about life on the barges

I gather that the first programme of the new BBC2 series Floating History of Britain goes out on the 30th September, and that it is to be about Thames sailing barges. I’m told it will include material from this year’s Thames Match.

I told also that the BBC Breakfast show on the 29th September will include an interview with legendary barge skipper, sailmaker and wonderful raconteur Jim Lawrence together with cruising sailor, long-time barge hand and author Nick Ardley, whose young life was spent on the barge May Flower.

A traditional boat festival at Queenborough

I missed the publicity for this do – but thankfully Nick Ardley was there. Maybe I’ll get along next time.

Here’s his report!

Ditch-crawler has a wonderful time at Queenborough Harbour Trust Traditional Boat Festival