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Some time ago I was working with unpowered boats at Constables
Boathouse at Hampton - in existence from c1867 until 1992 when the
property market finally won the day and the last boatbuilding space was
turned into offices ... the diary whose text follows turned up
in a local second hand bookshop. It describes a trip in a hired punt up
the River Wey navigation in 1948. Though it is intriguing
to those who know that part of the world and those times hopefully it
is of wider interest as well.
Many escape routes from Constables Boathouse come to mind.
A previous generation would escape to the racecourse, conveniently
situated on the far side of the river. It is said that the boathouse
was equipped with one of the first telephones in Hampton, not for the
benefit of boating customers, but in order to facilitate various betting
transactions at times when one was unable to leave the place.
The boathouse accounts from that time record a series of truly
magnificent sums lost on the horses.
A housing estate on the site of Hurst Park racecourse now provides obstacles far too great for any horse save Pegasus himself, and by the nineteen eighties a favorite distraction from boat work would be a quick dash up Hampton Hill High Street to the second hand bookshop run by Don Tagg (Yes, related to Taggs the boatbuilders), in the hope of turning up something interesting, Fred S. Thackers 'Stripling Thames' being one such. It was during one of those visits that I unearthed the following tale from a box of pamphlets. A homemade notebook, bound with string, between sheets of thick card, contains, penned in tawny black ink on yellowing postwar paper, a diary of a trip in a camping punt from Constables to Godalming through the indifferent weather of July 1948. Too many timings and little autobiographical detail for some, but also an impression of the upper Thames and the Wey as working rivers, with boats' names that are still familiar today.
Morning overcast with drizzle. S.W. wind. D.H. Williams and David Noel to boathouse at Hampton by 10.15. a lot of water in the punt, no one in the boathouse. Cleared punt of water with stirrup pump and mop, put irons up and cover, then packed food in locker, put box aboard and packed that, then cushions,rugs and pillows. Occasional light drizzle during this period. Not off 'till 12.05! Punt containing 3 large cushions, 3 back cushions, 7 pillows, 2 sleeping bags, 5 rugs: 2 primuses, 2 tins of paraffin, box containing picnic basket + provisions, water bottle + locker full of tinned stuff. Failed to find Michael's suitcase at first - it was by a skiff (query, had it been put away at all, as rugs were in "office" upstairs?)
Off at 12.05 and drizzle recommenced almost immediately. Paddled to island and moored up opposite Hurst Park 12.30 for meal of meat soup, sandwiches, coffee cake and fruit. Salter's steamer passed going up, and 2 launches. Unmoored 1.45 and paddled to Sunbury lock, no other boat on the river all the way, rain had stopped and everything peaceful. Through Sunbury lock 2.55 - 3.0 pm. Heavy drizzle afterwards and moored in lock cut near bridge. Moved on at 3.15. Streatley passed, going up with 15 passengers at 3.35. Paddled up reach and tied up at 4.40 in back water below Walton bridge, again in drizzle, going under low bridge and tying up to reeds for tea - heavy shower then. Off again at 5.20, paddling, passed Cliveden (going down) at Walton bridge 5.45. Moored on towpath side just below cut at 6.0. Michael arrived at 7.50, later than expected. Supper was ready of tomato soup, veal loaf, lettuce, potatoes, plums, and cocoa. Motor boat tied up for night just ahead of us, and a number of motor boats, ("Roamers") tying up near there. Moved on and camped in lock cut. Starry night, several Perseids seen.
Up at 8:30, breakfast of Weetabix, bacon & eggs and coffee. Unmoored at 10:40. Tug and barges went up early and Pamela Alice with two barges passed going up during breakfast. Cliveden passed (going up) with few passengers at 10:20. After unmooring, Pamela alice passed going down in cut at 10:55 (no barges). Arrived below Thames lock 11:45 to find lower gate shut and barges brought by Pamela Alice going through. Had to wait 20 minutes or more before we could get in. Barges were taking 80 tons of corn each to mills on the Wey. Through the lock about 12:10. Poled up and moored in Wey near Japanese bridge for dinner 12:45 - mulligatawny soup, veal loaf and salad potatoes and cordial. To Weybridge for bread and fruit. D.H.W and David got bogged in morass and got shoes black with mud. Unmoored 2:55 and through Blackboy lock (Weybridge or Town lock) at 3:10 - boys were bathing in the lock. D.H.W. poled to Cox's lock, pontoon boat on two floats came down through lock as we arrived. Through lock 3:55 leaving lock empty and bottom gates open. At 4:20 Michael began smacking the water with his paddle. "You silly ass!" from D.H.W.
Moored halfway to New Haw for tea at 4:35 of bread & butter, jam & cake. Had to go slow on bread as we hadn't nearly enough for growing appetites! David tried to swim, holding the tea caddy, in the water between boat and bank. D.H.W. got under table against his will and nearly kicked table overboard. Cast off 5:30, David poled to New Haw 6:15, where refilled water bottle. Towed above lock in turns. Saw good mooring spot but heard noisy garden party (?) nearby so moved on and moored 3/4 mile below Pyrford lock. Supper of vegetable soup, stewed steak, cocoa. Dark when we finished supper. Overcast during night. Noisy Austrians on bank about 10:30, singing.
Overcast, slight shower early, before boys were awake. Breakfast of bacon and tomato. Unmoored at 11:00. Through Pyrford lock at 11:30 - big flow of water, upper sluice had to be left open. Fastened up 1/2 mile above the lock and cleaned punt thoroughly. There were a number of converted landing barges moored just above the lock. Then had dinner of oxtail soup, cheese, lettuce+ blackberries picked just above Pyrford lock. Unmoored at 3:00 and passed through Walsham lock 3:30 - a plank across being the only obstruction towing up to the lock. Moored on towpath side just above lock, while David and Michael went to see the weir and river below. D.H.W. tried his hand at a crossword puzzle that had puzzled him since the beginning of the trip. Off at 3:55, Michael poling, strong headwind and strong stream - a job to keep the punt from the bank near Newark Abbey. Newark lock 4:15. Some people in a punt wanted to go through the lock and went in , but changed their minds when they found they couldn't get back as they hadn't a key. David took a photo of Newark mill. David towed to Papercourt Lock where we filled water bottle. Towed on through cut (Michael) and finally moored near bamboo 1/4 mile above Send lock, as not likely to find a sheltered spot above lock before getting dark. Supper of carrot soup, Australian lamb chops and tomato sauce (very good), blackberries and condensed milk. Noisy cow and dog 2:00 - 3:00 am. but David and Michael didn't hear them.
Fine, fresh S.W. wind. Two skewbald young bulls came to inspect us during breakfast, one fell into water. breakfast of bacon & tomatoes with remains of lamb chops. Unmoored about ten. Ashore at Send for bread - wouldn't be ready for an hour - ordered two loaves. So through Send Lock (6" rise) about 10:40 - wind very fresh in open reach above lock. Before start bottle of medicinal paraffin got broken and David cut his thumb on the glass - half the paraffin was saved. Picked some blackberries, back to Send at 11:30 for bread. Bought two soups and lemon squash. Towed to Trigg's Lock and then put cover down to get under bridge to go up river Wey - moored up opposite Send church for dinner of green pea soup, corned beef and blackberries. David fell in with a beautiful splash and had to change and dry his clothes on the bank. D.H.W. shaved after dinner - didn't do so earlier as the water in cut was stagnant and very dirty. During dinner, box lid was opened with kettle on it and kettle was lost overboard for good. Through Trigg's lock at 3:00 where we had orange squashes. Lock keeper didn't want to see lock pass as he remembered D.H.W.'s face! He was very much in favour of nationalisation of canal. Good grape vine on S. side of house. Moored a little way above lock, then windy - there were two rowing boats on the reach. Tea just below lock, then tied up punt on towpath side to go and see Michael off. As we passed fishermen, one asked,"Have you invited them on the boat?" Looking back, saw ten young bulls very inquisitive, nosing at punt. Hurried back aboard again and tied up just below lock. Saw Michael off to Burpham, hoping to have supper at his sister's and then another at home (he did!) So back to punt and to mooring place 7:30 Supper of baked beans and blackberries and apples. Very calm clear night but cold. Saw Venus in early morning rise E.N.E.
Very fine in morning with nice reflections. Up early with only 2 on board! Breakfast of fried corned beef and tomatoes. Unmoored 10 am. and through Bowers lock 10:20 - 10:40. Very big rise in lock and lower gates very stiff. David towed to Stoke lock 11:20. Near Guildford rubbish dump, saw man poling a barge down, hoping there was a horse on the way. Near same place, a willow had fallen across towing path. Above lock, towed until towing rope broke on alder tree, then paddled through Guildford, seeing Kingfisher near railway bridge. Getting overcast. Guildford Lock 1:15. tied up below Leroy's boathouse (very well kept compared with Hampton ones) meal of cheese, bread, apples and chocolate.
Put cover down riverside, and ashore to shop. Letter forgotten, so David back for it, and put cover down on bow end shore side. Rain began. Bought bread, paraffin (medicinal), postcards, tomatoes and greengages. To parish church then had tea to a background of a monologue from a lady from Woking, talking of dogs, getting her stockings wet through falling in a river, diet of dogs - no bread or potatoes - they like haggis -no, faggots etc. etc. non stop to all and sundry. Back to punt 4:15 to find some rain had got in and wetted stern end quite a bit. Cover down and rain began in earnest, really heavy downpour till 6 pm. Cleaned boat thoroughly - it needed it. Unmoored at 6:00, getting fine but cool. Water at boathouse, owner afraid we'd scratch his launch till told that we were coming in for water. Poled and towed to St. Catherine's lock 6:40 and on to within sight of Unstead lock. Good mooring spot, beautiful night, chilly with heavy low mist & very heavy dew. Lovely moon and stars. D.H.W. indisposed.
Fine, light wind. Breakfast of Weetabix, grapefruit & boiled egg. Through Unstead Lock 10:20 - 10:40, gates very stiff. Cloud increasing. On to Farncombe boathouse, poling, then paddling, at 12:00. Left punt and walked to Godalming. Bought adjustable spanner, primus washers + postcards + books + bread. Dinner at cafe. Much learned talk from next table from two gentlemen, ranging from Iberian & Latin words in Spanish to the ability of the Burmese to rule themselves. Visited parish church, noting octagonal spire and remains of earlier buildings still visible. Walked back to Farncombe. Unmoored, through Catteshall lock 2:20. Poled upstream as far as possible, getting to dam by parish church at 3:10. Drifted back with little paddling & giving two small boys a ride. Back to lock by 3:50. Moored up where rejoined mainstream for tea - greengages - and moved on at 5:15. Tied up at same mooring place as previous night about 6:45 having cleaned punt cushions thoroughly on bank by small weir above Unstead lock, using bamboos got near Weybridge as beaters. Supper of meat soup, fried veal beef, potatoes, bread + peanut butter, greengages, Pears cordial + cocoa.
Fine but overcast. Breakfast of Weetabix, bacon and dried eggs, bread + peanut butter + coffee. Washed teacloths before unmooring at 11.20 David poled to St. Catherines lock while finishing boiling teacloth + mops. Near mooring place sham fight going on near strong point. "Shut up, I've been dead 10 minutes!" Cyclists hailed us near Shalford mill - Stevens - to warn us the stretch between Guildford and Stoke would be emptied on Sunday night. David left pole up against bridge by Shalford mill in mid stream! St. Catherine's lock 12:20. D.H.W. poled to Leroy's boathouse 1:00 pm. Dinner below boathouse of tinned salmon, cheese and fruit. Ashore at 2:15 to post office for letters, sending off post cards. Bought bread, greengages, meths, postcards and had ices in cafe. Back at 4pm & refilled water bottle. Cast off 4:15, through Guildford Lock 4:30 attracting 20 people to watch. Paddled & poled & picked blackberries to Stoke lock 6:00 pm (lock keeper ill) then david poled to Bowers lock 7:00 pm. Saw hundreds of swallows on high tension wire near lock looking like thick ropes. Large pike in reeds. Moored up at same place as before, supping mulligatawny soup, fried corned beef, blackberries, cocoa & (too) much potatoes. Lovely night, saw Jupiter and Venus.
Slight shower 7am. D.H.W. wrote letters. Got up 8:15. Breakfast of weetabix, grapefruit, boiled egg. Unmoored 11:15 am. Landed at weir 11:20 - 11:30 to have a look at it & got some wild flowers to identify. Paddled to Trigg's Lock 1:00 pm where had lime squashes. Moored up first below lock for dinner, having it on shore - sardines, bread, peanut butter, cheese, cake, jam & cordial. Unmoored at two and poled to Send lock 2:25. Picked blackberries below lock and moored up by road bridge 2:45. Ashore to post, got bread and corned beef, soups, unmoored at 3:00 and picked a lot of blackberries in cut. Two soup tins, two milk bottles, jug and basin full. A number of white ducks near bridge over cut. Through Papercourt Lock 5:00 (refilled water bottle) moored around corner out of wind for tea (rain came) where banks were being trimmed and reeds cut. Poled easily to Newark Lock - where boys were camping. Poled on and moored near Walsham lock at 6:40. Good spot. Supper of tomato soup, fried corned beef and dried egg omelette. Just about to start meat and egg course, when Michael yodelled (yahooed) from bank (8:00 pm) David to fetch him - primuses were on shore with cover roped to bushes to make shelter. Michael joined in meat course and in blackberries and cream. he'd brought a large box of provisions with him (took most back) So to bed - a blustery night.
Fine in early morning, but heavy clouds, rain, soon after breakfast + very strong S.W. wind. Got up 8.15. Breakfast of fried egg + tomato. Washed and cleaned up punt, but weather so bad that we didn't unmoor. A camping punt passed going up as far as Newark Abbey - the first camping punt we'd seen. Dinner of meat soup, spaghetti + sills, blackberries, banana, chocolate, dates, peach and greengages. Unmoored 3.30, downstream with cover flat in strong wind, to Walsham lock 3.50. Picked a few blackberries & drifted to Pyrford lock about 4.30. Found good mooring spot a little way below (refilled at Anchor Inn), moored up for tea (cake) and played 20 questions and rummy. Supper of carrot soup, cold veal loaf, potatoes. David had fruit salad. Lit lamp for first time, So to bed. Heavy rain.
Venus clearly visible 4.30 am. Fine early morning, light breeze, somewhat cloudy. Got up at 8.30. Breakfast of Weetabix, eggs, veal loaf, fruit. D.H.W. shaved, boat was tidied up. unmoored 11.00 am. Back upstream, poling camping punt passed going down before we unmoored. Pyrford lock 11.30, Walsham Lock 12.10. Up backwater and moored close to Newark Abbey - photographs - 1.00pm dinner, tomato soup, veal and tongue roll (Australian), potatoes + mixed vegetables, tinned peach + pears, evaporated milk, chocolate. Unmoored 2.15. Michael poled - lost pole - to Walsham Lock 2.35 - lost pole again 3.15. At 3.00 pm passed converted barge being towed upstream. During this part, David tried to make Michael fall in by rocking the punt. Pyrford lock 3.20 - tramp in attendance who opened lower gates. Refilled at Anchor Inn. David apparently suffering from sea-sickness (due to boat rocking or overeating?) Left at 3.40, David poling, lost pole at 3.45 + nearly rammed skiff recovering it. Weather got more overcast. Two swimmers by bridge - dog swimming (black and brown). Moored for tea 5.10, in Basingstoke canal, Michael had fried duck's egg followed by same diet as others - bread, jam, tea, current loaf + buns (in abundance). After tea, Michael, with D.H.W.'s help, packed his bag with his belongings + food he'd bought - much discussion - till 6.15. Unmoored 6.20 pm. D.H.W. poled to New Haw. Asked fisherman best way to West Weybridge station. After discussion decided to put Michael ashore at Town lock for bus. New Haw lock 6.45 - 6.50, Michael poled to Cox's Lock 7.25 and David to Town lock 7.55, where soldier doing hand somersaults over gate handle. Michael's luggage put ashore at new bridge 8.05 pm. D.H.W. and David poled + paddled up Wey and moored on small island 1/2 mile upstream, good quiet spot, at 8.25; and began preparing for supper - tomato soup, veal and tongue loaf, potatoes + blackberries + evaporated milk. Trouble with lamp, as wick had been turned right down into oil container. Took about 20 minutes to get it working. Bed 10.30 pm.
Cold, strong S.W. wind. Up at 8.15 and tidied boat. Breakfast of two Weetabix each, to finish packet, and omelette, bread + jam, coffee. Unmoored 10.10 am, went up Wey a short distance but going was very heavy. Paddled back to canal and moored up below converted landing craft owned by a Kingstonian who kept an eye on the punt while we went ashore to shop, only wanted postcards. Found our watches were 1/2 hour slow. Back 11.30, saw 2 young men with dinghy + 2 tents packing up (moored above converted barge) Paddled to Thames lock 12.00 - 12.25 am where long delay due to barge going up + lower part on lock again empty with lower gate shut. Dinghy, (described above) went through lock with us. Deposit money returned and a long chat with lock keeper about Basingstoke Canal. Turned left in Thames and paddled up as far as weir, nice bungalows up narrow backwater, had dinner near bungalow used for 'Bosanto' film, meat soup, baked beans, blackberries. Unmoored 1.50. West end of cut 2.10, East end 2.30. Walton Bridge 2.40 - blown along by wind. 3 launches passed going up at tumbling bay. Sunbury lock 3.15 - 3.30. Nuneham going into lock just after we left. Moored up in Sunbury backwater for tea and final tidying up + packing. Got rid of two bottles of blackberries into water. Folded up cover and unmoored about 5.45, getting to boathouse at Hampton 6.45 pm.
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