Edith May tells us the tale of the Medway Match

Tiller and Wheel have this lovely video on YouTube of the 2022 Medway Match.

How to de-rig a barge for the winter

Excellent film by Ed Gransden, of sb Edith May, about de-rigging for the winter – a step-by-step guide.

Hugh’s pictures of the Medway Match

We were delighted that Hugh Perks was able to come along to the SSBR Annual General Meeting this year, and even more delighted that he managed to get to the Medway Barge Match on 3rd June 2017.

As usual, he has taken some excellent pictures and was kind enough to let me have three of them for The Barge Blog.   So here are Mirosa; Niagara and Edith May; and Edme.

Mirosa in the 2017 Medway Barge Match

Niagara and Edith May in the 2017 Medway Barge Match

Edme finishing in the 2017 Medway Barge Match

 

Bygones features Edith May

Annie Meadows, clever girl, has reminded us of this lovely programme, by the old Anglia Television, called Bygones.   This edition features Hydrogen first, but then goes on to Edith May with some excellent footage from earlier days.   Here’s the link.

Have a look at Edith May’s year

Edith May Trading Company has produced two videos as a round-up of the year.   Here are the links to them:-

Part 1  – 

Part 2  –

 

End of Summer round-up on some of the barges

A round-up from some of the barges as the season draws nearer to its close.

Peter Phillips records that Thalatta’s last day sail of the season was on 3rd September.    She then went to St Osyth, and then on to Heybridge.   He says:  “thanks for everything Cyril and Roger, and let’s look forward to next season.”   Meanwhile he tells us:  “Thalatta has a new book, Thalatta, Spirit of the Sea;  I suppose you could call it her biography.”

Thistle had a Public Open Day in Ipswich Dock last Sunday.   As well as free entry, she was offering a competition for two free places on a barge cruise.

Edith May was wondering how it could be that the last week of her summer season was approaching.   She reports that the Tea Room will be re-opening on Thursday 25th October, 1030 to 1600.

Cambria finished her extended charter to the Sea Change Sailing Trust, and is now doing several short charters for young carers, who are sponsored by the Rotary Club, which pays for replacement carers while the young people are away.   The professional crew members at the moment are Ian Ruffles (Skipper) and Denis Johnson and Ryan Dale (Mates).   On Sunday Ryan posted this photograph, which shows Cambria’s GPS recording a speed of 14.2 knots.   He goes on to say they “Maxed out at 15.9 knots not long after.   I know the tide accounted for a lot of it, but still find this incredible!!”

Kitty has been working really hard.   Annie Meadows tells us: “Lovely two hour sail on the Blackwater this evening;  back as the sun was about to set  –  pair of egrets by our mooring and four cormorants diving for their dinner.”   The next day she says: “Third day out in a row;  we had Topsail, Mainsail, Staysail and Mizzen set and engine off for over an hour.   The barge was full to capacity with lots of smiling faces.”   And there was more the next day: “Out on the Blackwater with a full barge again today.   Sunshine for most of the day, with Lyndon March doing a great job as Acting Skipper.”   And Annie’s latest report is: “Another lovely but slightly chilly sail on sb Kitty, this time with JP Lodge as Acting Skipper, and Kevin Burtonshaw and Lyndon March wandering about, dazed and unsure what to do once control had been handed over to someone else.   It was funny to watch.”   Not to be outdone, JP Lodge joins in: “I had a good day yesterday on sb Kitty.   It was my turn as Acting Skipper!   Learnt a lot, didn’t break anything.   I still reckon my approach alongside Hydrogen was smooth.   Thanks to Kevin, Lyndon and Annie.   Refreshments afterwards in the Queens, then later that evening to Curry Nights for a really good meal.” 

And finally to Greta, where Steve Norris has posted two pictures of Greta’s van in its splendid new livery.   He’s very proud of the signs.

 

 

Edith May from above, on her Open Day

Edith May reports that the Open Days at Halstow Dock over the weekend went well.   They welcomed back some of their regulars to the tea room, and were pleased to meet plenty of new visitors.

David Horobin flew over the barge on Saturday and took this great aerial shot.

Ipswich and Halstow – the barges are there and open this weekend

It’s Ipswich Maritime Festival this weekend, so on Saturday and Sunday, 18 and 19 August, there will be a huge programme of activities at Ipswich Waterfront, from 10.00am to 6.00pm each day.

Here’s the link to the programme for the day.

There’s lots for children to do, and to interest adults.   The programme lists some of the vessels which will be present, and mentions Lady of Avenel, MT Kent, Thalatta, Centaur, and “Thames Barges”.   Er, what are Thalatta and Centaur then?

There will be Cream Tea Cruises on Victor at 2.00pm on Saturday and Sunday.   We also happen to know that Kitty will be there, at Custom House Quay, and will be offering three hour barge trips.

Meanwhile, further south, Edith May is having Open Days this weekend, and will be open in Halstow Dock on Saturday and Sunday, from 11.00am to 4.00pm.  Cream teas and cake are promised in the Edith May Tearoom.

Sunshine and high temperatures are forecast so it should be a good weekend on the water.

Photo of the Day – No wind and thick fog!

Ed Gransden posts this plaintive message from Edith May today.   “No wind and thick fog.”

 

Edith May restoration photos stolen

Of course the despicable people who stole from a barge wouldn’t know that one of the laptops contained such precious material, but any theft is distressing for the victims.    We give below the message that Ed Gransden has posted, and urge everyone to spread the word.    We are truly sorry to learn of the loss of these Edith May restoration photos. 

Ed Gransden says  –

“HELP!   On Wednesday 25th July, at 1930hrs, two laptops (Sony Vaio and HP) were stolen from sailing barge Edith May at Lower Halstow. Reward offered for safe return of the HP laptop, which contains irreplaceable photos of the Edith May’s restoration and relaunch.  Please call 07814 950442 with any information.   Please repost to spread the message!”