On Monday, last, the 31st January 2022, the family laid our mother to rest. As reported in an earlier post, she died on Boxing Day 2021 with our sister holding her hand.

Our mother was born on 14th December 1931 into a world far removed from the world we now live in.

She met our father through sailing…

The pair bought the spritsail barge May Flower from Green Brothers of Maldon and sailed her to Leigh-on-Sea with a bunch of club sailors in 1950.

They married a year later…

The barge was supposed to have been a fifteen year project … it lasted for 31 years!

The barge was soon to take most of her time – never mind household chores and a growing brood of children, the barge was all consuming.

Water had to be collected by barge boat for fifteen years too…

Our parents carried out many extensive structural renewals during the 1950s and early 1960s. Mother also stitched up a new mainsail in 1960/61 too…

The press got hold of the affair!

Weekends were spent dropping down river to Queenborough, Stangate and often a stop-over at Hoo if tide or wind not conducive for a return to Whitewall Creek.

After stitching up a new mainsail and the fitting of a new mainmast and sprit, our parents went racing alongside the professional sailormen in the annual Thames and Medway barge matches.

When the trading matches finished in 1963, both were heavily involved with a new Medway Match Committee, with a new beginning in 1965. Mother designed the programmes and drew a course map – the design is still in use!

The family’s last sail on the May Flower came in 1974. Our father had gone blind by then and Graham, my eldest brother, sailed as skipper.

A house was found a few years later and by 1980 the barge was sold.

Mother never let go of the water though!

Our parents had a little 10′ dinghy for a number of years. Both came sailing on our first boat, Blue Tail, a Yachting World Peoples Boat, and later on Whimbrel our Finesse 24. Mother continued with this joy regularly over the years.

Sailing was a life-long passion. Our mother also sailed with my sister on her Topper and Mirror dinghies, with her youngest on his Albacore and over in Canada with our eldest sibling in his home rigged dory!

Our father died way back in 1994 leaving our mother to enjoy a third of her life doing just what she wanted to do…

She studied for a fine art degree before having to cease due to ill health. During this period she painted, sketched and illustrated. Those that know my books will be aware of the latter.

Her art and family took precedence!

For our mother’s 80th birthday, we secretly booked the spritsail barge Edith May for a whole day trip. All her children and most of her grandchildren were aboard.

As we were thirteen, I went third hand!

A move to inland Devizes did not stop her ‘frolics’ upon the water: she went on canal boats on little trips!

As a finale to her life, that bob dressed her coffin with a simple floral cross.

It was a touching tribute.

We had a crematory service first before a celebration of her life at St Johns Devizes, attended by many of her family and friends, past and present.

As a final tribute, I add the concluding lines from the eulogy we put together, written up and given by me…

‘Finally, after a series of falls during the Covid pandemic of 2020, she moved to the Merlin Court Care Home. There, the staff caringly looked after and nursed her during her last sixteen months. To them, the family offer huge gratitude.

Last autumn, after a lapse of a year from touching her pencils or paints, mother took part in an art session, painting a delightful array of flowers.

It was wonderful…

A last hurrah…

So, sail on mother. Wander the eternal shorelines and wooded glades. Sit, ponder, and sketch, for ever…

God Bless.’

During this last week, I received a note through the post with unknown handwriting.

It was from the sister of Pat O’Driscoll. The sister had opened the post of Pat’s on the run up to Christmas and probably is still doing so: Pat, bless her, died on 28th November. It would have been about the time I sent my Christmas card to her…

I have know Pat for many years but have not met since I was a teenager (she told me) when she was just out of serving as a barge mate on motor barges.

I am sure there will be an extensive tribute to Pat O’Driscoll in the months ahead. To me she was special. Her knowledge and power of recall on past times afloat during that interim period when cut down spritsail barges operated as motorised barges up and down the coasts on the usual historical runs. Pat freely gave me so much information and her letters are on file still. She also sent many pictures, asking only for a credit.

One of my favourites is the ‘washing line’ one above, but here, below, is another.

The last cargo run for the Edith May.

I shall miss her regular cards at Christmas and sending our news. She always wanted to know about my mother, well, maybe you’re both reminiscing up there…

Rest in Peace Pat. Bless you…

Postscript.

Since writing this piece, members of Pat’s family have been in touch, more from Pat’s youngest sister, Anne, and also from a great niece.

Anne Bannon wrote:

‘…difficult to know whom to contact when she died as her correspondents had fallen off somewhat. I had her heavily annotated address book and cards to go by and of course I knew a lot of names but it was pity that a lot of people were left out.   Please apologise to any you know who should have been told but weren’t.’

Yes, my family also found heavily annotated addresses… 

Anne also wrote:

‘…loved Paddy’s line of washing, it was so typical of her.  At home we called her ‘Dame Washalot’ after the character in the Enid Blyton, Faraway Tree book.’

And mentioning the great niece:

‘Imo (Imogen) said some time ago she was getting in touch with people re Paddy after seeing a conversation on fb (facebook) wondering what had happened to her.  Sadly as well as still sorting out Paddy’s affairs we have had another very sudden bereavement so I  didn’t follow it up as I would normally.  I haven’t been taking so much notice of other things just now.  I’m glad to have seen your post.’

Thank you Anne and Imogen for taking the time to write.

I never knowingly met Pat in person, but may have as a youngster, but as said she was so free with her flow of information to any question – much in the same fashion as her old shipmate, Barry Pearce. I will miss the sending of the annual Christmas card with a note on how things were…

A little while ago, before the end of last year (2021) there was much in the media about safety around the coasts and within harbours and rivers. It was the irresponsible behaviour of watercraft owners in particular which was homed in on.

The hiatus caused by irresponsible ‘new’ owners of Personal Watercraft during the Covid-19 Pandemic has brought water safety and regulation of to the notice of the media – even the Times – and more importantly to harbour authorities.

Then, amazingly, it has been found that many authorities do not have any powers of note to deal with irresponsible and dangerous use. So, the DfT opened the subject for debate and what regulation was needed.

I picked up on some of this in a post in December 2021. See below:

Ditch-crawler picks up on PLA drive for river safety…

The shipping and boating industries online news bulletin carried an article during November of 2021, .

I read of the Royal Yachting Association’s response to a Department of Transport (DfT) consultation paper on whether ‘Recreational watercraft should be subject to same safety obligations that exist for ship operators.’

For clarity, all leisure craft owners are subject to these regulations currently, as some have found to their cost. It is why we should all carry full comprehensive insurance. Most yacht clubs require it. What marinas require I am not aware.

However, it became apparent the Personal Watercraft (PWC) have never been included in the current legislation, making it difficult to ‘nail the blighters’ except in some cases – the Port of London Authority for instance – who have successfully prosecuted PWC owners.

The Royal Yachting Association (RYA) whilst broadly in favour of the DfT’s outline changes are wary of the encroachment of over regulation, quote, ‘the possible unintended consequences … could lead to unnecessary regulation across the leisure and recreational boating sector’.

The RYA also believe that the proposed definition of ‘watercraft’ is too broad and needs to be specific.

My thoughts are, why not a list of vessel types perhaps…

I am sure at some point the DfT will push out their finalised proposals to lay before Parliament : it will require a change in the relevant part of the Merchant Shipping Acts!

The problem is not limited to PWC’s for during August 2020 an incident in the Solent was recently passing through the court system.

A RIB being driven around on a ‘Thrills’ trip hit a navigational buoy whilst passing at speed to give the passengers a kick. One of the passengers was killed when the RIB collided with the buoy – I expect it was ‘rolling’ in the tide, something all small craft sailors are aware of when passing close to a buoy.

The RIB was operated, the news item stated, by Seadog RIB Charter Ltd. The driver has been charged with gross negligence…

Food for thought in all that we do afloat.

I was walking across the yard of the Island Yacht Club some time last year when a hail arrested my steps towards the jetties and Whimbrel.

I toddled over and was met by a grinning chap who proceeded to furnish me with a flourish of praise and thanks.

What for you might ask. Well, he had just completed rereading all of my currently published books through again as a form of lockdown therapy…

‘When’s the next one coming,’ he added without a pause.

At the time I prevaricated and mentioned doing ‘some bits and pieces…’

Then, during the year I began to receive a string of emails…

One wrote: ‘I just wanted to say how much I have enjoyed reading your sailing related books. They greatly helped me keep my spirits up during the long winter covid lockdown. (beginning of 21 to end of March 21).

Three read, two saved for winter…’

The chap went on to describe playing on an old barge near South Fambridge … apparently not much left of her. I went looking with my mate in tow on one of our weekly longer walks. Neither of us could spot any signs where SSBR Barge Compendium places the vessel’s remains (William & Arthur).

From The Netherlands I had a long email filling me in on activities achieved against Dutch covid requirements: like us they’ve had lockdowns and restrictions, if not more so.

I often sail alone and the evenings on board were a good opportunity to read your book Salt Martsh & Mud.
It was a source of reading pleasure. The pleasant communication on board between you and Christobel, the nice adventures you have, the beautiful descriptions of the voyage, the attention for nature, the continuous presence of the rich maritime past of you and the sailing area and last but not least the beautiful, playful and richly varied use of words and language in which the stories are cast, made me again and again curious about the> next chapter and your new adventures.

In short, I really enjoyed it!

While reading, I kept google maps handy and it’s surprising how well your travels can be followed then. I imagine I’m getting to know the area the book is set in quite well.

I also heard from another reader and wife, both keen sailors, with a River Deben moored boat. The email was a sweet ‘checking up’ on us with news. Within the words, the writer asked:

‘I also wondered whether you have any new publications due or which might be ‘on the stocks’ for the future? I’m currently re-reading Mudlarking having just finished Rochester to Richmond again…’

I can’t remember if I told them the truth…

Perhaps I should!

There have been other communications and messages too, however it would be churlish to go on, so to all of you: it has given me huge pleasure too in reading your kind words. The mate was in tears with a couple of the messages she saw…

The covid lockdowns have not been easy for anyone. Escapism is a good medicine, as is/was walking, and last lockdown gave me the impetus to sit and write.

The book, when it comes out, will have been a product of the winter 2021 lockdown. By its end, the book was essentially completed and is now currently going through proofreading and editing…

It has been a bit of a month down on the Thames estuary with just a few available days fit for sailing when the tide was in. I grabbed two of those…

My eldest brother was over from Canada a little while back and he hit a period of excellent weather in the east, enjoying a three day sail and another out on the tide before hightailing back to Canada as Covid-19 variant Omicron began to hit.

Over a couple of days before Christmas I was able to get afloat for a couple of sails. It at least ‘showed’ the tree off to other folk afloat. Hauling a tree aloft is a rarity these days on ships and boats.

Christmas Day arrived to another bout of windy mizzly weather – no matter I have only sailed on Christmas day on very few occasions!

Boxing Day morning our phone rang early.

I looked across at the mate as she listened … it was my sister down in Devizes about to leave for our mother’s care home. She wasn’t good…

Advice was get going!

Sadly, my dear mama died a little after eight. She went peacefully, bless her, with my sister holding her hand.

So, the the artistic sailing mum we all knew has passed on to pastures new… She has left us her memories.

I, for one, will always treasure the sketches she came up with to illustrate the first three books to follow ‘May Flower’. It was something she was superb at.

So, although it is the festive season until twelfth night for many, it is for me and my siblings (and others) a sad time too.

Sail on mum, wander the eternal shorelines and the wooded glades. Sit, ponder and sketch, for ever.

God Bless…

To all, good sailing or whatever boating you participate in. Let us all hope for a better 2022 out on the water.

Whimbrel ‘managed’ 930 nautical miles for 2021, pretty good really, considering…

I first met Max when he pitched up at my yacht club to begin working on the regular Saturday routine. He had been at it a little while without my knowledge while I was away summer sailing aboard Whimbrel.

I immediately found Max to be one of those honest down to earth guys that often seem all too rare.

Max had appeared at the club with a robust little yacht called Kate which he had sailed across the Atlantic with a ‘duff’ engine. Within months he was negotiating a purchase deal for Wendy May, a deep keeled gaffer then owned by Dick Durham.

Due to family needs (aged parent) Max had to move. So, I felt sad when he slipped his mooring and sailed Wendy May off to a distant Welsh creek.

Christobel bought this book for me as a birthday present. It was read aboard Whimbrel during the recent glorious ‘gas-less’ summer generally when up mud creeks – far removed from the blue waters of the Caribbean where most of the story is told.

I remember this ship at Battlesbridge from many years ago. What it was doing there was alien to my thinking. And, as Max tells, he needed a very good spring tide to make the passage up to the top of the tidal River Crouch. Her name: Gloria.

Max delights in telling us about the trials and tribulations in getting his ship in order. His previous boat was a little yacht kept at the Thurrock Yacht Club.

Max made it to the Caribbean via the Iberian peninsular, Los Palmas and the Cape Verde Islands. There he worked to earn enough to make repairs and ‘live’ … Max then sailed the yacht back home, alone…

Then after stops to visit family ‘down west’ he made it back to Battlesbridge taking a crew aboard to help with this bit!

There are a scattering of black & white images and an end map with some details of the routes taken.

I have sailed the high seas aboard ships, but other than a south coast passage have never gone deep sea aboard a ‘little ship’ so I found this story of great interest. It was compelling…

Max is passionate about his sailing and clearly knows his stuff.

Thanks Max, I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

See: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Boat-They-Laughed-At/dp/1471043606/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3UTUKC6P3ZY05&keywords=the+boat+they+laughed+at&qid=1638976161&sprefix=The+boat+they+laughed%2Cdigital-text%2C143&sr=8-1

Published by Amazon, 2012.

ISBN: 9781471043604

Price: £7.99

I knew Dick in a childhood sort of way one does when the person appears in one’s life to crew (and work) aboard your Thames spritsail barge home.

Dick disappeared from my life and he next turned up as a ‘yotty’ working for Yachting Monthly. Dick later graduated to News Editor and had his own column, which he still has several years after his retirement.

Dick’s sweet gaff cutter Betty II is moored adjacent to Whimbrel at the same yacht club. We’ve ‘slaved’ together many hours on club work parties so I think I have got to know this author, sailor, raconteur and bloody good bloke fairly well…

I received a copy of Dick’s latest work, Turnip Road, for my birthday in June 2021. I read it during a long summer spent afloat on Whimbrel.

The book tells the tale of a young man who after working on the last working spritsail barge, the Cambria, had a wanderlust that needed to be satiated.

Dick travels across Europe, meeting people travelling in the same direction. He hitched, took buses and actually walked a little of it too…

Some of his fellow travellers became confederates in the same cause: friends on the trail, until one or the other peeled off in their own direction.

What was his direction. Well, along the ‘hippie trail’ in the main at first, but from there it wasn’t clear. He just kept on going.

The scents, smells and filth of the conditions found on the journey convey much colour. One wonders if many of the places have changed? Well, of course they will have, but what I mean is for the betterment of the people?

Dick finally made it to Sidney! The city isn’t one normally associated with such travelling but modern backpackers hike around Oz stopping at the countries cities. Dick had a sister living there, so why not…

I found the book enthralling. His power of description is something else and could possibly be termed ‘purple’ (a phrase chucked my way by someone who clearly hadn’t properly read one of my books!) but all of Dick’s books are so written.

It was a spanking good read.

Only one gripe: a few pictures would have been great and perhaps a route map…

Thank you Dick for filling in much in the way of gaps. I would like an ask! When are you going to progress that brilliant duo, Dippy and her DI?

Turnip Road by Dick Durham.

ISBN: 9798590450107

Published by Amazon. See: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Turnip-Road-Beyond-Hippie-Southend-ebook/dp/B08RZC2FNT

Paperback: £9.00

Kindle: £6.00

Apparently, the reporting of near miss incidents has fallen by a staggering near 50% over the last few years. The Port of London Authority are clearly concerned for they know that safety has NOT improved to that extent.

It is the reporting that has dropped. The PLA want river users to be proactive in reporting incidents for ultimately damage, injury or loss of life can be minimised.

There was a notice earlier in the autumn which caught my attention, but the later one first, I think…

It is about the approach of Christmas!

See: https://www.pla.co.uk/assets/19of2021-christmasdrinkanddrugsawarenesscampaign.pdf

Small chunk lifted from PLA Notice 19 of 2020…

‘CHRISTMAS DRINK & DRUGS AWARENESS CAMPAIGN As we approach the Christmas Season, the Port of London Authority (PLA) and the Metropolitan Police’s Marine Policing Unit will once again be supporting the Metropolitan Police Service annual ‘Christmas Drink – Drive’ campaign. This high-profile campaign highlights the dangers of driving whilst under the influence of drink or drugs – this message applies equally to the river as well as the roads, as the safety of vessels, passengers and crews is of paramount importance…’

The drive or emphasis seems to be on the ‘upper’ river sections but we all know that down in the estuary it is of paramount importance too!

I have a rule on Whimbrel, unwritten and unsaid, but alcohol is not served whilst underway. If a lunch stop is on the agenda, a pint is the maximum I will enjoy. My crews too.

A small snifter in a coffee on a cold day being the only deviation!

The other notice that hit me between the eyes was something which I have had recourse to use. This is PLA Notice 17 of 2020 – Near Miss Reporting.

It was after being ‘bombed’ by a RIB. We were in the shallows outside Smallgains Creek. I was on the cabin top preparing to set the mainsail. Christobel was on the helm.

The boat went ‘ballistic’ … Christobel was thrown off the tiller and across the cockpit, jarring herself. The boat slewed dangerously.

How I didn’t go overboard, to this day I do not know. I wish I had in many respects: it would have got more done about it…

Sadly, I still have waking periods at night when it pops into my head…

I will say no more!

So, I had a good look at the link. There is an incident reporting form on the small craft ‘navigators club’ site on the PLA web site.

See: https://boatingonthethames.co.uk/?__hstc=106811548.d2e9cdab5823129638d2533b97bf9d2f.1589111288148.1589187344000.1589264643408.4&__hssc=106811548.1.1589264643408&__hsfp=630254131

The section is called: Boating on the Thames and it covers all areas from the estuary up to the tidal limit at Teddington. Get yourself listed if a Thames sailor and enjoy!

I have cut a little section from the PLA document…

See: https://www.pla.co.uk/assets/17of2021-navigationalnearmissandincidents-newwayofreporting.pdf

‘NAVIGATIONAL NEAR MISS & INCIDENTS NEW WAY OF REPORTING A new way of reporting Navigational Near Misses and Incidents has been developed and is now publicly available to all River Users through our website or the PLA Tidal Thames app on your smartphone. To report a Near Miss or Incident via our website, go to pla.co.uk and click on Near Miss & Incident Reporting on the home page.’

It goes on…

‘Therefore, if you are involved or are a witness to a near miss or incident, please report this as soon as possible by submitting a report via our website or the PLA Tidal Thames App which can be downloaded…’

We were sailing over to Queenborough that day – we made it – and enjoyed a great weekend at the Traditional Boat Festival (2019).

If afloat over the Festive period, get out there and enjoy yourself, but leave the imbibing to afterwards…

For all Finesse owners this is your opportunity to meet with many more owners and see other craft within the Finesse fleet.

It is a worthwhile enterprise and great fun with like-minded souls.

The 2022 Rally is planned for Queenborough over the mid-June weekend when tides are of a friendly height.

I gather a number of craft have said they will be attending already – as will Whimbrel and her crew.

Contact details on poster picture…

Recently I updated my ‘Books’ page on the web site.

See:

Ditch-crawler updates his ‘books’ page…

Well, moving on from there, I have fantastic news: A new book is due.

Today, I signed a contract with a publisher after negotiating a book deal.

I can’t say much more at the moment but in the coming months there will be a trailer video…

Update: 7th December 2021.

The publisher now has the completed manuscript and the process begins…