Beale Park

[John Meachen]

"So, who's coming to the Beale Park Thames Boat Show?"

That was the question posed by potterer in another thread.I am intending to go at some point over the three days,depending on weather forecasts.

[Vince Brennan]

Bit of a commute for me, innit?

[Clencher]

I shall be there on Sunday, John. And this year I'll have spare batteries for my camera so I won't have to impose on you like last year!

Looking forward.

[StevenBauer]

Too far for me, too. But since you are going and bringing a camera
with extra batteries and all, how about posting some pictures for us that can't make it in person? :)


Steven

[Clencher]

Will do. Posted a couple last year - some good student work. I think John posted some of the pilot gig then being built in Bristol - best bit of boat porn I'd seen in many a moon.

[John Meachen]

I went today and found the weather a good bit better than at home.The pilot gig was there in its completed state and looked good.The same builders had a Redmond Whisp that was very nicely finished.Somel very nice boats there,highlights being a Thames skiff from Colin Henwood and another from Stanley and Thomas and a superb mahogany speedboat restoration among the classic motor boats.Quite a strong presence from companies involved in electric propulsion and a hypnotic steam engine being demonstrated prior to installation in a hull that came out of a barrel rather than growing in a forest.Camera batteries are something I would rather not discuss at the moment......

[Clencher]

I was there yesterday, lovely sunny day. Some pics:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320610282.jpg
Pilot Gig now complete. Apparently she has won a couple of races already. Story is they were going to row her from Bristol to Beale Park down the Kennet and Avon Canal to the Thames. Not sure if they did.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320610277.jpg
Restored Flying Hatch Wedges.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320610289.jpg
Steamers


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320610285.jpg
This pram won second prize in the amateur boatbuilding competition. IMHO it should have won, really excellent piece of work.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320610295.jpg
The US Navy was there on exercise...................

I'll post some more later. Really good day out it was. John, if you want some pics, email me.

[Clencher]

Some more Beale Park Pics:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320615964.jpg
Details of the Gig. Notice the oak timbers joggled into the elm planking, shows clearly at the aft end. Oarlock pads, tholes, thwart knees, lodging knees, risings, amidships.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320615970.jpg
Some student work - this carvel peapod from the Lyme Regis students caught the eye.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320615968.jpg
Another of the Peapod.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320615966.jpg
Falmouth students clinker/lapstrake dinghy.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320615972.jpg
IBTC Lowestoft student boat on the stocks.

[StevenBauer]

Great pics, thanks. Looks like you had some fine weather for the show.




Steven

[Clencher]

Last few pics:

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320741305.jpg
I particularly liked these boats built by Nick Smith, my kind of boats.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320741303.jpg
Close up of one of Nick Smiths boats, c/w Seagull outboard. Hope Gareth doesn't see this.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320741302.jpg
One of the Thames skiffs mentioned above by John.


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320741297.jpg
For the car buffs amonst you. Most people came by car...........


http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL370/9115650/16752884/320741294.jpg
Finally, the weather was perfect on the Sunday for the show but earlier in the week there had been a lot of rain. They usually do free boat trips at the show but the R. Thames was in spate and they couldn't do it. This is the Thames at Pangbourne near the show. Bankfull, standing waves, in June, never seen that before.