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Historic boats come to National Festival

9th Aug 2010

A number of historic craft are set to take centre stage for heritage buffs at the National Fesival and Boat Show, Beale Park.

What is a 'shallop'? Many of us won’t know the answer to that searching question but to Thames enthusiasts it was a popular, multi-oared Thames craft used during the 18th century, in some cases to transport the 'great and the good' on their river journeys. And visitors to the National Festival at Beale Park will be able to see a fantastic 20th century replica, clinker-built on oak frames, matching the original design.

The 50’ x 8’ 'shallop' is powered by ten oarsmen, under the direction of a 'Barge Master' at the stern, who also mans the tiller. Two or three privileged passengers ride in grand style under a canopy at the rear. This particular 'shallop' has featured in many films, including A Man for All Seasons and is now owned by Beale Park founder, Richard Howard.

Historical river launch from 1870's

Thames Steam launch Cygnet will also be attending as a land exhibit. She was built at Chiswick in 1870 by J I Thornycroft and is unique in that she is the only historical river launch from the 1870’s still in her original build. Her last annual licence was in 1919 which goes some way to explaining her uniqueness. She is now owned by Thames Boats Trust and will be kept in this original condition for everyone to admire.

Umpire duty

Steam launch Consuta was built by S E Saunders at Goring in 1898 for umpiring duty at the Henley Royal Regatta. She also carried the umpire at the annual Oxford and Cambridge boat race for many years.

112 years old, Consuta is 51" long, powered by a 100 hp steam engine and was capable of the frightening speed of over 27 mph on the Thames when first built. She was restored by the Consuta Trust (a registered charity) in 2001 and is maintained by volunteers.

Many historic working narrowboats will also be attending, including Kingfisher, an ex GJCC Inspection Launch, vintage 1928 which will carry the VIP party from the Pangbourne College landing stage on Saturday, 28 August, up river to the Festival site for the Grand Opening at 12.30 pm.

Meet Buddy the boat horse

Other historic narrowboats and butties (unpowered craft) will be moored on Beale Lake. The wharf will contain many historic artefacts kindly loaned by the Kennet & Avon Canal Trust to create an authentic atmosphere while the boat horse, Buddy, will be grazing alongside.

The lake will also be home to barges from the Dutch Barge Association – once again, including many historic vessels.

It is also hoped that L’Orage, one of the original 1938 Dunkirk Little Ships, will be attending. Recently restored, she was sailed to Dunkirk by her new owners in the Dunkirk re-enactment earlier this year.

Great family day out

While the history enthusiasts can enjoy these beautiful craft, the Festival also offers a great day out for all the family. Children can take part in the 'Knights of the Crusades' historical pageants, dressing up as 'squires' and 'maids'. There are also the WOW (Wild over Waterways) activities for them including getting afloat with the Pangbourne Dolphins.

With over 450 visiting boats already booked in, and nearly 200 camping units taking advantage of the lovely riverside campsite, plus hundreds of exciting exhibitors, the 2010 National Festival & Boat Show promises to be a great weekend. Advance ticket purchasers save £2.50 per ticket on the gate price and also get 10% discount off entry to the Didcot Steam Railway, as well as entry to the Waterways Holiday Prize Draw as well. Accompanied children come in FREE so by booking early, a family of two adults and up to three children can come into the Festival for only £19.

Booking forms can be downloaded from the Festival website or book on line, while Advance Tickets can be ordered from the IWA’s on-line shop www.waterways.org.uk.

Last updated: 09/08/2010

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