8 Days in Pictures...............

Feeling A Tad Sea Sick???......

Now we had previously mentioned about Garys journey home! Well i can now reveal that whilst in the car on the way home Gary felt a little worse for ware! Now whilst some may put it down to the celebratory couple of Beers we had for reach Oxford, i would like to put it more down to the fact that he just wasnt used to being on solid land........ or travelling at any speed in excess of 2mph.

Needless to say he has now fully recovered and re-found his land legs, and the only one who suffered was the Hard Shoulder of the M40!!!

Steve Redgrave Eat Your Heart Out ...................

Sorry for the late delay in getting back to you all, I know many of you have been waiting for a review of our final day. However we needed to take a little time out if only to re find our land legs.....(and generally stop rocking). The final day started early for us, and saw a mini landmark in the trip, as Keith was actually ready on time..... (better late than never!) We set off at 8:30am and was soon out of Abingdon and on towards our penultimate lock, which was also our deepest so far at 8ft 10inches. Since Henley the traffic on the river had definatly quietened, but this morning particular was by far our quietest. Myself and Dave had pulled us up 4 miles and in that time we had only passed 2 boats. The scenery was particularly unexciting and so the boredom was lifted by another of Keiths' Charity Shop finds, in the shape of a Q&A book. We can all say now what we would do in the most random of circumstances. After our final substantial stop Dave and Keith took over and pulled us up a couple of miles to Ifley Lock, where we met our dad, and offloaded some of the gear on the boat. Unfortunately this did mean that we were only a mile from Folly Bridge but our welcoming party risked not being there for our arrival, as a result we pulled up shy of Oxford University Boat Houses to let them get back ahead of us, and take up their positions on Folly Bridge. The final mile went passed remarkably quickly and although many of the people on the banks and on the river were unaware of our trip, we did feel that we were the centre of attention and a definite tourist attraction. A small but welcoming party met us at Folly Bridge and as we passed under it we realised that our task had been completed. A quick U turn saw us moor up at the Head Of The River Public House, where the many people in the garden i think were impressed with our mooring abilities, they were also made aware of what we had achieved as we tacked the 7ft jump up into the pub garden. A celebrationary pint and hearty lunch followed as we recited stories of the previous 7 and a half days. Many people we have heard from were surprised not only that we had completed the trip, but that we had completed it a day early. We had one final swansong, those who had been impressed with our mooring abilities, were to be blown out of the water, as we made the smoothest exit of the whole week showing our true abilities as accomplished rowers........... and a darn improvement from going sideways through Richmond Bridge at the beginning of the week. We had a mile back down river to our pick up point, where we met Bill, who was to return our boat to Richmond. On the way back the change in current was noticeable as we stormed past the tourist Punters and Rowers. We breezed past the College Boathouses looking almost professional. At the next bridge we said goodbye to Stella (the name of the boat), and realised that the trip was over.

Please continue to support our cause it would be great to reach £500. Donations can be made at http://www.justgiving.com/RowYards4Kipling . Further information in the building of the boat will follow shortly, along with some pictures of the 8 days and some thoughts of the crew. Also some details about my welcoming back to Land on the way home!

For Now


Gary

A Big Splash...........

We are pleased to report that this afternoon at approximately 1pm, we completed the challenge. Full details of our final day, along with Garys journey home will follow ...... once we've had a rest :-)

Thank You to all that have supported so far, it is very much appreciated.

Are We There Wet ..........

For our penultimate day we did manage to reach Abingdon and despite a little confusion over our mooring spot, we found a space just beyond the lock and set up much earlier than any night previous. Despite today being not one of our longest the miles from the previous week were begining to take there toll and we were pleased to finish early and then take a refreshing swim in the Thames. For myself this was my second venture into the great river, but for Keith it was his first and subsequently an experience he won't forget. The day as a whole had been quite uneventful maybe that was due to Dave's absence or maybe the countryside is just getting quieter. In the morning we'd stopped at Clifton Hampden to visit the pub The Barley Mow however our early arrival meant the pub had yet to open so we sought solice in the local Post Office where we purchased a cracking piece of fruitcake. This was undoubtedly one of Keith's highlights of the trip. Lunch Time saw us in Culham and a good long stop with Alan and Liz. For our last evening after our nature's bath in the Thames we both dressed for a night on the tiles in down town Abingdon, however Abingdon was not wuite ready for us and so a light supper in ASK fitted the bill, Keith's friend ChrissyP was able to show us around after food followed by a few jars in the Stocks! Dave arrived back late in the evening and we retired for our last night in the boat.

Gary

Steady Flow ............

Well one week on from our departure and we have made the far side of Abingdon, ready for the final push tomorrow, where we hope to cross the finishing line (so to speak). Spirits are generally high, if not a little achy, as the end sight gets ever closer and the sense of what we have achieved sinks in. To some i'm sure the concept of Rowing 97 miles may not seem alot, but those who know us will know our rowing history is sketchy to say the least. Some people even said at the start that we had no chance of making it, and whilst i know we are yet to finish, and thus without wanting to be overly complacent I feel they may be required to eat their own words.
So with tomorrow we hope to complete the last 8 miles of our task (our average has been 10/11 miles a day so far). This will see us in fact reach Oxford one day ahead of schedule, and indeed the book.

So despite a slightly sore wrist i actually am looking forward until tomorrow and the sight of Folly Bridge.

Paddling Along ...........

Latest update from the team on the boat tells us that they have reached The Wagon and Horses at Culham where they have met up with some of Gary's old colleagues from his time working at Osterley Park http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-osterleypark. They left earlish this morning before the lock opened and they became an obstruction. The target this evening is Abingdon which is approximatley 3.5Miles away. Gary has been rowing this morning as both my own and Keith's wrist is playing up, whereas Garys has now got better. Interestingly on all 3 of us it has been on our left hands! Anyway all being well we should arrive at Abingdon by close of play tonight.

I Aint Gettin On No Boat......... Fool !!!!!

Yesterday eventually finished in Dorchester, moored up just by Days Lock. However this was not without a few hic-cups and events along the way. We first stopped for some lunch on the pontoon leading out of Oxford Brookes University Rowing Club, however this was not until after Keith had shown off his rapping skills, in reciting John Barnes. After this we made our way into Wallingford. Once we arrived all mooring spots were taken, apart from a small bit at the end by where a ferry would moor. We took this opportunity and moored up and swiftly headed to the pub accross the river. Whilst sitting in the pub the ferry returned and it's crew were swiftly on deck using megaphones asking us to move. With us being the opposite side of the river we were helpless and just stared at our pints. The crew of the ferry untied one end of our boat and swung it around into the tree. We decided to wait until the boat left before returning to our skiff rather than face the music. Unfortunatley the ferry didnt appear to be going anywhere. So after 30 minutes or so the A Team were re-created on the banks of Wallingford!!!!

With both crew members of the ferry seemingly asleep Keith snuck in and untied the boat. At the same time I went throught a camp site and waded into the river until the water was up to my stomach, and pulled the boat along. Keith came and joined Gary on the banks of the Camp Site, we all boarded and rode off at a fast pace into the sunset.

Ok so I don't expect a call from the BBC any time soon but still......


As we rowed on we stopped for some tea in Shillingford where a Mallard decided to join us in the boat! Pushing on from here we headed for some mooring in Dorchester, however when we arrived it was apparent the banks were too high for a Skiff like ours. Therefore we had to continue and i think by Days Lock we had all had enough for the day having covered 15 miles. We went through the Lock, (this time opperated by Keith) and moored up just the other side.


Gary and Keith made a quick dash for the local pubs to try and get some food on board. Unfortunatley the first 2 they had tried had stopped serving. On running to the third they were told the kitchin closed 5 minutes prior. After some pleading they offered to do a burger and chips which was greatly recieved, before retiring to the boat for the night.

A Truely British Boating Great Escape .....‏......

Well a new morning is upon us and a new level of optimism. We awoke extra early and myself and Dave took the opportunity to have a refreshing swim. Maybe it was refreshing but it was also chaffing cold! None the less we can say we have done it, unlike Keith who so far at least has bottled it!! With the intention of reaching at least Shillingford if not Dorchester we have made it to Goring in good time. We entered into Goring somewhat spectacularly with the theme from The Great Escape playing rather loudly courtesy of Classic FM drawing a lot of attention to us as we moored up. We will obviously keep you updated as the day progresses.

For Now ......

Gary

Traveling at a Rate of Knotts ......

After a suprisingly restful night we made a slightly later start at 12pm from
Shiplake Lock with the boat grounded resulting in Gary and David going waist high
in the river to push the boat out of the sand. The day started with an extra crew
member as my lovely girlfriend Rosie showed good rhythm in the bow seat to help us
pull 100 metres on towards Sonning before heading home.

A friendly Lock Keeper held the gates as we upped the stroke rate as we approached
Sonning Lock. With Gary out of action today due to his wrist, the dream team combo
of Dave and Me (George and Jerome) were back in full swing and made good progress
pushing onto the Kings Meadow Tesco, convieniently situated by the river side in
Reading. We stopped here to purchase supplies and also get a late lunch. As Dave
and myself retuned with the goods Gary (Harris) had made a fantastic cuppa to go
with our newly purchased sandwiches. Energised by the brew 3 men in a boat stormed
through Caversham Lock and out of Reading where our game finished, this being a
sweepstake as to who could guess how many trolleys would be dumped in the river
during this urban stretch of the Thames. We won't give the exact answer but needless
to say Dave won! Whilst exiting Reading Gary got mistaken for a retired coxing Sir
Steve Redgrave, needless to say the bloke who heckled this was in a pub at the time!!

Further swift progress to Tilehurst in calm waters, low winds, and afternoon sunshine
saw perfect rowing conditions in time for another cracking afternoon tea this time
accompanied by coffee and walnut cake! The last push of the day saw us pass two
reputed country estates that inspired the great Toad Hall from Kenneth Graham's
beloved Wind in the Willows! While Mapledurham House was the more grand, we prefered
the homely feel and loation of Hardwick House and the lack of barbed wire which
got the better of myself at the previous as I attemped to capture photo's of the two.
For the first time in 14 years the 3 of us enjoyed the top 40 Radio Chart Show
Countdown and were dissapointed to find me no speak americano was pipped to number
1 by BOB. Just before our evening mooring we passed another skiff and a lady who's
knowledge of 'the book' was impressive, asked if we had some pinnaple chunks,
thankfully we did! This took us up to the National Trust piece of land called
Pangbourne Meadow and our mooring for the night. We set up camp for the night and-
Dave on skiff and insect duty, Gary as our resident chef, and me managing to put up
my tent in record time (unassisted without Kat). After a delicious meal we partook
in a civilsed but competitive game of french boules on slightly uneven ground, it
was an exciting and intense affair with me eventually emerging victorious with a
5-4-3 win. We rounded off probably the most enjoyable day so far with a couple of
rounds in our favourite riverside watering hole so far (The Greyhound in Whitchurch)
particuarly enjoying Kopperberg Pear Cide and Crabbies Ginger Beer before retiring
for the night!

Until Tomorrow



Keith

Sinking Feeling ...........

"Good Morning Everybody," rang out over the tannoy system at 8 this mornning. It wasn't recieved in the same spirit that it was meant. The day started off in a way that would shape the day as a whole. Although we had planned to get up relatively early, the pubs last night had put pay to that idea. Yet up we were, and to avoid £90 we decided to move on. On moving the boat around, the second of our problems arose, My Wrist.

When we got to the Regatta course yesterday I was keen to take this part of the row under my wing. The course is a mile and half long and if you've never been to a regatta you'd expect a professional 8 to do the course in 6 to 7 minutes. A single sculler may take 8 to 11 minutes depending on the incoming wind, so i was keen to see how we get on. 25 minutes later and we'd barely completed half of the course and were struggling. In one last concented effort I had felt a twinge in my wrist. I hadn't given it much thought at the time, but I awoke this morning to feel it really bad and stiff. Would it be the end of the row? Only time will tell. Can I just confirm that the drinking session last night had no part to play in this.

Our next problem was finding a new place to moor. We didn't want to go to far, as this was supposed to be our rest days and had plans to meet up with friends and family that afternoon. We were informed that mooring was available just the other side of Henley Bridge. However, when we got there we found the space was crammed. We were informed that mooring was available after Marsh Lock, but signs were clearely up saying that mooring was forbidden. So we moved on another mile and found a perfect spot on a little island just near Wargrave. After time to set up the boat and get organised, me and Dave set off for the local station and a trip back to Henley. 45 minutes later and a safari around the island we found that the bridge to the main land had been demolished. We had no way off but with the boat, so back we went and on up the river we went.

A further mile that was prob the slowest we'd rowed since we began, my wrist got us to our a little hide away spot just outside of Shiplake. The only problem, it was miles back to the station and we had no idea which way to go. An hour later we arrived at the sation to find we had just missed the train with a further 45 min wait. We left Henley just after 8am, and we finally arrived back in Henley 6 hours later and both me and Dave, shattered.

I won't dwel on the afternoon as it wasn't quite exciting. We did have lunch in The Catherine Wheel, one of the few pubs we had missed the previous night. A further treat was the visit to The Rowing Museum in Henley. Well we had to visit, didn't we!!! Keith particularly enjoyed The Wind In The Willows exhibition.

Anyway, thats enough for today, lets just hope tomorrow is more successful if not as eventful.

Gary

Ps,
One last bit of news, we found we made one further newspaper: The Uxbridge Gazette! Result!

http://www.uxbridgegazette.co.uk/west-london-news/local-uxbridge-news/2010/07/05/bid-to-restore-rudyard-kipling-s-boat-113046-26788325/

Ohhhhh.......What A Feeling,......Were Dancing on the Water!!!

Hi Everybody, Once again apologies for the delay in getting in touch. This has been a mixture of fatigue and also the continual problems with communication. Hopefully were be back to some sort of normality now though.

Anyway, yesterday (Friday, I think) saw us put in our biggest effort yet and a mammoth 15 miles that saw us move on from Maidenhead and on to Henley-Upon-Thames. As usual we came a cropper and had a few unexpected jems thown in.
After a pleasent evening the night before in the Thames Hotel bar, we retreated back to mooring position and settled down for the night. However a couple of unexpected visitors assured that our night in Maidenhead wasn't the quietest we've had. Firstly a number of the local youths obviously use the little park we'd set up camp in as their nightly hang-out. But thankfully, soon after their arrival, the rain began and we lost their company. Our second visitor was a party boat that crawled through Maidenhead at 2am. A jolly good time was being had by all 6 onboard guests, but I can't say we enjoyed Lional Ritchie at that time in the morning.

After a disturbed night we left a little late the following morning, with one of us (guess who?) being the last to be ready. Due to the late start we decided to for-go breakfast and push on with Dave and Keith taking the first stint. A bit like the day before though the wind was against us to start with and despite passing through Boulters Lock quickly our progress soon stalled. the ride though was very pleasent and we soon passed the Trust property of Cliveden. http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-vh/w-visits/w-findaplace/w-cliveden.htm We did manage to get Cookham though for mid-morning and decided to stop off for brunch.

It's funny how sometimes random people or places seem to crop up a couple of times in quick secsession. Only last week me and Dave had popped along to the Nationl Trust property Sandham Memorial Chapel in Burghclere, Hampshire; http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-sandhammemorialchapel and saw the work of Stanley Spencer;& little more then a week later we find ourselves in the town that Spencer was not only born but is also buried. I'd like to say this was deliberate and a brilliant bit of planning on my part, but actually I didn't realise this until we actually saw the headstone in the graveyard while passing through. Anyway it was a nice suprise.

Cookham, was much the same as Bray the previous day, an unexpected jem with a nice row of shops and pictraesque qualities. We found a lovely little cafe and had THE BEST bacon roll this side of London. It's funny how you getting very excited about the smallest matters!!

Anyway, we pushed on from Cookham and the water got worse. The row up to Marlow has to be the most difficult we've come across. Even with myself steering we managed to get into a bit of a tangle at Bourne End and collide with a whole sailing club!! But hard work got us through and we managed with difficulty to get to Marlow for lunch.

Lunch went down a treat but even Keith's Robinson fruit drink couldn't preper ourselves for the traffic jam we came to on returning to our skiff. We found out that we were travelling to Henley at the same time as half of The Thames. It turns out that this weekend is the Classic Boat Regatta this weekend at Henley, and so a remarkable collection of boats were heading west for the event. A collection of slippers, steam launches and early motor boats were jossling for position into Marlow lock. We managed to slip into a small gap, but the hold-up did slow us for the day. However, the banter and the conversation with some of these boaters was definately a highlight for the day.

Of all the boats that passed us during the day though, the celebrity boat of the day was definately the number of Dunkirk Little Ships that were both in France in 1940 and also the recent celebration events. Another treat for the day was a promise of meeting Rodney Bewes later in the day as he was both in Henley but was also a great 3 Men In A Boat fan. We had become minor celebrities ouselves over the last few days with us often being photographed and cheered on by both those on the banks of the river and our fellow boaters. Keith's highlight of the day was being cheered on soon after Marlow by a group of school girls who also gave us a renditon of "Row, Row, Row, Your Boat."

The wind was difficult after lunch as well, but a few races with passing boats did push us on. We got to Henley though quite late though and even the enjoyment of rowing the course wasn't enough to give us any more euphemism to continue beyond Henley lock. With the classic regatta in full flow we sneaked into a place labeled skiffs and rowing boats and a few of our friends from the day ensured us we should be fine to moore up and partake.However, we later found out that the cost to partake is £90 and so we decided to move on at first thing in the morning and sneak away before we were registered.

With the light fading we met up with Keith's girlfriend Rose, and split up for a night in Henley's famous public houses. As we had nailed 15 miles today, especially against a hevay head wind for much of the day, we felt we had to celebrate. Unfortunatly we only had a hour and a half before closing time, so we had to be quick. Lets just say 8 pubs later and me and Dave staggered back along the river bank with a take away pizza. Its prob not suprising that we didn't get to meet Mr Bewes!

Hasten to say we awoke with a head, but this was only the start of our worries.

Gary

Oar No ...........

I re-joined the team late on Wednesday and subsequntly spent my first night asleep on the boat! On reflection I wish I'd joined them in the morning as the heavy rain proceeded to drip through the canvas on to my head! The morning brought no less adventure as a big gust of wind took one of our pillows and dumped it in the Thames where is sunk quite rapidly! Once rowing myself and Keith made good pace that was until a part of my oar broke. This made the effort of rowing 10 times harded as the oar kept rolling out of the rollock!

However we persisted (maybe a tad slower) and met a 'mechanic' at Windsor who fixed the probelm with some screws and a drill! After these adjustments were made we headed for lunch in a pub in Eaton. Once lunch had been consummed we pushed on with our newly fixed oar in hope of making Maidenhead by the close of play. After passing through Bray Lock (potentially the prettiest so far, also where Keith made the classic comment of were going up in the world as the lock rose !) It was deemed we should stop for a quick drink. So after mooring up we walked into Bray and frequented The Hinds Head which we later found out is owned by Heston Blumenthal who's restaurant is next door! Thankfully our pints came as you'd expect (unlike a lot of his food creations) and we were on our way! I feel I must note that Keith took this opportunity to have a Pimms instead!

Anyway we pushed on to Maidenhead (getting complimented by the Maidenhead Ladies Rowing Team en-route) and within no time we were moored up just passed the bridge! With Keith getting his tent up in record time thanks to help from Kat (30 mins instead of the 2 hours it took yesterday) we met up with some friends and family! After a good few pints and some food we tucked in for an early night ready for a big push to Henley on Friday!

For now

Dave

Swan Lake..........

Well our intrepid rowers have made it to Staines, and I am informed that Gary is currently sitting in The Swan Public House, whilst Keith has run to the shops, to hopefully get something to keep him awake. Still I think the 8 miles currently covered is a fantastic effort given Gary has done most of the rowing!!!

It is also worth noting that whilst mooring up our Coach was running past on his way to Staines Rowing Club, to get this evenings practice in. Therefore all i can say is let the race begin........

Dave

Locked on Lunch .........

A further update on progress for the team today, with Gary currently rowing, they are just going through Laleham after stopping for some Lunch around Chertsey Lock.

This was no ordinary lunch as it was spent in the company of one of Gary's friends Mike. Now to many i'm sure Mike will not mean alot, however he is the Lock Keeper at Chertsey and thus the Lunch was not only Yummy but also informative.

So whilst they are still progressing along, it is eatimated that they have covered approximately 7 miles so far today......

Dave

Ruddy Hard Work ..........

I'm informed Gary and Keith had a pleasant nights sleep in the boat, especially after their visit to the pub!

That said i think Keith woke up aching a tad more than Gary today. Anyway they have continued to make progress and recently went through Shepperton Lock.

Its also worth noting i forgot to mention my quote of yesterday which came courtesy of Keith when rowing which i shall leave you with for now :

"I am so glad i am not a slave!"

Off We Row ...........

So day 1 continued and our target (given the delayed start) was to hit Kingston. As we pulled away from the jetty at Richmond it was Myself and Gary rowing and Keith steering. Within almost no time at all we could no longer see Richmond Bridge which i think may have been more down to a meander in the river than distance, but either way it was good motivation. Shortly after (probably around 45mins or so) we had a quick break and switch around, it also gave us a chance to take on some fluids.

With the new setup we seemed to get speed and rhythem relatively quickly with myself and Keith doing the hard work, whilst Gary steered us in the right dircetion, and provided historical facts along the way.


Within no time at all our first REAL test came around as we approached our first lock at Teddington. Worryingly we appeared to conquor it in a fashion that would suggest we were experts in the river!

Whilst sitting in the Lock we experienced some true hospitality of the river, something that was to become apparent the further we progressed. We got talking to the crew of the barge next to us, who very kindly let us tie to them, on hearing of our challenge (and lack of alcohol on board), he very kindly passed us a bottle of wine from his vessle and wished us all the best.

I referred to the hospitality of the river previously and this is apparent as you cannot pass a boat without someone waving at you, or wishing you well. Likewise when you moor up if someone can help tie you generally they will.

And so as we pushed on and reached Kingston, it was deemed another 5 minute break was necessary. As we moored just beyond Kingston Bridge memories of Gary and Keith's Uni days came flooding back with the sight of McCluskys. Whilst this was intended on being a brief stop it almost cut our whole trip short. As we went to move away the chain of another boat had got lodged in our rudder. Had it not been for a monumental leap from Keith and far more effort than it seemed necessary, we may well have been stuck for the duration. Anyway as we became free it became apparent that our rudder had subsequently stopped working. Therefore a quick dash accross the Thames (and the oncoming 'Traffic') and we moored on the opposite side of the river. Thankfully this problem was easily solved and we were on our way.

We kept pushing on in the hope to make Hampton Court by the end of the day. During this time once again myself and Keith got into a swift rhythem and subsequently made Hampton Court in no time. We moored up for a quick couple of pictures and then decided to try and get passed Molesey Lock by the close of play.



Molesey lock was an experience in itself as this was Self Service. However we had no reason to worry as Gary took this time to come into his element and randomly press buttons. Before we knew it we had bypassed Molesey Lock.

Whilst in the lock we had been given some advice on where to stop for the night. However when we got to the Island it was a private island. And thus we kept on going until we could find a place to moor. Subsequently we actually made it to Sunbury, meaning we had covered 10 miles in 6 hours, which we deemed as a sucess given our few hicups along the way, and the need to gather what we were actually doing.

After mooring up the boat against 2 trees we popped to get some food for the night and Gary and Keith swiftly made there way to the local pub. I on the other hand went home as i had work today, needless to say I'll be back rowing tomorrow.

For now....

Dave

Slightly Adrift .........

Well day 1 has passed and truely in keeping with the classic book Keith turned up late!!!! Subsequently instead of setting sail at 12-1 o'clock, we finnaly set sail at 3:15.

Keith further showed his boating knowlegde by asking the gentleman if we 'just head off in that direction', this was closely followed by the advice that Oxford was in fact the other way!!!

That said I do think that Mr Holland proved his worth with the food etc that he brought on board.

And so after a shaky (at times sideways)start we set sail.

Washed Up ..............

Sorry for the delay in updates yesterday we had a minor communications breakdown (that will make a good song title ED), Wednesday night we did manage to reach Runnymede and we hope you enjoyed our earlier blog, which was a poem written by Kipling in that stretch of water! Wednesday was a hard day as we were depleated to two covering 12 miles against heavy winds and strong currents although it was all worth it for when we reached Runnymede as we had a sighting of a kingfisher which made my day, but Keith managed to miss it on 3 separate occasions! Thursday should see Dave join us so we can rack up some miles!

For now

Gary

Runnymede

At Runnymede, at Runnymede,

What say the reeds at Runnymede?

The lissom reeds that give and take,

That bend so far, but never break,

They keep the sleepy Thames awake

With tales of John at Runnymede.

At Runnymede, at Runnymede,

Oh, hear the reeds at Runnymede:

'You musn't sell, delay, deny,

A freeman's right or liberty.

It wakes the stubborn Englishry,

We saw 'em roused at Runnymede!

When through our ranks the Barons came,

With little thought of praise or blame,

But resolute to play the game,

They lumbered up to Runnymede;

And there they launched in solid line

The first attack on Right Divine,

The curt uncompromising "Sign!'

They settled John at Runnymede.

At Runnymede, at Runnymede,

Your rights were won at Runnymede!

No freeman shall be fined or bound,

Or dispossessed of freehold ground,

Except by lawful judgment found

And passed upon him by his peers.

Forget not, after all these years,

The Charter <> signed at Runnymede.'

And still when mob or Monarch lays

Too rude a hand on English ways,

The whisper wakes, the shudder plays,

Across the reeds at Runnymede.

And Thames, that knows the moods of kings,

And crowds and priests and suchlike things,

Rolls deep and dreadful as he brings

Their warning down from Runnymede!

R Kipling

Ready...... Set....... Row .........

Well the big day is here and we look set to sail from Richmond around midday today. The good news is that it is not as hot which we hope will make it a bit more comfortable. The bad news is that it hasd also been reported that parts of London have been experiencing Heavy Rain!!!!

For some of us i think the nerves of the daunting task ahead have set in, I mean Gary's even having a shave!!!!!

We hope to load pictures this evening of the launch and also detail the progress we have made in the opening day, as we will also hopefully have a better idea of how we think we will fair.

Dave

Bowman ...........

With Keith's inabilities to answer the questions today we answer that age old, often repeated question, who is Montmorency?

Name : Montmorency
Age : In Dog Years?
Occupation : Dog!!!
Previous Rowing Experience : Doggy Paddle
Teams Supported : Rovers, Terriers
Favourite Colour : Mono Vision
Oxford or Cambridge : Dog University....... Arizona....... Naturally!!!
Greatest Sporting Achievement : Winning Cruffs
Favourite Tipple : Loo Water
Favourite Food : Dog Food
Favourite Films : Reservior Dogs, Homeward Bound
Favourite Disney Films : 101 Dalmations, Lady and the Tramp
Favourite Actor/Actress : Beethoven/Lassie
Favourite Author/Book : Spot The Dog by Eric Hill
Favourite Kipling Piece : French Fancies, Country Slices, Apple Pies ............ oh wait you mean THAT Kipling
Favourite Musician/Group : Snoop Dogg, The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band
Favourite Comedian : Rufus Hound
Favourite TV Programme : One Man and His Dog
Favourite Radio Programme : Paws for Thought

Five Famous Dinner Guests You Would Invite :
Snoopy, Scobby Doo, Huckleberry Hound, K9, Wellard

Favourite Country Outside The UK : Anywhere But Korea!!!

Greatest Fear : The Vet

Biggest Enemy : Top Cat and Garfield

Floating by..........

Well as Tuesdays launch day gets ever closer myself and Gary took today to visit some National Trust Properties and generally relax in the peaceful gardens, therefore syking ourselves up for the forthcoming week. At least that was the plan until Gary made me run to get the enterance of The Vyne!!!!!

This morning on leaving relatives in Dorset we went to the City Mill in Winchester, followed by more football as Winchester City took on Kingstonian. After the goaless draw we visited Sandham Memorial Chapple and The Vyne.

Not only have we used our Sunday to visit National Trust properties we have also brought those all important supplies for the trip. Starting with a stove!!!! Beyond the stove and requsite gas cannisters we have also purchase plasters, paracetamol, neurofen, deep heat and various other ointments!

One of the questions that we have been asked alot is who is Montmorency? Well i'm pleased to announce that we will be revealing his identity tomorrow ready for the big off! We will also be reviewing our last rower keith.

So as the rest of the country (well most of it anyway), look towards the Word Cup final we once again focus on our own sporting quest.......

For Now

Dave

New Season Launched ...........

Team Bonding continued last night as the launch day gets closer. Last night 3 of us (Keith was unavialble again, not that i actually remember asking him!), went on a further team bonding excercise as we saw Sandhurst Town v AFC Wimbledon in a preseason friendly.

Whilst there was alot of youngsters and trialists playing both teams should act as further inspiration. Sandhurst Town are now celebrating their Centenary Season and are a testimony to persistance and community spirit. You see the 'Frizzers' (Sandhurst) have been in the Combined Counties League for the last 20 years with their highest finish being 5th. With attendances around the 60 mark last season, the club can hold their heads up high at what has been achieved and the set-up they have in place. This of course can be said of a large number of Non-league sides. AFC Wimbledon can serve their own inspiration for the amount they have achieved in their 8 year existance gaining numerous promotions.

On the way home we passed Staines and the Thames so equally it was a fact finding mission of sorts.

So there we have it...... groundhopping may be a hobby to some (including me), but i like to reflect on last night as pure inspiration as to what teamwork and unity can achieve.

Dave

Stroke Two..........

Name : Dave

Age : 23

Occupation : Ticket Office Manager

Previous Rowing Experience : The Rowing Machine.....

Teams Supported :Brentford FC, Middlesex CCC, London Irish RFC,

Favourite Colour : Red

Oxford or Cambridge : Oxford

Greatest Sporting Achievement :Representing Hounslow in Athletics

Favourite Tipple : Anything

Favourite Food :Chinese

Favourite Films :Italian Job, Great Escape, Escape to Victory

Favourite Disney Film : Cool Runnings, Robin Hood

Favourite Actor/Actress :Michael Caine, Sandra Bullock

Favourite Author/Book :Come and Have a Go Series by Hayden Middleton

Favourite Kipling Piece : If

Favourite Musician/Group :Artic Monkeys, Dizzee Rascal

Favourite Comedian : Lee Mack

Favourite TV Programme : Not Going Out

Favourite Radio Programme : Hancock's Half Hour

Five Famous Dinner Guests You Would Invite : Terry Evans, Jamie Oliver, Dizze Rascal, James Corden, Lee Mack

Favourite Country Outside the UK : Canada

Greatest Fear : Spiders

Biggest Enemy : Rowing

The Tide Continues To Take Us...........

Further preperation took place tonight......... at Ealing Beer Festival. We are not in a position to state what prep took place but the picture below may help to establish an idea.......



Myself, Gary and Montmorency went on a Team Building Excercise whilst Keith just builds himself up for the big day! Anyway 57 beers later and once again it's safe to say were brimming with confidence.

Dave

Stroke One..........

Name : Gary

Age : 27

Occupation : Conservator

Previous Rowing Experience : Some Punting in Cambridge...... i fell in....and i've been to Henley and watched the regatta.....

Teams Supported : Brentford FC, Middlesex CCC, London Welsh RFC, Belle Vue Speedway

Favourite Colour : Purple

Oxford or Cambridge : Oxford

Greatest Sporting Achievement : Organising the Inaugral National Trust North v National Trust South cricket game..... I got out for a duck!!!!

Favourite Tipple : Pint of Real Ale or Scotch and Coke

Favourite Food : Mash

Favourite Films : School for Scoundrels, Brief Encounter, Ice Cold in Alex

Favourite Disney Film : Sword in The Stone, Peter Pan

Favourite Actor/Actress : Buster Keating, Sylvia Syms

Favourite Author/Book : Lucky Jim by Kingsley Amis and anything by PG Wodehouse

Favourite Kipling Piece : A Smuggler's Song

Favourite Musician/Group : The Artwoods, Davy Graham

Favourite Comedian : Bill Bailey

Favourite TV Programme : Dr Who

Favourite Radio Programme : The Navy Lark

Five Famous Dinner Guests You Would Invite : Ernest Shackleton, Tony Hancock, CB Fry, PG Wodehouse, Leslie Phillips

Favourite Country Outside the UK : Hong Kong

Greatest Fear : 97 Miles of The Thames

Biggest Enemy : English Heritage