Category Archives: River Thames

Nag’s Head Refurbishment Begins / Salter Steamer Landing Changed

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Nags Head Refurbishment Begins
As you enter Abingdon, the news board outside Goffs tells you … “Riverside Pub set to reopen doors.”
Nags Head Refurbishment Begins
Yesterday Spike sent me this picture from the river saying “Renovation going well and it’s fantastic to see all the metal shutters gone and life back into this historic Abingdon pub. Forecast to open mid September.”
Nags Head Refurbishment Begins
During the work, the landing stage for Salters Steamers has had to be moved to the Upper Reaches Hotel. This may be just until the landing area is made safe.
Nags Head Refurbishment Begins
On a warm summer’s day like today there were quite a few people swimming in the river, some out in the middle, who did not see the Salter’s Steamer to Oxford until very late.
Nags Head Refurbishment Begins
One of the strongest arguments put forward for keeping the open air pool, just a short distance from this shot, was that it would protect against drownings in the river.

Wilsham Road at Dawn

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Wilsham Road at Dawn by Spike
Spike emailed me last Thursday. He said “Took a few shots at dawn today. Even Didcot power station can look pretty sometimes”
Wilsham Road at Dawn by Spike
Thanks Spike.
Wilsham Road at Dawn by Spike
Didcot power station may start to look pretty, but Abingdon looks like paradise at that hour
Wilsham Road at Dawn by Spike
from Wilsham Road.

Rowing at Abingdon-on-Thames – an early season time trial

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Spring Head of The River
On Sunday 400 crews came to Abingdon to row the 2000 meters from Culham Lock to Wilsham Road as part of the 2012 Spring Head of the River time-trial.

The Abingdon Rowing Club don’t get to row as they are all busy officiating.
Spring Head of The River
It is an early season event but in this picture it looks like a race away from Didcot A before the smouldering giant finally blows.
Spring Head of The River
These guys made it to the finishing line.
Spring Head of The River
After their race, our Abingdon stewards asked boats to keep moving. There is no real time for a post mortem. “I’m so sorry, I just lost it totally near the end. ”
Spring Head of The River
The 400 crews, 100 in each of 4 times slots, row back to the landing stages in Rye Farm Meadow.
Spring Head of The River
Carry their own boat back to the trailer.
Spring Head of The River
Only then is there the chance to put their feet up.

Boats moored on the Thames

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Boats moored on the Thames
John sent me some pictures of boats moored on the Thames by Abingdon. He says “Seen tied up today. Nobody at home but I wonder does anyone know the stories of these boats, especially the Vrouwe Johanna of Amsterdam, dated, I think, 1899!”
Boats moored on the Thames
He also sent pictures of Daisy D and two other similar traditional looking narrow boats – probably far more modern. They look compact on the outside for wending their way down narrow inland waterways and under low bridges but still afford plenty of living space inside.

Any interesting facts for John? Could Vrouwe Johanna cross the English Channel?  What are the advantages of a Dutch Barge (if it is such) v a Narrow Boat? And why do people want to live in boats anyway?

With Thanks to John for the pictures.