Walton Bridge
To those concerned I have just heard that the Secretary of State has called a Public Enquiry on 30 June re the replacement of Walton Bridge and which may further delay the completion date of the project. This is a blow to recreational boaters of all types because of the dangers to small craft with the dangerous flow of water between the piers of the present bridge during strong stream conditions and the lack of visibility up and down stream when navigating and approaching the bridge due to the piers. The planned replacement bridge will be single span with no piers. Here is a copy of an email from Colin Bentley, the Bridge Project Manager. Please forward to others who may be concerned. Alan Woolford Hon Secretary, RYA Thames Valley
PLA and EA Notices to Mariners are now in the Library filed under 'Navigation'Note that the first letter indicates the part of the Thames, L Lower, M middle, U upper.
Is there a 10 Knot speed limit in Gravesend Reach?
Exrtact from PLA Notice P3 "Mariners are reminded of the requirement to navigate their vessels at all times at a speed commensurate with local circumstances and conditions and that an eight knot speed limit applies in certain parts of the river Thames, specifically, upstream of Wandsworth Bridge and in adjoining creeks and areas around Canvey Island. Experience indicates that, in the area of Gravesend Reach and above, a speed in excess of 10 knots through the water can be liable to injure or endanger persons, other vessels or property. Due care should be taken in the vicinity of vessels moored and working on berths closely adjacent to the navigation channel, particularly when these vessels are handling dangerous goods and displaying the red flag or light required by Dangerous Substances in Harbour Areas Regulations."Safety Boats wanted for the Great River Race 2009, Docklands to Richmond 5th September 2009 ,
Pollution Issues
When I asked our Club Newsletter Editor if I might do an article on 'pollution', I had literally spent the previous day up to my armpits in the most disgusting water imaginable removing badly affected swans. No it was not a cesspit, nor was it a silt-tank in a water reservoir, both of which my husband (Max) and I have encountered during our years of swan rescue work - it was the River Thames at Walton Wharf Read more.... ,
Serious work on all sides of the mooring issues continues
into year two of the process. Initial work during 2008 led to an improvement in the enforcement issues on over-stayers on twenty-four hour moorings, mainly in the lower river but includes the Tesco “hot spot” below Caversham lock. From comments, both positive and critical, following the removal of a boat from the Desborough back water by the EA, it appears that many users are not aware of the amount of work being carried out on behalf of all the boaters and residents living on the side of the river. The minutes of the River Thames Alliance Mooring Group now in the library section go some way to update the current situation and ATYC members are asked to expedite the information as they talk to other interested people who have concerns. A full report was given at the ATYC AGM and at RUG 8 on Tuesday 21 April (Thames Motor YC).
Taking the Boat abroad this year?
Then take a copy of the Red Diesel used in UK letters with you that have been translated into French, German and Dutch to save you any problems with the authorities.The RYA (Royal Yachting Association) has expressed its disappointment at the DfT’s (Department for Transport) consultation paper regarding draft regulations for alcohol limits for non-professional mariners and inland boaters, which the RYA describes as being misguided Read more....
Tests for 2009 Rally at Henley
EA's New web page showing up to date River Thames conditions .
and advice to boaters. Add this link to your own clubs web and check it out before starting any trips or events.
Have you noticed the new 'Photos' tab?
If you have any photo's of any ATYC events we would like to display them here so please send them to Peter Hasler
New Speed Limits in Central London?
Your club can post events on the event page by sending them to Pete Hasler