There is now another way of making a donation to the appeal - by TEXT.
Text WAVE11 followed by the donation amount to 70070
Wednesday, 10 August 2011
Diary of a (novice) shopkeeper
........Having disembarked our passengers at Swansea, we took on fresh water then at 2345 set sail for Penarth and anchor. After a long day, I headed for my bed - Walter Snowdon (shopkeeper) had the cabin and the catering crew were set to party in the lower bar, so I stretched out in the shop lounge and was soon asleep, woke briefly when the anchor was let go and the chain rattled noisily out of the hawse pipe.
Wednesday 13th July - Woke at about 0700 the sea was calm, sky slightly overcast with a light easterly breeze. I spent the morning familiarising myself with the shop, finding the stock and reading the notes that Walter had written for me. At 1200 the anchor was raised and we steamed across to Clevedon where we said goodbye to Walter and I started the job proper - helping with the gangway, counting the passengers on and off and running the shop -on my own!
Leaving Clevedon we headed to Penarth, leaving there with about 200 aboard. The sky was brightening and the sea calm as we crossed the channel to Watchet. In the shop, there was a steady trickle of customers - just what I wanted on my first day. At Watchet, about half the passengers disembarked to take the steam train to Minehead and about 50 got on for the Watchet/Minehead shuffle - 2 calls at each port in 2 hours with hardly any time to open the shop between ports - still, I like to be busy!
Leaving Minehead for the second time, on time, we headed back to Penarth where there was a slight delay while we took on more fresh water (Balmorals fresh water tank is not very big, so is filled up at every opportunity, and not all piers have a supply point) Arrived back at Clevedon at 2200, disembarked our passengers then headed for the Avon bouy and dropped anchor. Totalling up the days takings, they were only slightly down on the previous day - maybe there were less sales but more high value items sold?
Not having slept in the officers accommodation before, I was suprised by the noise of the waves lapping against the hull (the cabins are just above waterlevel) I've slept in foc'sle (well above waterlevel) and the lower bar a number of times, there, the noise of the generator and or engine ensure that the noise of the lapping waves is not heard. Luckily, I had brought my ear plugs so a sound nights sleep was had.
Thursday 14th July - An earlier start today. The weather was dry, blue sky and little wind. I was up at 0630 to make sure the shop and shop lounge were clean, bins emptied and windows cleaned inside and out. The anchor was up at 0815 and were alongside Clevedon pier early to embark about 100 then across to Penarth where nearly 200 got on for the trip to Ilfracombe.
At Penarth, David Farmer (our vice chairs nephew) boarded together with a party of school children, senior citizens and teachers from his schools luncheon club - well done David in suggesting the trip. David helps out in the shop whenever he's able to, his company and assistance was much appreciated, especially as there were so many youngsters on board - they kept the shop busy with a lot of small purchases.
We were alongside at Ilfracombe for 2 hours (enough time for a nap!). Whilst alongside we were to take on bunkers - there was a misunderstanding between the oil company and the tanker driver when "we'll be alongside between 1.00 and 3.00" was taken to be "turn up anytime between 1.00 and 3.00" consequently the tanker arrived at 2.30 and bunkering would take 45 minutes - then there was a problem with the pump...., so we eventually got away 45 minutes late - there was some muttering by one or two of the passengers, but it was a glorious sunny day and most enjoyed the delay.
No time was gained on the return to Penarth, the shop was still fairly busy and the volunteers were on deck selling the Grand Prize Draw Tickets. We arrived back at Clevedon at 7.30 dropped our passengers off, then went to anchor at the Avon buoy.
With an early'ish finish and not too early start the next day, the crew bar was opened, so I and a couple of the others partook of a couple of cans of alcoholical refreshment and a chin wag. I didn't stay up late, with all that fresh air and an early start (and a few beers!) my bunk was soon beckoning...................to be continued
Peter Havard
Wednesday 13th July - Woke at about 0700 the sea was calm, sky slightly overcast with a light easterly breeze. I spent the morning familiarising myself with the shop, finding the stock and reading the notes that Walter had written for me. At 1200 the anchor was raised and we steamed across to Clevedon where we said goodbye to Walter and I started the job proper - helping with the gangway, counting the passengers on and off and running the shop -on my own!
Leaving Clevedon we headed to Penarth, leaving there with about 200 aboard. The sky was brightening and the sea calm as we crossed the channel to Watchet. In the shop, there was a steady trickle of customers - just what I wanted on my first day. At Watchet, about half the passengers disembarked to take the steam train to Minehead and about 50 got on for the Watchet/Minehead shuffle - 2 calls at each port in 2 hours with hardly any time to open the shop between ports - still, I like to be busy!
Leaving Minehead for the second time, on time, we headed back to Penarth where there was a slight delay while we took on more fresh water (Balmorals fresh water tank is not very big, so is filled up at every opportunity, and not all piers have a supply point) Arrived back at Clevedon at 2200, disembarked our passengers then headed for the Avon bouy and dropped anchor. Totalling up the days takings, they were only slightly down on the previous day - maybe there were less sales but more high value items sold?
Not having slept in the officers accommodation before, I was suprised by the noise of the waves lapping against the hull (the cabins are just above waterlevel) I've slept in foc'sle (well above waterlevel) and the lower bar a number of times, there, the noise of the generator and or engine ensure that the noise of the lapping waves is not heard. Luckily, I had brought my ear plugs so a sound nights sleep was had.
Thursday 14th July - An earlier start today. The weather was dry, blue sky and little wind. I was up at 0630 to make sure the shop and shop lounge were clean, bins emptied and windows cleaned inside and out. The anchor was up at 0815 and were alongside Clevedon pier early to embark about 100 then across to Penarth where nearly 200 got on for the trip to Ilfracombe.
At Penarth, David Farmer (our vice chairs nephew) boarded together with a party of school children, senior citizens and teachers from his schools luncheon club - well done David in suggesting the trip. David helps out in the shop whenever he's able to, his company and assistance was much appreciated, especially as there were so many youngsters on board - they kept the shop busy with a lot of small purchases.
We were alongside at Ilfracombe for 2 hours (enough time for a nap!). Whilst alongside we were to take on bunkers - there was a misunderstanding between the oil company and the tanker driver when "we'll be alongside between 1.00 and 3.00" was taken to be "turn up anytime between 1.00 and 3.00" consequently the tanker arrived at 2.30 and bunkering would take 45 minutes - then there was a problem with the pump...., so we eventually got away 45 minutes late - there was some muttering by one or two of the passengers, but it was a glorious sunny day and most enjoyed the delay.
No time was gained on the return to Penarth, the shop was still fairly busy and the volunteers were on deck selling the Grand Prize Draw Tickets. We arrived back at Clevedon at 7.30 dropped our passengers off, then went to anchor at the Avon buoy.
With an early'ish finish and not too early start the next day, the crew bar was opened, so I and a couple of the others partook of a couple of cans of alcoholical refreshment and a chin wag. I didn't stay up late, with all that fresh air and an early start (and a few beers!) my bunk was soon beckoning...................to be continued
Peter Havard
Wednesday, 27 July 2011
Web Site Changes/Additions - Members Photo Gallery
Today, I've added some things to the web site:
An icon "Where is Balmoral?" that when clicked on, opens a link to 'live' AIS showing Balmorals current/last known position.
In the 'Links' section I've added a link to a Flickr page I've set up for the Bristol Channel Branch Members (faces) Gallery. There are only two pictures in there so far - don't be shy, email a photo of yourself to bchannelmg @ gmail.com together with your name, where you live (as vague as you like, town or county) and the name of the pier you most often use. (if you copy and paste the email address, remove the spaces either side of the @ symbol)
Not got a decent picture? or don't know how to email one? don't worry...... I'll be prowling the decks of Balmoral, armed with a loaded camera ready to shootvictims subjects to add to the gallery - look out for me!
Peter Havard
An icon "Where is Balmoral?" that when clicked on, opens a link to 'live' AIS showing Balmorals current/last known position.
In the 'Links' section I've added a link to a Flickr page I've set up for the Bristol Channel Branch Members (faces) Gallery. There are only two pictures in there so far - don't be shy, email a photo of yourself to bchannelmg @ gmail.com together with your name, where you live (as vague as you like, town or county) and the name of the pier you most often use. (if you copy and paste the email address, remove the spaces either side of the @ symbol)
Not got a decent picture? or don't know how to email one? don't worry...... I'll be prowling the decks of Balmoral, armed with a loaded camera ready to shoot
Peter Havard
Monday, 25 July 2011
Balmoral Annual Trip To Padstow 12th July 2011
I arrived at Penarth pier at 0745 for the 0800 departure, Balmoral was already alongside and most passengers on board. The skies were slightly overcast and there was a cool easterly breeze blowing. Departing on schedule, and with the following breeze and flat sea it was a pleasant trip to our first stop - Ilfracombe. We made good time, arriving a little early.
At 'Combe about 50 left us for their 10 hours ashore and a slightly larger number boarded for Padstow. With the same light wind, hazy sunshine and flat sea, we sailed close inshore to Morte Point, then on towards Baggy Point before turning to cross Bideford Bay and pass close inshore to Hartland Point. We then took the direct - offshore - route towards Padstow.
Again, we had made good time and arrived early off the Camel Estuary. The pilot was ready waiting for us, so no time lost in getting alongside. The channel to the harbour passes very close to the shore (a lot closer that it appears in the photos, below) it must be quite a sight for the holidaymakers seeing Balmoral so close to the beach. The water here is very clear, so clear that we could see the bottom - a bit disconcerting for those of us who sail the muddy waters of the upper channel!
Once tied up, we had one and a quarter hours ashore - time enough for a cream tea or fish & chips at one of Rick Steins many establishments or a walk around the harbour and an ice cream.
Then it was back on board to retrace our steps. Sailing down the Camel, we encountered a racing fleet of about 30 gaff rigged "Cornish Shrimpers(?)" they made a fine sight with their tan coloured sails - though some had to be reminded that we were 'constrained by our draught' and steam does not always have to give way to sail.
After dropping the pilot we passed inside of Newland Island and then kept close inshore all the way to Hartland. Passengers who had bought (proceeds towards the appeal) a copy of the souvenir map produced by branch member Clive Headon, were able to follow our progress and identify the places passed.
Taking the scenic route delayed our arrival back at 'Combe only slightly and we left for Swansea just 15 minutes late. There was another slight delay when off the Mumbles, we had to board a pilot to take us into the river berth. All passengers were off the ship shortly after 2300 and on one of the 3 coaches bound for Penarth. Myself?, I was staying aboard, for tomorrow I was taking over as shopkeeper................to be continued.
Peter Havard
At 'Combe about 50 left us for their 10 hours ashore and a slightly larger number boarded for Padstow. With the same light wind, hazy sunshine and flat sea, we sailed close inshore to Morte Point, then on towards Baggy Point before turning to cross Bideford Bay and pass close inshore to Hartland Point. We then took the direct - offshore - route towards Padstow.
Again, we had made good time and arrived early off the Camel Estuary. The pilot was ready waiting for us, so no time lost in getting alongside. The channel to the harbour passes very close to the shore (a lot closer that it appears in the photos, below) it must be quite a sight for the holidaymakers seeing Balmoral so close to the beach. The water here is very clear, so clear that we could see the bottom - a bit disconcerting for those of us who sail the muddy waters of the upper channel!
Once tied up, we had one and a quarter hours ashore - time enough for a cream tea or fish & chips at one of Rick Steins many establishments or a walk around the harbour and an ice cream.
 |
| Approaching Padstow, the channel hugs the shore |
 |
| Shall I have - a pasty? a cream tea? or fish & chips? or all three??? |
 |
| Alongside, on the sand wharf. |
Then it was back on board to retrace our steps. Sailing down the Camel, we encountered a racing fleet of about 30 gaff rigged "Cornish Shrimpers(?)" they made a fine sight with their tan coloured sails - though some had to be reminded that we were 'constrained by our draught' and steam does not always have to give way to sail.
After dropping the pilot we passed inside of Newland Island and then kept close inshore all the way to Hartland. Passengers who had bought (proceeds towards the appeal) a copy of the souvenir map produced by branch member Clive Headon, were able to follow our progress and identify the places passed.
Taking the scenic route delayed our arrival back at 'Combe only slightly and we left for Swansea just 15 minutes late. There was another slight delay when off the Mumbles, we had to board a pilot to take us into the river berth. All passengers were off the ship shortly after 2300 and on one of the 3 coaches bound for Penarth. Myself?, I was staying aboard, for tomorrow I was taking over as shopkeeper................to be continued.
Peter Havard
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Waverley and Balmoral on Facebook
Waverley and Balmoral now have an official page on Facebook CLICK HERE to view - if you're not a member of Facebook (that includes me!) you'll have to join to view the page and read the messages.
The new page includes a link to our new 'Just Giving' page as well. For non Facebook users we've added a link to that page in our 'Links' section - further down this page.
Would Facebook users please 'like' the page and encourage their friends to do the same. Users can, if they wish, set up their own 'Just Giving' page to help the appeal along.
Peter Havard
The new page includes a link to our new 'Just Giving' page as well. For non Facebook users we've added a link to that page in our 'Links' section - further down this page.
Would Facebook users please 'like' the page and encourage their friends to do the same. Users can, if they wish, set up their own 'Just Giving' page to help the appeal along.
Peter Havard
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Balmoral Dry Docking Update
I was working aboard Balmoral yesterday (Saturday). Arriving at 0900 the dry dock was being flooded to float the ship, the deck crew were painting the deck houses, funnel, ventilators etc. The catering crew were busy cleaning and painting, trying to get things ship shape – both crowds working until after 1900 before calling it a day.
Down below in the forward (Britannia) lounge things are progressing well – the floor covering is laid, most of the panelling is up and the seating frames are ready to be fixed. But there is still a lot to be completed before the ship is ready for service. Personally, I can’t see her being on the channel for Wednesday. I think there is a minimum of 3 or 4 days work still to do, then the crew have to spend most of a day doing their drills (fire and emergency) Thursday is an ‘off service day’ anyway, so maybe we’ll see her ‘out’ on Friday 8th – fingers crossed!
Below are some recent photos – before and after painting - also, there are contrasting pictures of the forward lounge taken 11 days apart.
Peter Havard
Down below in the forward (Britannia) lounge things are progressing well – the floor covering is laid, most of the panelling is up and the seating frames are ready to be fixed. But there is still a lot to be completed before the ship is ready for service. Personally, I can’t see her being on the channel for Wednesday. I think there is a minimum of 3 or 4 days work still to do, then the crew have to spend most of a day doing their drills (fire and emergency) Thursday is an ‘off service day’ anyway, so maybe we’ll see her ‘out’ on Friday 8th – fingers crossed!
Below are some recent photos – before and after painting - also, there are contrasting pictures of the forward lounge taken 11 days apart.
Peter Havard
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| Primed ready for painting |
 |
| no patches this year |
 |
| Forward lounge 11th June |
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| and on 28th June |
Friday, 1 July 2011
Balmoral Bristol Channel Start Delayed
Due to a delay in Balmoral going to Sharpness for drydocking (caused by a problem with the dock gate not being able to be closed). Plus unforseen extra work having to be carried out, Balmorals Bristol Channel season start has been put back to Wednesday 6th July.
The scheduled trips for the first 7 days are:
Wednesday 6th Weston - 10.30, Penarth -11.30 to Ilfracombe and return.
Friday 8th Swansea - 10.00 to Ilfracombe (and Exmoor coast cruise - 14.30) and return.
Saturday 9th Penarth - 11.00, Clevedon - 12.00, Portishead - 12.30 cruise River Severn
Portishead - 14.00, Clevedon - 14.30, Penarth - 15.30 cruise Holms Islands
Clevedon - 17.30/19.30 Fireworks Showboat Penarth - 22.30, Clevedon 23.30
Sunday 10th Penarth - 11.00, Clevedon - 12.15, Bristol - 13.30 Cruise 3 Rivers, 5 Bridges and return.
Monday 11th Clevedon - 11.15, Penarth - 12.30, Minehead - 14.15 Cruise Porlock Bay and return.
Tuesday 12th Penarth - 08.00, Ilfracombe - 10.45, Padstow - 14.15 - 15.15 and return.
The scheduled trips for the first 7 days are:
Wednesday 6th Weston - 10.30, Penarth -11.30 to Ilfracombe and return.
Friday 8th Swansea - 10.00 to Ilfracombe (and Exmoor coast cruise - 14.30) and return.
Saturday 9th Penarth - 11.00, Clevedon - 12.00, Portishead - 12.30 cruise River Severn
Portishead - 14.00, Clevedon - 14.30, Penarth - 15.30 cruise Holms Islands
Clevedon - 17.30/19.30 Fireworks Showboat Penarth - 22.30, Clevedon 23.30
Sunday 10th Penarth - 11.00, Clevedon - 12.15, Bristol - 13.30 Cruise 3 Rivers, 5 Bridges and return.
Monday 11th Clevedon - 11.15, Penarth - 12.30, Minehead - 14.15 Cruise Porlock Bay and return.
Tuesday 12th Penarth - 08.00, Ilfracombe - 10.45, Padstow - 14.15 - 15.15 and return.
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