I met with the VLKs at Old Ford Lock 8 and we chatted about changes that might be made to the usage of the shelter there, and to Bow Wharf and Old Ford Lock 19, none of which seemed particularly heartening, but one never knows how things will turn out. One of the VLKs let me know about another facility that was a little away from the beaten track, and I'm tracking down information about it and whether it can be added to my 'boaters facilities information' ideas.
I grabbed a half-dozen 'Thank You For Slowing Down' signs and set off down the Hertford Union. There were 'Wet Paint' signs at the locks, and (mirabile dictu!) the lock gear at each lock had received a fresh coat of paint. But still no signage to direct boaters to shut the gates after use. Another small improvement, nonetheless.
I also met with some volunteers from the local swan rescue charity that had just removed some distressed swans and coots from alongside the White Post cafe/bar. Apparently the birds had swum through a spillage of cooking oil that caused them severe distress, and which killed one cygnet - at this stage no-one knew what the spillage was. It was only when the birds were examined at the swan sanctuary that the cause and extent of their problem became clear.
At the junction I reported a boat that was tearing out a canalside coping stone with its anchor.
Then I headed for the Lea Rowing Club. Along the way I met S, our local contact there, and he accompanied me as we discussed the issues facing rowers. Rowers see the river from a very different angle from most users, being low to the water's surface their visibility is greatly limited by poorly moored boats - I hope we can find some ways that we can show the river from this rather difficult point of view.
At home I spent quite some time firing off emails to Enquiries London and Darren Starling to try and sort out my questions about my day. This paperwork lark - it's a bit of a pain, but I suspect I'll be doing more and more of it!
way to go Giles, Cheers, Richard
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