havengore

The number to ring for the bridge operator at Havengore bridge is 01702 383436. I believe this number may only be available when the bridge is actually in use which is normally within 2 hours either side of high water. At times other than weekends it may open by prior permission. For further information on the Havengore route try this web page:
http://www.paglesham.org.uk/rsa/
 
I recognise that passage of text.... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

We'd found that one too.... but its a bit late to find out that it isn't working when you call up 2 hrs before passing through!

Someone mentioned recently that the bridge was closed until further notice, and Clive was wondering if that was still the case.....
 
I always give them a call on the HW before I wish to pass through just to check. I am always hearing about the bridge being closed UFN, but it has always been in operation whenever I have needed to use it.
 
Crouch, Roach and Havengore Ch 80
Havengore Lift Bridge (Shoe Bridge), also call Range Officer
(Shoe Base) for clearance (24h notice required) Ch72

The Havengore Route
Havengore Creek provides a route between the Thames Estuary and the rivers Roach and Crouch, without the need to go East around the Maplin Sands and Foulness island - a saving of some 15-20 miles. It has been used for centuries by coastal vessels, notably the East coast sailing barges. It is, however, only suitable for shoal draft boats and experienced skippers. In strong winds with a southerly element, this route is not a good idea; but in the right circumstances it is an interesting and time-saving route.

The Maplin sands, which must be crossed to access the creek, are a Ministry of Defence firing range. Refer to the notes on your chart or pilot for current details of flags and signals. Most boats crossing from the Thames go between the artificial island (near S. Shoebury buoy) and the Blacktail West post. On this route there are a number of large posts which were presumably once intended to be a guide to the best water. There is at least one marked wreck near the route, and may be other unmarked obstructions from time to time. Those with local knowledge sometimes cut across the sands from the Inner Shoebury beacon.

The Broomway, an old road which is still a public right of way, crosses the sands about half a mile from, and parallel with, the sea wall. The road is indiscernible from the surrounding sand in most places, apart from an occasional short post, so it does not obstruct navigation. However there is a sand bar across the creek entrance itself, rising a metre or so above the surrounding sands. There are channels through this bar, and one is normally marked by red & green steel withies. The best water channel inside the bar is to the centre of the creek, favouring the NE side.

In a number of places near the sea walls are metal obstructions which are to be avoided.

In the creek entrance is the Havengore Bridge, a lifting bascule type, operated by the MOD. Unless the ranges are in use, the bridge is normally manned 1-2 hours each side of high water during daylight hours. Vessels intending to use the creek should contact the bridgekeeper on VHF 72 (callsign "shoe bridge") . On a number of occasions in recent years, the bridge has been out of action, so it's a good idea to check. The bridge keeper usually notes the name of each vessel passing through.

Just inside the bridge, the way divides on two sides of Rushey Island. The southern way is rather shallow, so most vessels take the Narrow Cuts which is marked with withies. Opposite the end of the Narrow Cuts is Potton Island; the route North from here runs directly to the Roach. The southern route round Potton is more tortuous and shallow, but leads through a swing bridge to the Roach above Paglesham, and to Barling.

The Crouch Harbour Authority are based at Burnham (Harbourmaster's Office 01621 783602) only open 0930 to 1130 weekdays.www.crouchharbour.org
 
All seems to be working again now.A mate of mine came through from the Roach to the Thames on Sunday morning. Managed to creep over in his Southerly, even on the neaps.
 
[ QUOTE ]
The number to ring for the bridge operator at Havengore bridge is 01702 383436. .............

[/ QUOTE ].
The phone number I have is 01702 383211 ?????
 
It draws about 2'6" I believe. She is a Southerly 28 of about mid 70's vintage I would guess. He came through the bridge at about HW -2hrs then just waited for the tide to make to get over the Broomway.
Andy
 
You could well be right, its just the number I have. They are both obviously on the same MIL exchange, with the 383 start of number.
 
It was a very low HW this weekend only about 5.0m. I would think if you chose a tide nearer springs you would stand be ok. Might be worth asking on the forum about what draft's have come through that route.
Andy
 
All, FYI: Number for the bridge operator is 01702 383436, available +/- 2 hours of HT
Number of Range control: 01702 383211.
Have called them both today (on these numbers), and confirmed no firing tomorrow (1/6/07) for passage around HT at 1:20pm and bridge operator will be there.
 
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