Silly noises

[byron]

South Stoke Parish Council are still making silly noises about a footbridge from South Stoke to Moulsford. Whilst one could be started on South Stoke Ferry Lane, where would it land in Moulsford? I can only assume a rope hanging down that people could shin up and down because there's no place to 'land' the bridge on the Beetle & Wedge side.
Additional practicalities would be supports. There's no way these could be in the river thus changing flows and currents. Bridge height too, can you imagine the outcry if craft couldn't freely pass under? I'm sure folk here can think of a multitude of other reasons the idea isn't feasible.

What could have legs is the possibility of a Ferry after all there used to be one here. This is something they are also making noises about. Here they would only have to worry about the cost of a suitable craft plus maintenance, a drivers wages and lord knows what the insurance cost would be. There would also be the need for a suitable landing stage this side and keeping the Beetle's side free of visiting boats assuming of course the Beetle allow their jetty to be used.

Comments please.

 

[boatone]

It isn't April Fool's day until Monday, Byron !

 

[byron]

It isn't April Fool's day until Monday, Byron !

I kid you not. I thought this crazy idea was chucked out as impractical over a year ago but evidentially it's on the agenda again.

 

[boatone]

Just ask 'em where the money is coming from. That should make it go away!

 

[Brayman]

I'm sure a crossing point would be useful to people on both sides of the river, but like you I can't see any obvious place other than the old ferry point. Anywhere else up river is too far away from roads and dwellings. a bridge would probably look out of place given that it would need to look like the one at Hurley I assume. Maybe a mini-Tower Bridge operated by remote control would do the trick? An efficient ferry would seem to be the most obvious solution, electrically powered charged from your boat house would provide some income for you

 

[byron]

Just ask 'em where the money is coming from. That should make it go away!

I did when they mooted our own Wind Farm to provide the village with cheap energy. They haven't a clue.

 

[sturmvogel190a]

Is the slipway still in front of the boathouse Byron?? was it a public one?? When kate and Richard first took over the Beetle i seem to remember that she said it was public but may be wrong...long time ago .
Steve

 

[byron]

Yes! The slip is still there but access is somewhat restricted unless you can carry a dinghy/canoe to it.

 

[TrueBlue]

Being a boater with very little sense -

how about attaching a pedestrian walkway to the side of the rail bridge as an idea?
easy to be shot down:-
It would have to be on the non-Brunel side. I'm sure his arch is Grade 1 *** and accordingly can't even be cleaned......
Building the pedestrian bit with stairs - it's a long way up to the parapet, but possible.
What would be the killer is that wheel chair access and corresponding ramps would cost a lorra more money.

Potty ideas often come to fruition.....

ps: Byron you avatar makes me seasick - Ashmount going downhill upsets my equilibrium - perhaps m'lud B1 cound photoshop something....

 

[SnowCat]

Potty ideas often come to fruition.....

ps: Byron you avatar makes me seasick - Ashmount going downhill upsets my equilibrium - perhaps m'lud B1 cound photoshop something....

If you reflects it, it'll be going to the right and uphill. Better?