miket
Well-Known Member
I will apologise to TL in advance ......
Following the death of my 50 year old cousin last November we managed to pursuade his widow and 2 kids (10 and 16) to join us for a day on the river, just as a small distraction.
Our 1st lock was Sonning where we are known by the regular lock keeper and with whom we always have a chat.
Having waited a short while the gates opened and boats exited and Mary Stuart, a smallish passenger boat, entered leaving a perfectly adequate space behind.
Whilst waiting, I had been giving my young crew some tuition in rope throwing, but it was his 1st time on any boat.
We entered the lock and my wife threw her bow line and secured back on board. Unfortunately my new stern crew got his knitting in a muddle. I said for him to take his time and sort the rope, whilst I held the boat in place with the engines. No problem.
I was then asked by the assistant lock keeper (I assume volunteer, but not concerned one way or the other) to turn off my engines as he had already invited 4 or 5 canadian canoes to come into the lock behind me and they were understandably suffering from my exhaust (actually very clean).
I politely advised him that we were not yet secured at the stern, but would switch off as soon as secure.
I might add that we were quite close to the stern of Mary Stuart.
I was then shouted at to turn off my engines. I ignored him. Shortly we were secured and I was able to turn off my engines.
I apologised to the canoes and explained the reasons and they were totally understanding and quite embarrassed. They were not sure why the assistant had not told them to go alongside us but perhaps the assistant felt we might squash them?
Whatever the reasons, there was no need for such rudeness. It was embarrassing for my guests, the canoists and any bystanders.
The lock keeper himself had disappeared and I suspect he was also embarassed.
A neighbouring bertholder had a similar contretemps with this assistant earlier in the week.
Quite honestly, I would rather work the lock myself if this is the sort of person EA are using. Had a I been new to boating it may well have put me off the Thames for life and there are few enough boats on the move as it is without losing more.
Next time we go downstream, probably this weekend, I shall try to hold my tongue if he is on duty again but I will not if he so much as utters any word of rebuke.
Justified rant over!!
PS I hope "Angela" from EA is still reading these posts and I sincerely hope that this individual is told to adopt a nicer attitude to his customers.
Following the death of my 50 year old cousin last November we managed to pursuade his widow and 2 kids (10 and 16) to join us for a day on the river, just as a small distraction.
Our 1st lock was Sonning where we are known by the regular lock keeper and with whom we always have a chat.
Having waited a short while the gates opened and boats exited and Mary Stuart, a smallish passenger boat, entered leaving a perfectly adequate space behind.
Whilst waiting, I had been giving my young crew some tuition in rope throwing, but it was his 1st time on any boat.
We entered the lock and my wife threw her bow line and secured back on board. Unfortunately my new stern crew got his knitting in a muddle. I said for him to take his time and sort the rope, whilst I held the boat in place with the engines. No problem.
I was then asked by the assistant lock keeper (I assume volunteer, but not concerned one way or the other) to turn off my engines as he had already invited 4 or 5 canadian canoes to come into the lock behind me and they were understandably suffering from my exhaust (actually very clean).
I politely advised him that we were not yet secured at the stern, but would switch off as soon as secure.
I might add that we were quite close to the stern of Mary Stuart.
I was then shouted at to turn off my engines. I ignored him. Shortly we were secured and I was able to turn off my engines.
I apologised to the canoes and explained the reasons and they were totally understanding and quite embarrassed. They were not sure why the assistant had not told them to go alongside us but perhaps the assistant felt we might squash them?
Whatever the reasons, there was no need for such rudeness. It was embarrassing for my guests, the canoists and any bystanders.
The lock keeper himself had disappeared and I suspect he was also embarassed.
A neighbouring bertholder had a similar contretemps with this assistant earlier in the week.
Quite honestly, I would rather work the lock myself if this is the sort of person EA are using. Had a I been new to boating it may well have put me off the Thames for life and there are few enough boats on the move as it is without losing more.
Next time we go downstream, probably this weekend, I shall try to hold my tongue if he is on duty again but I will not if he so much as utters any word of rebuke.
Justified rant over!!
PS I hope "Angela" from EA is still reading these posts and I sincerely hope that this individual is told to adopt a nicer attitude to his customers.
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