teddington lock website

Its run by a good friend of mine Howard and Rod who are the lock keepers there.

Both have lived in Teddington most their lives and do this in their spare time.

All the pix are his (with a few exceptions) but I guess there is not much else to do at 0500 hours on a cold winters morning on the lock island!

I will pass on your comments
 
Hi all,

Just a quick note to say that the link above is a bit out of date ....

Not quite sure where it came from , but it is showing the last update as late May .... there is a lot more on there now.

The correct link is www.teddington-lock.co.uk ...

Hope some of you find it interesting and useful , any comments gratefully received .

Regards

Howard
 
Although he probably doesn't remember me I spoke with Howard before navigating the Tidal Thames this year. Howard was very friendly and helpful, obviously a real enthusiast and a mine of information.

Brilliant web site.

Thanks Howard
 
You chaps are too kind !!

Was wondering what sort of reception i was going to get after reading some of the opinions of the EA on the forum ....

Thanks everyone .
 
There's a definite difference between boaters perception of the EA (management) and those on the ground who know what's going on. Generally the latter will get plenty of praise because they earn it.
 
[ QUOTE ]
There's a definite difference between boaters perception of the EA (management) and those on the ground who know what's going on. Generally the latter will get plenty of praise because they earn it.

[/ QUOTE ]

I second what Ian says above.
 
Lock keepers

Almost without exception the resident keepers are a cheerful and informative bunch - and I know most of them as we go from top to tail at least once a year (but not this one).

There are one or two gloomy ones or perhaps it's me trying to be too cheerful and chatty. It takes all sorts.

I do, however, miss the characters such as Captain Ahab and the previous one at Romney. I hear tell that Dave at the "welsh lock" (well appeals to my sense of humour) is retiring / has retired this year. I will miss his dry wit. There may be others but I won't know that until next season.

Quite frankly, if it weren't for the front end staff (and that includes reliefs, summer assistants, and even some inspectors and drivers), we would probably be boating elsewhere.

So a profound thank-you to all over the last seven years, and I hope for many more despite the EU and Mr. Brown.

On the jolly bit, I am disappointed by the glum faces of many, many boaters who treat working through locks as a major inconvenience rather than part of the "experience". Methinks it helps to pass the time if one engages in pleasant conversation with those who do likewise. But, ho hum...
 
Re: Lock keepers

All i can say is thanks ... it's very encouraging to hear this.

I try and talk to most people who come through the lock ( unless we are mad busy ) even if just to say hello and wish them a safe journey as they leave. It costs nothing for me to be a happy chappie, i enjoy my job and i find it makes the day easier.

To be fair , we don't get many miseries at Teddington , mainly because people tend to come through us on the way to or on the way back from their destination , so they tend to be quite cheery ( even at 3 in the morning sometimes ) with the prospect of setting off on an adventure or being nearly home !

Dave at Boveney is a living legend, when i was a relief i worked with him quite a bit and as you say , his sense of humour is great !

As ever , if you find yourself at Teddington , come and have a natter and watch the world go by ( not at the moment though as the island looks like a battleground ) ...

Best wishes

H
 
Re: Lock keepers

Yep , the fish slapping dance was filmed at the lock ...

We have a blue plaque in the gauge house and a signed , framed photo of it in the entrance to the office...

fishslapcombined.JPG
 
Re: Lock keepers

Teddington and Fish Slapping was my son's introduction to Python, he asked why Daddy and friends had gone over to a small building, bowed to it and then danced about on the lockside pretending to hit each other.

The explanation did involve showing him the original and he became hooked. Another generation captured:-)
 
Hi teddington_lock

is Dudley Tyrrell still a member of your happy band, or has his own band taken him to pastures new? Saw him at last years Teddington Festival and thought it was brilliant. Must go again next year (by boat I hope). /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif
 
Not sure yet whether there will be a festival next year due to the devastation of the island ..... we will need the grass to regrow , and as such may have to postpone the festival for 2008 ....
 
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