Tesco's Reading

Took the boat past Tesco Reading mooring earlier this week; there were not any boats moored there at all which is the first I've seen it like that in 2 years at Thames & Kennet. A couple of hundred yards further downstream the usual group of non-movers was still there against the riverbank, but the actual embanked section by the Tesco sign was totally clear.

I could not see any restrictions signs, of any variety, at all on the frontage.

Couple of pics, heading up and downstream - you can see the white Tesco sign in both.

https://1drv.ms/f/s!Aqo8-z87gv6PoeRhtAF0rwlHDL4FMA
 
jct1981 said:
Took the boat past Tesco Reading mooring earlier this week; there were not any boats moored there at all which is the first I've seen it like that in 2 years at Thames & Kennet. A couple of hundred yards further downstream the usual group of non-movers was still there against the riverbank, but the actual embanked section by the Tesco sign was totally clear.

I could not see any restrictions signs, of any variety, at all on the frontage.

Couple of pics, heading up and downstream - you can see the white Tesco sign in both.

https://1drv.ms/f/s!Aqo8-z87gv6PoeRhtAF0rwlHDL4FMA
Click to expand...

Thanks for those.
Being of a compromising nature, it appears to me that your photos show a reasonable compromise and was the situation in past years - the 'residents' keep to the less attractive (though eminently moorable) parts of the length, leaving the wooden staging area for those who want to stop for an hour or two.

It's going to be an ever increasing problem with more and more folks taking to the water for cost and other reasons. Hitting them with fines and worse won't solve the problem - for practical reasons. EA don't have the resources and it's not their problem.
I wish I had a practical solution or idea...

Great to see someone wearing a St. Piran as an ensign.
 
Yep, I'd say that's a fair description of how it appears to be. There's also some more 'residents' immediately downstream of the Kennet & Avon intersection, but it was chucking it down with rain there and I could barely see, let alone take a photo.

I do hope it stays that way - it's very useful to fill up with drinks at Tesco - not been able to do that this year. Let's hope it continues to be like this for the season. Worth bearing in mind that access to the K&A is closed until March - that might change things when Blakes Lock re-opens.

Glad you noticed the St Pirans flag - it's surprising how many comments it gets on a daily basis :)
 
jct1981 said:
Yep, I'd say that's a fair description of how it appears to be. There's also some more 'residents' immediately downstream of the Kennet & Avon intersection, but it was chucking it down with rain there and I could barely see, let alone take a photo.

I do hope it stays that way - it's very useful to fill up with drinks at Tesco - not been able to do that this year. Let's hope it continues to be like this for the season. Worth bearing in mind that access to the K&A is closed until March - that might change things when Blakes Lock re-opens.

Glad you noticed the St Pirans flag - it's surprising how many comments it gets on a daily basis :)
Click to expand...

It always seemed a bit daft to wear a civil ensign on inland waters - after all it's a given that almost all of the vessels on a river or canal would be 'British registered' - so I wear something different which upsets some of current and one late member of this forum. I have a collection of small flags that I put up from time to time and as you notice you get comments.
To my mind it makes using the river much more pleasant - folks say - 'what's that flag' and a conversation ensues.
 
Not turning this into a Flag thread (I've seen them and run a mile!), but I also sport the red ensign on the stern. The Cornish flag has the extra use of coming in handy to judge the wind when mooring.

Apparently you can still get served at Tesco with a skull & crossbones, as the local residents prove :)
 
TrueBlue said:
It always seemed a bit daft to wear a civil ensign on inland waters - after all it's a given that almost all of the vessels on a river or canal would be 'British registered' - so I wear something different which upsets some of current and one late member of this forum. I have a collection of small flags that I put up from time to time and as you notice you get comments.
To my mind it makes using the river much more pleasant - folks say - 'what's that flag' and a conversation ensues.
Click to expand...

You'll be pleased to see there's some precedent for sporting different flags, including St Piran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGQpjkaDRx4
 
jct1981 said:
You'll be pleased to see there's some precedent for sporting different flags, including St Piran
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGQpjkaDRx4
Click to expand...

Ah yes, but the multitudinous flags are being flown - no problem there, it's when you wear a flag on an ensign staff that the challenges start!
Many years ago I wore an obsolete White Ensign (to my mind being obsolete and therefore no longer an Ensign or national flag, the rules did not apply). Somebody in the Cookham reach 'phoned the lockie and commanded that I took it down. I politely refused and explained why - which was accepted and subsequently had many pleasant conversations with the lockie.
That made me realise that lockies have an interest in what goes along in their 'domain' and enjoy friendly discussions with boaters. They are not merely button pushers.
 
TrueBlue said:
Ah yes, but the multitudinous flags are being flown - no problem there, it's when you wear a flag on an ensign staff that the challenges start!
Many years ago I wore an obsolete White Ensign (to my mind being obsolete and therefore no longer an Ensign or national flag, the rules did not apply). Somebody in the Cookham reach 'phoned the lockie and commanded that I took it down. I politely refused and explained why - which was accepted and subsequently had many pleasant conversations with the lockie.
That made me realise that lockies have an interest in what goes along in their 'domain' and enjoy friendly discussions with boaters. They are not merely button pushers.
Click to expand...
In what sense was your white ensign "obsolete"?
 
TrueBlue said:
It's a pre-1801 ensign - therefore superseded - therefore obsolete?
Picture below -
Click to expand...

I can see why you were challenged, not easy to spot the missing red diagonals at a quick glance.
Me thinks you were waving the proverbial at the bulls :)
After all not many Narrowboats in the Royal Yacht Squadron!
 
oldgit said:
This one should keep the forum going until at least spring.....?
Click to expand...

You cant beat an argument on Flags. I am going to join the Cruising Association so i can get a better flag. Surprised the RYA never offered it too.

Some smart alec lockie will come along and tell me why in a minute. Aint that right Keith?
 
Chris_d said:
I can see why you were challenged, not easy to spot the missing red diagonals at a quick glance.
Me thinks you were waving the proverbial at the bulls :)
After all not many Narrowboats in the Royal Yacht Squadron!
Click to expand...

Ah yes, but it's One's membership, not One's boat... and you're right about the previous statement - but most boaters ignore it, so the object of starting a polite conversation is lost. I don't think anyone cares.
I only wear it on sunny Bank Holidays and Henley week.
 
Nicely explained, I was a boater huffing and puffing about narrow boats flying white ensigns early in the season. Good job I kept stum.
 
Newbroom said:
Nicely explained, I was a boater huffing and puffing about narrow boats flying white ensigns early in the season. Good job I kept stum.
Click to expand...

AFAIK I'm the only one who's done the research - if only to wear said flag with a clear conscience. I've no idea if my idea would hold water with the Flag Institute and I don't know of any other organization which does. There's no Authority establishment on the inland waterways with the power or will to seize an offending flag anyway
I've not seen any NBs (or other craft for that matter) wearing a White - but an increasing number if boats wearing a Cross of St. George which I deplore, because I see it as the domain of the Little Ships - so I wont.


There's little point in any flag etiquette on the non tidal Thames or the canals as you're not at sea and the need for identifying the vessel's nationality is pointless.

A proper sense of decorum and 'good form' is another matter
 
boatone said:
Surprising what a thread about Tesco’s Reading can throw up - still, I suppose every little helps !
Click to expand...

It's that old adversary Frederic Drift alive and well and working his craft.
My innocent comment on a black and white flag cranked FD's process into life. However, I'm no apologetic about the diversion.
 
So am I going to be ok cruising down the Thames in July 2017 with the red ensign at the stern and the Lincolnshire flag beside the mast head light?

Or will we be birched?
 
CX54WEK said:
So am I going to be ok cruising down the Thames in July 2017 with the red ensign at the stern and the Lincolnshire flag beside the mast head light?

Or will we be birched?
Click to expand...

No, but if you ask the EA's small blonde team leader, she may get her cat out for you ...
 
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