The Pinkerton's Progress A NEW ENGINE - Part 2: The Return

Based on a report by Ron McLaughlin, with photos by Chris Guthrie

TRIP BOAT REVENUE All proceeds go towards maintaining and improving the canal.   1978 The first season (24 weeks) nearly 10,000 passengers. Income = over £6,000   1985 Full season - over 14,000 passengers. Income = £14,000   1990 Income = £20,500   1999 Since 1978 nearly 200,000 passengers carried; total income over the period - more than £200,000 (in today's money)

The new engine was to be fitted in the yard of Reading Marine, at Aldermaston, by the Kennet and Avon Canal. It is a Japanese Kubota, adapted for marine use by Beta Marine and comprising a complete package with gearbox, alternators control gear etc. Reading Marine completed the engine work in time for the boat to pass its annual DOT inspection whilst still at Aldermaston. Timing for the return voyage was a little worrying because it was necessary to bring the boat back by water yet lock closures on the Thames were to last until 7th March 1999, whilst the season was advertised to start on 30th March. The journey would also be dependent on the water flow down the Thames being at a navigable rate. Meanwhile, with the new engine fitted and ready to go, the 'Chief Wharfinger' stood guard. The return trip would have to be completed in only four days - from Aldermaston wharf, along the Kennet and Avon Canal, via the Thames and the Wey Navigation, and then to Mytchett on the Basingstoke Canal. However there was no shortage of offers of help to bring it back even though it would not be an easy trip since it was necessary to return as quickly as possible in 4 days working from dawn to dusk whilst living and sleeping aboard. On Sunday morning, 21 March 1999, the 'first shift' of the intrepid crew prepared to start. Sulhamstead Swing Bridge, on the Kennet and Avon Canal. The bridge requires 99 + 99 turns of the wheel to open and close.

Crewing the boat The trip boat is entirely run by volunteers. New crew members are always welcome - and needed. Would you like to take part? more

Waiting at County Lock and weir, Reading, for the 'green light' to proceed. Through one of the fine old stone arch bridges in Reading. Blake's Lock, Reading. The last lock on the Kennet and Avon Canal, and the end of the first day. On the Thames, and under Sonning Bridge on the morning of the second day, Monday 22 March 1999.

Approaching the bridge at Henley-on-Thames. Overnight mooring at Eton. The third day. Having left the river Thames and now at Thames Lock, the first lock on the Wey Navigation. A very tight turn into Town Lock, Weighbridge by the Old bridge. Cox's Mill and lock, on the Wey Navigation. The former mill is now residential apartments. Day 4, Wednesday 24 March 1999, and back, at last, on the Basingstoke Canal, at Lock 7, the start of the St Johns flight. The crew, at Curzon Bridge, Lock 25, Deepcut flight, after the John Pinkerton's 77-mile 4-day return voyage from 'foreign parts'. The boat had been away from the canal for just over two months. The new engine performs extremely well. It has plenty of power to both go and stop and it delivers this very smoothly and quietly and without the smoke that had become a feature of the old engine. The general consensus is that it makes the boat much more pleasant for both passengers and crew, even if it 'doesn't sound right!'     BACK

Last updated March 2000