All aboard!!

On Friday 21^st July a bold band of the members of the Rotary Club of Rayleigh Mill requisitioned the Thames Barge “Hydrogen” out of Maldon to conduct a recognisance of the river Blackwater as far as Osea Island.

Members of the Rotary Club were joined by partners, friends and members of Hockley Bowling Club to enjoy a leisurely trip under sail eastwards with a following wind along the river, passing many well-known land marks while passing the time, not only enjoying the scenery and the activities on the river, admiring the skills of the helmsman and his very capable ship’s mate, but also indulging in some convivial conversation with friends old and new and participating in sampling the delights of the on-board bar.

Having almost reached their objective of Osea Island the captain went about, took in the sails, started the engine and motored back to the quayside at Maldon where the ships company partook of a “hard tack” cream tea.

All participants enjoyed a bracing afternoon on the river on a unique boat and expressed their thanks to the organiser, our Social Secretary, Alec Gibb, and look forward to his next exciting adventure