L. Bain & Co Ltd

WORKBOATS AND SHIPPING SERVICES

Thames Barge driving dates back over 100 years, however can still be seen today in events such as the Thames Barge Race.

On the 15th July 2005 the Thames barge race took part in London. The Race started at 1300hrs at Greenwich and saw a number of Thames lighters driven by Thames Watermen and Lightermen in the Traditional manner. This year's theme was "Bygone Days". The barges were driven up to Westminster Bridge by 10 crews. The first across the line was the Port of London Authorities Barge "Blackwall" closely followed by Shaun Collins Lighterage "Balmoral". It was a sight to see all the traditional barges still about and still being handled under oars.

Barge Positions:

1st             Blackwall

2nd            Balmoral

3rd            Grace

4th            Dolphin

5th            Jake E Boy

6th            Spirit of Mountbatten

7th            Ditton

8th            Hoppy

9th            Benjamin

10th          Jane

Support Craft                                                    Barges preparing to Race

Diana                                                                     Hoppy

Crew of the Hoppy                                                Barges passing the London eye

Balmoral                                                                Finishing Line

Shrimpers Regatta                    Gravesend                    Sunday 13th August 2006             1300hrs

Barge Positions:

1st    Spirit of Mountbatten

2nd   Diana

3rd   Hoppy                    

If you missed the barges they can still be seen racing on the following days:

    Fowder Cup                             Kings reach                   17th September 2006

    Medway Driving Race                Gillingham                    UnKnown                                   ?

    Thames Barge Race                   Greenwich                    2007       

Contact info:

Office:               01634 290488

Mobile (24Hrs):  07973 303442  

Fax:                  01474 363025   

Email:               info@thamesworkboats.co.uk

If you are experiencing any problems with this website please contact R. Bain
Last modified: Friday, 18 August 2006