Just to remind you... It was the 14th December, last year, that Patricia landed in the car park at Western Depot in a rather neglected and tired condition. So, today, was a significant milestone in the restoration process. If you have been following this Blog, you'll be only too aware of all the eventful trials and tribulations we have enjoyed/endured along the way.
Moving swiftly onto today. It all started in a spookily familiar way with the installation of some coat hooks and a shelf under the sink/hob unit, together with some electrical tests on the alternator, but then shortly afterwards, the team were sat in the facilities cabin, firstly checking the tea brewing capability along with some fine home made cake (thanks Leonie) and then reviewing the test plan, operating procedure and risk assessments - all this with the firm ambition to set sail now that the safety case for stability has been satisfied and closed. Ah! The joys of running hot water and a warm towel on the rad' to clean sticky fingers cannot be underestimated.
So we cast off. and headed due west towards the Dredging Team at Ryeford.
With the engine room running on impulse power, we slowly acclimatised with the unfamiliar practice of steering from the front with the rudder at the back. Turning the boat about at Ebley proved quite tricky, especially trying to locate a spot that was sufficiently wide enough to spin her around. With a push and shove at the third attempt, she eventually yielded.
Steadily we closed in on the Dredger boys, all who seemed to be standing on various decks taking photo's for some reason!
After a late lunch, we drifted pass by their work site and downed anchor (well, put the legs down) along side Weft. There then commenced a period of dredging whilst at the same time learning about the dynamics of how the boom functioned together with changes in the leg stability as the bottom of the canal, or the silt, supported the loads. Checks around the engine room at close of play produced nothing of concern. The hydraulic oil circuits were cool and the engine had not developed any rattles. Early days, but we were all extremely pleased with the days events and outcome.
Patricia will remain on site ready for further tests and evaluation prior to formally entering service.
It has to be said that the sight of two dredgers in action certainly impressed us and our Chairman of Trust who was visibly excited by it all! Well done and thanks to all the team that has helped us achieve this major milestone.
