by: Peter A.
With the imminent re-floating of our rebuilt dredger, the opportunity was seized today to formally name the vessel 'Augustus Gloop'. A name unofficially carried in the past.
Following final preparations for the big day, a temporary nameplate was made, affixed and then it was on with the naming ceremony.
Not wishing to waste a fine bottle of bubbly on the tarmac, an alternative method was sort. So a large bottle of Phase 1B water was collected and then ceremoniously crushed in the jaws of the clam shell.
Tomorrow Augustus Gloop will be lifted out of Western Depot's yard where it has rested for the past year and secured to a lorry for the short journey to Dudbridge Wharf, where she will return to the Stroudwater Canal, together with one of two 50ft mud hoppers. A second mud hopper will later be craned into the water up near Stroud Brewery where the task of dredging will begin, so that in the near future, we can navigate there for a pint of fine ale.
Dredger No.5 has been with us many years and provided sterling service. Here she is in the late 80's at work near Wycliffe Boat House.
(Picture: Richard A.)