THAMES SAILING BARGE

Friends are invited aboard wooden sailing barge “Hydrogen” for a cruise on Saturday 8^th July 2017.

Departing from Midland Road at St Pancras (0830) and Newbury Park Central Line (0915), we make our way directly to Maldon on the River Crouch, where we join the magnificent wooden sailing barge 'Hydrogen'.

Morning coffee will be served on arrival at Maldon. We set sail with the tide at 1140, our cruise taking us past the impressive statue of Byrhtnoth guarding the town; he led the Anglo-Saxon forces at the Battle of Maldon in 991 against the Vikings. This six-foot high popular military legend of the time was killed in the early part of the battle. We will pass the RSPB Bird Sanctuary of Northey Island. Over to our left will be Heybridge Basin, which is the entrance to the Chelmer and Blackwater Canal, owned and operated by the Inland Waterways Association. We then pass Millbeach and the privately owned Osea Island, with its interesting history - this is a beautiful stretch of this historic river, with its extensive bird and wildlife and a wide selection of other craft.

We return to our mooring where a gastronomic meal awaits.

After lunch, we rejoin our coach for the short journey to the Maldon Museum of Power, a quirky but interesting visit. They have one of the largest steam-powered pumping engines in the country which they will run for us. Tea/coffee and a pastry will be served before we depart for London - estimated arrival about 1900.

The cost of this tour includes return coach travel from London, morning coffee, Thames Barge cruise, 3-course lunch with tea/coffee, visit to Maldon Museum of Power, afternoon tea and pastry, plus the services of the LTMF Tour Manager.  Total cost is £75.00pp – FRIENDS ONLY

To book, please complete the form in the Spring 2017 issue of Friends News.