On Tuesday 12 February Tarporley was part of ”CELEBRATION CENTRAL“ an event organised by Groundworks to celebrate London’s unique resource – The Regent’s Canal.
All the London community boats, the floating classroom (a great centre of interest, how could anyone devised such a disastrous boat construction?) and the London Canal Museum took part with many activities throughout the day. On board Tarporley we had a story teller, Ariane Hadjilias (pictured above), entertaining children with tales of dragons – a magical activity to start our year,
thank you yet again Groundworks and Andrea Vaillancourt-Alder.

They are all inside being treated to a hand massage.
It was a day out for the London YWCA Committee and they all reported having a brilliant day. For information of their work for London’s women see their web site — http://womaninlondon.
gn.apc.org/ywca.htm

On Saturday 23rd February Tarporley visited Camden Market (the locks being closed for maintenance), having to battle through strong winds, snow and sleet – but where are the passengers?

Sunday 17th March - Tarporley on her way to Victoria Park at City Road Lock, with some of the HEART GROUP

31st May until 12th June Tarporley provided support and accommodation for the Sir Steve Redgrave Charitable Trust’s Golden Jubilee Thames Walk, from the source of the River Thames at Cirencester in the Cotswolds to
St. Katherine’s Dock in the City of London.
Sir Steve Redgrave and fellow walkers pictured above arriving at St Katherine’s Dock on the 12th June, after their (and our) 175 miles treck.

Pictured Tarporley and The Venturer on St. Katherine’s pier ready to enter
St. Katherine’s Dock at the end of our trip.
(sadly they were not opening Tower Bridge for Tarp)

Tarporley sets off from Limehouse lock to discover the source of the River Thames
on Friday 24th May, John Sheridan ready to save the crew.

Ian Cooper and James Bill steer through the sights of London
(they also do sometimes look where they are going)

IS THIS THE FIRST SIGHTING OF A MERMAID ON THE THAMES?
No just James after a swim at Wallingford, when he lost his pants!

After battling against some terrible weather conditions over the week we arrive at Lechlade, this must be the navigational limit of the Thames as we went until we where firmly stuck in mud. Shaun Collins and James Bill pictured on our arrival
(I am the one taking the picture).

From 17th June Tarporley spent three great days away with lads (and teachers) from Chalcot School, Camden – never a dull moment with this lot.

<Saturday 22nd June was a great treat for us as it was spent in the company of a beautiful group of ladies from the YWCA – at the end of their cruise they expressed their joy of finding such pure relaxation.

Tuesday 25th June a week ago- the newley qualified doctors chill-out day

Sunday 23rd June saw some wild dancing on board Tarporley from the London Borough of Waltham Forest Housing group.

Tuesday 2nd July we had the most entertaining day possible with the Islington Pensioners Reminiscence Group.

Wednesday 26th June we had the most entertaining day possible with the Swiss Cottage Community Centre Pensioners Drama Group (Hampstead Theatre) – a day full of sun, fun, laughter and Pims - and Shaun falling in the water.

FOR MORE 2002 PICTURES
PART TWO / PART THREE