This is now the EIGHTH trip on the Thames Barge that Rtn Brian Dobinson has organised for us. Following a Covid-restricted hiatus we did manage to have a trip last year, and it was great to have this opportunity once again.
This year we had the pleasure of being joined by a number of non-Rotarian guests, one of whom, Bethany Butterworth, is a teacher at Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham; we often have interactions with her because of the “F1 in Schools” team that we support. Bethany has kindly shared her account of the trip:
“When Brian invited me to join him and the Rotary Club to set sail on the ‘Mirosa’ barge I certainly couldn’t turn him down. I’ve never been on a sail boat before and the opportunity to sail on a barge of this size with no engine was one I jumped at!
The day started at 9am where we met at the old Harty Ferry slipway at Oare Creek. We had our packed lunch and wellies at hand. We were met by a small tender boat and safely delivered to the barge. The weather was gloriously sunny with a good wind (the perfect day for sailing!)
The barge was beautiful, with so much character, and we were warmly greeted with a cup of tea and a croissant. We sailed along the Swale looking out at the scenery of the Emley Nature Reserve; the Church of St Thomas the Apostle at Harty in the far distance.
We stopped for lunch at midday and had a glass of wine and a picnic in the sunshine on deck. After this we continued to sail with everyone enjoying the views! We only lost one hat between us!
The day was completed at 4pm with another cup of tea and some scones before returning to shore. It was a really lovely day that I will never forget.”
– Bethany Butterworth
Picture: Composite picture showing some of the rigging etc. on the SB Mirosa. Picture credit: Bethany Butterworth/Rotary Club of Canterbury.
