Cruise the Ouse
Barbara Penniall, Secretary of the Electric Boat Association, spent a weekend in May cruising the Great Ouse along with 9 other boats. Read all about her weekend on the river.
The weekend had been forecast ‘hot and sunny' and they were nearly right but ‘scorching' would have been better. Yes we had umbrellas up and this year it was not for rain but to offer shade.
A very cheerful crowd gathered at Jones' Boatyard, St Ives, Cambridgeshire to launch a variety of boats. Mick Jones had offered their launching and trailer parking facilities in support of our cruise to promote electric boating and the Environment Agency had very kindly issued us with an exemption. Both these areas of co-operation enabled us to encourage boaters to come from other parts of the country to join us and a flotilla of silent electric craft drew a great deal of attention over the weekend.
EBA (Electric Boat Association) members had trailed boats from Sheffield, Berkshire, Hampshire, Hertshire, Essex, Surrey, Northamptonshire as well as those from local waterways and we had a good range of craft from a tiny Seahopper (a fold-up boat), open launches, solar powered craft, skiffs and a classic 110 year old 18ft launch converted from steam to electric propulsion. We had plenty of passengers, including Rolf Schmidt who had travelled from Scotland. Rolf operates ‘New Era' the solar powered trip boat on the Caledonian Canal near Inverness.
So with much laughter and lashings of sun cream we set off downstream and almost immediately entered St Ives lock. That was an impressive sight as 10 electric boats and a couple of stray cruisers completely filled the lock, drawing the attention we now take for granted. This is a guillotine lock and in the past it has been an unwelcome drenching for those first out under the dripping gate, but on this day it was a welcome cool shower. From there we cruised towards Holywell, an area famous for its reeds and rushes which are gathered each July and August by the same family who have had the harvesting rights for many generations. After drying and sorting, the reeds are used for thatching and matting, and also chair seats. The village itself is named after the ‘Holy Well' which can be found at the bottom of the hill below the church and is credited with having healing properties.
We cruised on in perfect weather, sometimes easing around corners on this particularly beautiful stretch of 
river, sliding under trees to gain a few minutes' shade and accompanied by a welcome gentle breeze. We passed the Ferry Boat Inn and I started to explain that the spirit of a young girl who hanged herself haunted this pub and was reputed to walk from her grave under a slab in the bar to her place of death. However, I remembered that four of our company were booked into b&b there, so reflected it might not be the best time to recount that tale!
Our lunch stop was taken at the Pike and Eel Inn, boats moored and very welcome and delicious refreshments enjoyed by our relaxed and cheerful group. Almost immediately we crossed the Greenwich Meridian and cruised through to Brownshill Staunch. This is an unmanned guillotine lock and as we filled the lock we had lots of laughter and help operating the electric gates. Again, the sight of a lock completely filled with electric boats drew lots of attention and we spent our time answering questions and providing information about our environmentally friendly boating.
The Staunch marks the limit of the tidal stretch and the river opens up into low lying flood plains. We cruised on through fenlands towards Earith and on this stretch there is a good view of Bluntisham Rectory, former home of the detective story writer, Dorothy L Sayers and the site of the Old Slepe Hall of St Ives, where Oliver Cromwell is reputed to have lived in 1631.
Our happy crews, nicely toasted by this time, drew into Westview Marina where we were warmly welcomed by Les and Elaine Fidler. Arrangements were made to retrieve cars left at Jones' Boatyard and members regrouped after booking into their overnight accommodation. A wonderful spread had been organised and the time was spent eating, drinking and chatting during a perfect summer's evening.
Sunday dawned equally sunny and everyone met again for an early start. Boats were uncovered, although some had been left open as the weather was so good, and in excellent spirits we set off again towards St Ives. Although we were retracing our route from the previous day, the morning light threw a new aspect on the scenery and of course we encountered different craft on the river and in the lock. Refreshments were passed from boat to boat and as usual we were a cheerful procession drawing envious glances from anyone encountered on the way.
Heading through St Ives lock, we decided that in view of the exceptional weather, the proposed mooring for lunch on a stretch of meadowland beyond the town might be rather crowded, but we were offered a member's mooring and a shady garden in St Ives, for which we were very grateful, as for once we were looking for respire from the sun over lunch. Food was again produced and everyone tucked in with renewed appetites from a morning spent on a beautiful and unspoilt river amongst good friends.
Another short trip further upstream was undertaken by some of the boats and this stretch, towards Hemingford Grey opens yet another very different vista from the river. The boats cruised past Ingle Holt Island, but then decided to turn back towards St Ives, with it's distinctive bridge chapel, one of only three in the country. Trailers and cars were retrieved, boats recovered at Jones', and we reluctantly parted company, agreeing that this had been a brilliant weekend - the warmth of the sunshine only surpassed by the warmth of the companionship enjoyed by everyone present. Thank you to everyone who made it such an excellent cruising weekend.
For more information about the Electric Boat Association, please contact Barbara Penniall, Tel: 01491 681449, email or visit our website.