Day 13 and the first issue

The continuing fine weather makes things so much easier, even if the ground is hard under foot. It makes this sort of job comparatively straightforward:

Marquee walking

One or two of the marquees ended up in the wrong place, and had to be moved. As long as they are not too large, the easiest way is just to pick them up. Here a blue shirt team is doing just that; my thanks to Chris Sheppard for the photo.

On our way into site yesterday, we collected our boater's pack of various leaflets and stuff, and this year's plaque.

Waterspace reception

There are now lots of wrg volunteers about, and at least one seems to have been taken in hand by Martin the American:

A well deserved rest

Here are a selection of photos from around site yesterday morning:

Site 3 demonstrating his marquee movement directing skills

Rigging the IWA marquee

 Shell stands have to be assembled in a giant 3D jigsaw.

RCR delivering Tony Brooks's engines

 River Canal Rescue sponsors well known boat engineering expert Tony Brooks to give a series of mini workshops, one of the best deals in the show. They are free, you don't have to book, and Tony really knows his stuff about engines, stern glands, electrics, you name it.

The Fun Fair

 Kids under 16 with an accompanying adult come into the event free, but they do have to pay to go on the Fun Fair rides.

Guy and Connie

Guy is looking after the Arena PA system this year, and here he is bustling about with his partner Connie.

On the canal, the boats pack closer and closer, and even seasoned boaters like the National Chairman can find it a bit of a challenge:

Clive Henderson arrives

Watching the fun was one of our ECOs, Mitch Gozna:

Strangely not distracting Clive at all

ECO stands for Emergency Control Officer. We have two, so that one is on watch all the time, ready to take over if there's any kind of emergency, from a lost child to a serious injury to a bomb scare. As a serving police officer, Mitch is well qualified to fulfill the role.

The Shunt

 One of the more unusual boats on display is this extension to a 56 footer. Her owner had had his original boat stretched once already at Streethay Wharf, and wanted more room yet. He didn't want to lose cruising grounds by going over 58', so designed and built this little push tow, the stern of which wraps around the bow of the main boat. If you come to the show, don't miss it.

We printed nearly 1000 copies of the first issue of The Shobnall Shoveler. Here's the team folding them ready for distribution:

The SS team

After the copies had been folded and sorted, the team set out in all directions taking them to the boaters, campers, traders and everyone else we can think of.

Finally, last night we went to the traditional Wednesday evening Chinese meal for the workers. It was very good, one of the best we can remember. After the meal, the Festivals Chairman, Ian West, gave his usual speech of appreciation for all the hard work. He also announced that the 2013 Festival will probably be at Newbury, on the K&A, subject to final negotiations.