Gently Floating to Oblivion
Trafalgar Tavern, SE10
So what do we make of this, then folks?
I have often looked at this floating platform (well - floating when the tide's in, natch) and wondered about it. I wonder when it was built. I wonder who used it. I wonder what it was used for. I wonder when it stopped being used. Occasionally I even wonder what it would be like to get it restored and working again. But most of all I wonder how people managed to drink on that thing and not get extremely seasick.
Is it just me? Do any of you think it would be still enough to be able to sit out on and not get thrown about every time some police RIB or the spotty Clipper charged past? I mean - the basic idea feels extremely sound - sitting outside what I have to admit is still a beautiful watering hole on a sunny summer evening quaffing ale and looking out on a millpond Thames and the greenery of Island Gardens, gently being rocked into an alcoholic Nirvana by the soft rise and fall of the water. But in practice, would it actually be particularly pleasant?
Would you enjoy a pint on this ancient (or perhaps not-so-ancient - I know nothing about it) floating balcony - or would you just throw up? I'd give it a go - I could always take a couple of tablets first.
I guess it's all academic anyway. I'm sure that Greenwich Inc wouldn't be much inclined to spend the sort of cash something like that would need to get it beautiful again - and even if they were I daresay Health & Safety would have something to say about it. But as it is, it does feel very sad indeed. At high tide, it bobbles by the windows in a pleasing, desolate, slightly creepy fashion (at night my thoughts turn to ghostly Dickensian figures dancing a Victorian quadrille upon it, attended by spectral moonlit musicians) but at low tide it is a sorry sight indeed, attended only by the odd vandal pulling another balustrade from its mouldering sides, knowing that no one cares enough to stop them.
BTW - don't be alarmed by the strange lights in the sky in the picture above. They're not UFOs - merely the reflected table lamps in The Yacht.
I have often looked at this floating platform (well - floating when the tide's in, natch) and wondered about it. I wonder when it was built. I wonder who used it. I wonder what it was used for. I wonder when it stopped being used. Occasionally I even wonder what it would be like to get it restored and working again. But most of all I wonder how people managed to drink on that thing and not get extremely seasick.
Is it just me? Do any of you think it would be still enough to be able to sit out on and not get thrown about every time some police RIB or the spotty Clipper charged past? I mean - the basic idea feels extremely sound - sitting outside what I have to admit is still a beautiful watering hole on a sunny summer evening quaffing ale and looking out on a millpond Thames and the greenery of Island Gardens, gently being rocked into an alcoholic Nirvana by the soft rise and fall of the water. But in practice, would it actually be particularly pleasant?
Would you enjoy a pint on this ancient (or perhaps not-so-ancient - I know nothing about it) floating balcony - or would you just throw up? I'd give it a go - I could always take a couple of tablets first.
I guess it's all academic anyway. I'm sure that Greenwich Inc wouldn't be much inclined to spend the sort of cash something like that would need to get it beautiful again - and even if they were I daresay Health & Safety would have something to say about it. But as it is, it does feel very sad indeed. At high tide, it bobbles by the windows in a pleasing, desolate, slightly creepy fashion (at night my thoughts turn to ghostly Dickensian figures dancing a Victorian quadrille upon it, attended by spectral moonlit musicians) but at low tide it is a sorry sight indeed, attended only by the odd vandal pulling another balustrade from its mouldering sides, knowing that no one cares enough to stop them.
BTW - don't be alarmed by the strange lights in the sky in the picture above. They're not UFOs - merely the reflected table lamps in The Yacht.
Labels: Secret Greenwich, Trafalgar Tavern
posted by The Greenwich Phantom at
08:56
6 Comments:
Finally something I feel suitably qualified to comment on!
This is the remains of the Curlew Rowing club Boat raft. Up to the point at which the club had to give up it's club house due to growing costs of maintaining such a building, at which point it was consumed by the expansion of the Traf, there where boats and a roof on this. From memory it was about 7years ago. The raft still belongs to the rowing club,I beleive but what we could use it for is a matter for debate.
Out of interest, the large steel floats are some of those used duringthe construction of the Thames Barrier.
Oh boy! That's what I LOVE about writing this blog. Ask and ye shall receive...
I always thought that it was some kind of pleasure-platfrom (ooh-errr, missus) for The Trafalgar. Now we know.
So how old is this, Ben? Presumably not that old if it's made from bits and bobs from the Barrier. It just LOOKS older.And what was it used for?
I can't help feeling it needs to live again...
Whilst it was used as a "pleasure-platform" occasionally, it's main purpose was storing racing boats.
There was a sort of tin roof, painted in the club's Blue and white colours, and various boats, which where in a state of disrepair when I joined 8 years ago. This raft replaced an earlier one which was already falling apart when the barrier was built. We often look at it sadly floating there from the Trafalgar centre thinking we must do something with it...but what? Any suggestions gratefully recieved! Meanwhile, I'll get the club archivists to dig out some old photos and forward them on forthwith!
Erm - you could plant it up with interesting river plants and turn it into a floating wildlife haven?
Tart it up and hire it out for drinks parties (rubber rings included in the price)It would be expecially popular for things like the big race in September.
Any other ideas, guys?
Have I seen an old BBQ on there as well, what a great spot for one. Although would one have to remain on the pontoon for a whole tide in and out cycle, or could you install a porta-loo cabin thing? Or maybe have one of those nice rowing chaps ferry one to and fro.
Sounds like Pimms o'clock!
If I'm not mistaken there is a small floating jetty at the back of The Mayflower in Rotherhithe. Although its a few years since I've had a drink there I remember it as being a very pleasant spot.
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