Row The Thames

60 photos

2009-05-24T13:41:00.001+01:00

I've uploaded 60 of the best photos to Picasa because that is too many for this blog. Click on the title and it will take you there.
If anyone wants high quality versions or can't see them then send me or Steve an email.

Adam's Bag?

2009-05-24T12:14:00.003+01:00

Steve has a got an extra bag of clothes - he thinks it belongs to Adam but doesn't have his phone number ....

If anyone is missing a bag please contact Steve.

Home at Last

2009-05-24T12:13:00.002+01:00

Yep, we made it! I say we because reaching Greenwich was a total team effort. So many people helped along the way and I don't want to single out anyone, you know who you are and each contribution was equally valuable. Help with organisation, support, publicity, cheering on, places to stay, meeting, greeting and so the list goes on. Without all of you, we would not have achieved it.
Despite some tough sections, I loved every minute. The Thames was a delight, with its changing character and rowing through London was very special. I spent the week with some amazing people and met some more along the way. I learned about a sphere of life in the services of which I knew little. I have also learned more about SSAFA and the valuable work it does.
Thank you to everyone who made last week very special and a success. Raising around £7000 was I think a great achievement, but just as important was giving publicity to SSAFA and educating people about who they are and what they do. I am happy to help again to keep that flag flying.
I was pleased with the plan, which went to schedule, even with the few unknowns that happened. Above all I was pleased with the little boat, Scullcat 'Dora'. She took what the Thames had to offer, even the sea-like conditions through London. I calculated I rowed about 50,000 strokes. This morning I feel surprisingly good apart from a bit of a stiff neck and of course the blisters.
So back to normal, until the next time!
Thank you all so much

Thanks for all the comments - keep them coming

2009-05-23T20:24:00.002+01:00

like this one

HE MADE IT

2009-05-23T18:14:00.007+01:00

At 4pm and exactly on schedule, Steve arrived on the Scullcat at the Globe rowing club in Greenwich.
150 miles, 45 locks, 5 days, 2 equipment failures, 10 blisters, sore arse, 2 kilos lighter, new friends, loads of money for SSAFA, 8 interviews, free accomodation, fabulous foood,......
He went so fast for the last few miles that not all of the welcoming committee were there to see him but there was a great celebration on the beach in front of the Royal Naval college.
Extra guests include Doug, Ellie and Katherine, Rob, Patrick, Rosie, Callum, Lily, Lindsey, Florence and Harry. And Ken from the Globe rowing club.
These were joined with the crew from the week including Sean, John, George, Andy, Adam, Vortex, Luke, Pip, Will, Tim, Tom and Nigel.
With glasses of bubbly and a speech from Steve the party broke up and people headed off home to a hot bath and comfortable bed - or may be that is just me.
I'm not able to put any photos up as I drive down the M4 so I will try and update with some photos tomorrow so please come back to have a look at the Blog over the next few days.
If you have any photos that you would like to add to the blog for everyone to see then please leave a comment with your email address by clicking on the "Comments" button. Or you can link to me on Facebook at "timnlinds".
Also just leave a comment anyway
Until tomorrow. bye

2009-05-23T11:48:00.002+01:00

Just after the last posting we got a call to say that Steve had broken a rigger (the bit of metal that holds the blade (or oar)) and that he needed to fix it.
For any other competitor that would have been the end of the challenge. But not Steve....
He rowed for another mile with a the rigger held together with string and then the minibus got to Teddington lock with the welding gear. With help from Pip, Steve dismantled the offending part and welded the rigger back together. Within 40 minutes he was back on the water with a boat that was stronger than before.
Now we are waiting for him at Putney Bridge by the Star and Garter, he has just left Hammersmith Bridge but is running well behind his schedule. I would estimate a 2-3knot tide against him so he will be making slow progress.
The sun is still out and it is a lovely day but I'm sure that Steve will be getting hot on the water.
More updates later.

THE LAST DAY

2009-05-23T07:19:00.002+01:00

Early start this morning with alarms going off before 4am. Bacon sandwiches cups of tea and Steve left at around 5am from the Weybridge rowing club. Thank you to the club for letting us use the facilities.

Steve has passed through Sunbury Lock and Hampton Court this morning and is on his way to .qne Teddington lock.

The sun is out, the weather is fabulous. Not a breath of wind and the river is like glass - well a very browny sort of glass.

Steve has just been sighted coming under the bridge towards the double locks of Teddington.

oops turns out it was a swan of the feathered variety....

We wait.

Ripples and reflections from the support team.

2009-05-22T18:26:00.008+01:00

Luke:
A day with Westy today whilst Pip was swanning around in Nigel's Porsche. Many great comments and remarks through the day, a trip to Bookers after clearing camp with Pip earlier this morning. A good collection at Windsor along with others many thanks to all and now a good night to come prior to a 4am awakening that very surprisingly we are argueing about who wishes to do the cycling tomorrow. Here's to a great day tomorrow and best of luck to Steve... only 35 to go.

Vortex:
Writing a blog about the Thames without mentioning ducks or punts seems to be quite difficult, but I'll give it a shot. With an average of 6 hours sleep a night (2 if you're near Oxford), it was a tiring week, but I can say we have had some smashing banter.

Will:
Well here we are discussing NT's ex (who happened to be a physio)... After four hard days of glorious sunshine and some very impressive scenery, I can really say I've enjoyed myself. Everyone seems to be relishing the prospect of a 4 am start and a day of 35 miles (the longest yet). Grenwich here we come! It's been an impressive effort all round, but hats off to Steve who has really put in some serious effort in getting this far. Well done Steve!

Pip
A week worth remembering, sunshine, fields and cows licking my tyre! Being the only female it has been great fun and a LOT of banter. This journey has been inspirational for more charity raising, however, i don't think rowing 150miles down the Thames is my cup of tea... maybe 20 he he he

Andy
This whole endeavor has been an excellent experience for all involved, although I'm not sure how much Steve would agree! For the support team it's been an opportunity to have some great bike rides over some beautiful scenery, have a few beers in the evening, swim in the Thames (still not sure how great and idea that was...) and generally have a good time. Cooking provided by master chef John West proved to be a real highlight, despite his protestations of hating cooking the food was something that all looked forward to! Last leg coming off, a bit more of an early start and a bit longer to go; we're in the home run now, last effort and all that! The only thing I can really sign off with is: Bring on next year!

Nigel,
I have had the priveledge of knowing Steve (and family) for many years and coming from a Service family myself this week has been a small but most enjoyable opportunity for me to combine that association with supporting such a worthy cause. The generosity of the many members of the public we came across enroute has been inspirational. Throughout the 4 days to date Steve has kept up a relentless pace which has made the task of trying to get to the next Lock or checkpoint by navigating cross country before his arrival, quite a challenge. My part however has been dwarfed by the efforts of Steve and the whole support crew furnished by Exeter University OTC and their excellent staff. A fantastic week of camraderie, teamwork, sweat and toil by one and all.

Tim
Thanks to all the contributors as we go into the last day tomorrow. Time for bed - well maybe one more beer....

Friday morning

2009-05-22T11:47:00.002+01:00

Great night at the Upper Thames Sailing Club - thanks to them.

Last heard Steve was having an early lunch at Windsor.

Beautiful sunny day but getting hotter which could make for an uncomfortable afternoon as Steve slides his seat backwards and forwards, backwards and forwards, again and again and as his shorts get hotter and hotter and there starts to be a chaffing..... It doesn't bear thinking about.

But he's doing it for charity....

http://www.justgiving.com/stevesrow

George's pictures

2009-05-21T19:19:00.004+01:00

George's photos of the row so far

http://www.justgiving.com/stevesrow - don't forget this is the site to raise money for SSAFA....

Luke and Pip find some ladies to donate to SSAFA

Luke trying to row the Punt that they found and baled out

Pip getting a ride on the punt

Some bloke who passed by while everyone was enjoying themselves.

Pip and Luke emptying the sinking punt

Pangbourne to Marlow

2009-05-21T16:58:00.009+01:00

At last I can update some photos.

Theres a bit of a backlog and they are in a chaotic order but here they are:

the support team with Sally Evans from the Corporate Responsibility Team at Thames Water. Just by Reading Bridge

Sean, Adam, George, Luke, Steve, Sally, Pip, Will, Andy, Vortex, John

Steve Leaving the Oratary Rowing club (Goring Gap Rowing Club), Pangbourne with some namesake company

Everyone photo shoot just before setting off. As before but with Tim and Tom

Vortex doing some washing up while everyone else stands around doing nothing. At least I THINK that he is washing up....

Receiving a £200 cheque from Chris Fothergill at Oratory School. Thank you to Linda Coupland for welcoming us and thank you very much Oratory for your cheque and your great hospitality - its a brilliant place. Anyone who has children in Berkshire should send their children there immediately.....

Raising Money

2009-05-21T15:47:00.002+01:00

There's been some requests to put in a link to the website -because this is all about giving money and raising awareness. So here's the website. Please give what you can because Steve is giving blood, sweat and tears (but only a bit of blood...)

http://www.justgiving.com/stevesrow

Long day for Steve

2009-05-20T21:01:00.003+01:00

Great long day for Steve today.

He had to go about 5 miles further than he expected but someone moved the Goring Gap rowing club 8 miles south of Goring Gap.....

But we are now in an ideallic rural spot overlooking a tranquil Thames river and about 8 miles west of Reading.

Unfortunately I can't get the computer to upload any photos to the blog this evening.

If I could then you could see pictures of the blisters on Steve's hands, the bicycle that we found in the river, the money that was passed to Will using a fishing net and lots of pictures of Adam sleeping.

I'll try again tomorrow.

Live radio in Oxford

2009-05-20T08:04:00.002+01:00

Steve and Andy featured in an extended interview on Radio Oxford this morning. They got lots of good publicity for the row and for SSAFA and Andy managed to say that he was going to row along the riverbank and not cycle - clever trick if you can do it.

Well done and good luck today.

An afternoon of rowing rowing rowing

2009-05-19T22:29:00.007+01:00

Three Swans and a Cat - Oh I'm so funny.
no seriously this is Steve arriving at lunch after 4 hours of straight rowing.

Steve after his lunch at the Maybach pub

where Steve made friends with Steve the Landlord - who had a striking resemblence to Owen from the "Vicar of Dibley".

Although this is not a picture of the landlord - it is a picture of Owen from the Vicar of Dibley

Potential comedy moment was ruined here by Steve pulling in his oars.....

Steve arrived a the Trout Inn in Oxford in the first bit of rain that we had had all day

And the clouds were looking pretty threatening for more rain

What a brilliant day of rowing. With fantastic support from the guys on the bikes. Well done everybody.

Tonight, I have heard, they have had a great curry and were last heard going off to the Trout Inn - next door to the boat club.

The Trout Inn was made famous by being the regular drinking hole of Inspector Morse - who's first name was Endeavour which was Captain Cook's ship which has some artifacts in the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich which is where Steve is headed........

Good night and there'll be more fun and frolics on the river tomorrow.

Tim

And some more

2009-05-19T20:57:00.004+01:00

Andy, Griff and Luke opening the first lock gate. Don't they look like they are having a miserable time!!!

Leaving the first lock

Leaving the first lock
On his way along one of the most scenic parts of the river

At last - Some Pictures

2009-05-19T13:31:00.004+01:00

Monday night camp within 100m or the River Thames. Big green tents and white vans.

Walking the boat across the field with Tom, Steve and Nigel
Steve Starts under the bridge at Lechlade Looking relaxed

The message on the boat.

He's on his way

2009-05-19T10:18:00.004+01:00

Steve left the bridge at Lechlade just after 8am this morning. With a successful launch of the scullcat from the muddy bank he rowed a little way up stream to make sure that he passed beneath the bridge.

He then set off at a good pace to a smattering of applause from the shore team and, rathe appropriately, collection of about a hundred swans.

We hear that he is approaching the first Rendez-vous with the minibus.

Tom and I are waiting at the next rendez-vous in a pleasant pub.

The weather is cool, very windy but so far no rain. There are fluffy white clouds but the rain is definitely threatening.

I'm going to try and upload some pictures again so that you can see how we are getting on.

Tim

Camp set up

2009-05-18T17:19:00.002+01:00

We've all arrived and camp has been set up.
Three tents in army green about 100 yards from the River Thames.
Brewed up and everything ready. frequent heavy showers.
Little family of ducks are keeping us company
I'll try and upload some photos now.

Potter the Blogger

2009-05-17T20:50:00.002+01:00

I can put up my own blogs on here now. ooooh get me.

Two days to go

2009-05-17T20:43:00.003+01:00

And the weather is looking "changeable" which is what Steve's undergarments are going to need to be if the rain comes that is forecast. He is going to be the one in the wet seat.

Packing is being done by Steve Today. And he is preparing himself for an early morning radio appearance (is it an "appearance" on radio??) tomorrow on Radio Somerset in Taunton.

The excitement is building continually.

Tim

Three Days to go till the start

2009-05-16T14:37:00.000+01:00

I'm taking over as Blogmaster for the duration of Steve's row - so it will be up to me to keep you informed and amused by the madman's antics.

So with just Sunday and Monday to go before the big row starts - I haven't spoken to Steve but one can only assume that he is spending lots of time sitting on a soft sofa in a warm and dry house and savouring those last moments.

I'll be doing daily - or even hourly updates.

Tim (Steve's Brother-in-Law)

2009-02-05T18:49:00.000Z

2009-02-04T22:37:00.000Z

Hi, my name is Steve Swan and I live in Somerset. Rowing is my sport and I belong to Wimbleball Rowing Club on Exmoor. In 2007 I built a catamaran sculling boat from an old K1 canoe. It provides a much more stable platform than a fine scull and is also very fast.

I am not only passionate about rowing but also about SSAFA - Forces Help, a charity that performs remarkable work with little fanfare. More about them later. It's with these two passions in mind that I have decided, at the tender age of 51, to row my 'Scullcat' along the Thames from Lechlade in Gloucestershire to Greenwich. On May 19th, I will embark on this 150 mile journey negotiating 45 locks. I hope to reach Greenwich on May 23rd having rowed 30 miles a day.

As I mentioned this challenge is in aid of SSAFA - Forces Help. Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association. SSAFA does very important work in supporting our serving and ex-serving men and women, with housing, social care and many other issues where statutory support has left a gap. Their moto is "One day's service, a lifetime of support". In 2008 SSAFA provided a reliable and trusted service to 50,000 men, women and their families.

If you can, please support my challenge and my endeavour to raise as much money as possible for SSAFA - Forces Help. I have a donation page at www.justgiving.com/stevesrow. If you want to see how 'Scullcat' and I get on check out this blog, blisters permitting.

Thanks for your interest.

“Just been out for a run in the freezing cold – can’t believe that I’m making myself do this.

Decided to rearrange the design of the boat and build some more of it out of Aluminium. Anybody any suggestions on welding aluminium?

Thought that I would send off a letter to Thames Water today for some sponsorship – they’ve got to be interested haven’t they?

SSAFA’s not an easy charity to promote. There’s been all that fuss about Help for Heroes but SSAFA has been rather left in the wings getting on with the day to day job of helping some families who really need help. “