A soggy but successful Work Party

Published 19:55 on 22 Nov 2025

Fourteen hardy members turned up at Coombe Cellars for the work party despite the appalling weather. There was a hesitant start as the rain was monitored closely from the warmth of the clubhouse. Eventually a start was made. Team A cleared the upper boat park alongside the ditch. The holes were dug for the car park rail and good progress was made despite rocks and concrete lumps being found as the holes got deeper.

The much larger Team B meanwhile assembled the frames for the Tera/Quba rack duplicating a frame Mike Commander had assembled earlier. Eventually two of the frames were joined by the six cross beams and the heights were adjusted to bring the rack decks as low as possible. Trial fitting of one of our Qubas showed that there was room in the slots for the boats. The first bay was slow progress as numerous tweaks and adjustments were made. The effort was worthwhile as it meant the following three bays could be added without too many adjustments.

Meanwhile Frances Commander formed a single person Team C and did a great job of weeding all round the clubhouse as the rain fell steadily.

All teams came together for a much needed tea break organised by Maggie Potter who provided the catering and also cleaned and organised the galley.

Following the break, work on the rack was completed and four out of six bays of the car park rail were installed and secured with Postcrete. The few remaining tasks will be completed on Wednesday.

With thanks to everyone who braved the awful weather to come and help today.

Last updated 19:59 on 22 November 2025