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Splashing good time at the Beale Park Boat Show
By Anna RobertsJune 10, 2009
Despite the showers over the weekend – or perhaps because it was good weather for ducks – the Beale Park Thames Boat show turned out to be a resounding success.
Hordes of people headed to the West Berkshire park in Lower Basildon to witness the best in boating the river has to offer.
The show, whose star attractions this year included a replica of Sir Ernest Shackleton’s boat the James Caird and ‘Garth’, one of only four remaining Second World War RASC Fast Patrol Boats, ran for three days from Friday to Sunday.
Marketing manager for the event Donna Hatchett said: “It has been brilliant. Despite today’s [Saturday] rainy weather there has been an absolutely fantastic turnout.
“There has been a steady flow of people coming into the park and everyone has had a great time and really enjoyed themselves.
“The Goring and Streatley Band decided to play on in spite of the rain and have been entertaining everyone.”
David Stretton-Smith, a member of the Mid Thames Boat Club, attended the event and tried out his miniature boats on the park’s lake.
He said: “It is great fun – you meet people and learn about what they are up to.”
Dad Miles Atherton, 41, from Newbury, brought his family – all boat lovers – along to the event.
He said: “I’m really interested in boats so I am enjoying the show.
“It is a nice day out and there is plenty to see.”
His friend Alistair Webber, 45, from Hungerford, said: “This is the first time I have been here and it is worth it. I have a boat and there is lots to see.”
Ruth and Lionel Steele and their son, two-year-old Corbin, enjoyed a family day out at the event. The family now live in Didcot but used to hail from Purley.
Mrs Steele, 43, said: “You meet a lot of people you know at events like this – it is great fun.”
Mr Steele, also 43, said: “We’ve just come round for a look. My family are interested in boats and you get to see people you’ve not seen for a year.”
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