Today was a day of two halves for Andrew ‘Mos’ Morris and the OAR team. It was an early start from Bristol where Mos was joined by journalist Peter Crush. Familiar with rowing on the River Thames, he soon learnt that rowing Bojangles, our 800kg ocean going boat, was an entirely different sport.
The end of the Bristol basin was as far as Mos was allowed to take Bojangles, however. Flooding on the river Avon meant the Harbour Master at Bristol and river authorities determined no boats were allowed to leave the safety of the harbour by water.
Undeterred, team OAR went for plan B… A short while later, Bojangles hit the water once more at Bath, where we were joined by a whole host of helping hands from the Amber Foundation . The Amber Foundation helps homeless young people gain confidence, motivation and skills to get their lives back on track and find work.
” A total of 8 Amberteers got stuck in opening the locks and manning the ropes to help Mos through Bath city centre. Consensus was everyone had a really good day and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We’re delighted to be a part of this very worthwhile venture and will be right by Mos each day for the next week lending our support” said team leader Janine.
Team OAR team was given a fantastic reception in Bath from local river champion Dave Lammings and guests, who joined Mos on the river as Bojangles became the first boat to enter the Kennet & Avon canal following the amalgamation of the waterways; the canal trusts, river authorities and British waterways.
Mos soon found that certain arts of the canal weren’t quite wide enough to entertain oars. It turns out Bojangles is easily adapted to punting!
Next stop, Bradford on Avon…