The Kennavon Venture's Maiden Voyage of 2012.

Skipper Alan does his "safety talk" to the passengers.

 Last Sunday saw the maiden voyage of the K&A trip boat "Kennavon Venture."  We had twelve passengers, plus four crew and me, who came along with the camera to record the event for the "Butty,"  the K&A Trust's magazine.  The boat is manned entirely by volunteers, who maintain and crew the boat.  She is used for passenger trips, wedding receptions, parties and special days out.  We have Mother's Day trips, Santa cruises evening fish and chip trips, and the boat can be chartered for any special purpose.   She seats 45 passengers in comfort, and has a small bar, where tea, beer, wine and light  refreshments can be purchased.

Skipper Alan holds the log, that had wedged itself around the propeller.

The trip usually takes two hours, but last Sunday a large log of wood wedged itself around the propeller, stopped the engine and bought the boat to a standstill.  We were about a mile from Devizes Wharf, too long a walk back for some of the passengers, but after lifting the week hatch and removing the log, the engine restarted and we were able to cruise back safely.  The photo shows Alan and a piece of the offending log.

"Kennavon Venture" passing under London Road bridge.

Alan says "Goodbye" to the passengers at the end of an eventful trip.

We arrived back at the Wharf an hour late, but the passengers were happy that they'd had an extra hour's ride for their money.  When the last passenger leaves, the crew must clean and tidy up, lock the boat and put her to bed!   In the background, Peter ties one of the mooring ropes, safely securing her to the bank.  She is also chained and padlocked to the side, as sometime ago she was cast adrift by some thoughtless local "yoofs."  Hi di ho!!