Around 5.30 pm on Tuesday 6th April, a Fire Brigade boat intercepted a smouldering boat drifting unmanned in the Thames and brought it alongside Brentford Dock. Simultaneously fire engines arrived in Augustus Close and Justin Close.
Ace reporter Ian Ridpath was on the spot and took this picture, showing the smouldering boat in between the Fire Brigade boat and the shore. Click here and here to view his pictures enlarged in a separate window.
Anthony Warren said the boat had drifted down from the Watermans Art Centre area.
This good quality picture was taken by Hans Styrnel (webmaster Brentford Cruising Club) from the boat of Brentford Dock Harbourmaster Derek Jones on Sunday afternoon.
It seems the organisers of the Concorde move have read these pages and realised the difficulty of getting under the upper-Thames bridges. Concorde is now (Monday 5th) inside the barge in mid-channel between Isleworth Ait and The London Apprentice. It is expected to be there until Easter Monday (April 12th).
Part of the riverbed had to be dug up and reshaped for the loading, as can be seen in the photograph belowtaken by John Bruce of Augustus Close.
The top layer of the riverbed was carefully removed and stored nearby. The rest was used to build a ramp. After the barge has gone, the riverbed will be restored to its original condition. The top layer will be put back on top with minimal disturbance to the wildlife that lives in it.
An intercom has been installed at the bottom of the Management Office stairs. Anyone with difficulty ascending stairs can press a buzzer and a member of staff will answer. Discussions with staff can be held on the ground floor in the Director's Room beside the Spar Shop front.
An inductive loop has been fitted at the reception desk for those with hearing difficulties.
Ian Ridpath took the following photographs at the opening “dress rehearsal” of the Waterside Café-Bar on Sunday 29th May.
Co-proprietor Melanie Hill, centre, with bar staff Ola Wasilewska and Gemma Webb, welcome you to the Waterside cafe
The Waterside Café-Bar will next open at 11 a.m. on bank-holiday Monday 31st May.
In the early afternoon of Monday 15th November, well-known sculptor Michael Lyons supervised the mounting of his painted steel sculpture Mayflower 1 on the plinth nearest the Spar shop.
Pictured beside him is Brigitte Graneau, of Numa Court, who arranges the loan of the sculptures displayed in Brentford Dock.
Another of Michael Lyons's painted steel sculptures, Nimbus: Germain's Garland, was mounted on the plinth on the marina steps nearest Nero Court.
The Macmillan World's biggest coffee morning held at Brentford Dock raised £877 for Macmillan Cancer Relief.
A seal has been seen basking on the sand beside Richmong road bridge. It is thought it is the same seal that is often seen at Chiswick Pier and Strand-on-the-Green. Its presence is an indication that the Thames is well stocked with fish.
The wall of the Grand Union Canal on the Ferry Quays side, opposite Julius Court, is being renovated. The houseboats that were moored there have gone. These pictures were taken by Ian Ridpath on 26th August.
On Saturday 4th December thirty four members and guests of Brentford Cruising Club enjoyed an excellent three-course Xmas Dinner with all the trimmings, served by pretty waitresses, in the Waterside Café-Bar. There was a glass of champagne on entry, wine, Christmas crackers and party poppers on the table, and mince pies and coffee afterwards. The proprietor, Melanie Hill donated nautical prizes to a raffle that raised £120 for Macmillan Nurses.
Angela Bellamy, long-term resident of Otho Court, died on Sunday 22nd February, probably from an accidental fall in her flat.
Harry (who used to clean windows) died on Thursday 16th September.
See a slideshow with full size versions of the photos displayed on this page.
