This is Derek Jones opening the lock gates at Brentford for the final time as he prepares to step down as harbour master of the Marina. It's a big change for Derek, 62, who has been a reassuring figure on and around the Dock for 25 years, when he first began to berth his boat here.
In those days he lived in Hammersmith but in 2000 he moved to where his heart was. At first he used to help the then harbour master John Nash but, when John fell ill in 2002, Derek was appointed as his full-time replacement. 'I sort of drifted into it,' he says. 'It's been great. I've loved the outdoor life, keeping physically busy and getting to meet lots of boat owners.'
Derek has built up a reputation for being as steadfast as Old Father Thames and as reliable as the tide. Rain or shine, snow or gales, he has always been at the ready. He's dealt with celebrities - for a while, actor Timothy Spall kept his boat here.
But it's the stories of ordinary mariners that stick in Derek's mind. 'One morning I turned up and looked out across the Marina and did a double-take - one of our boats was missing. Then I looked again and saw a funnel poking out of the surface. I couldn't believe it. When I peered down into the water, I saw that a narrow boat had sunk to the bottom. 'We had to drop the level of the Marina and use pumps to bring her back up.'
Everyone will miss Derek's reassuring figure pacing along the quayside and cranking the dock gates open and closed. He's been as much part of the scenery as the seagulls. He is to continue to live at the Dock with his partner Jackie and will continue to be much involved sailing with the Brentford Cruising Club, in his mariner's cap at the helm of his own motor cruiser, Bramlies.
'I've been very happy here,' he says. 'It's a wonderful job and given me a marvellous time. I've thoroughly enjoyed it and I want to thank everyone who has helped to make it such a pleasure.'
He promises that he will still be seen in the Brewery Tap and now he'll be able to quench his thirst without interruptions from boaters calling for him to open the lock gates. 'It's a consolation,' he says. 'At least I'll get to finish my pint.'
One Brentford Docker said: 'Derek has helped make the the Marina the popular place that it is. He will will be very missed.'
