Dekers Posted January 8, 2014 Report Share Posted January 8, 2014 (edited) I know many parts of the country are in a bad way, the Thames is around 3' (just under 1m) up on normal with red alerts from its source to the sea, which have been in place since before Christmas. My boat is nearly free floating at the moment, the fenders are useless and it is trying to park itself on the landing stage, this is causing me plenty of sleepless nights as higher water levels are expected. My thoughts are with all those whose homes and businesses are flooded out! Edit The pics above were taken approx. 14.00 yesterday (7.1.14), a neighbour has just called me (8.1.14) to say the tyres you can see laid flat are now fully submerged, levels are up 3-4 inches (75-100mm) in the last 22 hours! Edited January 9, 2014 by Dekers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 There is a hell of a lot of water coming down the old lady. I know many parts of the country are in a bad way, the Thames is around 3' (just under 1m) up on normal with red alerts from its source to the sea, which have been in place since before Christmas. IMG00315-20140107-1335a.jpg IMG00314-20140107-1334a.jpg My boat is nearly free floating at the moment, the fenders are useless and it is trying to park itself on the landing stage, this is causing me plenty of sleepless nights as higher water levels are expected. My thoughts are with all those whose homes and businesses are flooded out! Edit The pics above were taken approx. 14.00 yesterday, a neighbour has just called me to say the tyres you can see laid flat are now fully submerged, levels are up 3-4 inches (75-100mm) in the last 22 hours! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dunkield Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Reading town centre https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152302128325312&set=vb.541725311&type=2&theater Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Isn't that the Kennet? Reading town centre https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10152302128325312&set=vb.541725311&type=2&theater Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted January 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Yep, that IS the Kennet that runs through Reading, meets the Thames just to the East of the town, probably about 1 mile from where that picture is taken. The Loddon also hits the Thames a bit further away in Wargrave, both are in a right state, the Loddon possibly worse. I'm not up on all the rivers that hit the Thames but there must be a few more, certainly the Cherwell just south of Oxford, which is also a state! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 have you got a line to the other bank to pull it off staging or you could try a kedge anchor or two in in the river to hold it off good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 I have fished the Loddon at Wargrave a few times from my boat, I bet all those nice gardens are a bit damp, quite possibly a few of the houses too. Rivers Key, Ray, Cole, Windrush, Evenlode, Cherwell, Thame, Kennet, Loddon, Crane, Wandle, Lea and Roding and Dart. Yep, that IS the Kennet that runs through Reading, meets the Thames just to the East of the town, probably about 1 mile from where that picture is taken. The Loddon also hits the Thames a bit further away in Wargrave, both are in a right state, the Loddon possibly worse. I'm not up on all the rivers that hit the Thames but there must be a few more, certainly the Cherwell just south of Oxford, which is also a state! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted January 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 (edited) have you got a line to the other bank to pull it off staging or you could try a kedge anchor or two in in the river to hold it off good luck My boat is moored just off the main channel of the Thames behind an Island, I have a half decent size/weight of Kedge on the front of the boat, and one or two owners have chucked theirs out anyway, but the flow at the moment and the Sand bed make them near on useless where we are. Island opposite boat (well, it used to be an Island). The Island is flooded and the channel too wide anyway to get a line on to it, and way too dangerous for any boats our way to even try! Cheers! PS I'll be down again later today to check yet again! PPS This is a bit of a concern as well, a dead tree, but nevertheless solid/heavy/large has come down in our convenient escape route between two islands to the main channel, two large branches showing. I can't help thinking there is a lot of serious tree trunk under the water, don't fancy that way out anymore so it means a 180degree turn round, which will be very tight. You can bet the EA will have plenty on their plate and be in no hurry to clear it, such is life, my house is on high ground, so I have nothing to complain about!! Edited January 9, 2014 by Dekers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fisherman Mike Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 It’s a desperate state of affairs out there for so many people at the moment and I have much sympathy for them, especially as I regularly witness first-hand the utter devastation flooding can cause in my job. There is a school of thought including our dippy PM that this is a abnormal phenomenon caused by Global Warming or Climate change which personally I think is rot. Considering the Rainfall analysis attached for England it shows that this is not the case. http://mclean.ch/climate/England_Scotland.htm#fig12 Consider also the activities which compound these problems in fact even possibly cause them. Dewatering on an unprecedented scale over the last 200 years causing many water courses to dry up and disappear completely including rivers, streams, dykes, canals, ponds and lakes. Many have been artificially diverted or even culverted to run under major developments or burgeoning towns. Reclamation of Wetlands for agriculture and development Over Development without until recently, proper legislation in place to deal with surface water run-off and SUDS. This includes Housing and Highway construction. Poor maintenance of existing water courses. In respect of item 4. 200 years ago almost every farm had a Hedger and Ditcher who laid hedges in the winter and maintained boundary ditches in the spring & summer in anticipation of the Autumn and Winter flooding… In the Flood plains we had a network of Water Meadows with hatches, ditches, dykes, bridges, culverts etc. etc …now principally all gone… How many large Estates now have a water bailiff to control hatches in to Flood Meadows? When do you last see Farm Labourers ditching. ? Have a look and any of the old Rural ordinance Survey maps from the mid 1800’s and you will see exactly what I mean. This isn’t Mother Nature’s doing. ( Well I suppose it is directly ) but moreover down to Human incompetence and Sloth, which we call “Progress” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 might be a good time to invest in an a couple of anchors and chains to hold in the sand, you never know when you might need them again!, i wouldn't like to see your boat perched on one of those posts Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Penelope Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 I think you have it right there Mike. It’s a desperate state of affairs out there for so many people at the moment and I have much sympathy for them, especially as I regularly witness first-hand the utter devastation flooding can cause in my job. There is a school of thought including our dippy PM that this is a abnormal phenomenon caused by Global Warming or Climate change which personally I think is rot. Considering the Rainfall analysis attached for England it shows that this is not the case. http://mclean.ch/climate/England_Scotland.htm#fig12 Consider also the activities which compound these problems in fact even possibly cause them. Dewatering on an unprecedented scale over the last 200 years causing many water courses to dry up and disappear completely including rivers, streams, dykes, canals, ponds and lakes. Many have been artificially diverted or even culverted to run under major developments or burgeoning towns. Reclamation of Wetlands for agriculture and development Over Development without until recently, proper legislation in place to deal with surface water run-off and SUDS. This includes Housing and Highway construction. Poor maintenance of existing water courses. In respect of item 4. 200 years ago almost every farm had a Hedger and Ditcher who laid hedges in the winter and maintained boundary ditches in the spring & summer in anticipation of the Autumn and Winter flooding… In the Flood plains we had a network of Water Meadows with hatches, ditches, dykes, bridges, culverts etc. etc …now principally all gone… How many large Estates now have a water bailiff to control hatches in to Flood Meadows? When do you last see Farm Labourers ditching. ? Have a look and any of the old Rural ordinance Survey maps from the mid 1800’s and you will see exactly what I mean. This isn’t Mother Nature’s doing. ( Well I suppose it is directly ) but moreover down to Human incompetence and Sloth, which we call “Progress” Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted January 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 (edited) I have fished the Loddon at Wargrave a few times from my boat, I bet all those nice gardens are a bit damp, quite possibly a few of the houses too. Rivers Key, Ray, Cole, Windrush, Evenlode, Cherwell, Thame, Kennet, Loddon, Crane, Wandle, Lea and Roding and Dart. Val Wyatt Boat Yard at Wargrave on the Thames, about 1/2 mile downstream from where the Loddon hits the Thames, this was 2 days ago, water is approx. 5-6 inches higher now! The whole place is flooded, chandlers/office/café/shop/workshops/etc! Edit, Yes, all the houses round there are in a very sad state, including that magician and his assistant, the lovely....... Edited January 9, 2014 by Dekers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 It’s a desperate state of affairs out there for so many people at the moment and I have much sympathy for them, especially as I regularly witness first-hand the utter devastation flooding can cause in my job. There is a school of thought including our dippy PM that this is a abnormal phenomenon caused by Global Warming or Climate change which personally I think is rot. Considering the Rainfall analysis attached for England it shows that this is not the case. http://mclean.ch/climate/England_Scotland.htm#fig12 Consider also the activities which compound these problems in fact even possibly cause them. Dewatering on an unprecedented scale over the last 200 years causing many water courses to dry up and disappear completely including rivers, streams, dykes, canals, ponds and lakes. Many have been artificially diverted or even culverted to run under major developments or burgeoning towns. Reclamation of Wetlands for agriculture and development Over Development without until recently, proper legislation in place to deal with surface water run-off and SUDS. This includes Housing and Highway construction. Poor maintenance of existing water courses. In respect of item 4. 200 years ago almost every farm had a Hedger and Ditcher who laid hedges in the winter and maintained boundary ditches in the spring & summer in anticipation of the Autumn and Winter flooding… In the Flood plains we had a network of Water Meadows with hatches, ditches, dykes, bridges, culverts etc. etc …now principally all gone… How many large Estates now have a water bailiff to control hatches in to Flood Meadows? When do you last see Farm Labourers ditching. ? Have a look and any of the old Rural ordinance Survey maps from the mid 1800’s and you will see exactly what I mean. This isn’t Mother Nature’s doing. ( Well I suppose it is directly ) but moreover down to Human incompetence and Sloth, which we call “Progress” Spot on, concrete and build over the water meadows where else is the water going to go, bad planning and building for profit alone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neil3728 Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 There is a few river boats on the Derwent near me. After the last few floods, some of the owners seem to be using scaffolding pipe to hold there boats in place now. I am guess it stops them moving too much as the levels rise. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
secretagentmole Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 It’s a desperate state of affairs out there for so many people at the moment and I have much sympathy for them, especially as I regularly witness first-hand the utter devastation flooding can cause in my job. There is a school of thought including our dippy PM that this is a abnormal phenomenon caused by Global Warming or Climate change which personally I think is rot. Considering the Rainfall analysis attached for England it shows that this is not the case. http://mclean.ch/climate/England_Scotland.htm#fig12 Consider also the activities which compound these problems in fact even possibly cause them. Dewatering on an unprecedented scale over the last 200 years causing many water courses to dry up and disappear completely including rivers, streams, dykes, canals, ponds and lakes. Many have been artificially diverted or even culverted to run under major developments or burgeoning towns. Reclamation of Wetlands for agriculture and development Over Development without until recently, proper legislation in place to deal with surface water run-off and SUDS. This includes Housing and Highway construction. Poor maintenance of existing water courses. In respect of item 4. 200 years ago almost every farm had a Hedger and Ditcher who laid hedges in the winter and maintained boundary ditches in the spring & summer in anticipation of the Autumn and Winter flooding… In the Flood plains we had a network of Water Meadows with hatches, ditches, dykes, bridges, culverts etc. etc …now principally all gone… How many large Estates now have a water bailiff to control hatches in to Flood Meadows? When do you last see Farm Labourers ditching. ? Have a look and any of the old Rural ordinance Survey maps from the mid 1800’s and you will see exactly what I mean. This isn’t Mother Nature’s doing. ( Well I suppose it is directly ) but moreover down to Human incompetence and Sloth, which we call “Progress” I have seen plenty of ditching this year, they tend to use JCBs these days though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougy Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 Forgive me Dekers but reading your post and trying to see how worried you would be with regards to the water level, showing a boat floating on the water wouldn't worry me. On the other hand if your boat was parked outside Tescos then ide be concerned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dougy Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 (edited) What makes it so difficult for the so called clever people who grant permission for building on flood plane's. Where on earth do they expect the waters to go. Edited January 9, 2014 by Dougy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted January 9, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 (edited) Forgive me Dekers but reading your post and trying to see how worried you would be with regards to the water level, showing a boat floating on the water wouldn't worry me. On the other hand if your boat was parked outside Tescos then ide be concerned. The tyres placed flat in #1 pics are covering seriously strong stainless mooring cleats, the boat is as high if not higher than these now and the hull under the waterline would be smashing into them as the boat moves around on the lines, that means damage, nay a hole, which means my boat at the bottom of the Thames, the prop, prop shaft and rudder are also far more fragile than many would imagine, they are not designed to be smashed sideways against landing stages, steel cleats etc....... the water levels are now some 7 inches above that shown in the pictures in #1 and still rising, perhaps Tesco tomorrow. These things, centre pic, taken when water levels a bit lower Strange though it may seem, although everyone says..you're alright you have a boat, boats are actually a problem/concern in these sort of conditions! Edited January 9, 2014 by Dekers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
islandgun Posted January 9, 2014 Report Share Posted January 9, 2014 There is a few river boats on the Derwent near me. After the last few floods, some of the owners seem to be using scaffolding pipe to hold there boats in place now. I am guess it stops them moving too much as the levels rise. looks like good idea hammered in next to the staging with fenders attached, I had a fishing boat come adrift on a big tide and gale two nights ago a neighbor saw it swam out to it (at night) and tied it up until i got there. thing is his seventy! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dekers Posted January 10, 2014 Author Report Share Posted January 10, 2014 (edited) Yesterday, water still rising, compare with pics in #1. Indicators suggest about another 3" (75mm) rise today which will hopefully take the levels to a peak and then start going down over the next few days Edited January 10, 2014 by Dekers Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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