The morning of Monday 13th May was sunny and still. A perfect day for a row. Tom, Humphrey, Connie, Diana and Barry set off in fine spirits just after 9.15 am. Recent outings have been characterised by high winds and cloudy conditions. This time, however, there was no reason why Pinchen’s Creek could not be reached. Tom and Barry shared the stroking/coxing duties and, before long, the Crabbers were taking refreshments on the beach. Yes, chocolate biscuits again.
Authorised Rower Tom persuaded new rower Connie to try her hand at coxing the skiff back to the slipway. She bravely agreed and the homeward journey commenced. With some guidance and advice, Connie became used to the tiller and to the Blakeney waters. It was a thoroughly enjoyable row back to base. Let’s hope the sunny weather remains…
Well, the weather on Tuesday 23rd April looked alright (ie. it wasn’t raining) when Humphrey B, Barry H, John A and Duncan H assembled at the Carnser to take potential new member Kevin out on his first trial row. However, the sky rapidly darkened as a squall passed overhead and the wind picked up considerably. Nothing daunted, Humphrey decided conditions were just about good enough to get on the water and, indeed, by the time the skiff was launched the squall had passed and the wind had dropped from ‘gale force’ to ‘somewhat bracing’. With it blowing across the Cut, getting away from the bank was a case of ‘row any which way you can’, after which the crew was able to settle into a steady rhythm. The water became very much more lumpy once the skiff reached the Pit, and making progress against both wind and tide was something of a challenge. As indeed was making the turn to head back into the Cut although, with the wind now coming from behind, the skiff fair sped back to the slipway. By overshooting it and the bow then back into the wind made for a reasonably elegant landing. Kevin was good enough to say that he had enjoyed the outing, but hopefully conditions will be better for his next one.
Conditions were much more promising on Monday 29th April when two crews turned out for a row although a fairly brisk wind was still blowing, this time a rather warmer south-westerly. Hoi Larntan launched first with Tom H as AR and a crew comprising Barry H, Diana H, John A and Duncan H. Bluejacket followed with Humphrey B as AR, Clive and Anta, and two potential new members, Frankie O and Jon S, both on their second trial row. Heading down the Cut with the wind coming from behind was a little strange, and even more so when the skiffs arrived in the Pit with it then coming broadside-on. Conditions were too difficult to contemplate making landfall, so a refreshment break was taken on the water.
Back on dry land, and with both skiffs put away, Humphrey B announced the winners of the 2023 Robin Coombe Challenge Trophy. The Challenge, first held in 2022 to commemorate former CRABber the late Robin Coombe and the stories/jokes he used to tell as he coxed the skiffs at Barton in the past, had originally been planned to take place on the 4th November 2023 on Barton Broad. Owing to rainfall of Biblical quantities and the severe flooding that then resulted, however, it sadly had to be cancelled.
After wondering what to do with the five hip flasks he had had engraved to present to the Trophy winners, Humphrey decided to award them instead to those who had rowed at Barton the most over the 2023/2024 winter season. Despite the generally appalling weather there had been no fewer than 33 outings, and the winners were David P (with 32 outings to his name!), Tom H, Andrew F, Barry H and John R. Tom and Barry were on hand to receive their flasks, and looked quite pleased with themselves!
Many thanks to Alan C for his account below of what proved to be something of a baptism of fire for potential new CRABbers as both skiffs were put through their paces in somewhat challenging conditions. That this first row took place so late in the season reflects the appalling weather we’ve had ever since the skiffs were moved to Blakeney and which, sadly, shows little prospect of abating in the near future. Thanks also to Alan and Barry H for the accompanying photos of the event.
“An afternoon row at 4:15 pm on Saturday 20th April 2024 promised to be a great opportunity to give possible new members of the club some trial rows to. They proved to be a hardy, gutsy, brave bunch of rowers who will be an asset to the club if they ever return!
Everything was against showing them the delights of Blakeney Harbour. It was cold, it was windy (22mph from the North Pole), the tide of course was ripping in, but at least the rain held off and spirits were high in expectation. Hoi Larnatan and Blue Jacket were unpacked; kindly, Richard Baughan and Manu the dog stepped in to row at the last minute, completing the necessary crews for each skiff. The Approved Rowers went over some basic principles, just in case they were needed, then the boats were launched.
The tide caught the bow of the first skiff which was carried into the middle of the Cut. The order given to ‘come forward’ and ‘row’ and then they set off. The second skiff similarly set forth, with the added instruction at the beginning for the Stroke side to row and bring her heading up the cut, after which all came forward and rowed.
It was a hard row to the end of the cut and took probably twice as long at usual. The decision to return to the slipway was an excellent one, made by Humphrey, the club’s captain. Alan’s crew made the turn and almost literally flew back down the cut in next to no time. Approaching the slipway at speed was not the most expedient approach and was aborted. Going past the slipway, turning 180° to row against the wind and gently land proved to be very comfortably achieved.
Whilst packing the skiffs away, the enthusiasm and happy faces on all suggests that these new potential members may yet return. Your correspondent for one, certainly hopes so. They were great sports!”
Storm Kathleen and its follow-up did for the the first two rows of the season from the Carnser at Blakeney. So what to put in the blog? Oh, I know, Richard sent in this picture of himself and Pauline exploring the upper reaches of the Rio Negro in Brazil last month. Show a CRABber some water and they’ll find some way of getting on to it!
“Just another day on the water, in a canoe this time. It could have been the Ant, but it was on the Black River (Rio Negro in local language). This river is so-called because its high acidic level rots the vegetation, which causes it to turn black. It is a tributary of the Amazon and is over 1000 miles long. We were out spotting toucans and parrots.”
Both boats have undergone annual maintenance to get them ready for the summer. This has involved thorough cleaning inside and out, repairing any damaged areas, re-painting where necessary and stripping down and re-varnishing the gunwales and both sets of oars. Bluejacket is back on the Carnser and ready for action; Hoi Larntan will follow shortly when maintenance is complete. Thanks to all who turned out to help with this necessary but rewarding task.
Barry H has sent us this picture of him giving a talk about CRAB’s activities to the Sheringham/Muzillac Twinning Association. It took place at a dinner at The Lighthouse in Sheringham. Areas covered included the fun of rowing, a description of the skiffs and how outings are organised. There was a special description of the club’s trip to Morbihan last year – not far from Muzillac. The audience numbered about 40.
Thank you Barry H for this report on a very special Barton outing.
Friday 8th March
“The crew met at sunny Barton, eager to row and to celebrate Tom’s big birthday. The wind blustered and constantly changed direction as the skiff was being prepared. Stalham was deemed a worthy destination: it soon became clear that a strong headwind would preclude a visit to Sutton. Tom and Rob shared the cox/stroke duties on the way with Barry at three, Jenny at two and David in the bow position. In the shadow of the trees, the rowing was sheltered and pleasant.
There was the promise of cake and crew members were not disappointed when the Broads Museum, at Stalham, was reached. Donning his birthday badge, Tom distributed some delicious fruit cake as everyone congratulated him on his milestone event.
As for the return journey, Jenny moved to the cox’s seat, Rob stroked, Tom was at three, Barry moved to two and David remained at bow. Sun and wind still characterised the weather as the skiff was rowed steadily homeward. It was an enjoyable and sociable row to remember as the Barton season draws to a close. Many happy returns, Tom!”
“Well, it’s not often this year that I’ve been able to write that conditions for Tuesday’s row were near perfect: the light rain had stopped by the time we had launched the skiff, it wasn’t very cold, the sun was (almost) shining and there was scarcely a breath of wind. Things would have been completely perfect had the geese not decided to stage a dirty protest on the slipway, making things very slippery if you misjudged your step.
We set off down the Ant heading towards Wayford Bridge with Steve McG stroking, Duncan H at Bow, Andrew F at Two and David P at Three, all under the watchful eye of Humphrey B at the helm. We saw not a single other craft until we reached the bridge, where three jolly fishermen (and their dog) in a very yellow cruiser obliged us by taking our picture and admiring our prowess in having rowed ‘all the way’ from Barton Turf.
After coffee and chocolate biscuits, Duncan and Humphrey swapped places and David took over from Steve at Stroke. We encountered just two more cruisers on the way back, each travelling at a respectably sedate pace and giving us a cheery wave as they passed. Sadly, the otter and kingfisher count was even lower, in fact (more accurately) nil, but we did hear a couple of unidentified birds cheeping loudly to each other across the water.
Back at Barton Broad the skiff was quickly stowed and all agreed that it had been a most enjoyable outing. Not many more of these to be had before Hoi Lantan joins Bluejacket again on the Carnser at Blakeney.”
Many thanks to Alan C and Rosemary F for this account of Sunday’s row from Barton Turf. Not too many more opportunities now to enjoy a row in these parts before the skiff returns to Blakeney for the summer.
Sunday 25th February 2024
Alan writes: “This morning started with a frost. The windscreen had to be cleared of ice, the morning mist had not yet lifted as the sun tried to break through, making for some great photo opportunities. The water level at Barton Turf was very high, making launching from the slipway very easy!
Then the sun came out and we were jealous of Rosemary who had brought her sunglasses. Humphrey coxed us out of Barton Turf; at this stage we had not decided where we would stop for refreshments. Gradually the timings got better, and after we crossed Barton Broad and started up the River Ant, Humphrey was praising the crew. The rhythm was only broken when Humphrey got all excited stating that he had seen an otter at Neatishead.
Just before we reached How Hill, we powered up for 30 strokes, allowing us to enjoy well-earned rest and refreshments. Thank you, Rosemary for the Millionaires Shortbread.
On the return leg, Rosemary coxed, spotting a Kingfisher, definitely seeing the blue flash and brown.
Alan C, Robin and Andrew were the other members of the crew. A great row on the Broads.”
Rosemary writes:
“No photo of the blue and orange kingfisher but I was able to capture some reflections in the water (last two pictures below). Alan forgot to mention that a very obliging launch owner helped us tie up at How Hill even though he had previous announced that we would not win the Boat Race at the pace we were going…”
The Bard of Barton amuses us with another of his Crabbers’ missives.
“The crew arrived at Cox’s Boatyard to find the skiff exhibiting signs of a wet previous row [You betcha, see previous blog entry.Ed]. After a quick bale-out, and with sail-cloth and a Sainsbury’s bag-for-life, all supplied by a quick-thinking Rob, we were ready to launch, with covers for our wet seats.
The water was high so the launch was easy. Adrian M took stroke, Rob and Tony in the engine room , with David on lookout in bow.
We set off across Barton Broad with a stiffening breeze. Lots of cormorants buzzed overhead whilst others stood watch on the stakes at the vacated Norfolk Punt Club.
The Ant proved to be a calm and pleasant haven after the Broad. We even had some sunshine! Catkins were starting to make a show and a kingfisher zigzagged in front of us up the river. Is Spring on its way? We expected an armada of hire boats, it being half-term, but we only encountered two private cruisers and one from the Nancy Oldfield Trust.
We took our coffee stop at How Hill, where we enjoyed Mrs B’s fruit cake and Rob’s choccy biscuits. It was then time to return to base as the wind was picking up. A plethora of marsh harriers enjoyed the conditions overhead.
Barton was beginning to get choppy, Spring? No, it was getting distinctly chilly.
Boat was put to bed and a happy crew returned home. Good time had by all.”
CRAB 
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