The Geezers and volunteers from our Old Ford Neighbourhood project enjoyed a day out on the local canals. Two narrow boats full of geezers and guests set sail for the River Lee.
The sun shone as we glided through the water. We are grateful to Laburnum Boat Club and Marnie, Beth and Connor for steering us smoothly from Old Ford, through the Hertford Union to the Hackney Cut and up towards the River Lee. And of course, the Geezers were on hand to help work the locks along the way.
Eddie enjoyed a well-deserved rest on the lock steps but nearly missed the boat!
We set off from Old Ford Lock, which has changed since the 1950s photo below. The chimney, serving the steam engine which pumped water back up the canal to ensure an adequate supply, is long gone. Restall, Brown and Clennel’s furniture factory and sawmill opposite are now houses. The Crickets Pub is now converted to flats and Victoria Park trees have grown. However, the lock cottage, forge and workers’ lobby buildings are all still there.
The trip brought back memories of the industries which once lined the canal. Especially the huge timber yards and sawmills, as well as sunny days crossing the bridges into Vicky Park.
There were stories about fishing, and we spotted large carp in the Cut giving us a send off from Old Ford Lock. On board was Carol Belcher who told us some stories about her work at Lesney Matchbox. If anyone remembers working at the factory please get in touch!
The trip also brought memories of the Geezer’s previous outings with Laburnum Boat Club. We unearthed a photo from 2013 of Ray Gibson, our first Chair, with Carolyn Clark and another from 2016 with the Geezers and Carolyn. Carolyn continues to gather knowledge and stories of the past from the Geezers.
