Brentford Lock: Monday and Friday bookings only

[Scholar Gypsy]

Just giving this a bit of publicity, for the benefit of those who are used to just turning up at Brentford.  Discussions are underway about the longer term arrangements....

 

https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices/17704-thames-lock-booking-brentford-restricted-opening-hours
 

Notice Alert

Grand Union Canal
Location: Thames Lock Booking, Brentford (restricted opening hours)
Starts At: Lock 100A, Brentford Lock
Ends At: Lock 100A, Brentford Lock

Monday 1 June 2020 until further notice

Type: Advice
Reason: Information

---

Original message:

Due to COVID19 reducing staffing resources in the London & South East region we are currently restricting the service at Thames Lock (101A) in Brentford.

When is Thames Lock Open?

in June, passage through Thames Lock will be Mondays and Fridays only and passage time will need to coincide with tide times (No weekend service)

Please bear in mind that it will take time for the Trust and other organisations on the Thames to get the entire network fully operational. As you will expect, booking for some passages and services will be required. Some sections and structures may be closed for a further period. We are working with the other organisation on The Thames to provide a full service asap.

PLEASE DO NOT TRAVEL TO THAMES LOCK ON THE TIDEWAY WITHOUT A BOOKING.

Booking information

All bookings must be made at least 72 hours in advance of passage

Bookings can be made by telephone or email enquiries.londonsoutheast@canalrivertrust.org.uk

London & South East office hours are available to take your details during the following days and times: 

Monday to Thursday: 9:00am till 5:00pm

Friday: 9:00am till 3:00pm (cut off)

Please note that the office is closed at weekends.

After 3:00pm on a Friday the 72-hour notice period will commence from the following Monday.

When requesting passage please confirm:

1) When are you seeking passage

2) Which direction you are coming from (from the Thames or onto the Thames) and which direction are you headed (Limehouse, Teddington or Brentford)

3) Your boat index number and name

4) Your name and telephone number

You can view this notice and its map online here:
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notice/17704/thames-lock-booking-brentford-restricted-opening-hours

You can find all notices at the url below:
https://canalrivertrust.org.uk/notices

[Mike Todd]

I did not think that you could just turn up at Brentford - in the past we have had to book (and, if coming down the tideway, check in with the lock keeper on the Thames before setting out)

[Scholar Gypsy]

1 hour ago, Mike Todd said:

I did not think that you could just turn up at Brentford - in the past we have had to book (and, if coming down the tideway, check in with the lock keeper on the Thames before setting out)

Until last year in the summer (April - September) the lock was manned 0800-1800, for the period from HW-2 to HW+2. It was always prudent to book, but not necessary.  Booking was required 05-08 and 18-22 in the summer, and for all winter bookings.

That is now changing, I suspect. 

[OldGoat]

It's a shame - perhaps - that now EA have got / are now getting their act together and Teddington Lock is now open, that CRT is limiting what they can supply, thus restricting who can come up from Brentford.#

 

I know that the lockies talk to each other but EA to Crt and the reverse - I have my doubts.

[Scholar Gypsy]

14 minutes ago, OldGoat said:

It's a shame - perhaps - that now EA have got / are now getting their act together and Teddington Lock is now open, that CRT is limiting what they can supply, thus restricting who can come up from Brentford.#

 

I know that the lockies talk to each other but EA to Crt and the reverse - I have my doubts.

You make a good point, and I know one shared by those talking to CRT about the long term position.  (There are clearly going to be some transitional arrangements as the waterways reopen, but I am more concerned about the longer term position.)

[Dave123]

Yes this is a shame. Thanks for posting it here. The last couple of years I've increasingly noticed problems with Brentford, they have twice failed to turn up for a booking despite me triple checking it with the office beforehand. Am I right it switched to being operated by volunteers about this time?

[Scholar Gypsy]

Just now, Dave123 said:

Yes this is a shame. Thanks for posting it here. The last couple of years I've increasingly noticed problems with Brentford, they have twice failed to turn up for a booking despite me triple checking it with the office beforehand. Am I right it switched to being operated by volunteers about this time?

I don't think so. I think only operated by CRT staff, to date. 

[ditchcrawler]

I would imagine that with only CCers boating there is not the demand to man it every day

[Dave123]

5 minutes ago, ditchcrawler said:

I would imagine that with only CCers boating there is not the demand to man it every day

Possibly. Although since joining the Thames the other week I've been (pleasantly) surprised at how busy it is with boats I would assume are not CCers or liveaboards ??

Edited June 9, 2020 by Dave123

[magnetman]

I got the times for Friday but unfortunately there is not enough time to get to Teddington before Teddington closes because high tide is 8.15am and Brentford (CRT) are not doing early morning bookings. 

 

Maybe next Monday or Friday then. 

 

It's only a little boat so I could leave it on the tideway but would prefer to get it up above Teddington ideally. 

[BEngo]

Get above Richmond and you are effectively off the tide way.

N

[magnetman]

Edited 

 

Is the tidal barrier down at Richmond full time now? 

 

If it is still being opened then the section above Richmond is partially tidal as usual. 

 

I have not checked that I just admit but I believe it's operating as usual. 

 

 

I've done that trip dozens of times sometimes starting while the barrier is down but once it goes up it is very much part of the tideway as far as Teddington. 

 

 

 

Edited June 9, 2020 by magnetman

[OldGoat]

Umm - Teddington Lock doesn't close. It's manned 24/7   at vast expense with a 3 shift system.

EA have just published a new version of the conditions web page (at 10:37 Acc Emma). sadly there are less details than of late a d comments on T.L. are silent as p in bath...

 

Please elaborate

[magnetman]

So what does this email from EA mean then? 

 

Extract from email received this morning 

-------------------------------------------------------------

Dear Commander Bond, 

 

The next available transit time at Teddington will be: Friday 12th June 08.00 - 09.15

High tide will be: 08.14

Please make sure you arrive in plenty of time.

 

Please note:

The lock should only be used as a gateway passage on or off of the Non-Tidal Thames. We will not be able to offer passage until the next transit time so if you are to undertake a tidal journey, you must have a secure mooring or passage booking at Brentford lock or suitable dock. If you have to return on the same day, passage will not be available.

 

------------------------------------------------------------

 

And from CRT:

-------------------------

Hi Commander,

 

Thanks for all the below details.
The times available for Friday 12^th June are 9-10.15am.

--------------------------

 

 

(Personal details altered for privacy reasons)

Edited June 9, 2020 by magnetman

[magnetman]

I agree that Teddington does not close however they are indicating that they are closed other than "on tide". This is related to the fact there is no public operation option. Other Thames locks are open in fact I did 15 of them on Saturday 3 of which were hand wind and one had a lock keeper on. 

 

 

Edited June 9, 2020 by magnetman

[OldGoat]

16 minutes ago, magnetman said:

I agree that Teddington does not close however they are indicating that they are closed other than "on tide". This is related to the fact there is no public operation option. Other Thames locks are open in fact I did 15 of them on Saturday 3 of which were hand wind and one had a lock keeper on. 

 

 

I've just spoken to today's duty officer who said that it it possible to book ahead. She's given me her own mobile number which I don't want to publish on here - so I'll send you a PM.

 

There's no-one on site so every thing has to be done "on the phone" (that doesn't include the lock gates, but they're getting there...)

 

[magnetman]

Ok thanks for that. Looking at next week anyway I think. 

[OldGoat]

3 minutes ago, magnetman said:

Ok thanks for that. Looking at next week anyway I think. 

Give her a bell anyway - she's sitting at home and might be pleased to relieve the monotony. 

On the actual day you might get a grumpy lockie - thus pre-arranged information seeking might help.

 

[Scholar Gypsy]

If anyone is thinking of doing a transit from Brentford to Limehouse then do get in touch via DM, I am helping a novice skipper, probably on 15 June (or 29th June, the next date when the available slots at both end fit together!).

[Scholar Gypsy]

39 minutes ago, OldGoat said:

I've just spoken to today's duty officer who said that it it possible to book ahead. She's given me her own mobile number which I don't want to publish on here - so I'll send you a PM.

 

There's no-one on site so every thing has to be done "on the phone" (that doesn't include the lock gates, but they're getting there...)

 

Can I just check, you are talking about the EA duty officer, re Teddington ??  Many thanks

[Scholar Gypsy]

wrong thread, Sorry

Edited June 9, 2020 by Scholar Gypsy

[OldGoat]

Yes, I was !

 

Is there another thread running about the Thames?

 

(confuse of Sussex)

[Scholar Gypsy]

2 minutes ago, OldGoat said:

Yes, I was !

 

Is there another thread running about the Thames?

 

(confuse of Sussex)

Thank you.  I am not aware of another thread about the Thames.  There is one about tickover, which is where my comment 21 belonged. [I  don't think you can delete a post after the event.].  Sorry for the confusion.

[magnetman]

Just been told by one of the staff at Limehouse that the lock is now available during normal hours. No particular days it's just open as usual except for those out-of-hours bookings. 

[Scholar Gypsy]

4 minutes ago, magnetman said:

Just been told by one of the staff at Limehouse that the lock is now available during normal hours. No particular days it's just open as usual except for those out-of-hours bookings. 

Yes, this is the email I got from them last week. They asked for 24 hours notice.

 

---

 

Currently the lock operating hours are 8am to 4pm for essential travel only so you can’t currently take the boat out for a pleasure trip and return to the Marina later that day! This is still the government guideline but we are hopeful it will be easing in the coming weeks to allow pleasure trips through the locks.

 

Although we are operating the locks for essential movements between 8am and 4pm, Mon-Sun, there are periods within the operating hours that do not allow for the lock to be used depending on High and Low tides, usually 2hrs either side of low water the lock cannot be used!

 

We require at least 24hrs notice to book a lock time so please inform us as soon as you can, this will give us time to make sure everything is in place for a smooth transition through the locks.

 

I hope this information has been a help to you and please do not hesitate to contact myself or the Limehouse team should you require anything further from us.