Yesterday evening, as we approached Clifton lock heading upstream, Ian McDonald, the relief lock keeper met us on the moorings. I could see that the lower gates were open with a six inch gap.
'I have broken them, but an engineer is on his way' he said. A hydraulic hose had split thus rendering the lower sluices and gates inoperable.
We tied up and had our supper. Before we had finished, the engineer had arrived on site. He removed the split pipe and returned to his van where he was able to make up a new pipe and refit the original end fittings.
The whole operation took less than one hour: I was impressed and told him so, he apologised politely for the delay. I hope that EA are aware of the excellent quality of their staff that we have encountered since our arrival on the Thames.
We are moored above Abingdon lock and awaiting the arrival of 'Half Past Four' with Sid, Joyce and Grandson Luke.
