


The 36th THAMES TRADITIONAL BOAT RALLY
will take place at Fawley Meadows, Henley, in
mid-July this year as usual, and will be bigger and better than ever,
after the unfortunate cancellation of last years rally due
to extreme weather.
Last year was the centenary of the launch of Merck, the
first slipper launch, and we will
be making a feature of 100 years of slipper launches this
year: hopefully getting boats from each decade. More news to
come!
What is the Thames Traditional Boat Rally ?
What To See At The Rally
The Weekend Programme
Bank-side Attractions & Displays
Craft and Produce Marquee
Vintage Cars and Bicycles
Music and Traditional Costume
Food, Drink, and Making Merry !
The Boat Jumble
Entertainment For Children
Camping and Parking
What Will It Cost Me ?
Download an Advance Ticket Form
Where to Stay and What to See in Henley
The Maps
The History of the Trad Rally
Join Our Mailing List
THE SPECTACULAR GALLERY OF BOAT
PHOTOS
OUR
OLDER PHOTO GALLERIES
TTBR Luxury
Clothing (Available with your boat name embroidered on site)
(Click here to
download an order form as a PDF, or buy at the Rally)
What is the Thames Traditional Boat Rally ?
The Thames Traditional Boat Rally is, simply put, a huge 2-day display of
the very finest-looking traditional boats one can see. It was the dream, back in
1977, of a few keen boaters. Most of these were members of the River Thames
Society, others were members of the Inland Waterways Association or Thames boat
clubs. Their idea was to encourage owners of traditional craft to cherish and
restore them to all their former glory, as well as to continue to use them upon
the river. The Rally was to be both a meeting and a showcase for owners and
craft, at one of the most beautiful spots on the River Thames, with various
trophies and prizes awarded. Happily, it is still going, and becomes more
spectacular every year.
The first formal Rally was held in July of 1978 at Fawley Meadows,
Henley-on-Thames, and to re-capture that magical day visit our new "History of
the Rally" exhibition in the Administration Tent, or
click here to visit the online version. Since then the original aims of the
Rally have been met in full and the number of traditional craft seen in daily
use, on the Thames and elsewhere, grows year by year. Restorations range from
minor repair and cosmetic work to ruined hulks which have been completely
restored to their former glory (as with "Alaska" below). Some are the products
of highly skilled craftsmen in the Thames boatyards, and some are the results of
many, many months of loving work by enthusiastic amateurs. Many fine examples of
both will be on view at the Rally, and will take part in the many
sail-pasts, when their origins and histories will be described by the
commentators.
"Alaska"
What To See At The Rally 
The Weekend Programme
The Rally weekend is one that should not be missed by anyone who
has an interest in the traditions of bygone years, or who is a lover of boats and boating
of any sort. There a very full programme of events both on the water and on the
riverbank. This starts with a very popular new event - a special "Welcome To The
Rally" dinner on the Friday night, with live music and a featured speaker.
Details are in the Booking Form in the documents pack. The Rally proper opens at 9 am on both Saturday and Sunday. On Saturday
it runs late into the night with the Illuminated Parade followed by the
dance (see below). On Sunday it ends after the Trophy Presentations, usually
by 6 pm.
Throughout the weekend there will be continuous parades of all the many different classes of boats, including the " Association of Dunkirk Little Ships " (See photo left of "Tom Tit", an ADLS member) and the many beautiful craft of the Thames Vintage Boat Club . When not out on the water, all the craft will be moored to the bank, and provide a spectacular sight as you stroll along the river bank. At the discretion of the owners, you may be invited aboard to look over the craft, or even taken for a cruise .
The Illuminated Parade
Bank-side Attractions & Displays

Vintage Cars and Bicycles
Also we are proud to host the Solent Veteran Cycle Club each year, with a fine collection of Vintage Bicycles, with everything from tricycles (see photo left) to penny-farthings. At intervals, the club members will ride them in convoy (and traditional costume) up and down the bankside.
And as dusk falls on Saturday, after the Illuminated Parade (see above), there will be a Saturday Night Dance in the Beer Tent, with a live band, until midnight. There is of course a fully stocked bar, open the usual hours, with seating both inside and out.
Food, Drink, and Making Merry !
The Boat Jumble
In keeping with the "traditional" theme, there will also be a number of stands with antique and traditional wares, chandlery, engine manuals, books, etc. (See photos in the Photo Galleries). Some of the items on sale are quite rare and exquisite, and some are of considerable age.
Childrens Entertainment
Camping Facilities for Visitors
As in other years, a large area along the
downriver end of the river bank has been set aside for camping.
To avoid overcrowding,
camping is by advance booking only. So apply now to make sure
we have allowed room for you - all pitches are marked out, but it is "first come, first served". There will be an ample supply of water points and mobile toilets, also showers (available at certain hours) plus free parking space in the large car park behind the Upper Meadow. (See map below).What Will It Cost Me ?
Camping Charges are as follows: : £25 per tent
(Fri/Sat/Sun)+ £10 for Thursday and £35 per caravan/motor home
(Fri/Sat/Sun)+ £15 for Thursday. Please contact Tony Goodhead: "Canberra",
Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. Phone: 01932 872 575 / Email
tradboatentries@hotmail.co.uk
to book. Book early as space is limited.
Become a FRIEND OF THE RALLY, minimum donation £100, and
receive 2 weekend admission tickets, a souvenir programme, a commemorative
engraved wine glass and an extremely smart Commemorative Plaque. "Friends"
also have their own special hospitality tent beside the river, with
refreshments provided several times each day. Apply to Tony Goodhead:
"Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. Phone: 01932 872
575 / Email
tradboatentries@hotmail.co.uk
;
or an application form is available for download
HERE. (All other document are
there also).
Does Your Craft Qualify for the Rally?
To qualify for entry in the Rally
the hull of your craft must be constructed of wood, riveted steel
or iron (not welded), or canvas. Plywood, ferro-cement and GRP boats do not qualify.
(Plywood is permitted in superstructure/decking/internal partitions only). There is a
"Special Interest" class for boats of special historical or
constructional interest (call for details, as below). For any craft to qualify
for the Rally, the decision of the Rally Committee is final, but if in doubt
please do ask. The Documents Pack
downloadable here has further details.
Any doubts or queries as to whether your boat qualifies, call or write to Tony Goodhead: "Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. Phone: 01932 872 575 / Email tradboatentries@hotmail.co.uk
How To Enter Your Boat For The Rally:

If you have not already downloaded the Documents Pack from this site, you will be sent a special pack containing all needed information. The absolute cut-off date for all Rally entry applications is the 1st of June 2013! You should aim to arrive with your craft at the Rally during Friday if possible.
You are asked to provide us with a detailed history of your boat for use by the Rally Commentators. The major part of the Rally is the constant procession of boats, accompanied by live descriptions by our very experienced commentators, as they cruise past the crowds. A form is provided in the pack.
To find the Rally site: FROM DOWNSTREAM: Through Hambledon Lock, past Temple Island, carry on and you will see a long stretch of three fields on your right (Fawley Meadows). FROM UPSTREAM: Through Marsh Lock, down past Henley Town Waterfront, under the road bridge, and Fawley Meadows is on your left, the first three fields. Moor up temporarily, and check in at the Registration Tent (by the Commentary Box) to find out your allocated mooring. Alternatively a Marshall may direct you to your mooring on arrival, so please follow his instructions. All Rally staff, Water Marshalls, etc. are strictly volunteers, so please be courteous.
After you are safely moored please go to the Admin Tent (by the Commentary Box) and collect your Registration Pack with your Rally Number and other items.
Non-traditional moorings may be available (space permitting) for "support boats" (boats used for crew accommodation etc.) on payment of the appropriate mooring fees rated at £1 per foot length (40 ft maximum) for the weekend. Applications must be accompanied by a traditional boat entry.
IMPORTANT NOTE: No mooring is permitted anywhere along the whole length of the Rally site (including the camping field) unless by prior booking. There are many alternative places to moor, provided you read any signs, and pay any required charges to owners of private land. One popular spot is along the opposite bank, downstream of the Rally site, alongside the meadow. There is also mooring along the Henley waterfront.
What Will It Cost Me (Rally Entrants)?
The fee for each adult attending the Rally with a traditional boat, whether skipper, crew member or guest, is
£11 for one day or £20
for the whole weekend, PROVIDED YOU PAY IN ADVANCE. (Payment on the day will be the same as for the general public,
i.e. £12 for one day or £22 for the whole weekend). Children under 14 are FREE if accompanied by a
paying adult.
For Support Boats (accompanying a traditional boat entered in the Rally which has no sleeping accomodation) the fee is £15 plus £1 per foot length overall (maximum allowed is 40ft), and will
strictly depend on space.
When all spaces are filled you will be asked to find an alternative mooring. The fee must be paid in advance. Download the Documents Pack
here for the form.
Many traditional boat owners become a FRIEND OF THE RALLY, (minimum donation £100) and receive 2 weekend admission tickets, a souvenir programme, a commemorative engraved wine glass and an extremely smart Commemorative Plaque (worth £7). Tony Goodhead: "Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. Phone: 01932 872 575 / Email tradboatentries@hotmail.co.uk . "Friends" also have their own special hospitality tent beside the river, with refreshments provided several times each day. This is a pleasant and friendly place to meet with fellow boat owners over lunch or tea.
You will be sent a form (or you can download it as part of the Document Pack; see below) to list the items you are paying for, which must be accompanied by a cheque for the full amount made out to "Thames Traditional Boat Rally". This must be posted in advance to Tony Goodhead: "Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. Phone: 01932 872 575 / Email tradboatentries@hotmail.co.uk . All needed forms plus full information are available as a Documents Pack. To download it click HERE , or contact Tony for one to be posted to you.
ON ARRIVAL AT THE RALLY SITE:
Go
to the Admin Tent by the Commentary Box on arrival to collect your tickets,
Rally Number, and other items.
Trophy Entries
The entry fee for the various Trophies awarded to traditional boats is £8 per trophy (except for the Aqualight & Rosie Trophies which are free). Please refer to the published list (which comes with the registration pack) for details.
Click HERE to see the list of Trophy Winners from the July 2011 RallyCamping for Boaters and Traders
Vintage Cars
As usual, ample space will be set aside in the middle field for our spectacular display of vintage cars.
VINTAGE CAR ENTRIES: Cars built PRIOR to 1950 are invited to attend on pre-booked basis. We are sorry but
later vehicles cannot be accepted (especially that persistent Imp! and more recently a RR owner with 60s model saloon!)
To enter a vehicle please send SAE to LYNDON YORKE,
Sun Cottage, Booker Common, HP12 4QS, Tel: 01494 531 873, Email:
lyndonsfollys@aerialsurvey.com. Car and driver will get free entry,
passengers MUST purchase tickets on entry at the gate.
To Book Exhibitors' Tent Space at the Rally
Charges
are: Trade tents - from £210 (3m x 3m), Open Space - from £160 (3m x
3m). Charity/Society tents/space - from £85 (3m x 3m). An
Administration Fee of £15 will be charged for each booking.
Contacts List
The Largest Traditional Boat Photo Collection on the Web
TO VIEW THE SPECTACULAR
PHOTO GALLERY OF BOATS (Click here)
To View the Many Large and Fabulous Photo Galleries from
Past Rallies CLICK HERE
Where to Stay and What to See in Henley-on-Thames
Try these web sites: (of course you can Google
"henley-on-thames uk" as well)
The Henley-on-Thames Guide
Independent Association of Henley Accommodation Providers
The Henley Standard
The Best of Henley-on-Thames
Visit South Oxfordshire
Swiss Farm Camping Park (Opposite the Rally entrance)
Back to the CONTENTS listThe Transport Trust
The Transport Trust is the United Kingdom's only national charity established to promote and encourage the preservation and restoration of Britain's transport heritage for the benefit of the nation. This includes all forms of road, rail, air and waterborne transport. Visit the Web Site at www.transporttrust.com . Why not become a member? As one of many enthusiasts, you would be part of an organisation that takes a lively interest in 'anything that moves', be it a railway locomotive, road or commercial vehicle, ship or boat, or an aeroplane. (Details are on the Web Site.)The Thames Vintage Boat Club
There
will be a large TVBC stand at the Rally, close to the Admin
Tent, with many displays showing what we do, and friendly
club and committee members to chat to you, so do come and
visit us. The Maps .
An easy journey by air
from London Heathrow, by road via the M4, by railway (a pleasant walk from the
station), or, most pleasantly, by boat. Signs are placed up a week before the
Rally, to help you find us. For SATNAVS, the postcode is RG9 2HY (Marlow Road, Henley-on-Thames)
DIRECTIONS BY RIVER FROM DOWNSTREAM: Through Hambledon Lock, past Temple Island, carry on and you will see a long stretch of three fields on your right (Fawley Meadows). FROM UPSTREAM: Through Marsh Lock, down past Henley Town Waterfront, under the road bridge,
and Fawley Meadows is on your left, the first three fields. You will see the Rally marquees, and lots of activity!

((This map is of Fawley Meadows, the site of the Rally, and is not to scale)
On the left bank of the river Thames are the two fields where the Rally
takes place. br/>
The third, higher field is available for camping by advance booking (see
above)
Henley-on-Thames town is seen in the bottom left corner of the map.
We would like to acknowledge Google Maps for the above map.
(NOTE: You can drag on the map to move around!)


Thank you for visiting our site. Please place a link to this site on your own site, if you feel it appropriate !
Any comments or suggestions regarding this site (or the Rally)
will be gratefully accepted. I would like to thank those of you who have emailed me over
the last few years - I have enjoyed hearing from you, and I hope I have responded by now!
If not, let me know!
Please feel free to Email me at mike@phillipsweb.co.uk.
Comments on the Rally will be passed on to the committee or the appropriate
person.
Mike Phillips
This one is mine ("Deux Poissons"). Look out for me at the Rally, and
come and say "Hi".
The Thames Traditional Boat Rally
- Webmaster.
- Photographer (any of the hundreds of my photos on this site are available
for purchase as high resolution digital images, or as prints of any size)
- longtime member of the
Thames Vintage Boat Club
- 25 years of attending the Thames Traditional Boat Rally!
- That's me on the right!

Registered No: 4586182. Registered office: 3 Endsleigh Gardens, Surbiton, Surrey, KT6 5JL