CONTENTS: Part 1 - General Information  (Click on the line)

What is the Thames Traditional Boat Rally ?
What To See At The Rally
The Weekend Programme
Bank-side Attractions & Displays
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 ?
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
NEW!! TTBR Luxury Shirts (Available with your boat name)
          (Click here to download info sheet/order form as a Word Doc)

CONTENTS: Part 2 - For Rally Entrants (Boats) and Exhibitors.

Does Your Craft Qualify for the Rally ?
How To Enter The Rally: (NOTE:Cut-off Date is June 1st 2011.)
What Will It Cost Me to Enter my Craft ?
Get a Boat Entry Document Pack Online
How to enter for a Trophy
2010 Trophy Winners
Camping Facilities
Vintage Car Owners
To Book Exhibitors' Tent Space at the Rally
To Book a Pitch at the Boat Jumble
Other Contacts
Join Our Mailing List

The beautiful steam powered passenger launch "Alaska", built in 1883 by Horsham & Co. of Bourne End, Buckinghamshire and shown here,  is a good example. She was rebuilt over a period of several years from little more than a portion of the original keel by Peter Freebody's boatyard at Hurley and restored to all her former glory. You will have the opportunity to take a trip on this historic steamboat during the Rally weekend, as she will be providing trips for visitors. Visit "Alaska's" website here .

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The Rally is a huge display of traditionally built craft, of any age, both powered and unpowered. The very finest examples of British boatbuilding skills will be on display, together with some similar examples from Europe and  the USA. A total of over 200 qualifying craft, ranging from slipper stern launches, gentlemen's day launches, steam launches, river steamers, sailing craft, vintage speedboats, skiffs, rowing boats, punts, unpowered and electric canoes, right through to vintage sea-going cruisers and many of the famous Dunkirk Little Ships attend each year. The craft on display are driven by diesel, petrol, steam, electricity and of course human-power! Acres of wood, varnish, chrome and brass! Some of the craft attending come from ports and rivers elsewhere in the UK, and also from other European countries and the USA  - the Rally is not limited to just Thames craft. 

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. 

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 . 

On Saturday the Rally opens at 9 am, with the sail-pasts and the Boat Jumble starting around 10 am, followed by a busy programme continuing until midnight, for those who wish to stay for the Illuminated Parade and for the dance in the Beer Tent (to a live band). 
On Sunday the opening time is again 9 am, but the Rally closing ceremony takes place at 6 pm following the presentation of all the Trophies. We provide an excellent printed souvenir programme, packed with information,  which can be purchased at the gate or at the Registration Tent (near the commentators tent) for a small fee. To get a complete picture of what the Thames Traditional Boat Rally consists of, browse the excellent Photo Galleries for a visual feast.

The ever-popular floating Illuminated Parade will take place on Saturday night as soon as it is dark, and will feature all those traditional vessels of any size and shape that wish to illuminate themselves by any (safe!) means and participate in the sail-past. In bygone years we have been treated to the most amazing spectacles embodying remarkable feats of adding lighting and special effects to boats, and we expect this year to be even better still. Prizes will be awarded for the best entry in the two classes of (1) powered vessels and (2) unpowered vessels. Many people enter just for the sheer fun of putting up a few lights or lanterns, and just joining in with the spirit of the occasion, and we do encourage all traditional boat owners at the Rally to take this view. The more the merrier.

Stretching along the whole length of the Rally site will be a spectacular display of craft tents, trade stands supplying materials and chandlery, antique chandlery, rare books, clothes, hats and shoes (nautical and otherwise), plus boat builders stands, where one can meet and talk to the experts and examine their work. There will be "working displays", showing traditional boat-building skills in action, plus educational displays, and much more.
  Vintage Cars and Bicycles

For music lovers a first-rate Traditional Jazz band will playing on the River bank. To add to the atmosphere you are invited to come wearing Edwardian or Victorian costume - if you have a boat in the Rally, then you might like to co-ordinate with the age of you boat. Prizes are awarded (on Sunday) for the best costumes (see photo on left).

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.

For those who are happy to wander around at leisure there will be a good range of Catering stands, including Fish 'n Chips, Ice Cream, Burger Bar, Hot Dogs, Thai Cuisine and of course the large and indispensable Beer Tent, open all day, plus Saturday night when a live rock band will be playing until midnight.(I recommend the jug of Pimms).

On both Saturday and Sunday there will be a large Boat Jumble in the Lower Meadow, where many bargains can be found, for owners of both traditional and modern craft. Everything from dinghies and outboard engines, through navigational equipment and deck fittings, to rope, paint and tools can be found.

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.

There will be many things to keep the children happy -  a marvellous "petting zoo", various rides and sideshows,  candyfloss and sweets, plus other items. And of course the ice cream van! Also children are welcome to come for a cruise (accompanied by an adult) on the steamer "Alaska".

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).
A Camping Application Form with all details is available for download HERE.  Please respect other campers by being quiet after midnight.

For Camping Charges see next paragraph "What will it cost me?".

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(NOTE: Prices are currently correct but subject to change without notice). The Entry Fee for each adult attending the Rally, whether arriving by boat or by land, is £12 for one day or £20 for the whole weekend. Children under 14 are free if accompanied by a paying adult.  These charges apply whether you are the owner or crew of a Rally boat entry, or are coming just as a spectator. Car parking is free. Visitors coming by car or on foot should pay at the entrance gate on arrival. Boat owners can pay at the Administration Tent (for traditional boats entered in the Rally, see paragraph below for Rally Entrants). The Rally opens at 9 am each day.

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 at  "Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. Phone: 01932 872 575 or Email tradboatentries@yahoo.co.uk to book. Book early as space is limited.

Become a FRIEND OF THE RALLY, minimum donation £75, and receive 2 weekend admission tickets, a souvenir programme, and an extremely smart Commemorative Plaque. "Friends" also have their own hospitality tent with refreshments provided several times each day. Apply to Tony Goodhead at  "Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. Phone: 01932 872 575 or Email tradboatentries@yahoo.co.uk, or an application form is available for download HERE. All other document are there also.

(Note: Prices are subject to revision. Any changes will be posted on this site)

Any doubts or queries as to whether your boat qualifies, contact Tony Goodhead, Canberra, Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. Phone: 01932 872 575. Email:tradboatentries@yahoo.co.uk .Don't be shy - if you have some strange coracle built of woven reeds and cow-dung, or an aluminium pinnace from WWI with brass fitments, or.. just ask!   

(NOTE:The absolute cut-off date to enter your Traditional Boat for the Rally is June 1st 2011.) 

Those with Traditional Craft who would like to participate in the Rally (and you are very welcome) should at once download the Documents Pack ( Click HERE ) or call or write to Tony Goodhead, Canberra, Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. Phone: 01932 872 575. Email:tradboatentries@yahoo.co.uk . Overseas visitors are welcome!

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 2011! 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.

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For any qualified Traditional Craft to enter the Rally (that means the boat, not the crew !) there is an administration charge of £15. (This charge also applies to the Trade entries.) This fee must be sent in with your application form (instructions included in the Documents Pack).

The fee for each adult attending the Rally with a traditional boat, whether skipper, crew member or guest, is £10 for one day or £18 for the whole weekend, PROVIDED YOU PAY IN ADVANCE. (Payment on the day will be the same as for the general public (see above).) 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 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 for the form.

Many traditional boat owners become a FRIEND OF THE RALLY, (minimum donation £75) and receive 2 weekend admission tickets, a souvenir programme, and an extremely smart Commemorative Plaque (worth £7). "Friends" also have their own hospitality tent 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 at  "Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ. (Phone: 01932 872 575 or Email tradboatentries@yahoo.co.uk . All needed forms plus full information are available as a Documents Pack. To download it click HERE , or it can be posted to you. You will be sent an acknowledgement letter and further information.

Go to the Admin Tent by the Commentary Box on arrival to collect your tickets, Rally Number and other items.
(Note: Prices are subject to revision. Any changes will be posted on this site)

You will be able to enter for any of the Trophies that are applicable to your craft. An entry form comes with the other documents. (For a full list of the Trophies, click HERE. ) The judges will visit your boat for inspection during Saturday.  If you are a Trophy Winner you will be given a green rosette to attach to your boat and a red rosette if you are a Runner Up. The Trophies are awarded at the Prize Giving at 4.30 Sunday (River Time, which means "thereabouts") so please be available, and pose for the official photographers! All Winners will also be expected to take part in the Winners Sail-past after the prize-giving. If you have any questions, go to the Judges Tent, near the Admin Tent.

The entry fee for the various Trophies awarded to traditional boats is £8 per trophy (except for Traditional Costume, "Bull Smith" Trophy, and Best Boat at the Rally, all of 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 2010 Rally

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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".  This facility is also open to the visiting public. 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). A Camping Application Form is available for download HERE. Please respect other campers by being quiet after midnight.

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 (address above) to book. Book early as space is limited. All cheques should be made out to "Thames Traditional Boat Rally"

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 most welcome to attend on pre-booked basis. We are sorry but later vehicles cannot be accepted (especially Hillman Imps!) For booking a vehicle please send SAE to LYNDON YORKE, Sun Cottage, Booker Common, HP12 4QS, Tel: 01494 531 873, Fax: 0208 929 0863, Email: lyndonsfollys@aerialsurvey.com. Car and driver will get free entry, passengers MUST purchase tickets on entry at the gate.

Please contact Tony Goodhead:  "Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ.  Phone: 01932 872 575 / Email tradboatentries@yahoo.co.uk or fill in and post the Application Form which is available for download HERE.  Charges are:  Trade tents - £2/sq ft -  min 200 (10' x 10'). Open Space - £1.50/sq ft  - min 150 (10' x 10').  Charity/Society tents/space - £1/sq ft. An Administration Fee of £15 will be charged for each booking.

All cheques should be made out to "Thames Traditional Boat Rally".

Please contact:Tony Goodhead:  "Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ.  Phone: 01932 872 575 / Email tradboatentries@yahoo.co.uk   or fill in and post the Application Form which is available for download HERE.  The fee is £60 per plot for the weekend. All cheques should be made out to "Thames Traditional Boat Rally". Details will be posted to you.

General Enquiries: -  Tony Goodhead:  "Canberra", Guildford Road, Ottershaw, Surrey, KT16 0NZ.  Phone: 01932 872 575 / Email tradboatentries@yahoo.co.uk .
Trade/Club/Charity/Boat Jumble: - Tony Goodhead (as above)
Vintage/Classic cars:- Lyndon Yorke: Phone: 01494 531 873, Fax: 0208 929 0863, Email: lyndonsfollys@aerialsurvey.com
Catering: - Diane Turk: Phone 01932 864 768 / Fax 01932 864768
Rally Web Site: - Mike Phillips: Phone 01342 325 445 / Email mike@phillipsweb.co.uk . (NOTE: Email me if you fail to contact any of the above).

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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