HENLEY ON THAMES, SATURDAY 19TH JULY | mahler's Blog

This is where I will be on Saturday 19th, with my granddaughter, fiance and their mobile farm, with Shetland ponies, donkeys, sheep, goats etc.. If anyone is near Henley on that day then do come and say hello.
 
Go to website www.tradboatrally.com.  
  
The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will fly over the Rally during the parade of Dunkirk Little Ships on the Saturday. You will see famous planes from World War II - the Spitfire & Hurricane fighters and the Lancaster Bomber . Not to be missed! (Visit their website at www.bbmf.co.uk) (Disclaimer: may be cancelled if weather bad).
 

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.
 
Every year there is a large display of Vintage and Classic Cars provided by the Bean Car Club and others, laid out along the middle field in great splendor..
 

 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.