On a saturday jaunt to Abingdon Lock to see John the lock keeper for a cuppa I was amused to see the sign printed in the lock keeper's hut (or office as he called it):
Obviously, Mr. Jerome K Jerome was not too fond of the lock keepers he met on his travels. Mind you, as I recall, he was not too keen on Abingdon either when he passed through on his way to Oxford, preferring to give it a wide a berth as possible (excuse the boating pun) in 'Three Men In A Boat'. It is nice to see though, that the lock keepers of the Thames still have their own humour and style in their banter among themselves and with the boaters they help navigate the water. It was also a delight to have a small glimpse into the world of lock keeping. Those little offices that seem to be provided to shelter the keeper from the elements are filled with endless computer gadgetry and wizardry. And a kettle, the most important electrical item of all!
Picture from: The Jerome K Jerome Society.
9 comments:
How funny!
It's nice that your lock keeper is friendly :)
Oh and PS - thanks for the linky thingy down there... just seen it!
I think we'd enjoy each other's bookshelves :) Perhaps you know of a nice leafy off the road spot where we could park if passing your neck of the woods?
Hi, from Wicklow in Ireland! I've peeped in here occasionally en route from Rima's, and what a lovely place you have. It sounds so idyllic!
Just thought I'd say hi. :-)
Hi Rima,
There are loads of beautiful and leafy spots to park awhile in this neck of the woods. We are right beside The Ridgeway where there is Wayland's Smithy, Uffington White Horse and Dragon Hill, The Rollright Stones, and of course Stonehenge and Avebury. One of my favourite places to visit is the the Wittenham Clumps or the Sinodun Hills as it is also known.I tried to html link these places but the comments will not allow it - a google search will show you all the locations and histories though.
You are also most welcome to pop in and visit us too on your travels. :)
X v.
Hello Ciara, it is very nice to meet you! All the way from Wicklow too. You must pop over and sign my guestbook, I LOVE to hear from people who pass through or who stop and say hello.
I hope you return and say hello again soon.
x V. :)
Valonia, I love your blog which I found via Rima's.
Good to see the lock keeper has a SOH.
It sounds like you are situated in a gorgeous part of the country. I am now homesick after reading of all those beloved places!
I have always enjoyed Jerome K Jerome's humour novels ("...a Boat" and "...the Bummel)
Nice to see your lock keeper's self deprecatory sense of humour!
I see you are near the Ridgeway - I love it - have cycled it and motorcycled it many times. However time moves on and powered vehicles are now banned from it and that is probably a good thing - it was getting abused - to many vehicles. I had my "vehicular fun" in the 70's and 80's and look back on it with great affection. Those wide serene skies and the feminine curves of the rolling downs.....
Three Men in a Boat is one of my husband's favourite books. I don't know how many times he's read it but whenever he does he rolls about laughing.
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